Chen Ping's Sword

Chapter 369: Chapter 179: Breakthrough at the Brink, Duel for Supremacy (Part 2)

"If we wish to trap General Chen in the military array, corner him to death on the spot, there must be a reason that compels you not to retreat. The current situation in Xingqing Prefecture is special, the foundation is not yet stable, and General Chen’s forces are limited. The elite troops number only five to six thousand. If this elite force can be firmly locked down, it would compel you to fight and meet your end."

Chen Ping listened to Mei Yu’s detailed narration by his ear, his mind already soaring high, viewing the distant scene through the eyes of the Little Cyan Bird.

From the corner of the right side of Youx Mountain, smoke and dust billowed, flags stood like a forest, a cavalry unit faintly emerged, charging forward like a dark cloud. Though more than ten miles away, the murderous aura was palpable.

This cavalry was estimated to be around ten thousand strong, bearing the insignia of a divine long-tailed firebird. The leading war general was clad in red armor, red robes, and wielded a red spear.

It was none other than the Four Spirits Vermilion Bird General, Xiao Tong.

On the left, at the bend of the Qingjiang River, there was also an ambush force, displaying bold cavalry marks, accelerating from the direction of the fisherfolk’s village to attack.

This troop appeared slightly smaller in number but still boasted seven to eight thousand cavalry, flying a pine tree banner. The leading general wore cyan robes and cyan armor, handling a narrow-bladed cyan flame longsword, sitting upright on horseback with a menacing aura.

"So that’s it, you three generals split your troops into three routes, not to attack the city, but to lure me into battle."

Chen Ping understood, lifting his gaze towards Han Xiaoru, who was wreaking havoc outside the city, causing the ten thousand-strong Baimei Army to scatter like headless flies. A sliver of cold emerged in his eyes.

"As long as I leave the city to engage, no matter which side I choose, the other two will immediately change direction, the three sides will encircle, and thoroughly trap my elite cavalry, forcing a decisive battle."

"Indeed."

Mei Yu chuckled softly: "In fact, I never anticipated that I would be captured so quickly without lasting even a moment. This route of mine is entirely abandoned. Indeed, General Chen’s martial strength exceeds our expectations, making my defeat not in vain."

As soon as Xingqing Prefecture dispatched forces, he knew immediately.

Regardless of the combat power of the East Wood Army, they have never underestimated the importance of intelligence.

They naturally had spies in Xingqing Prefecture, coordinating with scouts and messengers. General Chen’s march route was hardly a secret.

This aspect marks the difference in foundations. Chen Ping, newly commanding Xingqing Prefecture, had only just drilled and organized the troops, not very refined, and didn’t even establish an intelligence department.

Everything being set up was prone to omissions, which was inevitable.

The comprehensive intelligence lag led to one outcome.

The opponent could calmly design an ambush, while Chen could only stumble blindly into a prepared trap.

"I underestimated the world’s men. The Four Spirits and Eight Generals have fame across the Southeast for their abilities, naturally."

Chen Ping squinted, feeling the cavalry’s pincer approach closing in, the thunderous sound of hooves echoing, knowing that it was too late to recall Han Xiaoru to the city.

Encaptured in her combat fervor, Han chased the Baimei Army to flee like scattered hills, now far from the city.

If forcibly ordered back to the city at this time, the final result would be simply getting chased and attacked by the enemy’s cavalry formation; uncertain whether she could return, her five thousand cavalry might face complete annihilation.

Hence, under no circumstance would she retreat, nor could she.

"Send the signal arrow, warning senior sister of the strong enemy’s arrival; this is a tough battle, and life or death depends on whether she can carve a path to survival."

Chen Ping felt a slight pang of reluctance, his eyebrows slightly raised.

Knowing he should not treat the struggles of the world as child’s play.

Despite the enemy being overwhelmingly stronger and more elite than his forces, he pondered over winning flawlessly without sustaining losses.

So-called ingenious strategies rely purely on surprise.

If seen through, a frontal force overwhelmed would become insignificant.

"Very well then, since you seek a decisive battle, I’ll give you the opportunity. Without traversing a life-and-death battlefield, how can you forge a famous general and an invincible army?"

With this thought in mind.

Chen Ping’s expression reverted to indifference, casting a glance at the Baimei General, he spoke softly: "You were right about one thing. Killing me is indeed not that easy."

It seemed as though he spoke both to himself and to Mei Yu: "I merely hoped for minimal losses among my subordinates during this campaign."

Saying so, he gently nudged his horse "Cyan Grass," and with its neigh, sharply called out: "Weichi, hear my command."

"I am here, General."

At this point, Weichi had already gathered the defeated troops of the County Government Office, counter-attacking and slaying those Baimei soldiers unwilling to surrender, taking captives everywhere.

His face was stained with blood, now commanding over a thousand men, kneeling respectfully to receive orders upon hearing the call.

"You are appointed as the Main General of Yuanxi County, accept the defeated army, extinguish the fires swiftly, and placate the civilians. Can you accomplish this?"

"It is a small task, General. I swear to complete the mission at all costs."

Weichi thumped his chest, making a military pledge.

Seeing his fervent expression, Chen Ping slowly nodded.

This man held a strong desire for accomplishments and advancement, adept at seizing opportunities, and with a chance given, he could soar to great heights. The only thing lacking was strength, but with the Heart-Burning Dao Seed at hand, his strength would rapidly increase, prompting a breakthrough of the Primordial Technique into the Mid-Stage Silver Body Realm or even the Late Stage in a short time.