423: "Who says I have no clothes? I share my robes with you, I sharpen my spears and swords, and I share my hatred with you (5K monthly ticket request)

“Commander, the General has already made his move!”

The next day, at dusk, as the sky was about to darken, the entire Chuanzhong Pass was shrouded in falling snow, exuding an indescribable tranquility.

A Hunter in red armor quickly stepped through the wind and snow corridor, entered a large hall, and bowed to a tall figure who was standing by a side window, looking at the heavy snow outside, saying in a low voice.

Pei Yanhu faced the biting cold wind outside the window, which was like a wind blade, and looked at the vast, dim sky. His tiger-like eyes drooped, deep as a secluded pool, as if myriad emotions were brewing within them. Finally, he exhaled a long stream of white Qi from his mouth and nose.

Then, he slowly turned his body. At this moment, this last remaining Commander had none of his previous sternness and severity. Looking at this Piaoji under the Ninth Zhonglang, his tone was long and drawn out, carrying the vicissitudes of life that had endured wind and frost. “This Commander yearns for this day to come sooner, yet also wishes it would come later!”

“Too many people have died. Former comrades, brothers, relatives—they might have been laughing with you one second, and the next, they would fall in a pool of blood, gnawed by demons, their bones scattered.”

“But this day will always come. We will sooner or later fight to the death with those beasts, and our destiny is already sealed!”

“It’s just that this time, your General’s crisis might change something. After all, the word ‘crisis’ contains opportunity within danger.”

“At least, this time we are taking the initiative to attack!”

At this point, Pei Yanhu’s tone became somewhat urgent. Then, his tiger-like eyes opened wide, and his voice deepened.

“This time, one move affects the whole body. You are leading troops this time, bearing a heavy responsibility. Once the troops are dispatched, the Yao Race from Jingyuan Prefecture on the southeast defense line and Huxia Pass on the Southwest defense line will definitely provide support, and it might even alarm other Yao Race. If a chess piece is misplaced, many of you might not return. Are you afraid?”

Across from him, Lu Ming stood straight, his expression stern, with a blazing fire leaping in his eyes. He said very seriously, “Even if this subordinate dies, I will ensure the safe return of my General and brothers!”

Pei Yanhu nodded, all emotions in his eyes receding. “Good, go prepare!”

“My Fa Shan Army should finally be able to hold its head high and not fight such a humiliating battle!”

“Someone, beat the drums!”

At this moment, the Commander’s voice became incomparably spirited!

Not long after,

“Dong”

“Dong”

“Dong”

“.”

The dull and increasingly urgent drumbeats broke through the dim, wind-swept sky, spreading with the wind throughout this not-so-large Chuanzhong Pass!

At this time, in the four directions within Chuanzhong Pass, the slight noise in the inns and taverns quieted as the drumbeats reached everyone’s ears.

“Ceng”

“Ceng”

“Ceng”

The sound of chairs scraping the ground successively rang out. Figures rose from their tables, looking in the direction from which the drumbeats came.

There were no shouts or cries of alarm; in the eyes of many, there was a sense of tension and relief that it had finally arrived!

“There’s going to be a war!”

Someone sighed deeply.

They were on the front lines, and they were most aware of the big and small news circulating on the front lines: the Seal of the Ten Thousand Mountains had been broken, the Yao Race was mobilizing troops, preparing for a comeback. News from Jinguancheng had confirmed this, and the rear was fully preparing for battle. More than ten thousand iron cavalry of the Ninth Mountain, stationed in Jinguancheng, had entered the Pass the night before last!

Beating the drums meant that troops were about to be dispatched!

The rumors were indeed true!

Just over ten days ago, when the Fa Shan Army urgently posted notices to recruit people to investigate intelligence on the Yao Race in the fallen Fu Gate, there were already speculations circulating that the Fa Shan Army within the Pass would take the initiative to attack this time.

They wanted to turn passive into active, taking advantage of the Yao Race not yet completing their troop mobilization to carry out harassment and surprise attacks!

Now, the sound of drums confirmed this, but many people remained pessimistic. The Yao Race breaking the Seal and making a comeback would surely be a grand spectacle, while the Fa Shan Army currently within the Pass were mostly remnants, with only tens of thousands of troops left, and they still had to defend the Pass. Even if they took the initiative to attack, how much effect would the small number of troops dispatched have?

“For this expedition, those troops will probably all die! Why is the Fa Shan Army doing this? Why not wait for reinforcements from the rear and firmly defend the Pass!”

“Even if the Ninth Mountain Army reinforces, it’s not enough!”

“It’s best to retreat to Jinguancheng… I’m stuck in this place…”

In a tavern on the west side of the city, someone spoke up, revealing a cowardly mindset, feeling that staying in the Pass to defend the city would be fine, and it would be best to retreat to Jinguancheng. As he spoke, he remembered something, his expression somewhat annoyed, muttering curses.

This was a Young Master dressed in brocade, a side branch Young Master who had been sent to guard the front line by his Family according to an order from the Ninth Mountain. He was the type who was neither loved by his grandmother nor his uncle, and he harbored considerable resentment.

They were not allowed to leave Chuanzhong Pass and had to report regularly to the Fa Shan Army to receive certain tasks. Some Family Disciples he knew had died on the way to perform tasks outside.

Having been accustomed to a life of luxury and freedom, how could he endure staying on this front line where life hung by a thread? He naturally had resentment in his heart, which he now vented.

However, he was cut off before he could finish, as a hand covered his mouth.

It was an older brother of the same clan, sitting at the same table. The other party leaned into his ear, with a stern expression, and whispered, “If you want to die, don’t drag us down. The Ninth Mountain Army is right here. Have you thought about the consequences if these words get out?”

“As long as that adult is still here, we must abide by the rules here. Shut up!”

Saying this, the older brother looked at the others in the hall, preparing to apologize.

Then he saw a burly Hunter with a full beard, wearing a short-sleeved long shirt and a bamboo hat, with a ring-hilted broadsword on his back, sitting sideways at a nearby table. The Hunter took over the conversation,

“How boring. Why doesn’t this Young Master continue speaking?”

“Don’t think everyone is like you, accustomed to being a coward!”

“The will to charge into battle, to die without regret—that is the bloodline of the Fa Shan Army. Everyone who comes to Chuanzhong Pass is here to kill demons. Don’t defile this place.”

Saying this, the bearded Hunter drained a bowl of wine on the table, then slammed the bowl down with a “bang,” and stood up.

“Among those people, count me in!”

After speaking, the man quickly left the tavern and plunged into the howling wind and snow outside.

As this Hunter departed, people in the tavern successively picked up their bamboo hats or straw cloaks, leaving the warm, wine-scented room.

Suddenly, the tavern became much quieter.

Only those Young Masters with ugly expressions at that table, and some silently sitting individuals, remained.

Amidst the lingering drumbeats, in a snow-piled alley in the North City, a majestic black horse snorted white Qi in front of a bluestone-walled courtyard gate. A figure in a black cloak leaped onto the horse, a heavy sword box strapped to his back.

“Great Hero Gongsun, your injuries haven’t recovered yet, you absolutely must not!”

At the courtyard gate, an old Hunter stood with his son and daughter, their faces filled with worry, their hands raised in an attempt to dissuade him.

On horseback, Gongsun Wuji listened to the urgent drumbeats in the wind and snow. Although his face was somewhat pale, his eyes shone brightly. “The wind and snow are heavy, you should go back inside. The drumbeats are getting more urgent; the troops will be dispatched soon. I still need to gather a few friends, that’s all!”

Saying this, Gongsun Wuji turned the reins, the horse neighed, and its hooves splashed snow and mud as it galloped away.

At the courtyard gate, the old Hunter and his son and daughter watched their benefactor depart, their lips trembling slightly as they murmured,

“Good people will be rewarded.”

Meanwhile, in the South City, in a courtyard near the city wall, the city was covered in ice and snow, but only this courtyard was lush and serene, with blooming flowers. The temperature inside was pleasant, covered by a Formation.

At this moment, the drumbeats from the city also reached here.

In the main hall, two rows of figures stood on either side.

On one side, all were dressed in light black outer shirts with white inner shirts, their sleeves embroidered with a small white sword, wearing jade crowns, and carrying swords on their backs. Most of them were young men. On the other side, all were youthful and beautiful women, each with a delicate face and a refined demeanor, dressed in white, holding swords with one hand, carried behind their arms.

In front of the hall, on two large chairs, two figures with imposing Aura sat.

Yi Cangtian, the Sect Master of Shu Mountain Sword Sect, and the “Divine Nun” of Su Nu Sword Sect!

On either side were the Disciples of the two sects who had originally supported the Ninth Mountain, then followed the Ninth Mountain back to Chuanzhong Pass and remained there.

Qingyangzi, Ji Wuming, An Meifu—these familiar faces were all present. At this moment, they were respectfully listening to Yi Cangtian speak.

The Shu Mountain Sword Sect’s Sect Master knew the contents in advance. He knew that the drumbeat meant there was a new situation with the Ninth Mountain Zhonglang General, and that Chuanzhong Pass would soon dispatch troops.

Rumors within the pass only speculated that Chuanzhong Pass would proactively send troops, but on a small scale, or by launching surprise attacks and harassment. However, he knew that this battle would be unprecedented, affecting all nearby defense lines, with troops being mobilized both inside and outside the pass, and everyone on the front line would be affected.

Given the gravity of the situation, he could not reveal the true objective of yesterday’s meeting, but he would warn his Disciples not to take it lightly.

Yi Cangtian’s face was solemn, and his voice was low, “The Fa Shan Army’s dispatch this time, initiated by the Ninth Mountain, is of great importance. Divine Nun and I need to remain in Chuanzhong Pass and cannot personally lead you to the battlefield. You must be careful in all matters.”

“You are all people who have followed the Ninth Mountain to the battlefield before, but never let your guard down. Remember, this time is different from what you have experienced before. This dispatch is not about the loss of a single city or place; it is very likely to snowball, with the scale of the battle growing larger and larger, affecting the entire front line.”

The Disciples of the two sects standing below heard the solemnity in the Sect Master Wu Zang’s tone and the content of his warning, and their hearts skipped a beat, filled with surprise and doubt.

Even Sect Master Wu Zang was so cautious; what exactly was this dispatch of troops meant to achieve?

The Disciples stirred slightly, making faint noises or exchanging glances.

“Sect Master, is the situation really that serious? Why is the Fa Shan Army suddenly acting like this?”

Qingyangzi, standing in front of the Shu Mountain Disciples, his eyes gleaming with surprise, asked Yi Cangtian.

Now, after the last battle, his strength has greatly increased, and he has advanced from Dao Soldier to Dao Fruit.

“You will know when you go!” Yi Cangtian did not answer this, saying with an almost imperceptible sigh, looking at the Disciples before him, and said softly, “If any of you wish to withdraw, you may do so. After all, it was my promise, and I will not blame you. Logically, you have already provided support once, and it should be time for others to rotate in, but there isn’t enough time.”

He knew the danger of this mission and felt a twinge of pity for these Disciples, as they had only just managed to return alive from the Demon Battlefield.

As soon as these words were spoken, among the dozen or so Shu Mountain Sword Sect Disciples, some showed a slight change in expression, revealing a look of struggle as they vaguely recalled past scenes, while others had firm gazes and were eager to move.

However, even after five or six breaths had passed since the question was asked, no one chose to withdraw.

Seeing this, Yi Cangtian said nothing, his eyes just sparkling brightly.

The “Divine Nun” next to him saw this scene, her eyes filled with approval, and she nodded slightly. Then she turned, her bright eyes with fine lines at the corners looking at her female Disciples, and said softly, “What needed to be said, Sect Master Yi has already said. Sect Master Yi and I are of the same mind. Those who wish to withdraw may do so. Do not force yourselves, and there is no need to look at others or fear losing face. After all, life and death are not child’s play; there’s no need to force it, and no one will blame you.”

Evidently, “Divine Nun”’s approach was more delicate and gentle.

And none of these female Disciples withdrew; there was only a chorus of clear voices,

“Disciple is willing to go!”

These people had no earth-shattering words; they silently did not retreat.

“Good!” Divine Nun and Yi Cangtian exchanged a glance.

“Then each of you, pack your belongings and prepare to depart for the Fa Shan Army’s station, and find Cavalry General Lu of the Ninth Mountain!”

“Yes!”

The Disciples from both sides, totaling over thirty people, bowed in unison, then left the hall to prepare their belongings.

“Qingyangzi”

“Ruyue!”

“You two, stay.”

Yi Cangtian and “Divine Nun” called out to these two leaders.

“There are too many variables on this journey. Divine Nun and I have discussed bestowing some treasures upon you for self-defense. You two must protect the Disciples of your sects and also consider the overall situation.”

Qingyangzi and the An Meifu exchanged glances, both seeing solemnity in the other’s eyes.

“Dong”

“Dong”

“Dong”

“...”

As night fell, at the Fa Shan Army’s station, drumbeats roared like thunder.

Above the training ground, braziers crackled, flames burning fiercely, casting bright light. Tens of thousands of iron cavalry stood straight as a forest, their cold gleam like a Formation, resembling dark clouds pressing down on a city, their Aura converging into one, awe-inspiring to behold.

Below the Commanding Platform, there were four square Formations, with four Fashan Flags fluttering in the wind and snow, their banners rustling. Leading the charge, four tall horses stood at the very front of the military Formation. The Seventh, Eighth, and Twelfth Mountain Zhonglang Generals each led a contingent of troops, totaling sixteen thousand cavalry. Lu Ming led the Ninth Mountain’s Right Flank Divine Might Army, eleven thousand iron cavalry, arrayed at the front.

Amidst the cold gleaming iron armor of the Ninth Mountain’s Formation, there were several rows of graceful figures dressed in white, with swords on their backs—all familiar faces.

They were Disciples from the accompanying Shu Mountain and Su Nu Sword Sect.

Although their white clothes were conspicuous, placed within a Formation of tens of thousands, they seemed insignificant.

They gazed around, participating in the Fa Shan Army’s troop review for the first time, feeling the suffocating, astonishing Aura, their eyelids twitching uncontrollably.

There were too many people!

They had thought only the Ninth Mountain would dispatch troops, but instead, three other Fa Shan Army contingents were to be dispatched simultaneously!

Looking out, it was dense and endless, numbering tens of thousands!

They finally understood the words their two Sect Masters had spoken to them before their departure, saying that this matter was of great importance.

Just then, within the iron cavalry Formation, troops pulling carts moved in rows through the military Formation. Soon, Qingyangzi, the An Meifu, and other Sword Sect Disciples had an earthenware bowl in their hands.

Afterward, armored soldiers made hand Seals, and streams of wine flew from the wine jars on the carts.

“Whoosh whoosh”

These Disciples looked at the wine bowls in their hands, the wine inside somewhat murky, and their eyes involuntarily showed surprise,

“Is this the farewell wine?”

It was said that when front-line generals were about to undertake important and dangerous missions, their Commanders would pour them a cup of wine to embolden them for their departure.

At this moment, on the Commanding Platform, a figure descended from the sky.

It was Pei Yanhu, clad in armor, walking with the stride of a Dragon and the gait of a tiger.

He took a bowl of wine passed up from below, his tiger-like eyes surveying the vast nearly thirty thousand iron cavalry under the wind, snow, and firelight, and loudly chanted the ancient battle song passed down through generations,

“How can we say we have no clothes? We share our robes. We mend our spears and halberds, and share our hatred.”

This voice was loud, full of ancient grandeur, passing through the howling wind and snow, stirring the chests of tens of thousands of armored soldiers.

“How can we say we have no clothes? We share our garments. We mend our spears and halberds, and work together!”

“How can we say we have no clothes? We share our tunics. We mend our armor and weapons, and march together!”

Countless voices converged, and a fervent Battle Intent surged with the battle song, soaring into the sky.

When the singing ended, on the Commanding Platform, Pei Yanhu raised the wine bowl in his hands and saluted downwards.

“Clang clang”

Tens of thousands of soldiers raised their bowls in unison, perfectly synchronized, the sound of their armor rubbing together with a rhythm.

Pei Yanhu drank the wine in the bowl, then smashed the bowl downwards.

“Clang”

The bowl shattered, a few drops of wine splashing in a sparkling arc.

At that instant, the sound of countless breaking bowls rang out below, and the Aura reached its peak at this moment.

“Depart!”

Pei Yanhu roared, and the next second, it was like a mountain collapsing and a tsunami roaring.

This sound, like a clap of thunder, completely ignited the cold night.

The war drums beat rapidly, like a silver vase shattering.

The war horns blared, like chariots roaring.

“Depart!”

“Depart!”

“……”

One messenger after another rode fast horses, weaving through the dense military Formation, relaying orders at high speed.

Immediately following, horses neighed loudly. Below the Commanding Platform, Lu Ming, who was leading this main mission, was the first to turn his horse, his swift horse transforming into lightning, passing through the forest-like military Formation. He took the central line, his red armor turning into a streak of fire, splitting open the bone-chilling cold night.

His movement was like a river breaking its dam, unstoppable. Tens of thousands of troops gradually shifted Formation, transforming into an iron-armored torrent, rushing out of the Fa Shan Army’s station and heading straight south.

And in this cold night, thousands of eyes watched all of this. When they clearly saw the torrent, like dark clouds pressing down on a city, stretching as far as the eye could see, rushing out, gasps of cold air rose straight up!

They had guessed wrong!

This was a major battle! (End of Chapter)