Chapter 2: Strive with My Body

In chaotic times, survival relies on the sword in one's own hand. Li Congjing thought, when will I have thousands of troops and horses at my command, perhaps then I will feel much more at ease—this is precisely why he yearned so much for military achievements

It is ! ''

Li Congjing was already the deputy of the team, and with the three kills he just achieved, he could indeed be promoted to the team leader

In response to General Zhang, although this location is strategically important, it is followed by a continuous range of mountains. I believe that the Jin army cannot advance from here. Moreover, our scouts are deployed at various critical points, and if the Jin army were to invade, we would certainly detect it. Therefore, we have not assigned personnel to garrison this area

Li Rong's expression changed; he understood that Li Congjing was referring to his extraordinary skills and identity

Er Niu watched the two people exchanging glances and scratched his head

Li Rongshen raised his right hand and made a slashing gesture

The closer one gets to Liang Jun's camp, the more evident and concentrated the traces of the scouts' activities become. Li Congjing and others can no longer brazenly kill and leave the bodies exposed in the wilderness.

Before coming to a halt, Li Congjing and his companions encountered two groups of scouts, all of whom were swiftly dealt with by the others using decisive measures. As long as they eliminated all the scouts from the Liang army that they encountered, the Liang army would be unable to obtain in-depth information about Li Congjing and his companions. What Li Congjing and his companions needed to do was to gather intelligence and withdraw before the Liang army could react.

The sound of footsteps on the mountain top echoed once again

Li Congjing and the other two changed their expressions drastically upon hearing this. If the other party were to send someone over, it would not only be difficult to inspect their military camp, but it would also be hard to leave.

As they spoke, footsteps were heard departing. From the sound, there were still people remaining on the mountain top

Li Congjing removed his crossbow and armor, carrying only a broadsword, and, accompanied by the soldier known as Er Niu by Li Rong, followed Li Rong into the forest

Li Congjing was not surprised; he could tell the number of people by the sound of their footsteps. For an old scout, this was quite ordinary. Not to mention two people, even two hundred could be discerned.

Li Congjing glanced at Li Rong, thinking to himself, are we perhaps a bit too unfortunate? Li Rong's expression was blank, implying that he had no better answer either

That being said, the art of warfare places the utmost importance on caution. Moreover, our army is not stationed here temporarily; can we afford to have any complacency regarding the safety of our troops? Even if the Jin army cannot come here in full force, if there are scouts from the Jin army who come to assess the situation of our camp, then everything about our camp will be laid bare before their eyes. Have you ever considered this?

Li Congjing smiled even more, but his voice was particularly powerful, "This is an era that belongs to warriors. If I cannot fight, then I do not deserve to live."

The wounded return to the camp to report the battle situation to Prince Jin, while we continue onward to investigate the Liang army's camp. After Li Rong finished speaking, he stood up and commanded everyone: "Put on the armor of the Liang army and set off!"

Having said that, he was the first to dash into the forest

Distant reconnaissance can lead to a kill, but close reconnaissance cannot. Those who conduct close reconnaissance often look back and forth; thus, if Li Congjing and others kill the scouts, there is no need to advance further.

Interrogating prisoners can provide some insights into the enemy's military situation, but the information that an ordinary scout can gather is ultimately limited. True intelligence must be collected through personal risk by individuals such as Li Congjing and others. Li Congjing was already mentally prepared for this.

A glimmer of brilliance also flashed in Li Rong's eyes

Damn it! Facing the sunlight, the three of them spat in unison, yet they had no choice but to continue onward

There is someone. Li Rong gestured.

Li Rong was taken aback, grabbing Li Congjing's hand decisively and shaking his head

The sound of the clash of swords was exceptionally piercing. Despite the full effort of the Liang army soldier to block, he was still struck by a blade from Li Congjing, which cut into his shoulder. Immediately, Li Congjing used the momentum to execute a horizontal slash. The killing technique honed over more than a decade revealed its power at that moment, as the head of the Liang army scout flew off from his shoulders, blood gushing from his neck like a fountain

Li Rong snorted coldly, "But one must have the life to return."

Li Rong continued to shake his head, his eyes filled with a warning to Li Congjing not to act rashly

At this point, Li Congjing and others held their breath, able to hear the sound of the opponent's footsteps and the clinking of armor

It goes without saying that it must be Liang Jun contacting those scouts from before.

The battle did not last long; at the cost of nearly half their casualties, the Jin army's scouts achieved the final victory in this ambush. During the engagement, the Liang army attempted to retreat, but their leader was killed by Li Rong. In order to annihilate this contingent of the Liang army, the Jin army also arranged for soldiers to seal off the escape routes, preventing the Liang army's attempt to withdraw from succeeding.

In order to save time, after a brief rest, Li Congjing and nearly ten other scouts from the Jin army set off once again. If they wished to survive, they had to ascertain the situation of the Liang army before the latter became aware of the missing scouts and dispatched reinforcements, and then retreat.

Li Congjing's gaze was stern as he fixed his eyes on Li Rong. This meant that the opportunity was rare and precious; capturing Zhang Lang was the only chance for survival. If they let it slip away, once the Liang army mobilized, it would likely be the end of everything.

With the sword returned to its sheath, Li Congjing took a set of Liang army armor and put it on. Wearing the clothes of the dead is certainly not a pleasant experience; after all, only the living have the right to discern between pleasure and discomfort

Recently, King Jin marched north to resist the Khitan, and the Liang state took the opportunity to mobilize troops in Hedong, capturing cities and strongholds along the way, having already reached Weizhou. After Li Cunxiu's great defeat of the Khitan, he received a request for assistance from Weizhou and led five thousand elite cavalry from Youzhou southward, arriving here in just five days. The main army is now behind.

The Liangjun camp is located just outside Weizhou City, and it is a journey of about half a day to get there

What is even more frustrating is that when they finally manage to climb up the hill they had previously seen, there is an even higher hill waiting for them ahead... When they, out of breath, climb up the second hill, they unexpectedly see a third hill...

Li Rong once again ordered everyone to stop. After climbing up to take a look, he ran back to the crowd and said: "Ahead, the Liang army scouts are already one li apart; we cannot continue to march forward boldly. Li Ge'er, you take your men and hide here, I will lead my men to sneak forward."

As the sound drew closer, Li Congjing and the other two clearly felt that someone was standing not far above them. Moreover, the content of the other party's speech sent chills down the spines of the three.

As the three individuals were about to ascend the third peak, they had actually moved horizontally for three to five miles. Had it not been for their robust physiques and the fact that they had discarded their armor and crossbows, they would likely have been exhausted by now. Even so, in pursuit of speed, the three of them were feeling a bit weak in their legs at this moment

Someone responded as follows

Li Congjing smiled faintly and did not elaborate on this issue, but instead asked: "What are the arrangements for the next steps?"

There is no need for punishment; you may go ahead and arrange the personnel

With the speed of a scout, one can cover a hundred miles in a day, making half a day's journey seem not so close. The good news is that whenever a large army sets up camp, the deployment of scouts typically extends no more than ten miles from the military encampment. Beyond that distance, the scouts are not as densely arranged and are considered long-range reconnaissance. For Li Congjing and others, being ten miles away from the Liang army's camp is still relatively safe.

Indeed, broad daylight is not a suitable time for infiltrating enemy territory, but Li Congjing and his companions had no choice. Donning the armor of the Liang army did not provide him with much sense of security. However, upon reflection, in this chaotic era where human life is as insignificant as grass and where fathers and sons turn against each other, it is likely that no one possesses a significant sense of security, which brought him some relief

"Decapitation at level 3, you can be promoted to team leader after returning." Li Rong sat down beside Li Congjing, his tone flat with no hint of celebration. He took off his military boots and poured out a few grains of sand and gravel.

General Zhang ... ... '' Li Congjing carefully pondered over these three characters and suddenly thought that the commander of the Liang army besieging Weizhou this time was none other than Zhang Lang. Upon this realization, Li Congjing's heart brightened, and a glint of ruthlessness flashed in his eyes as he looked towards Li Rong

There was silence all the way. After an hour, Li Congjing faintly heard the sound of hooves ahead. He looked at Li Rong, believing that Li Rong must have also heard the sound.

This location is strategically advantageous, allowing for a view of the entire military camp. It is suitable for launching a surprise attack or retreating to deceive the enemy. How could you not have stationed any troops here? Soon, sounds of movement came from the mountain, and someone began to speak.

As the distance closed in, the two scouts from the Liang army gradually slowed their horses, seemingly preparing to exchange information. By the time they realized that Li Congjing and his companions had no intention of stopping and signaled to confirm their identities, they had already lost their last opportunity to turn their horses around and flee

The voice was full of vigor, exuding an air of authority

He certainly did not know that although Li Congjing was not very familiar with this era, he was aware that although Li Siyuan later had the fortune to become emperor, none of his sons met a good end. As for the fate of his own body, Li Congjing was not very clear, but he thought it probably would not be much better. Furthermore, in the chaotic times of the Five Dynasties, the notion of a son relying on his father's status was inherently unreliable.

Two people. Li Rong immediately reported a number

Speaking softly, Li Congjing leaned closer to Li Rong and whispered, "You know you cannot stop me."

Speaking, Li Rong pointed to the hills by the road, "The view from the mountains is quite good. We will enter the mountains and seek a way to approach the Liang army's camp. If we can clearly see the Liang army's camp, that would be the best. If not, after three hours, if we have not returned, Li Ge'er, you should take your men back to the camp"

Li Congjing felt a surge of anxiety in his heart, for he knew that opportunities are fleeting. Moreover, Li Rong was indeed too indecisive; if this continued, the three of them would undoubtedly meet their demise. Not to mention, this was an immense achievement! With such thoughts in mind, he had already secretly mustered his strength.

Li Congjing sat on a stone by the roadside, wiping the bloodstains from his sword with his knee, his heartbeat gradually calming down. At this moment, the sun had risen quite high, and the golden sunlight enveloped him, yet Li Congjing felt not a trace of warmth. For him now, killing was not an act of enjoyment.

Li Rong did not pay any attention to Li Congjing this time, and decisively stated: "This is a military order!"

Er Niu stared blankly at the two people, unsure of what to do.

"Good, you have guts, you're a real man!" Li Rong is a typical soldier, and at this moment, he does not say much. "Li Ge'er, Er Niu, follow me ahead. Er Gouzi, keep watch here; if any Liang army scouts come, eliminate them on the spot!"

Li Congjing smiled and said, "The team is right; how great is the military merit of being able to clear the enemy camp? You cannot leave me behind."

Li Rong, however, was unyielding. The two of them lay on the ground, engaged in a contest of strength, with the veins on the backs of their hands gradually becoming prominent. Before long, beads of sweat began to emerge densely on their foreheads.

General Zhang is deeply strategic and thoughtful; it is the subordinate who has been negligent. Please punish the subordinate, General!

Li Congjing and the two others lay prostrate on the ground, taking cover behind the rocks and vegetation, not daring to move an inch

Everyone nodded in agreement, but Li Congjing said, "I will go with you."

As they were about to climb over the massive boulder and reach the mountain top, Li Rong suddenly halted, gestured with his hand, and Li Congjing and Er Niu immediately froze in place

In his line of sight appeared the figures of two Liang army scouts, and Li Congjing was unsure whether they recognized the faces of the previously deceased scouts, instinctively lowering his head a little

To speak frankly, Li Rong does not quite understand Li Congjing's current choice. In his view, Li Congjing's father, Li Siyuan, is already the Deputy General Manager of both internal and external affairs, one of the prominent generals under the command of the Jin Wang, and also the adopted son of the late king Li Keyong, sharing a brotherly bond with the Jin Wang. Li Congjing is destined for a life of wealth and nobility; even if he wishes to achieve military merit, why must he take such risks?

The suddenly noisy battlefield fell silent once more, as the scouts of the Jin army began to clear the field. Blood stained the official road; although the scale of the battle was not large, there were numerous severed limbs and remains. The leather military boots trod upon the blood that was beginning to congeal, its stickiness causing discomfort. Several warhorses were left abandoned by the roadside, their snorts resembling sobs.

Li Congjing gestured with his palm towards his own neck, the meaning was clear; he was prepared to risk everything to take down Zhang Lang

The path in the forest is even more difficult to traverse than Li Congjing had imagined. Fortunately, this is not a deep mountain, but merely a hilly area; otherwise, it would truly be impossible to move an inch.

Following closely behind Li Rong, Li Congjing drew his sword, swung it, and sheathed it in unison with Li Rong. Throughout the entire process, the speed of the horse did not diminish in the slightest, while the two scouts from the Liang army barely had time to draw their swords before meeting their demise.