Chapter 5, First Battle (2)

Surprisingly, behind the new recruits, there was another contingent also on the move. They numbered around five hundred, consisting of one hundred cavalry, one hundred spear soldiers, one hundred axe warriors, one hundred heavy infantry, and one hundred archers. Among these five hundred warriors, there were three luxurious carriages moving slowly, adorned with opulent decorations, attended by dedicated servants, and it was likely that some important figures were seated inside.

A bear-like, robust hand was severed at the wrist by this blow, resembling a broken dry branch, yet it did not detach from the trunk. The hand hung down limply, and the once-mighty axe fell to the ground in despair, unable to be lifted again

The cavalry behind gradually came to a halt, looking in the direction pointed out by Qi Tianyou. Ahead, on a small hillside, there was a distinctly prominent slope.

They stand over 2 meters tall, their bodies covered in thick, coarse hair. Their warriors prefer to wield heavy axes and spiked clubs, embodying the essence of powerful and fierce fighters. Lei Huo is considered quite tall and strong among humans, yet when standing before the bear tribe warriors, he immediately appears shorter and leaner.

... ...

The longsword is broken

Leihuo looked at him in confusion

Before me, a streak of cold light, like a meteor, flashed by; it was the sword of Qianshuiqing, silently piercing towards the back of the bear clan warrior

Before he came into this world, he was a decathlete, and his greatest regret is that there is no twenty-event competition.

In the Battle of Panshan, although Iron Blood Town suffered heavy losses with over 3,000 casualties, the Water Stopping Kingdom faced even greater devastation, losing more than 10,000 men, ultimately having to retreat to the Triple Heavens. Each year, they would engage in several skirmishes with the forces of Iron Blood Town, with both sides experiencing victories and defeats. The Water Stopping Kingdom had the advantage of being close to the city gates, allowing for convenient logistical support, deploying tens of thousands of troops each time. In contrast, Iron Blood Town had fewer than 20,000 soldiers, yet they consistently managed to firmly repel the enemy's attacks, demonstrating their formidable combat strength.

Enemy attack! Enemy attack!

Shallow Water laughed heartily: "I was just joking. In fact, I noticed that you always seem so quiet and don't like to talk, so I was just trying to find some words to amuse you."

A man as sturdy as a mountain, in the face of the unparalleled bravery of the bear tribe warriors, is unexpectedly unable to withstand a single blow, resembling a fallen leaf swirling aimlessly in the valley, rising and falling in the vortex of a colossal whirlwind, stirring up clouds of dust.

The yew longbow is a powerful bow with a range of up to 150 meters, and it is among the most renowned on the entire Guànlán continent. However, the Tianfeng Empire lacks the yew trees necessary for crafting such longbows, resulting in an extremely limited annual production.

"Sit down and take a break." He beckoned Lei Huo to dismount as well

You little rascal, you certainly know how to talk" Qitianyou said with a smile

That was Thunderfire, a person on the ground had already thrown out the battle knife

Behind the convoy, there are three thousand new soldiers armed with spears and curved sabers escorting them

Rushing up the hillside, I did not see a trace of the enemy. Standing at the top of the slope, I gazed down at the land, and before my eyes lay a vast expanse of lush, boundless grassland. Indeed, from this point northward is the fertile prairie that has nurtured countless swift riders. Further north lies the granary of the region, known as the Mecca of grain.

Killing this bear clan warrior nearly exhausted all their strength and luck

In an instant, the shallow water was also violently thrown out.

Who are they? Why are they following the grain transport team? A hint of confusion flickered in Qianshuiqing's eyes

The body of the bear warrior fell heavily to the ground, creating a massive pit.

"Alright, Leihuo, you and Shuiqing go together. This is your first mission, so be careful. Remember to approach from the side and maneuver around. This way, if there are enemies lying in ambush, at least you won't be immediately shot to pieces," Qi Tianyou shouted.

Shallow waters gently smile

With a strong push against the ground, Qianshuiqing lunged forward, colliding directly with the soldier's lower abdomen

Hurry up! The shallow water is calling out clearly.

As if devoid of any pain, the massive body suddenly turned, and the battle axe surged forth with a murderous intent, darting towards Qingshui like a flash of lightning

Both Qianshui Qing and Leihuo's bodies trembled simultaneously

However, the most important thing is: they have never been friends of the Tianfeng people

The earth trembles, a shuddering expanse

Oh! ... ... That bear tribe warrior saw the two of them, struck his chest with a large hand, and let out a roar that echoed for a hundred miles.

The figure soaring in the air belongs to Thunderfire

The battle knife and battle axe, like the electric hammer in the hands of the Thunder God, stirred up a dazzling array of starlight. The fierce roars of the bear clan warriors echoed like the thunder from the heavens, resounding in the ears like the crack of thunder

A faint scent of blood and slaughter began to permeate the air

Indeed, Qianshuiqing and Leihuo are two exceptions—they had organized themselves in advance and are now able to ride around on horseback, displaying their prowess.

When he first arrived at the Guànlán Continent, he wandered for three years, not only traversing the entire Tianfeng Empire but also quietly infiltrating certain unfriendly neighboring countries. At that time, his voice had not yet changed, and his familiarity with this world was still quite limited. The fact that he was not captured as a spy was nothing short of a miracle. Therefore, he was quite knowledgeable about many aspects of Tianfeng.

His father's most frequent criticism of him was: "You can do everything, but you excel at nothing; a typical case of being greedy and not digesting properly." However, upon arriving here, this flaw instead became a significant advantage for him in his future endeavors on the battlefield

The blood gushing from the wrist drilled into the neck of Qingshui.

Gazing at the boundless grassland in the distance, Qian Shuiqing first turned to Qi Tianyou and made a safe gesture, then dismounted and sat down on the ground.

The convoy proceeded slowly along the way. Judging by the shallow waters, at the current speed, it would take at least another half month to reach the Lone Star City, where Iron Blood Town is located.

Over a hundred elite cavalry galloped forward for several miles, having been stifled for days as they trailed behind the sluggish convoy. As they broke free and charged ahead, they quickly left the main force far behind, disappearing from sight.

He is truly a person who cannot even produce a muffled fart with three sticks. Qianshui Qingxiao thought.

The warhorse began to exhibit signs of restlessness.

Bear Clan Warrior

I will go take a look behind the slope. He took the initiative to volunteer.

"Ah." Lei Huo nodded and stood up

Roar! ... ... The bear tribe warrior let out another frenzied roar, his pained face twisted even further, yet it appeared more ferocious.

"It is understandable not to comprehend. " Qianshui Qing pointed boldly ahead and said loudly: "Look ahead, that is the bountiful grassland. There, lies the legendary Heavenly-Maned Horse. I once wandered on the bountiful grassland for a time, attempting to find the mythical beast, but unfortunately, I never encountered it. If I can survive on the battlefield, one day, I will return to continue my search for the Heavenly-Maned Horse, to see this unique and rare creature of the world... If possible, I would capture one to use as a steed. Experiencing some extraordinary adventures may perhaps make my life more meaningful; this is my sole goal in life at present." If I can survive on the battlefield, one day, I will return to continue my search for the Heavenly-Maned Horse, to see this unique and rare creature of the world... If possible, I would capture one to use as a steed. Experiencing some extraordinary adventures may perhaps make my life more meaningful; this is my sole goal in life at present.

The sharp alarm echoed across this sky

The convoy traveled for seven days, covering less than half of the distance. The journey was smooth and uneventful; however, Mu Xue still prudently dispatched cavalry each day to scout ahead, ensuring the safety of the main group

The earth-shattering roar nearly deafened their ears, while Qianshuiqing tirelessly struck down again and again, harvesting this powerful and resilient life.

"I? Hehe, I don't even know why I came to be a soldier." Qianshuiqing shook his head somewhat dejectedly. "Perhaps it's because I always feel like I'm living in a dream; everything before me is so real, yet it feels dreamlike and illusory. Sometimes I often wonder, is this world merely a subjective projection of mine, or does it exist objectively... I don't know if everything happening now is real, I don't even know if I'm still alive. Sometimes I often wonder, is this world merely a subjective projection of mine, or does it exist objectively... I don't know if everything happening now is real, I don't even know if I'm still alive... I think I must do something to prove that I am still alive and well, full of vitality. Being a soldier is a good choice; just imagine the feeling of blood splattering all over you... that warm blood, gushing out like a fountain, drenching your entire body, your head and face... It tells you that you are still alive... So I came here."

In the midst of the roar, the opponent's knee struck Qianshuiqing's chest, and in that moment, it felt as if all the ribs and sternum in her body had broken at once, leaving Qianshuiqing momentarily dizzy before her eyes

Noticing the confusion in Qian Shuiqing's heart, Qi Tianyou smiled and said: "This is a temporary assignment. They are elite soldiers of the Blood Wind Banner, and it seems they have been ordered to protect someone going to the front lines to meet with the Southern Commander Nan Wushang. Since we are headed in the same direction, we will travel together. This is also good, as we can look out for each other on the road. Do not underestimate those five hundred men; their combat capability is at least much higher than that of those three thousand green recruits."

At that moment, he felt that it was not his opponent who was about to die, but himself

Today is the day when the lookout at Qianshuiqing is responsible for the reconnaissance mission outside

A pungent, fishy odor wafted through the air

The Lonely Star City originally belonged to the territory of the Zhishui Kingdom. In fact, although the Triple Heavens is an important stronghold of the Zhishui Kingdom, it is not their gateway. Beyond the Triple Heavens, the Zhishui Kingdom still possesses at least one province of territory, which is now entirely occupied by the Tianfeng Empire. This is precisely why the people of Tianfeng and the people of Zhishui have repeatedly gone to war.

Qi Tianyou takes the lead, followed closely by Fang Hu and Fang Bao, and then comes Qianshui Qing

On the distant horizon, hundreds of shadowy figures suddenly appeared. Their faces were fierce, and they roared incessantly, their bare upper bodies revealing a dense covering of black fur. Wielding massive axes and sharp blades, they surged forward like a torrent towards the top of the slope

The battle axe was raised for the third time, swinging towards the exposed back of the shallow water, and with just one strike, it could cleave him in two.

The large feet trampled the ground, producing a tremendous sound akin to that of a *picture* book. He seemed like a crazed rhinoceros charging towards the fallen shallow water Qing.

A brilliant and resplendent halo arrived just in time, striking directly at the wrist of the axe-wielding hand

The Bear Tribe is a minority group that lives on the fertile grasslands. According to legend, they are monsters born from the union of humans and the Bear God

"Damn it, it's a bear clan scout, kill him!" Qianshuiqing shouted

However, they are certainly not our match in this defense," Qianshuiqing confidently stated, "I mean in a situation where five hundred people face five hundred people.

In shallow water, a swift roll evades the attack, as the giant axe strikes the ground, leaving a terrifying gash on the earth. The splintered stones fly up and hit the face, causing a burning pain akin to fire.

Qianshuiqing has been to this place and knows that there is a ravine behind that hillside. If someone is buried behind it and launches a surprise attack when the convoy passes, it could indeed have the effect of a surprise force. If there are cavalry charging down from a high position, the lethality would be even greater

The feeling at that moment carried a sense of warmth

The one thousand elite cavalry of the Tiger-Leopard Camp led the way, followed by a large convoy of supplies, one cart after another, resembling a long dragon with no end in sight. It is no wonder, as the Iron Blood Town, including the new recruits, has a total of eighteen thousand soldiers, plus two thousand from the supervisory guard, making a total of twenty thousand. All the provisions for three months are loaded onto these carts.

In the shallow water, clear and calm, with the thunder of fire, blood covers the body, standing beside that corpse, we exchanged glances with one another

Early the next morning, as dawn was just breaking, the large group was already prepared to set out on the journey

Thunderfire raised his battle blade, slicing through the air with a flash of lightning, advancing forward without hesitation.

Leihuo, feeling puzzled, shook his head and said, "I don't understand"

Leihuo's horsemanship was significantly inferior to Qianshuiqing's, and at this moment, he had just caught up.

Pung!

All those archers wielded longbows and iron arrows, and each had a battle knife at their waist, clearly indicating that they were highly trained elite archers. The other warriors also displayed resolute expressions, evidently standing out as exceptional among their peers, having been tempered and refined through numerous bloody battles on the battlefield

The Celestial Steed is a noble creature; it will not accept anyone as its master

Qianshui gently patted Leihuo's shoulder and said, "Just kidding, don't take it to heart. Get up, it's time to go back and report."

Upon arriving at Lone Star City, one can ascend Mount Pan and gaze into the Three Heavens.

The air here is fresh, and there is no sign of human habitation in the surroundings. In fact, the nearest village is several dozen miles away. Standing at the top of the slope, the only sensation one can feel is tranquility, a kind of peace that can cleanse the heart and refresh the spirit.

This can also be described as the greatest helplessness in the hearts of the people of Tianfeng

The water-stopping people wish to reclaim lost territory, while the Tianfeng people seek to acquire more.

"Why did you join the army?" Qianshuiqing asked him

Under the Triple Heaven, ten miles and eight villages have become the battlefield for the two armies. The local populace, now, has nine out of ten houses empty, having fled in all directions.

Two individuals ride together, galloping from the side of the hillside towards the summit.

Without pausing, the two individuals leaped onto their horses and galloped back along the path they had come.

Emperor Cangye of Tianfeng was very eager to send the entire Storm Legion to swiftly consume the enemy. However, the opponent was also cunning. If you bring too many people, I will not be able to hold the pass. The Tianfeng forces cannot afford the rations for nearly 200,000 troops, so they can only send the Iron Blood garrison to firmly defend the Pan Mountain front and then wait for an opportunity to act

One cut, and then another, relentlessly stabbing and jabbing with ferocity

The warrior bent over in pain from the impact, while Qianshuiqing felt as if he had collided with a steel plate.

The one hundred archers were surprisingly equipped with the extremely rare yew longbows

"In front is the Windmill Tomb," Qi Tianyou suddenly reined in his horse, letting out a sound of "whoa," as the horse's hooves rose high. He then turned the horse in place and pointed the whip forward, saying, "Our task is to monitor the situation in this area and prevent any enemy ambushes."

In the ravine at the foot of the slope, a writhing figure caught the attention of two individuals. The image gradually became clearer, revealing an ugly large face with two prominent tusks protruding outward

"Ah." Lei Huo nodded

The Triple Heaven, which consists of the South Gate Pass, the North Gate Pass, and Jingyuan City, is built along the mountains, featuring a perilous terrain that is easy to defend and difficult to attack. The Tianfeng region is rich in grasslands, where cavalry is fierce and formidable, excelling in large-scale maneuvers, capable of rapid assaults over thousands of miles, plundering like fire. However, when it comes to besieging cities, facing the Triple Heaven of the Zhishui Kingdom, the Cold Wind Pass of the Jinghong Kingdom, and the Evil Wave River of Mecca, they have consistently failed to achieve any significant results.

Thunderfire patted his head and said honestly: "I have a big appetite, my family can't afford to support me, so I can only join the army. What about you?"

In a haze before her eyes, Qianshuiqing instinctively drew a dagger from her bosom and fiercely plunged it into the chest of the bear clan warrior

With a splatter, blood sprayed in all directions

Five hundred warriors were divided into five layers, surrounding the chariots in such a way that not a drop of water could leak through. The innermost layer consisted of archers, followed by axe throwers, polearm soldiers, heavy infantry, and the outermost layer comprised of cavalry

"Hey, look at that kid's riding skills, he can actually keep up with us," Fang Bao exclaimed