Volume One, Chapter 14: A Resounding Victory
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“Impossible, absolutely impossible. Starting with twenty thousand soldiers, twenty thousand! In just one hour, even if they each had a steamed bun, there’s no way they could have been devoured so quickly.”
Muchuan was furious, unable to believe what he was hearing.
“General, once you see for yourself, you’ll understand what happened.”
With a mix of suspicion and anger, Muchuan went to investigate.
At the entrance of the canyon, he saw piles of corpses heaped like mountains, blood flowing like rivers.
Shaken by the horrific scene, he was nearly overcome with nausea.
Having served in the military for over twenty years and fought in countless battles, he had never witnessed anything like this—it could only be described as hell on earth.
“What… what exactly happened here?”
“I-I only know that when Captain Li led the army in, the earth seemed to shatter, and agonized screams echoed…”
The man grew more nervous and stammered as he spoke.
“That damned Marquis of Dongzhou was prepared in advance. From now on, the entire army must stay vigilant at all times. Full assault—annihilate Dongzhou.”
The soldiers behind him brimmed with high morale, ready to make their mark in this battle.
Suspecting a possible ambush, Muchuan ordered the shield bearers to advance first.
The soldiers with shields cautiously led the way, fear evident in their steps.
Prepared for an ambush, archers behind them readied their bows, aiming into the canyon. If the enemy revealed themselves, a volley of arrows would rain down, wiping them out entirely.
Yet, the situation unfolded beyond their expectations.
The front soldiers passed safely through the canyon without a single ambush.
This puzzled Muchuan, but the mystery soon unraveled itself.
It seemed the enemy had also suffered heavy casualties in the earlier fight.
They must have assumed the imperial court sent only twenty thousand troops, unaware that these were merely the vanguard.
Muchuan laughed triumphantly, then gave his order.
“The main army will swiftly pass through Wuman Mountain and head straight to Yongning City.”
Riding at the forefront, Muchuan led the army, followed closely by his troops.
Upon reaching Shangfang Village, they found their path blocked by an opposing force.
Muchuan’s face darkened with shock—just a few thousand men dared to block his thirty thousand strong army. It was sheer arrogance, courting destruction.
“You rebels of Dongzhou, I advise you to lay down your weapons and surrender. The court might spare your lives. Resist, and my thirty thousand troops will bury you here.”
Luyunlong sneered disdainfully.
“General Muchuan, you truly don’t recognize me.”
Hearing the voice, Muchuan’s gaze landed on Luyunduan, his shock deepening.
“You… you are Luyunduan! How dare you appear here?”
“Why wouldn’t I? Let me tell you, I personally killed all twenty thousand soldiers earlier.”
Muchuan’s eyes brimmed with disbelief and astonishment. How could he and his few thousand men have slain twenty thousand? It was inconceivable.
Could he have laid an ambush around?
But the land was flat and open, visible to the horizon—how could he hide troops?
Luyunduan saw the worries on Muchuan’s face and sneered.
“No need to look around; there is no ambush here. All my men are right here. Do you dare to fight me?”
Holding a crescent moon halberd, he pointed at Muchuan with contempt in his voice.
After the recent battle, their morale was soaring, and the enemy would surely suspect an ambush, holding back their full strength.
Now was the perfect moment to strike unexpectedly.
“Ha ha ha…”
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Muchuan laughed out loud, dripping with sarcasm.
“Arrogant, Luyunduan! You’re truly reckless, thinking a few thousand men can challenge my thirty thousand. Have you been kicked in the head by a donkey?”
Laugh all you want—this will be your last laugh.
Luyunduan said no more, raising his halberd high and letting out a long war cry.
“Soldiers, with me! Spill your blood on the battlefield! Raise your weapons, muster your courage, and show the enemy our passion and valor!”
“Soldiers, charge with me! Kill!”
Luyunduan, Zhao Tieqi, and thousands of Xiliang cavalry charged at the enemy. Luyunduan led the way, sweeping all before him.
Muchuan drew his sword and pointed forward, fearless.
“Soldiers, slay these rebels!”
“Charge!”
Yet Muchuan did not advance himself—only ten thousand troops charged ahead.
He believed that with just ten thousand soldiers, he could defeat Luyunduan’s forces.
Luyunduan smiled wickedly, wielding his halberd with unstoppable force.
He killed gods and buddhas alike.
“Ahhh!”
Screams echoed throughout Shangfang Village, a sight too gruesome to bear.
[Fear +10]
[Fear +10]
[Fear +10]
...
The Xiliang cavalry fought fiercely, cutting down hundreds of enemies.
Seeing the enemy lines break, Luyunduan charged directly at Muchuan.
Muchuan scoffed, not taking him seriously.
“Luyunduan, you’re courting death.”
With a signal, soldiers behind Muchuan drew their bows, aiming at Luyunduan.
Arrows flew like falling stars, heading straight for him.
“System, activate Speed Card.”
[Speed Card activation in progress, deducting 1000 emotion points.]
[Speed Card activated: speed reaches light-speed for 1 minute.]
Just as the arrow storm was about to strike Luyunduan, a blur passed by, instantly appearing before Muchuan.
He barely had time to react before Luyunduan swung his halberd, knocking him off his horse.
The halberd pressed against his neck.
“General Muchuan, don’t move—careful not to get skewered.”
Luyunduan said coldly.
“How… how do you have such strength? Rumors say you’re a spoiled playboy.”
“General, you said it yourself—it’s just a rumor. Can rumors be trusted?”
“Now, order your men to lay down their weapons, hands on their heads, and kneel.”
Muchuan refused to yield, his spirit unbroken but silent.
Seeing his stubbornness, Luyunduan swung the halberd, severing one of Muchuan’s arms.
“Ahhh!”
Pain made Muchuan curse wildly. Blood poured, and his screams drew the attention of the soldiers who immediately froze, no longer resisting.
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“Now, order your soldiers to lay down their weapons. This is your only warning.”
[Fear +100]
[Anger +1000]
Luyunduan smiled wickedly.
Muchuan’s resolve faded; he slowly spoke.
“L-Lay down your weapons.”
Hearing this, the soldiers reluctantly placed their weapons on the ground, without hesitation.
“Zhao Tieqi, collect all the weapons.”
“Understood.”
Zhao Tieqi led a group to gather the weapons, piling them together.
Enduring the pain, Muchuan trembled.
“Are you satisfied now?”
“Very much so. General Muchuan, since you’ve shown sincerity, I shall reciprocate.”
Luyunduan sheathed his halberd. Muchuan breathed a sigh of relief.
But next, Luyunlong swung his blade, severing Muchuan’s other arm.
“Ahhh!”
“Luyunduan, you… damn you, you…”
Muchuan collapsed, wracked by unbearable pain.
Blood flowed endlessly, words failing him.
“Luyunduan, you rebel, you shall not die peacefully!”
Luyunduan smiled faintly.
“General, I don’t know if I’ll die well, but you’re about to die now. Save your strength and enjoy your last moments.”
He signaled Zhao Tieqi to bind Muchuan and escort him back to Yongning City.
“Master, what about the other soldiers?”
Luyunduan looked at them with contempt. A single glance plunged them into a torment akin to hell’s depths, amid ice and snow.
They trembled in fear.
[Fear +10]
[Fear +10]
[Fear +10]
...
“Take them all to Yongning City.”
“Yes, sir.”
...
The group returned to Yongning City. The guards opened the gates upon seeing Luyunduan, welcoming his triumphant return.
Walking through the streets amidst the gazes of the townsfolk, Luyunduan was in high spirits.
Suddenly, a figure hurried toward him—it was Luo Yi.
Riding swiftly, he reached Luyunduan, his expression tense.
“Report, my lord, there’s terrible news.”