Chapter 3, Passionate Blood and Cold Wind
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Monster? Yang Jin felt an inexplicable shock in her heart, and before she could think it through, the enemies pursuing her had already closed in.
"I just picked it up." Yang Xu looked up at his brother
"Brother will help you keep it safe, and later I will make you a more fun windmill," Yang Jin said, gently stroking Yang Xu's hair to comfort him
Haha! What a bit of confidence! Using a crossbow alone is certainly different from a crossbow formation; adapting to the situation is not necessarily a poor strategy." The general laughed heartily.
A sudden gust of strong wind swept through, causing the military flags to flutter and snap, sand and gravel to scatter, and a suffocating stench mixed in the wind, abruptly interrupting the banter and playful arguments among the brothers
During the period of the Seven Warring States, the Rong and Di tribes took the opportunity to occupy a large expanse of territory from the former state of Zhao
Reinforcements have arrived! Yang Jin, holding Yang Xu, mounted the warhorse and commanded everyone, "Break through! Coordinate with the reinforcements from within and without!"
"The enemy forces are attacking from the north, hurry and go to reinforce them," the officer said, and without waiting for a response from the others, he immediately rushed into the military camp to summon reinforcements
Yang Jin's military career has officially begun
The soldiers shouted in unison, their fighting spirit ignited and unstoppable
Yang Jin's father, Yang Maoshi, was a disciple of the Mohist school. The Mohist school is a rigorously disciplined academic organization, whose leader is referred to as the "Giant". Members who serve as officials in various states must promote Mohist principles, and their salaries must be contributed to the organization. The school advocates for equality and mutual love among people (Jian Ai), opposes aggression (Fei Gong), promotes frugality, and opposes extravagance (Jie Yong). It emphasizes the importance of inheriting the cultural wealth of predecessors (Ming Gui) and understanding the laws of nature (Tian Zhi). The Mohists are particularly skilled in manufacturing, being on par with Lu Ban.
The monster let out a wail and fell to the ground alongside Yang Jin. On the long street, only silence remained, interrupted occasionally by the crackling sounds of the flames. After a short while, Yang Jin shakily stood up, spitting out a mouthful of blood. Due to the excessive force, the battle blade had broken within the monster's chest. Fortunately, the armor protected him; otherwise, the hilt would have shattered Yang Jin's ribs, leaving him with only excruciating pain in his abdomen. Yang Jin wiped the blood from his lips, discarded the broken blade onto the ground, and bent down to pick up the still-frightened Yang Xu. Fortunately, the armor protected him; otherwise, the hilt would have shattered Yang Jin's ribs, leaving him with only excruciating pain in his abdomen. Yang Jin wiped the blood from his lips, discarded the broken blade onto the ground, and bent down to pick up the still-frightened Yang Xu.
Gu Yong jumped up excitedly, disregarding his filthy appearance, and embraced Yang Jin. Wu Zhuo and several others surrounded them, looking at Yang Jin with envy
The military order has arrived, and Gu Yong, unable to contain himself, rushed towards the north of the city without waiting for Wu Zhuo's instructions, thus becoming the leader of the five-person team
Perhaps it was because I had never seen my brother so humble and cautious towards others, that Yang Xu beside me began to laugh and dance with joy
"What is that smell? It is so unpleasant." Tian Rui covered his mouth and nose, wrinkling his brow in disgust
The monster was still thirty steps away from Yang Xu, while Yang Jin's warhorse was even faster, closing the distance to less than fifty steps. The crossbow bolt was released, but the horse's hoof struck a hard object, causing Yang Jin's arrow to veer off and hit the monster in the shoulder. Yang Jin reached for another crossbow bolt, but the remaining distance was insufficient to draw the bow and shoot. Yang Xu fell to the ground, and the monster had already approached closely.
The firelight illuminated that hideous face, and Yang Jin finally understood why the fleeing residents shouted about monsters. He stared in disbelief at the creature before him. Its features resembled those of a ferocious beast, with deep-set eyes, flaring nostrils, a mouth full of fangs, hairless skin, and broad, sharp claws. Yang Jin's blade cut into the monster's arm, yet the creature remained oblivious to the pain, as if it would not rest until it had torn open Yang Jin's throat.
Yang Jin and his fellow soldiers spent their days practicing martial arts, but much of their time was also devoted to laborious tasks such as construction and land reclamation. The monotonous days left Gu Yong, who yearned for battle, lamenting his situation, eagerly awaiting the enemy as one would long for a long-lost relative. In contrast, Yang Jin was content with the status quo, able to live a stable life with his brother without having to worry about others' opinions, and thus felt satisfied.
As the elder brother, Wu Zhuo was the most composed and calm, reassuring Gu Yong, who was searching for enemy information: "Do not act rashly; follow orders and proceed accordingly"
At this moment, the military camp where Yang Jin was located was also engulfed in flames, with shadows of demons and the Qin army intertwining amidst the blaze, engaged in fierce combat. Yang Jin's body was covered in sweat, his hair standing on end, as he kicked the horse's belly fiercely, causing the steed to leap into the air and charge into the camp. Gu Yong understood Yang Jin's concerns and called for Wu Zhuo and others to follow closely behind.
The northern pastures are already in a state of transition, Yang Jin interjected, in stark contrast to Gu Yong, who most dreaded the disruption of a stable and quiet life, Soon, the Hu people will inevitably march southward
The terrain of Yunchong County is flat, and the Qin army practices group combat formations daily, emphasizing measured advances and retreats, as well as a balance of offense and defense. Even in a frontal charge and chaotic battle, they can maintain order both in the front and back, as well as on the left and right. Yang Jin, who does not come from a martial arts background, has spent more than half a year in the army. Despite receiving much guidance from Gu Yong, his martial skills remain average. If he were to find himself on the battlefield one day, he does not seek to kill enemies but merely to ensure his own safety. It was only later that everyone discovered Yang Jin's exceptional archery skills, which is why Gu Yong took this action.
Yang Xu, who had not slept all night, could no longer resist his drowsiness and fell into a deep sleep beside Yang Jin. As he breathed deeply, Yang Jin recalled that strange dream. It had been more than six months since he had been stationed at the border, and he had not dreamed of anything similar since then. Now, for the first time, he seriously contemplated that dream. Could it be that the dream was not merely a dream?
The barracks where Yang Jin was supposed to live with four others had already seen three of them arrive when Yang Jin entered with his younger brother Yang Xu. One of them was sitting boldly on the freshly laid grass couch, boasting animatedly with spittle flying.
Yang Xu bit his finger in his mouth, gazing at Yang Jin. Whenever he was unable to answer a question, he would wear this expression. Seeing this, Yang Jin no longer asked further questions. The ancient artifact had a very peculiar style, especially the indecipherable text on the back, which seemed to hold some mystery, so he casually tucked it into his bosom
Gu Yongren lived up to his name, regardless of whether the opponent was human or demon, he unleashed the battle intent that had been pent up for over half a year, charging forward with his blade against the enemy. Wu Zhuo and others also drew their weapons, engaging in close combat with the enemy. The attacking enemy soldiers varied in height, and strangely, they were all barehanded, their movements wild and uncoordinated, frequently emitting beast-like roars.
The position of a regiment commander is merely at the level of a military district, requiring no military achievements; one can attain it after a few years of service, as long as they can survive multiple encounters on the battlefield. However, compared to most recruits from commoner backgrounds, Gu Yong's family background is quite distinguished, and it is inevitable that he would want to show off a bit during their first meeting
At the time when Emperor Qin was conscripting soldiers and relocating people, Yang Jin noticed that Yang She was reluctant to part with his young son and go to the frontier. Therefore, he voluntarily offered to represent his younger brother in military service. Yang She was overjoyed and had no reason to refuse. He pretended to shed tears and, to prevent Yang Jin from having second thoughts, hastily instructed the family to prepare new clothes and travel expenses for his "worthy nephew." Yang Jin was uneasy about leaving his younger brother Yang Xu alone at his uncle's house, so he decided to take him along on the journey.
Majestic! Majestic! The soldiers were deeply inspired, responding to the call with one voice, their spirits high, as if they were already on the verge of a great victory, momentarily forgetting that they were still surrounded by the monsters. Before the cheers had subsided, the sound of hooves thundered in the distance, as reinforcements had already arrived. Yang Jin's warhorse seemed to have developed a bond with him, leisurely walking back to his side, nudging its nose against Yang Jin's cheek, as if urging him to mount and continue galloping on the battlefield
Meng Tian rode away, his smile gradually fading, as his thoughts returned to the enemies who had stealthily attacked the town at night. The remaining corpses, although appearing vaguely human in the darkness, bore such strange features that anyone who was not blind could tell they were definitely not human, but rather the legendary monsters. Meng Tian, experienced in the battlefield and well-informed, had never encountered such monsters before; amidst his shock, he felt even more perplexed. Fortunately, although these creatures appeared terrifying, they were ultimately flesh and blood, and could be killed.
Yang Jin and others hurriedly knelt down. Upon seeing this, Yang Xu, though unaware of the reason, quickly followed suit and knelt beside Yang Jin, appearing both endearing and comical
Meng Tian's army advanced with chariots leading the way, their crossbows like locusts, unstoppable in their might, causing the Rong and Di tribes to flee in fear
Yang Jin awoke from his dream in a state of great distress, realizing that the sun was already high in the sky outside the tent, while the weary Qin soldiers were still tidying up the aftermath. A soldier brought over the warhorse that Yang Jin had been riding, mistakenly believing it to be Yang Jin's personal steed. Yang Jin mounted the horse and sought out Wu Zhuo, asking him to take care of the still-sleeping Yang Xu, before setting off alone towards Yunzhong City.
"Pah! I will not flee!" Gu Yong spat at Tao Su, rubbing his fists together, eager to try his hand. "You all have escaped cleanly, but I will not run away. A true man faces death with honor, wrapped in the leather of his horse."
Yang Jin lived in the State of Yan during his early years. He was aware that the Hu people excelled in horseback riding and archery, moving like the wind. They would descend southward to plunder, seeking only speed, never engaging in protracted battles, which was in stark contrast to the current situation before him
Although he is currently unable to make sense of the situation, he can be certain that the appearance of the monsters is definitely related to his dreams. However, the miraculous objects in those dreams are far more difficult to deal with than these monsters. This time, although the Qin army was unprepared and suffered heavy losses, they ultimately relied on human strength to repel the monsters. After all, they are not immortal beings like Xing Tian, and they are even inferior to Li Mu.
Just as Yang Jin was at a loss, amidst the frenzied roar, a gust of wind rushed past his ear. Instinctively, Yang Jin raised his blade to block, but the opponent's force was overwhelming, immediately pressing Yang Jin down. Yang Jin barely managed to hold up against the relentless pressure with his blade; it was a primitive and brutal strength that he found difficult to resist. The opponent continued to roar, exerting brute force, closing the distance between them.
Madam Yang fell ill during the journey, and after several hardships, the Yang brothers finally found Yang She. However, despite their uncle-nephew relationship, there was no familial affection. At that time, Yang Jin was fifteen years old, and Yang Xu was only three. In their uncle's home, they endured cold words and disdain, sleeping on a leaky roof on straw mats and eating leftover cold dishes. Thus, two years passed, during which they were guests in name but slaves in reality.
As the sun rises in the east, a delicate mist rises from the depths of the grassland, and the triumphant procession appears as if divine soldiers returning from the sun, their armor gleaming and banners fluttering. The two leading riders come to a halt before Yang Jin, and the troops behind them gradually pass by on both sides. Upon seeing the commanding officer's imposing demeanor, Yang Jin realizes that the other party holds a high military rank, and promptly dismounts, also taking Yang Xu down from the horse's back.
After everyone called each other brothers and explained their identities and backgrounds, it became clear that each person had their own history. Some had once belonged to prominent families, while others had held high positions in the Six States. However, due to years of warfare, they either faced defeat or left their hometowns, ultimately falling to the status of commoners. This is why they sought a new beginning in the border region of Yunzhong County. Gu Yong could not help but feel a sense of shame for his earlier boastfulness about his family background.
Yang Xu's call floated into Yang Jin's ears with remarkable clarity, carried by the wind. Following the sound, Yang Jin looked towards the other end of the long street, where a small figure crawled out from a pile of weeds that had fortunately escaped the fire. This was a trick that Yang Jin had once played with his younger brother; while staying at Yang She's house, with nothing to play with, Yang She would hide in the pile of grass, prompting Yang Xu to come and find him. In this critical moment, it was only natural for Yang Xu to imitate his brother.
The squad composed of five brothers was invincible, vanquishing all monsters wherever they went, while the Qin army arrived one after another to join the battle. Tao Su brought a warhorse for Yang Jin, who mounted it and, following the same tactics, commanded the infantry and crossbowmen. In the deep of night, those who did not recognize Yang Jin could not discern his rank; they only saw his grand demeanor and orderly command. Moreover, the Qin army was always well-trained, acting entirely according to his orders, quickly stabilizing the situation.
"Why didn't the outpost detect the enemy's attack?" Wu Zhuozhen looked in shock at the brutal battlefield
The arrow whizzed past Gu Yong's cheek, and a monstrous creature collapsed behind him with a loud thud, the arrow piercing accurately through the creature's throat. Gu Yong stared in astonishment at what was behind him, then turned to look at Yang Jin.
I heard that during the night battle against the Hu people, a remarkably courageous young hero emerged! The general's eyes sparkled like lightning, his pitch-black gaze fixed on Yang Jin. After a moment, he looked at Yang Xu beside Yang Jin with great interest and smiled slightly
"Old Four," Tao Su has never referred to Gu Yong as elder brother, and Gu Yong does not mind, smiling as he says, "When the time comes, you better not be the first to run away"
On the banks of the Yellow River, the Qin army, primarily composed of infantry, engaged in a life-and-death battle with the cavalry of the Rong and Di tribes
Countless wooden houses built from the great trees of the wilderness have formed orderly barracks, while the lush wild grasses, also gathered from the desolate plains, have been laid on the roofs and used as bedding. The enthusiastic people of the Qin Dynasty are diligently developing this barren land
Among these individuals, Wu Zhuo is the oldest, already twenty-three years of age, and is regarded as the elder brother. The last to enter is Tian Rui, who is the second brother. Yang Jin is slightly older than Gu Yong by more than a month, placing him in the third position, while Gu Yong, who was the first to propose, has become the fourth brother. Following him is Tao Su, and naturally, the youngest is Yang Xu, who is only five years old.
The Qin army engaged in battle, with crossbows positioned at the front and infantry pressing behind. As the two armies clashed, a barrage of indiscriminate arrows rained down in a long-range attack. Yang Jin, being alone, found it difficult to create a rain of arrows. Moreover, the movements of the monsters were too swift, so he stayed behind Gu Yong and the other three, using his crossbow to protect the vulnerable blind spots of their bodies. At the same time, he issued commands, guiding the four to adjust their positions according to the terrain, occupy advantageous locations, and always remain within his range. As a result, the effect was immediately apparent; Gu Yong and the others, free from worries about their rear, fought bravely in the front, while Yang Jin, following closely behind, could also confidently retrieve the arrows he had shot.
Yang Jin carefully examined the bronze artifact. The ability to inscribe characters on a bronze vessel must indicate a certain feudal lord. Yang Jin searched his mind for the names of the feudal lords he had previously encountered, but ultimately found nothing.
Although Wu Zhuo was composed, he was still facing this situation for the first time and was momentarily at a loss as to how to give orders. Just as he was hesitating, a cavalryman on a swift horse galloped in. The officer on horseback reined in his horse, pointed his whip at the crowd, and sternly asked: "Who is Corporal Wu?"
Ten steps, five steps, the monster's claws turned towards Yang Jin, who faced the claws with a sideways stance. In the blink of an eye, the warhorse with an empty saddle continued its momentum, brushing past the monster, and Yang Jin collided violently with the creature, blood gushing forth from between their two bodies
The Qin army pursued until they reached the outskirts of the city, where a faint light began to appear on the horizon, and the monsters vanished into the last darkness before dawn. Yang Jin reined in his horse outside the city, and the sudden relaxation of his tense nerves made it difficult for him to accept the emptiness and chill of the wilderness. The fierce battle of the entire night felt more like a nightmare, becoming vague and unclear as he awoke. Yang Jin turned to look back at the town, where flames blazed fiercely, and the air was filled with the acrid smell of burning. The cold reality before him starkly reminded him that everything had indeed happened.
"Third Brother, are you alright?" Gu Yong unexpectedly produced a short crossbow along with a quiver of arrows and stuffed them into Yang Jin's arms, saying, "This is for you."
After Yang Jin recounted his family's background, the three men from the same barracks were enraged and continuously cursed Yang Jin's unscrupulous uncle. Yang Jin deeply bowed to Gu Yong and the others, saying: "As my younger brother is still young and has no other relatives, I can only keep him by my side to live with you all. If this causes any inconvenience, I hope for your understanding"
"Oh, isn't this Brother Yang!" Gu Yong saw Yang Jin and quickly greeted him. The two had chatted on the way and were acquainted. Seeing Yang Xu still following Yang Jin, he couldn't help but be surprised, "Brother Yang, why did you bring your brother along as well?"
It must have been during the monster raid. Yang Jin curiously continued to ask, "Where did you find it?"
In the past, King Wuling of Zhao introduced the Hu clothing and mounted archery into the Central Plains, striving for reform and governance, which led to the rise of Zhao as a great power in the north. The cavalry of Zhao became a formidable force in the chaotic times. Yang Jin, on the other hand, was a man from the State of Yan, which was closely related to Zhao. However, that is all a thing of the past; now, with the six states destroyed and the world unified, with the same tracks for vehicles and the same script for writing, everyone is now a subject of the Qin Dynasty.
Meng Tian primarily undertook four major tasks in Yunzhong Commandery: first, the construction of fortified cities along the river for the garrisoning of troops and settlement of civilians; second, the reclamation of land for agriculture; third, the building of the Great Wall; and fourth, the defense against the periodic incursions and disturbances by the Qiang people
Brother San is mighty! Gu Yong laughed excitedly, raising his knife and shouting with his arm raised high
"It is I, your subordinate." Wu Zhuo stepped forward quickly to report.
The northern part of the city has become akin to a hell on earth, filled with chaotic human voices and the neighing of warhorses. A cluster of flames shot up into the sky, and the fire, driven by the wind, quickly ignited the row houses, swirling and soaring like a dragon in distress, enveloping the town in a sea of red light in an instant. The hurriedly mobilized Qin army was too preoccupied to care for themselves, while the unarmed residents could only flee in panic amidst their wails. Although some residents wielding farming tools occasionally appeared amidst the flames, they swiftly fell victim to the relentless pursuit and slaughter by the enemy forces. The once peaceful and prosperous town had, in the blink of an eye, turned into a scene of carnage with corpses strewn everywhere.
Yang Jin truthfully replied: "The subordinate enlisted in the spring, and to this day has achieved no merit whatsoever"
The garrison troops are distinct from the army directly under General Meng Tian. The three hundred thousand troops commanded by General Meng are the elite forces of the Qin Dynasty, known for their ferocity. Once the border troubles are completely quelled, this army will return to the Central Plains, at which point the garrison troops will take over the defense responsibilities
However, the fire was raging, and monsters emerged one after another, advancing relentlessly. Meanwhile, reinforcements from the rear were still delayed. Yang Jin, concerned for Yang Xu's safety, led the troops to fight while retreating.
The cavalry of the Great Qin arrived, with strong bows and powerful crossbows firing in unison. As the long spears passed through, the demonic creatures fell one after another like crops harvested in autumn. Yang Jin's army, like a sharp blade, carved a bloody path through the horde of demons, joining forces with the reinforcements to begin the encirclement and extermination of the demons. Although the demons were ignorant and dull, still bound by their beastly nature and lacking an understanding of military tactics, they instinctively sensed that the situation was dire and began to flee in panic.
Yang Jin sighed and said, "It is difficult to explain in a few words"
The army of Meng Tian was like a rainbow, achieving victory step by step, causing the Hu people to dare not descend south to graze their horses, and the soldiers did not dare to bend their bows and complain. The old territories of the Zhao state were completely restored. Emperor Shi Huang then relocated 30,000 households to strengthen the two commanderies of Yunzhong and Jiuyuan. Yang Jin and Yang Xu, the two brothers, were among this group of relocated people
My name is Gu Yong. It can be said that I come from a military family. My father once served as a garrison commander under General Wang Ben. In those years, he was indeed an old soldier who charged into battle and captured cities!" Gu Yong stroked his nonexistent beard and said, "Upon learning that this conscription was to serve alongside General Meng Tian at the border, I immediately volunteered to enlist in the army.
Gu Yong's roar surged like a hot current into Yang Jin's mind, awakening him as if from a dream. He realized why he had brought Yang Xu through mountains and rivers to the border: it was because, whether in reality or in a dream, he could not allow Yang Xu to be harmed. In a flash, Yang Jin drew a short arrow from the quiver, placed it in the bowstring, and tightened the crossbow string, executing the movements in one fluid motion as he raised the crossbow and shot it towards Gu Yong.
At this thought, a feeling of sorrow replaced the joy of victory. Yang Jin lowered his head to look at Yang Xu, who had already forgotten the panic from earlier, sitting atop a tall horse, waving an instrument in his hand, shouting: "Fight the monsters, fight the monsters"
Yunzhong County, an old territory of the Zhao State, is bordered to the west by the Weishui River and looks north towards the Yin Mountains
After the First Emperor unified the realm, he dispatched the great general Meng Tian with an army of 300,000 to campaign against the Rong and Di tribes
"Third Brother, General Meng Tian intends to promote you. It won't be long before you achieve great success," Gu Yong said with a hint of jealousy. "My father worked hard all his life and only became a village chief. Don't forget about us brothers in the future."
Thank you for the commendation, General! Yang Jin respectfully said as he performed a salute
"Aren't you afraid of accidentally injuring your own people when you aim with a crossbow?" The general asked Yang Jin with a meaningful smile
"Well said! No need to be polite! From now on, we are brothers in arms; your brother is my brother!" Gu Yong boldly helped Yang Jin up and suddenly had a brilliant idea, "I say, brothers, since we are all of similar age and have the fortune to sleep under the same roof, why not become brothers?"
A fierce wind blew from the north, and five individuals walked against the wind, which was filled with a large amount of sand and gravel. Yang Jin felt perplexed; although the Yunchong County was lush with water and grass, and despite the occasional north wind after winter set in, where did this sand and gravel come from? The urgent situation left Yang Jin little time to ponder the answer to this question
However, Meng Tian was well aware that people are always prone to fear the unknown. Therefore, he ordered his elite troops to personally take charge of cleaning the battlefield, gathering the monsters and burning them in a single blaze. To the outside world, he only stated that the Qiang had launched an attack; otherwise, many of the border residents who had migrated might panic and flee.
Yang Jin had never seen the object in Yang Xu's hand. Curiously, she took it and examined it closely. It was a piece of bronze ware, resembling a palm-sized shield. The front was cast with the ancient character "曾", while the back bore twisted and strange inscriptions that Yang Jin found difficult to decipher. However, as a disciple of the Mohist school, Yang Jin was quite knowledgeable about casting, and from the surface of the bronze ware, it was evident that this was an ancient artifact
"Drink!" Gu Yong's thunderous shout descended from the heavens. The tip of the blade barely grazed Yang Jin's nose as the head of the demon rolled into the dust. Gu Yong kicked the corpse aside and stepped forward to help Yang Jin up
Brother! A voice, filled with terror and youthful innocence, finally responded to the calls that echoed all around.
Think about Xu Er!" Gu Yong shouted desperately, "What will he do if you die here!"
"Just now, you almost hit me with that axe." Yang Jin, having calmed down, pulled the arrow from the monster's throat and laughed heartily with Gu Yong
After the dawn, there will be nothing but scorched earth and ruins. Originally, apart from the stationed troops, this place was filled with refugees who admired General Meng Tian. In just one night, they lost their homes once again, and countless lives were extinguished on the spot
Time flies, and the northern grasslands have turned from green to yellow as the autumn winds arise. During the day, the sun still warms the earth, but at night, it feels almost like mid-winter. On this night, Yang Jin and others are on duty, and the cold of the armor seeps through their clothing, piercing their skin and causing them to shiver.
Yang Jin abandoned the crossbow and drew his sword, while Yang Xu cried out incessantly, as the demon raised its sharp claws high.
The monster is fifty paces away from Yang Xu, and Yang Jin is eighty paces away from the monster, preparing to shoot an arrow from his crossbow
"Ah, why bother arguing with a mischievous child?" Meng Tian shot a reproachful glance at his deputy and then asked Yang Jin, "What is your name?"
Where in the barracks is there still a trace of Yang Xu? Yang Jin rode around searching, calling out Yang Xu's name. Gu Yong dispatched a team of men to search in other directions, ordering everyone to call out Yang Xu in unison. The soldiers, seeing Gu Yong covered in blood, resembling a hellish demon, and referring to the commander as brother, naturally complied. In an instant, the name "Yang Xu" echoed through the night sky
In the martial spirit of the Great Qin, the young Yang Jin chose to enlist in the military without hesitation, becoming a sentinel.
Several panicked residents brushed past Yang Jin and others, continuously shouting: "Monster! Monster!"
However, the appearance of Yang Xu not only attracted Yang Jin, but also drew a monstrous creature. The monster roared as it leaped down from the rooftop, pursuing Yang Xu, its heavy and rapid footsteps shaking the long street. Seeing the terrifying creature chasing behind him, Yang Xu cried out and ran towards Yang Jin, ultimately still young and unable to escape the shadow of the monster's pursuit
The garrisoned town has been burned down, reduced to ruins. Yang Jin tossed and turned in the makeshift tent, aware that those outside were whispering about what the night raid's monsters could be. However, many who had never faced these creatures were making baseless speculations. Some claimed they were demons descending from the sky, while others suggested they were beasts from the depths of the grasslands. Yet he had seen those monsters with his own eyes. However, many who had never faced these creatures were making baseless speculations. Some claimed they were demons descending from the sky, while others suggested they were beasts from the depths of the grasslands. Yet he had seen those monsters with his own eyes.
"That belongs to Xu Er, that is Xu Er's." Yang Xu waved his hands at Yang Jin, trying to reclaim the ancient artifact.
Yang Jin pondered and unconsciously took out the bronze artifact from his bosom. Yang Xu had found this artifact at night. Having stayed in the camp for more than six months, he should have found it earlier if it were merely a matter of chance. Why was it that he found it just as the demonic creatures appeared? It is likely that a simple coincidence cannot explain this. Could it be that this bronze artifact was brought by those monsters?
The scene before Yang Jin struck him like a bolt from the blue. Without a second thought, he urged the reins, and the warhorse let out a long neigh as it galloped towards the demon. Yang Jin reached into his quiver and drew out a crossbow bolt. The Great Qin crossbow could shoot a hundred paces, while the horse crossbow in Yang Jin's hand could only shoot fifty paces.
As soon as the words fell, in the northern part of the city under the night sky, flames flickered, but in the blink of an eye, they were extinguished in the darkness, followed by the chilling screams that shattered the deep silence of the night. The five brothers, including Yang Jin, exchanged glances, and even Gu Yong was momentarily stunned by the sudden change. He then tightened his grip on the battle knife, his eyes filled with fighting spirit reflecting the light of the stars and moon, eagerly looking towards Wu Zhuo
During the time when Yang Xu was growing, Yang Jin and others contributed a portion of their rations. Additionally, through the continuous process of reclaiming land and cultivating fields, they often caught wild game, which helped him grow robust and strong
Yang Mao was once a retainer of the official family in the State of Yan. When the Qin army was pressing in, Yang Mao knew that King Zheng of Qin would surely avenge the hatred of Prince Dan sending Jing Ke to assassinate him. He led his entire family to change their names and live in seclusion in the countryside. Two years later, the State of Yan was destroyed, and more than a decade later, Yang Mao passed away. Before his death, he entrusted his wife and their two children, Yang Jin and Yang Xu, to seek refuge with their distant relative Yang She in Xianyang.
Yang Jin coordinated the central command, with Tian Rui and Tao Su issuing orders, while Wu Zhuo and Gu Yong led their troops to engage in clashes amidst the throngs of monsters
"What kind of weather is this?" Gu Yong complained, "There are no battles to fight, I should have known better than to come here."
The efficiency of the Great Qin government is undoubtedly high. Yang Jin quickly received the waist token, military uniform, and weapons along with his brother, and they were assigned to a barracks located five miles from the main city. These relocated border residents are free to choose their professions, and Yang Jin chose to become a border guard.
"Xuer, where did this come from?" Yang Jin gently asked while stroking Yang Xu's hair
Yang Jin readily agreed, and the other two also echoed their approval. Just then, the last sentry arrived to report in. As he entered the barracks, still unclear about what was happening, he was unceremoniously grabbed by Gu Yong and pressed to the ground. The others knelt down, taking heaven and earth as witnesses, and from that moment on, they became sworn brothers of different surnames.
The feeling of exhaustion from the all-night battle surged over Yang Jin as he held the ancient bronze artifact and fell into a deep sleep. In his dreams, he saw the demonic creatures rampaging through the city, with fire rain falling from the sky. The crossbow bolts in his hand were decayed and unusable, while the Qin soldiers desperately fought against the demons. The leaping demons pounced on the Qin soldiers, frantically devouring them. A human head fell at Yang Jin's feet; it was Gu Yong, who kept saying something to Yang Jin, but he could not hear a word. Then Gu Yong's head began to laugh, swirling and dancing around Yang Jin. The leaping demons pounced on the Qin soldiers, frantically devouring them. A human head fell at Yang Jin's feet; it was Gu Yong, who kept saying something to Yang Jin, but he could not hear a word. Then Gu Yong's head began to laugh, swirling and dancing around Yang Jin.
Gu Yong did not understand the true reason for Yang Jin's daze. At the moment he severed the head of the monster, it seemed that Yang Jin once again saw the enormous body that had fallen on the Zhuolu Plain. The night raid by the monster made him suspect that he had returned to that exceptionally vivid nightmare. Although the monster was completely different in form from the army of Chiyou, the feeling was remarkably similar
Seeing Yang Jin still lost in thought, Gu Yong shook Yang Jin's shoulder and anxiously shouted: "Third Brother, this is a real battle, you need to pull yourself together"
Is this the great general? The person before us is General Meng Tian, a renowned commander in front of Emperor Qin, who led an army of three hundred thousand fierce troops from Yunzhong
"Impudent!" the deputy general reprimanded sternly, "In the presence of the Grand General, how dare you be disrespectful!"
The original city of Yunzhong was quite small and had been repeatedly damaged in the ravages of war, resembling a wasteland. With thirty thousand households, amounting to over one hundred thousand people, along with three hundred thousand troops stationed at the border, the original residents of the Zhao state, and the countless laborers sent by the First Emperor to construct the border wall, although they were not concentrated in Yunzhong alone, this once desolate area gradually became incredibly bustling.
Yang Jin, you are hereby appointed as the commander of the屯. Return and rest for half a day, and report to the main camp in Yunzhong at noon. " After Meng Tian finished speaking, he led his deputy general away on horseback.
"Driven by the circumstances, this is the only course of action. Furthermore, my subordinates still have some confidence in their archery skills!" Yang Jin hurriedly lowered his head
"It must be the Hu people's horse meat!" Gu Yong excitedly drew his knife and said to Yang Jin, "Third Brother, you were indeed right!"
"Subordinate Yang Jin." Yang Jin replied with his head bowed