Chapter 2: Strategize Before Taking Action

Feng Guoting understood his temperament, knowing that he was not praising the other party, but rather fulfilling his own desires, although no one understood what reason he had to be excited.

Ding Fumin looked at Long Ying with a respectful gaze and said, "Master Eagle must have a well-thought-out plan, yet I, as a subordinate, am still racking my brains and have no countermeasure."

Long Ying smiled and said: "My next move is the mantra of the Eight Characters, which is 'If there is porridge, eat porridge; if there is rice, eat rice.' Ha! Truly delightful!"

The wind passes through the courtyard path: "Remember, they are bandits who come and go like the wind; this skill is always within their grasp"

His concerns are justified; compared to the strength of the Turks, the enemy possesses seemingly limitless power. Their one thousand elite soldiers are best suited for a swift and mobile guerrilla warfare strategy, rather than engaging in a fixed battle at a specific location

Long Ying pointed to his head and said, "There is still no concrete plan, only a vague idea."

Dada Road: "Currently, the territory south of the Khitan people and north of the Kuruk Tag, spanning hundreds of miles, has fallen into the hands of the Xueyan Tuo people, who have established strong fortifications at strategic points, filled with provocative implications towards the Dujie Zhi."

The Wild Plains Dance has brought the freshest and most urgent intelligence from the battlefield, stating: "From Gongyue to Suiye, the distance is approximately equal to that from Kuche to Gongyue. This time, the crossbowmen must retreat to Gongyue, and it will be difficult to launch an attack on Saga before April of next year. However, various signs indicate that Saga is already at the end of its strength, and whether it can withstand a month of fierce assaults is indeed questionable"

Lin Zhuang sighed, saying: "Eagle Master is right; the one who devised this plan is indeed remarkable. This is a strategy that can achieve multiple objectives: first, it ensures unobstructed communication between the Turks and the Zhe Nu; second, it can sever the connection between the Xianbei and the Huihe; third, it will put the Huihe people in a position of being attacked from both sides, making them hesitant to act rashly; fourth, and most importantly, after dealing with the Soga, it can be transformed into a frontline base against the Huihe. What is even more frightening is that the Turks can emerge from any corner of the desert, and even the most skilled scouts cannot gather intelligence on the enemy's movements."

Long Ying laughed and said: "How could two thousand men be enough to deal with me? Bian Ao has a precedent to learn from; if he does not come, then it is fine, but if he does come, I will exert all my strength, and I will not give him that opportunity."

The wasteland dancer said: "Whether I can persuade Wang is still uncertain. Sending someone without any evidence or basis, how can we gain the other party's trust?"

Long Ying gasped and said, "Fortunately, you reminded me, brother."

Long Ying said: "Victory belongs to those who are prepared. Brothers, we are not alone; the Uighurs, the Xiajiasi, as well as the people of Gaochang, Yanchi, the Kucha of the Huanshan, and the Tianshan hunting tribes of the Dada all know that great disaster is imminent. Cowards will become slaves of a fallen nation. Therefore, we must send word to the leaders of the various factions. When the allied forces successfully gather at the Nadas Fortress, for a long time thereafter, the Turks will not dare to invade the West again. Perhaps we can take the opportunity to deal with the Zhe Nu."

The next day, everyone slept soundly and fully recharged before getting up to have their meal. They realized that this might be the most sumptuous meal throughout the entire campaign, and all felt particularly hungry.

Seeking the Difficult Path: "What I am considering is this crucial stronghold. Given the nature of bandits, reconnaissance is of utmost importance; one must ascertain the reality of the target before launching an attack. After we depart, there will be fewer than one hundred guards left, and they are merely ordinary soldiers. If the Xue Yantuo people were to launch an assault, they could easily break through and cut off our retreat. If I were Bian Ao, I would never let this opportunity slip by."

Whether it is a difficult day or a first arrival in this noble land, I inquired with the dance of the wilderness about the geographical situation surrounding the ancient castle and the northern region of the Kuruktag Mountains

Others responded with a thunderous reply, their voices echoing throughout the hall

The breeze passed through the courtyard leisurely, stating: "The Fortress of Nadas is indeed the key to the entire battle. Even if we can capture it, we must also consider the consequences that will follow. Mo Che will undoubtedly spare no effort and mobilize all forces for a counterattack. How long can we hold out?"

The wind swept through the courtyard as he said irritably: "Dragon Boy, why aren't you speaking up? I truly wish Brother Wan were here to teach you not to be so reckless."

Mules are hybrids of mules and horses, possessing strong load-bearing capacity and faster speeds than mules

Suddenly standing upright, his eyes radiated a magical brilliance as he declared emphatically: "My credentials are the undeniable facts. Let them prepare for battle. Once the Nadas Fortress falls into the hands of my Dragon Eagles, it will be the moment for their army to come to their aid, and it will also be their last opportunity"

The success or failure of this endeavor hinges on the capture of the Nadas Fortress

The desolate dance also revealed a smile, stating: "The Turks have chosen the location for their fortress at the western edge of the Great Desert, backed by the Limide River, with the vast sea three hundred miles to the southeast, and over five hundred miles from the western city of Gongyue, occupying the largest oasis. This oasis is named 'Nadas', which in Turkish means 'Divine Spring from the Earth'. It consists of three fortified positions, each half a mile apart, situated on slightly elevated slopes of the oasis, ingeniously constructed and uniquely designed, surrounded by traps. Each fortress houses between two thousand to three thousand troops, stockpiling a large quantity of food and military supplies, equipped with powerful crossbow machines. Anyone wishing to attack this military stronghold, referred to by the Turks as 'Nadas Fortress', must first overcome a journey of at least ten days through the vast, arid desert, where resupply of food and water is impossible, while the defenders await in comfort, with advantageous terrain to protect them. The outcome of such an encounter is, without a doubt, predictable."

The wind dances towards the wilderness in the courtyard: "The relay station of the Turks, please elaborate further."

The Dragon Eagle displayed a strange smile and said, "I would be willing to sacrifice a historic castle, of course www.hetushucom.com still has contingencies. Ha! I was just exaggerating; it won't be easy to demolish this castle in less than ten days or half a month. We only need to destroy the castle gate and set fire to all the flammable items inside. The bandits are accustomed to killing and arson, and they are particularly sensitive to fire, so they will definitely send someone to check. At that time, my contingency plan will come into play!"

The Han Hai Protectorate and the Anxi Protectorate are located to the east and west of each other, closely interdependent like lips and teeth

The desolate wilderness took on a heavy hue, stating: "Between the Han Sea Army and Gongyue City, spanning 800 li, there are five major rivers flowing from the southern Tianshan Mountains to the north. From west to east, they are the Shiqi River, which flows into Huangcaobo, the Heishui, the Yeye River, the Baiyang River, and the Limidejian River. The rivers are interspersed with deserts, semi-deserts, and hilly mountainous areas, making the roads quite difficult to traverse. The entire region is nestled between the southern Tianshan Mountains and the vast northern desert, forming a large basin, which is the largest depression outside the Taklamakan Desert. The Turks have established a stronghold in the desert area of Shatuoqi, located to the north between the Han Sea Army and Gongyue City, serving as a relay station for supplies and troop transport.

Accompanying the dance of the wilderness, apart from Dada of the Tianshan tribe, the other thirty-seven individuals are all top experts from the northern desert nations. Under the threat of national ruin and family destruction, and knowing the relationship between the dance of the wilderness and Long Ying, they sought him out. They are primarily composed of experts from Kucha and Gaochang, with five from the Xiajiasi and the Huihe, each disregarding life and death, truly being death warriors.

Huang Yuanwu sighed, saying: "It is not that I am boosting others' ambitions; under the current circumstances, to kill Bian Ao, it is essential to first defeat the formidable Xue Yantuo people, only then is it possible to achieve this."

Lin Zhuang first enjoyed his drink, prompting Long Ying and Feng Guoting to recall that he was a Hu people who had migrated to the plateau

The Dragon Eagle said casually: "They are all old friends. Ha!"

Dada could not help but chuckle, but upon seeing Ding Fumin, Mi Nantian, and Lin Zhuang all wearing serious expressions, hurriedly covered her mouth

In the Wilderness Dance: "To kill Bian Ao, it is essential to take the Turks into account. According to the information we have received, Mo Chuo is already aware that Eagle Master will come to deal with Bian Ao, and he boasts that this time he will not allow Eagle Master to return alive to the Divine Capital."

Regardless of how optimistic they may be, adults tend to be more detached, holding a certain critical spirit towards the world. At the moment just before their expedition, they are filled with anxiety and concern, which starkly contrasts with the innocence of a child who lives only in the present moment.

Long Ying gave a thumbs up to Feng and praised, "Young master truly understands my heart"

Ding Fumin exclaimed in surprise: "I can return to Yumen Pass to obtain the official document from the border defense general Xu Bainian, but the round trip will take at least ten days."

Long Ying set aside his memories of Ai Er and smiled, saying: "It doesn't matter if there are no camels; the most important thing is to borrow from those who have camels. Isn't that right?"

The wind passed through the courtyard and nodded, saying: "Therefore, Mo Chuo is well aware that we have come to seek wwwhetushu.com. He must convey to Bian Ao that he will spare no effort to crush our orders. In this situation, the journey will be extremely difficult. They are far more familiar with the environment in this area than we are, and they know it like the back of their hand. Moreover, they are supported by the grand ideal of national restoration, united in purpose, and should not be underestimated."

Long Ying accompanied with a smile and said, "Young master, please do not be angry."

The wind passed through the courtyard, and with a frown, he asked: "What exactly is the follow-up?"

Dada still embodies the vibrant and fearless spirit of a newborn calf, stating: "Our clan has dispatched the best one hundred hunters to delve into the Great Desert, the Moheyan Dunes, and the Kuruktag Mountains, taking turns to scout the situation of the Xueyantuo people. Bian'ao has transitioned from obscurity to prominence, and with the assistance of a large number of craftsmen sent by Mo Che, a stone fortress with formidable defensive capabilities has been constructed along a branch of the Kuruktag known as 'Tianding,' clearly indicating that we are unafraid to confront the Dujie faction head-on. This year, Bian'ao has made rapid progress in expansion; the scattered Xueyantuo people have returned upon hearing the news, along with the allegiance of the Remei tribe, estimating that the number of those who can take to the battlefield has reached seven thousand five hundred."

Generally speaking, the entire Western Region, from north to south, consists of alternating mountains and basins, predominantly characterized by deserts and semi-arid gravel plains, interspersed with various large and small oasis plains. To the north lies the Altai Mountains, to the south the Kunlun Mountains, while the Tianshan Mountains in the center divide the Western Region into northern and southern halves. Although the arid desert climate results in low rainfall throughout the area, the glacial world atop the mountains, with its icy peaks and snowy ridges rising like a white jade screen against the sky, brings forth torrents of water during the warm spring when the mountain snow melts, irrigating the lush oases below. The various nations, large and small, are established in these oases, ensuring an abundance of water.

The wilderness dance left her utterly perplexed, revealing a look of suspicion, as she said: "Eagle Master is indeed capable of what others cannot; bad news can be heard as good news."

Long Ying shrugged and said: "He robs people, I rob him; reciprocity is the principle of propriety, and it is only fair. Do not think that I will let Bian Ao go; he is one of our great enemies. A feint to the east to strike in the west is indeed a clever method to lure the snake out of its hole"

After eating their fill, most people went to the square outside to organize their belongings. Long Ying, Feng Guo Ting, Huang Yuan Wu, Mi Nan Tian, Da Da, and Ding Fu Min stayed behind, gathered around a table cleared of empty bowls and plates, discussing methods and routes for the march

The wind passed through the courtyard as Feng Guo handed the goat milk in his hand to Mi Nantian, smiling and saying: "Good lad, are you thinking of dealing with the bandits?"

Turning to Longying Road: "Should we pretend to leave first and then wait here? It is urgent to head to the Nadas Fortress."

Dada exclaimed, "Is Lord Eagle joking?" Realizing his own impudence, he quickly fell silent, displaying an expression of apology.

With a sudden increase in strength, Long Ying and others were very excited. After settling everyone, they went to the main hall of the ancient castle to discuss matters with Huang Yuanwu and Da Da.

Looking at the expressions of the crowd, everyone agrees with the view of seeking difficulties in the heavens

Everyone noticed his expression and paid close attention to what he had to say

Eagle's words made me think of a possibility

The wind passes through the courtyard path: "We can still strike while advancing, grasping the enemy's tail, taking the opportunity to break through the Muling Pass, and shaking the entire defensive line of the border."

In the twenty-first year of the Zhenguan era, the Tang Dynasty established a supervisory prefecture among the thirteen tribes of the Huigu and Tiele. The leader of the Huigu, Tumi Du, was appointed as the Governor of the Hanhai, and the father of Dujie Zhi, Bisudu, was placed under the jurisdiction of the Hanhai Protectorate, overseeing the various Tiele tribes.

Long Ying took two sips of water, but his mind was occupied with thoughts of his son, Bao Bao. The little witch and the group of beautiful wives, upon seeing that Long Ying indeed had an heir, were overjoyed and enviously beside themselves. Looking at his beloved son, who was not yet three years old, with a face that seemed to glow, he instinctively felt the child's complete and absolute immersion, satisfaction, joy, and curiosity about the world around him, which could never be found on the face of any adult. Looking at his beloved son, who was not yet three years old, with a face that seemed to glow, he instinctively felt the child's complete and absolute immersion, satisfaction, joy, and curiosity about the world around him, which could never be found on the face of any adult

How does Mo Chuo support the rebel forces of Zhe Nu?

The wind passes through the courtyard, scattering a faint smile, neither affirming nor denying

Long Ying's eyes immediately lit up, and he exclaimed, "It is truly remarkable to conceive such a strategic arrangement."

Dada Dao: "We are unable to detect any significant troop movements among the Xue Yantuo people."

Wasteland Dance: "If I were Bian Ao, I would never leave the new pirate's den, even in death"

Seeking Difficulties in the Heavens: "According to your estimation, how is the military strength of this wooden stockade?"

Ding Fumin expressed with a headache: "Due to the lack of preparation for entering the desert, we only have mules loaded with a hundred heads of grain and supplies, without camels, and we are even more worried that the horses will not be able to endure."

Long Yingdao: "How can we wait? Let us implement a scorched earth policy, reducing this fortress to rubble. All personnel not involved in this distant raid shall withdraw to Yumen Pass, depriving the bandits of a target for their attacks"

Long Ying sneered, "He is a lackey; how can he be the master?"

Dada Dao: "I heard from my fellow clansmen who went to scout that there are three wooden stockades on the high ground outside the pass, with a total of two thousand men, commanded by the formidable general 'Wolfman' Li Dinggu. Such a fierce general with a strong army must be intended to confront our main force"

Long Ying inquired: "Is this the idea conceived by that fellow named Danluo?"

The claws of the Turks have reached this precious land, with the first to bear the brunt being the Tujishi.

As for the situation regarding Bian Ao, it will be addressed by Dada

Dada Road: "On the other side of Muling Pass, it is fortified by a sturdy wooden stockade, and at the perilous cliffs on both sides, sentries and archers are widely deployed, making it quite difficult to breach."

Wasteland said: "Such forbearance and silence do not seem to align with Lord Eagle's usual style"

This "Three Mountains Surrounded by Two Basins" treasure land is uniquely characterized by the Tianshan Mountains, which stretch nearly 2,000 kilometers. Its primeval forests, which block out the sky and sun, extend majestically across the mountains, with forest areas reaching widths of up to 100 miles, representing the most valuable natural asset.

The Wasteland Dance: "No one knows, but as the commander, it is somewhat related to him. This person is currently at the height of his power, having become a figure in the Western Regions whom no one dares to defy. Danluodu has a characteristic: he will not let anyone know where he is, and by the time one encounters him, it is too late for regret. Suoge has suffered several significant losses because of this. Alas! Eagle is being cryptic again! However, seeing you is somewhat like seeing a glimmer of light in absolute darkness." Danluodu has a characteristic: he will not let anyone know where he is, and by the time one encounters him, it is too late for regret. Suoge has suffered several significant losses because of this. Alas! Eagle is being cryptic again! However, seeing you is somewhat like seeing a glimmer of light in absolute darkness.

The wind passes through the courtyard path: "The meticulous calculations of Mo Che are no different from playing with fire; one misstep could lead to self-immolation"

The Hot Meizu is another faction of bandits, covertly supported by Mo Chuo. They were once tasked with ambushing the Longying's Yuntian Stone convoy at the northern end of the Green Shortcut, but returned in utter defeat

The Dragon Eagle Chronicles recalls the beautiful and tearful intelligence network of a stunning woman, evoking a strong longing for this uniquely styled beauty, whose dance skills are divine. It states: "Bian Ao is merely a pawn being used; Mo Che will not allow him to grow powerful, but will instead watch from the sidelines as the tiger fights, leading to mutual destruction between him and Du Jie Zhi."

Mi Nantian agreed, saying: "No matter how powerful Nadas is, it can never compare to Wind City. We must also consider that the Turks should possess catapults and formidable firearms supplied by the great river, which are particularly effective against fortified positions. As long as the opponent clears the pitfalls and traps around the fortress, we will be left with no choice but to be slaughtered. With about one thousand people, how can we securely defend three fortresses that are half a mile apart from each other?"

Long Eagle Path: "Ten days is enough for us to cover a small part of the journey"

Of course, there is evidence to support it

The so-called Hanhai Army refers to the location where troops were stationed during the early Tang Dynasty. The larger units are referred to as "armies," while the smaller ones are called "garrisons." Therefore, from Gongyue to Hanhai Army, there are several military strongholds such as Xilin Garrison, Heishui Garrison, Yehe Garrison, and Zhangbao City Garrison.

If such a vast and resource-rich land, still awaiting development, were to fall into the hands of Mo Chuo, the increase in national strength would likely need to be calculated in multiples

Long Ying leisurely remarked: "Brother, what kind of situation have I, Long Ying, not encountered? Do not be misled by our mere thousand or so men; our strength is formidable. If Bian Ao is willing to come out of the fortress to face us in a decisive battle, I can guarantee that we can behead that bandit leader. But what use is it to kill him alone? The most important thing is to protect the Uighurs, as well as Gaochang, Yanqi, and your Kuche, extending to the countries south of the Taklamakan Desert, such as Yutian and Qiemu."

Seeking the Difficult Path: "It is by no means easy to kill Bian Ao"

Mi Nan Tian looked around at his comrades and said: "This also continues what Eagle Master said yesterday, which is, is he afraid of Yao? Of course, he is terrified. Mo Che will absolutely not allow Eagle Master to intervene in his battle against the annihilation of the cavalry at this critical moment"

Brother Lin, you truly deserve to be called a knowledgeable strategist, as you have thoroughly discerned the intentions of the Turks