Chapter 2, The Land of Barbarians

All are cavalry! The number is unclear!

None of them like it! I think calling it "Bai Chuan Hong Fen Jun" sounds very nice!

The subsequent troops remained completely composed and unafraid, launching continuous assaults, and in an instant, they had all surged in, initiating the melee

The astute bookseller came that evening to rush the publication: "The Biography of General Sterling," "My Encounters with Sterling: Stories That Must Be Told—Absolute Privacy of Li Qingqi," and "Sterling: Coming Down from the Pedestal"

The soldiers stirred, but under the constraints of good discipline, no one made a noise

The weather is so hot, and the president is suffering from high blood pressure, working so hard; he should take care of his health! Zichuan Xiu had a very pained expression, inwardly praying to all the deities he knew, whether they were believed in or not: please bless him, it would be best if the president fell ill and never recovered, just die already!

I have long heard that Lord Xiuchuan is well-versed in military affairs. A wise person like you must certainly understand the principle that 'quality is more valuable than quantity.' Although the troops we have assembled may be... at that point, we hold an absolute advantage in quality. A hundred elite soldiers can defeat a thousand mediocre ones. The average age of our assembled soldiers is thirty-one. In terms of structural composition, we have a scientific mix, including seasoned warriors with rich experience as well as fearless young men who are not afraid of challenges—truly an elite force.

Who is that old man with the pale face? Why does he seem so familiar?

In the tavern, to celebrate the great victory, they clinked glasses three million times, exclaiming, "Long live Lord Sterling!"

Dwarf: "Li Hongte! Mi Li Hongte!" (Surrender! We surrender!)

As Di Lin mentioned in his letter: "A hundred victories cannot alter the course of the universe; a single defeat can lead to irreparable disaster." His current situation is indeed precarious, as he must use a meager military force to restrain and deter hundreds of thousands of rebel troops, along with millions of Eastern citizens who aspire to become rebels. He can only win, and cannot afford to lose

The Command Office has issued an order: officially appointing Sterling as the Commander of the Central Army (removing the term "acting")

Lin Bing raised his sword and lamented: "The only regret is that I did not see the murderer Lei Hong, who killed the master, die before us... The heavens are unjust!"

What a lack of taste—Sir, your opinion is...

The blood battle has begun

After the Battle of Valen, the commander of the central army, Sterling, did not wait for the central army infantry forces led by Deputy Commander Qin Lu to gather. As soon as the wounded were settled, he immediately led 30,000 central army cavalry to strike directly at the center of the rebellion in Yun Province. The speed of the advance was so rapid that it could almost be described as reckless, causing an uproar in the imperial capital: "Do not let there be another Chishui Beach!" In the past, the 300,000 troops of the Zichuan army had suffered a devastating defeat at Chishui Beach in Yun Province, with almost the entire army annihilated.

He is troubled by the fact that despite winning so many battles and defeating one rebel group after another, the situation has not improved in the slightest. The Far East remains engulfed in flames of war, and rebellions continue to arise one after another

The dense remnants of broken spears and shattered weapons stretched all the way to the horizon. In the distance, a tattered flag stood askew in the sunset, the evening breeze rustling the fabric, faintly revealing the words "Far East No. × × Cavalry × Army." The flag still remains, yet the warrior who held it has long since turned to bones.

Ming Yu furrowed his brows in distress: "I see that they cannot withstand even a single battle. Is the average figure of thirty-one years old that you mentioned truly derived from this? Are there any real young men in their twenties or thirties?"

The Far Eastern Rebellion originated in the Shala Province, yet it saw its greatest development in Yun Province: as soon as the news of the uprising spread, the entire Yun Province responded swiftly and united as one. Young men immediately seized rudimentary weapons and charged at the local garrison, subsequently laying siege to the provincial capital, resulting in the complete massacre of the hundreds of thousands of military personnel and civilians trapped within.

Jinchang: "These are our future young warriors! Although they may seem a bit inexperienced, once they have endured the trials of battle, they will undoubtedly become exceptionally brave! Young people have limitless potential! We must never underestimate the youth!"

This effeminate person is quite disgusting! Bai Chuan, which of the two names do you prefer?

In any case, whenever something occurs, there will always be seasoned historians who claim that it was bound to happen.

The speed of the horses showed no signs of diminishing, as the cavalry began to lower their bodies, with their lances extending a meter and a half beyond the horses' bodies. The central cavalry of the rear division continued to shoot arrows, increasing the casualties and chaos among the rebel forces

A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! Men must not miss it!

Zichuan Ning served him a cup of hot tea: "I heard that our President, Lord Luo Minghai, suddenly suffered from high blood pressure and fainted on the parade ground—this has nothing to do with you, right, big brother?"

In the early days of September in the year 779 of the Imperial Calendar, in response to the conscription order from the Commanding Office, the first batch of 200,000 reservists from fifty-six provinces of the family gathered in the imperial capital, preparing to head to the battlefields of the Far East

The Command has ordered the Minghui troops to urgently reinforce Sterling, ensuring that the main force of the rebels does not break out of Yun Province. At the same time, the first batch of militia troops has been ordered to advance towards the Far East

Zichuan Xiu was deeply contemplating and reflecting while...

Oh dear, what are you doing, my lord

Hundreds of thousands of defeated troops, driven to desperation, counterattacked; thirty thousand was still insufficient to fill the gaps between their teeth... At this moment, he recalled the battle between Zichuan Xiu and Liufeng Xishan six years ago

The rebel camp hurriedly turned around, and in the midst of the chaos, they could only manage to deploy six infantry formations primarily composed of half-beasts to hold back the Sterling forces—if they could just delay the Sterling troops for a moment, the main army would be able to regroup and arrange their formations, surrounding the Sterling forces with superior numbers

Thousands of fierce half-orcs brandished their massive hands, letting out wild howls

Miss Shirakawa, the pure and innocent student, wishes to express her genuine feelings to you and hopes to spend an unforgettable passionate time together

Flamboyant Mingyu

On the training ground, upon seeing the assembled "elite troops," several guests from the imperial capital were left dumbfounded

Please contact us with valid identification

We have halted our advance to bury the bodies of our comrades. They died for their country, and we cannot allow them to be left exposed in the wilderness.

Thirdly, the most significant reason is that the hundreds of thousands of rebels who retreated from the city of Valen have become like startled birds, terrified by the slightest disturbance. As Zichuan Xiu put it: "Anyone who fails to seize the opportunity in such a situation is simply a fool"

At this moment, the only one who understood Sterling was General Zichuan Zhanxing. He wrote to Sterling, with only one sentence: "I worry for you, but I know your heart."

Good! I propose that this troop be called the Roger Daredevil Squad

On September 21, the rebel forces, having received reinforcements from the center of the insurrection, launched a frenzied counterattack, attempting to sweep across the entire Far East once again. However, after regrouping and receiving support, Sterling steadfastly held the main highway of the Yun Province Mountains like a nail, gripping the throat of the insurrection's giant dragon and locking it within the borders of Yun Province

Zichuan Canxing ordered that the entire city observe a moment of silence for five minutes in prayer for the soldiers who fell in battle.

... ...

Ten days ago, Sterling led twenty thousand central army cavalry to pursue the main force of the rebels into Yun Province

On the thirteenth day of the eighth month in the year 779 of the Empire, under the scorching sun, a group of individuals tasked with the mission of rescuing their family from the "depths of peril and adversity" departed from the imperial capital, with their destination being the provinces of Mosov, Jixin, and Anxing, the heartland of their family.

Jinchang hesitated for a moment and whispered something in Zichuan Xiu's ear

What are you writing, sir?

Sterling: "Our troops have just arrived, and morale is high! The rebels have been attacking Valencia for over ten days without success, and they have lost their momentum. Furthermore, they are in a state of panic and confusion due to their ignorance of our troops' true strength—this is a rare opportunity that comes once in a thousand years!"

Everyone followed his指指 and looked over: a one-armed man was sitting on a stool, removing his prosthetic leg

Two weeks have passed, yet the 120,000 Black Flag Army remains stagnant outside the city of Valen, meandering back and forth in the first provincial area of Fumingke, engaging in intermittent skirmishes with small rebel factions, advancing one step and retreating two. Zichuan Xiu described Minghui's speed as: "Even a healthy snail could outrun him!"

Zichuan Xiu ran home in a disheveled state, letting out a long sigh: "That was close! I almost got caught by Luo Minghai on the spot!"

Sterling was shocked by the scene of carnage before him

The officers had long considered retreating, as this entirely cavalry force had advanced too deeply, leaving the infantry and supplies thousands of kilometers behind. Within a radius of one thousand kilometers, there were only rebels, and more rebels... an endless stream of rebels, of various kinds: the brutish half-orcs, the insidious serpent folk, the treacherous dwarves who favored ambushes, the cruel demon kin, and the howling dragon kin

On the 2nd of August in the 779th year of the Empire, the capital city awoke early: today marks the day when Commander Sterling of the Central Army leads 150,000 troops to reinforce Fort Valen. Chief of Staff Zichuan Canxing hosted a farewell for the army and bestowed wine.

Later, when the commander received Minghui's battle report, it was both amusing and exasperating: "On the first day, our army killed one million Serpent Tribe members, on the second day, two million Half-Orcs, and on the third day, three million..." In comparison, Sterling's victory at Valen was hardly worth mentioning; the total number of all races in the Far East, multiplied by two, would not be enough to match the number Minghui had killed in just two weeks! Yet, in front of him, there were still "five million rebels fiercely obstructing" his advance! Sterling's victory at Valen was hardly worth mentioning; the total number of all races in the Far East, multiplied by two, would not be enough to match the number Minghui had killed in just two weeks! Yet, in front of him, there were still "five million rebels fiercely obstructing" his advance!

Sigh, although it is said that a great man should forget his home, Sterling, you are being too... unfeeling, excessively strong-willed!

Long live! Long live the Commander-in-Chief! Long live the Central Army! Long live Lord Lin from www.hetushu.com!

Stirling was moved to tears, kneeling and saying: "Please rest assured, my lord, I will certainly quell the rebellion and restore peace at the earliest opportunity! If I do not succeed, I would rather die on the battlefield than face you again!"

Is it a sin to lead soldiers, who hold a deep affection for themselves, down the path of death

Jinchang, around thirty years old, appears to have a handsome demeanor and speaks eloquently—upon their first meeting, Roger, Baichuan, and others felt an inexplicable familiarity and aversion towards him, as his smile resembled that of someone they despised

The family warfare historian Tang Chuan once made the following evaluation of Chishuitan

They marched in formation, holding various terrifying banners: such as the "Death Squad" and the "Skeleton Revenge Army," and even a contingent that came from the province of Loxingwei was named the "Annihilation Volunteer Army"

Zichuan Xiu, who stood silently beside them, let out a sigh and remarked: "Since ancient times, behind the journey of a nation often lie the tears of women. Even exceptional individuals like Sterling and Kadan cannot escape this truth..."

The senior officers behind him looked on anxiously at the usually composed and calm young commander, unable to understand why he was so irritable

The two exchanged a smile, looking at each other with a mutual understanding: "So, it turns out you are not a good person either!"

Oh dear, everyone look, the president is smiling! When he smiles, his nose moves too, how unusual!

Our troops arrived at Chishuitan in Yun Province on September 15

A thunderous roar: "Ura!"

Zichuan Xiu: "Bai Chuan, come here. Did you bring the mini skirt?"

Three-day tour of the capital! The historical sites are magnificent beyond compare! They will provide you with a feast for the eyes

The two armies are getting closer and closer, fifty meters, thirty meters, ten meters

They also said that Miss Zichuan Ning should come to dance the exotic dance

Can such an army still endure a major battle

They have become accustomed to it and have also summarized various patterns

The composed Luo Minghai did not erupt on the spot; he merely cast a sidelong glance at the Inspector General Diling, who was participating in the review nearby, and then looked up at the sky as he spoke (as if he were conversing with God rather than addressing Inspector General Diling): "What stance will the Inspection Department take regarding the evident negligence of Deputy Commander Zichuan Xiu in the recruitment of the militia?"

The sales of Beijing beer, fresh flowers, firecrackers, amulets, and colorful balls have surged significantly, greatly boosting effective demand, which has led to a substantial increase in the economic index that has been sluggish since last year

It is time for the adults to withdraw

Tour group registration! Young gentlemen are warmly welcomed to participate!

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Do not pay attention to the scattered troops, charge towards the enemy's headquarters

Di Lin smiled, took a sip of strong tea, and said lightly: "Having character, I like it." He then stood up and left the review area, deliberately ignoring Luo Minghai's face, which had turned the color of pig liver.

For them, Deputy Commander Zichuan Xiu is open to all. Within three days, he perfectly accomplished the important task assigned by the command center to gather the reserves, leading the strongest "army" for the future of the family to the imperial capital in grand fashion

On the evening of August 11, 779 of the Imperial Calendar, another piece of news was released quietly, garnering no attention from anyone. It was merely a brief statement in the lost and found section of the "Imperial Capital Evening News": "In light of the tense situation in the Far East, the Command Headquarters intends to appoint His Excellency Vice Commander of the Reserve, Shukawa Hidetaka, to go to the provinces of Mosofu, Kixin, and Anxing to gather reserve soldiers to form a contingency army, which will be named the 'Hidetaka Battalion'."

Originally, it was planned for Fang Jing to command, but due to a sudden illness, he was unable to lead the troops, and it was necessary for Ming Hui to take command of the Black Flag Army instead

Luo Bo grasped her hand and said, "Wait a moment!"

The common characteristics of this group of people are: young, energetic, physically strong, and fond of fighting and causing trouble. After the recruitment campaign of the "Xiuzi Camp," the social security situation in the province of Jixin significantly improved that year, especially with a sharp decline in the incidence of serious criminal cases such as theft, robbery, and brawls

Each time the startled rebels paused to rest and eat, Sterling's cavalry pursuit would immediately appear. Thousands of sabers would swiftly cut through the ranks of rebel soldiers still holding their bowls. Despite their large numbers, the rebel soldiers, demoralized by their defeat, had no desire to fight back. With a loud crash, hundreds of thousands of troops dropped their bowls and scattered in flight

But isn't that a bit too little...

In order to demonstrate the advantage of newspapers being faster than books, the reporter hurriedly conducted interviews and produced articles such as "The Famous General Sterling in the Eyes of Friends," "Great People Around Me—Interviews with Sterling's Neighbors," "My Experience Dining with Sterling," "At that moment, I knew he was a great man—Sterling's kindergarten teacher claimed that his urination posture foretold his greatness," and "He even passed me a note back then!—Miss Liu Meili, a classmate of Sterling at Sterling High School, stated: I did not fall in love with him!

Opportunities are rare; I will go find the president to get a signature

Zichuan Xiu jumped up: "Is that all?"

Has the sacrifice made by the Central Army for the strength and unity of the family, and for the early restoration of peace in the Far East, been too great?

Soldiers, for over a month, you have engaged in seven major battles, twenty-five field battles, and two hundred and eleven assaults, with no defeats! The number of enemies you have defeated is twenty times that of your own! Your performance has made the entire Zichuan family proud, adding glory to the family’s eagle flag across the ends of the earth! Youth will not be wasted, and passion should not be squandered. Please believe that the family will not forget your loyalty and courage! I also ask each of you to continue your unwavering efforts; in this time of crisis, the Zichuan family needs you! On behalf of the family, I would like to say: Thank you for your hard work, brothers! The Zichuan family is grateful to you!

To the Honorable Leader of the Family, President Luo Minghai

Sterling himself knew that this pursuit, though seemingly dangerous, was in fact safe: under such relentless pressure, even if the rebel forces wanted to set traps or ambushes, they would be powerless to do so. The joint rebel army suffered dozens of surprise attacks and harassment each day, unable to eat or sleep, with both their numbers and morale weakening day by day. They had no time or energy to set traps, spending the entire day just trying to escape. Even if the rebel forces wanted to set traps or ambushes, they would be powerless to do so. The joint rebel army suffered dozens of surprise attacks and harassment each day, unable to eat or sleep, with both their numbers and morale weakening day by day. They had no time or energy to set traps, spending the entire day just trying to escape.

Is one's own judgment accurate? Is there really a decisive battle that can change the entire situation in the Far East?

The only guide they had for their journey was a twenty-year-old "Far East Travel Handbook": where roads were marked, there appeared a great river; where bridges were said to exist, only a few wooden stumps remained; it even claimed that a certain place was "picturesque, with a pleasant environment, and most suitable for camping!" As a result, that night, had they not fled quickly, an army of twenty thousand would have been buried alive by a mudslide

After repeating the same process multiple times, seeing the cavalry of Sterling fleeing has almost become a conditioned reflex for the rebel soldiers

He pointed at the militia below with one hand, and the gesture resembled pointing at a pile of dog feces on the sidewalk

The only driving force supporting the entire army's advance is Sterling's unwavering will. As the commander of the central army, he shares the same clothing and food with the soldiers, gnawing on unpalatable wild vegetables, rolling in the muddy grass, and fighting like an ordinary soldier. He tirelessly attends to every detail at night, checking on the troops and overseeing the sentry duty. The last to fall asleep each night is he, and the first to rise each morning is also he.

Oh, Baichuan, look, I made the report, and it's on the front page! I haven't been on the front page for many years!

Serpent Clan: "Ancient rice!" (Run!)

Oh, my lord, they say that the dancing ladies do not have good figures, that they are not... sexy enough! These bastards actually want me to dance that kind of dance! It is outrageous!

Oh no, don't get involved—Aning, Kadan, where are you two going? Hurry up and help me explain!

***

Zichuan Xiu interrupted his incessant talk: "Oh, oh, what I am asking now is, how many people have gathered already?"

Elder brother, why is your hand placed in front of the girl's... that area!

Sir, are you alright

Although it is said that hundreds of thousands of rebels have been defeated, Sterling knows that this is of no significance: the rebels are like a hydra; for every one that is killed, several more emerge! They may collapse easily, but as soon as there is any disturbance, they can regroup swiftly. Where, then, is the decisive battlefield?

Kadan, wearing a translucent veil, gazed intently at Sterling, who was surrounded by a crowd, and gently shook her head: "Given my status, approaching at this moment would put Mr. Sterling in a difficult position..."

The dragon man strode away without saying a word

When Sterling examined the prisoners of war, she was deeply shocked: almost all were civilians, including the elderly, women, and children, with not a single able-bodied man among them. Where had their men gone? The answer is quite obvious

Zichuan Ning asked Kadan in confusion

Contacts: Zichuan Xiu, Roger, Mingyu

"Very well, I fully understand your esteemed official's noble patriotism, but how many reserve troops have actually been assembled?"

***

Ungrateful scoundrel! Oh no, don't kick that spot, it hurts so much... Help!

This campaign, later referred to as the "Great Race in the Far East," traversed six provinces in the Far East, covering over 3,000 kilometers and lasting twenty-three days. On August 12, the rebels, who claimed to have a force of "one million" (according to estimates by the Deputy Commander of the Far East Army, Luo Bo, and Lin Bing, there were at least 700,000), found themselves reduced to fewer than 100,000 by September 5, retreating in disarray back to the source of the rebellion in Yun Province.

Two days later, a group of people arrived at the capital of Jixin Province, where the commander of the province's "Reserve Forces Department" (abbreviated as the Reserve Forces Department), Vice Flag Officer Jin Chang, warmly welcomed them

If it were merely during mealtimes, it would be one thing, but the fact is that Sterling is truly "courteous" and "considerate" towards the rebels. In the morning, he comes over to say "good morning"; at noon, he comes to "greet" everyone; in the afternoon, he invites everyone to "afternoon tea"; and before going to bed at night, he still comes over to say "good night"! Even in the middle of the night, he would "concernedly" come to check if everyone is sleeping soundly—of course, the manner is somewhat crude: thousands of sabers are brandished, expressing "affection" and "friendliness".

In an instant, hundreds of human soldiers fell to the ground, their loved ones, whom they longed for from afar, would never see them again, while thousands of half-orcs were stabbed and hacked to death

Inspired by their initial victory, the soldiers let out a shout: "Ura!" They charged like hungry wolves at the enemy's main force, which had just withdrawn from the siege and had not even had time to regroup.

"Your Excellency, the President, please smile, alright!"

It took only four days to travel from the capital to the Far East, Valen

Dear adult, could you please refrain from letting saliva flow when you speak such grandiloquent words in the future? It lacks any persuasive power

Sterling did not respond; he turned to look at the mass of soldiers behind him: the soldiers were hungry, gaunt, and exhausted, their clothes in tatters, the once pristine uniforms now torn into strips. They moved like ghosts rather than humans, their trembling hands barely able to hold spears and guns. They appeared as if a squad of armored knights were riding skeletal horses. Compared to the day they had set out from the imperial capital, full of vigor and clad in bright armor, they had changed drastically. How diminished this army had become!

Unbeknownst to anyone, at some point, Zichuan Xiu was already meticulously writing a large character "Xiu" on the banner

The large flag of the Xiuziying, preserved in the Family History Museum, is a valuable historical research material, specifically as follows

They are, after all, a rabble; when victorious, they appear aggressive, but at the slightest setback in the battle, they panic and only wish to flee

Luo Minghai suppressed his anger and asked Zichuan Xiu as calmly as possible: "Could you please tell me what those are below?"

What should we do, sir? The assembly deadline given by the command center is September, and we are running out of time

Sir, does President Luo Minghai have a grudge against you? He has tasked you with the most arduous duty of gathering the militia, and we have all been implicated as well

Turning to face the entire army, Sterling's hoarse and deep voice clearly reached the ears of every soldier

Sterling discovered with resentment that this error-ridden atlas was a counterfeit

During the pursuit, such scenes often occur: while running, suddenly a half-orc stops, clutching its stomach and rolling on the ground, crying out—its appendicitis has flared up, causing the pursuing cavalry to laugh so hard that they nearly tumble off their horses

This is how Sterling avenged the defeat of the family army at Chishuitan and cleared the shame, as hundreds of thousands of rebel troops were gradually "peeled away" by him like potato skins

Sterling was also acutely aware of the rarity of such an opportunity. If hundreds of thousands of rebels were allowed a moment to catch their breath and regroup, the rebellion in the Far East would drag on for years. By the time both the family army and the rebels were exhausted from fighting, if the ever-watchful Liufeng family or the demon clan were to intervene, the situation would be irretrievably lost

However, the usually steady and compliant Sterling acted out of character this time, hastily writing a few lines to report to the command: "Opportunities are fleeting; I will be outside. You have orders but I will not comply!" It seemed as if he was so busy that he did not even have time to write an explanation.

The remaining individuals hesitated: whether to obey the officers' orders to line up and block the charge, or to follow the example of others and flee... Before they could come to a decision, the cavalry had already charged into their midst, and cries of anguish erupted, prompting everyone to abandon their hesitation

Sterling suddenly felt a sense of panic: what right did he have to let these children pay the price of his stubbornness with their lives

Sterling coldly said: "Can we catch up now?"

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In terms of outward appearance alone, they are a hundred thousand times more valiant than the soldiers on the front lines, and their confidence is a million times greater than that of the soldiers ahead. All day long, they wave their canes disdainfully, saying: "Those lowly people in the Far East do not even require our noble hands to wield a knife! All I need to do is move my cane to pin them all down!"

Look, look, he can still talk! His lips are opening and closing, just like a fish that is about to die of thirst! Hey, where are you going?

When a race has made a resolute decision to resist, the destructive power they unleash is truly terrifying

Come over during lunch time, it's just so-so, we can accept it... Five thousand human cavalrymen brandishing sabers shouted and charged behind, while hundreds of thousands of bizarrely shaped rebel forces, holding their bowls, fled in all directions, some even trained to eat while running

Every time someone comes, Sterling always listens attentively, occasionally expressing agreement with statements such as: "Hmm!" "That's right!" "I share your thoughts."

It is scorching hot, and we are suffering! On such a hot day, making people travel, is it even humane?

Since learning of the turmoil in the Far East and the rampant actions of despicable and shameless individuals invading the sacred territory of my family, I am filled with righteous indignation and my blood boils with fervor. I wish I could sprout wings and fly thousands of miles to the Far East to personally engage in a life-and-death battle with the rebels! However, as an official responsible for the family's defense, I cannot leave my post without orders. I can only channel my intense emotions into the urgent work of preparing the reserve forces, expressing my unwavering loyalty to the family through concrete actions

Military forces have appeared in the northwest direction

Thus, the officers were filled with grievances. Some believed that Sterling was too harsh, while others thought he was using the lives of soldiers as a bargaining chip to achieve personal glory and promotion. Even Commander Luo Minghai frequently wrote to warn him: "What exactly are you after, sir! Your relentless pursuit of merit and reckless advancement may lead to incidents similar to that at Chishui Beach, and a military tribunal is prepared for you!"

However, given the power that Sterling possesses at this moment, he is entirely incapable of launching an encirclement and annihilation campaign; a cornered rabbit will even bite a dog!

At this point, the entire city of Valen had already mobilized, with no reserve forces left to fill the gaps. The deputy commander of the Far East Army, Luo Bo, and Lin Bing looked at the overwhelming rebel forces outside the city and exchanged wry smiles. ... At this stage, it was indeed a dead end; they had already prepared for a suicide mission in defense of their country ...

We have achieved significant military accomplishments, having defeated hundreds of thousands of rebel forces, and our contributions are substantial

The slow advance of the army is also attributed to the local populace's hostility towards the families involved

"Old hag, what are you saying at a time like this! The movements of the rebels are very strange!"

After much difficulty, an orc elder "volunteered" to lead the army, only to guide a squadron of cavalry into the swamp, with not a single one returning alive. Thus, Sterling had no choice but to abandon the idea of hiring local guides, watching as the enemy's fleeing soldiers grew increasingly distant, eventually disappearing from sight.

All transportation and accommodation expenses are waived! No charges whatsoever

In life, one seeks but a true confidant; the dangers of battle, the solemnity of dedicating oneself to a cause, the toil day and night, and the pain of being misunderstood—all now seem not to have been in vain

Address: Room 123, Fengxi Hotel

Zichuan Xiu turned to Jin Chang and said: "Are you misunderstanding, esteemed official? We are not here to establish a nursing home, a daycare center, or a shelter for the wounded."

Ma Yuan, shut up immediately. The officers exchanged glances, understanding that Lord Sterling was in a very bad mood today, reminding themselves not to provoke any trouble. However, everyone was somewhat unclear about Sterling's intentions: not pursuing the enemy, could it be that he was preparing to retreat?

I. Due to the rapid development of the Far Eastern rebellion, the powerful one million strong Far Eastern army appeared to have collapsed completely overnight. Sterling assessed that there must still be large contingents of border garrison troops and frontier forces within the provinces affected by the rebellion, but they were unable to move due to being divided and surrounded by the rebellious populace. If they could be united, their numbers would accumulate, forming a considerable armed force.

Oh, I was originally in the reserve forces, but I joined the active service only after the Far East Incident, my lord, you...

With a sharp whistle from Sterling, the disordered troops miraculously reformed into a majestic square formation

2. In the Far East, the provinces of Deya and Yiliya are still under the control of the Zichuan family's garrison, as the majority of the residents in these provinces are human and are not swayed by the rebellions of other races. However, it has been learned from the captives that the rebel leader Lei Hong has already led a formidable force of fifteen divisions to confront them. From both a military strategy and humanitarian perspective, Sterling has an obligation to rescue the five million residents in these provinces who are heavily besieged by the rebellion yet remain loyal to the family.

Sterling also considered hiring local and indigenous guides, but no matter how high the remuneration he offered, the villagers merely stared at him coldly, as if he were an idiot (or as if they were looking at an idiot). That vacant gaze sent chills down one's spine

Oh, Lord Xiuchuan, please rest assured! Our province never delays in matters of national defense, insisting on weekly training exercises and implementing military management! Everyone is full of spirit and confidence, always ready for the first call from the family, prepared to rush to the battlefield for the country, with blood boiling, not hesitating to sacrifice this life...

Li Qing has also arrived, do you want to go and say a few words to her

On this day, recorded in history as the eighteenth day of the eighth month in the year 779 of the Imperial Calendar, Zichuan Xiu successfully completed the recruitment of additional troops for the first time! This auspicious day signifies that the future of this army will be infinitely bright

You may not believe it, but this is indeed a fact

Since the Minghui Legion entered the Far East, the family leadership has faced two extremely different troubles: on one hand, the Central Army commanded by Sterling is advancing rapidly along the northern route, unstoppable; on the other hand, Minghui's Southern Black Flag Army is moving forward as slowly as an old ox pulling a cart.

Upon returning to the capital, Bai Chuan joyfully said to the lord, "My lord, the command center has approved the naming of our new army!"

***

On September 15 of the 779th year of the Empire, Sterling led the central army to occupy Chishuitan in Yun Province.

The officers were in a flurry, and Ma Yuan, the standard-bearer of the Third Cavalry Division, proposed: "My lord, this will cause a significant delay. We will not be able to catch up with the rebels."

Sterling soon spotted Li Qing's figure among the farewell crowd, but he merely nodded to her as a gesture: "My lord, I am entrusted with the heavy responsibility of the nation, and it is not the time for romantic sentiments. I would trouble you to convey my regards to Li Qing on my behalf."

Bai Chuan, filled with anger, suddenly became somewhat shy: "But I have to admit, this group of bastards does have good taste..."

How many troops have been assembled in total

However, it must not be stated that Hui was idle. When he encountered a dozen or so lost stragglers retreating from the city of Valen, he waved his hand dramatically: "Encountered the main force of the rebel army, totaling 200,000!" A sentry was bitten by a snake hidden in the grass, and the next day, Minghui hurried to report to the command center: "The snake tribe is launching a large-scale attack! Our troops have suffered heavy casualties! We need to halt our advance and take a rest!"

I said, "Sister Kadan, since you have come such a long way, why not go up and say a few words to Brother Sterling?"

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General Sterling is the focus of everyone's attention today. The Chief and all members of the General's office accompanied him for over ten kilometers outside the city. Finally, after repeated pleas from Sterling, the Chief reluctantly held his hand and said: "Sterling, this is where I will send you off. You must know that your family is eagerly awaiting news of your victory day and night"

You are really foolish! Don't you ever watch the news? That is President Luo Minghai, a significant figure!

President Ling Rominghai wished he could fly over and whip Minghui a few times, but Minghui himself had a strong argument: "If we were to suffer another defeat at Chishui due to overreaching ambition, who would bear the responsibility for that?"

A barrage of arrows was unleashed, and the orcs in the front row fell to the ground, struggling and emitting cries of agony

Sterling divided thirty thousand cavalry into six teams, with each team consisting of five thousand men, taking turns to attack. This ensured that each unit maintained ample energy during their assaults. He also specifically instructed, "There is no need to annihilate them completely; allow the rebels a way to escape." Relying on the strong mobility of the cavalry, Sterling kept the main force within ten kilometers of the fleeing rebels, regardless of how frantically they ran.

The urgent orders from the General Headquarters and the Command Office repeatedly caught up with Sterling, urging him to "exercise caution and proceed steadily!" In their view, daring to charge into the eye of the storm in the rebellious province with a meager force of thirty thousand was tantamount to seeking death! The family simply could not endure a second Chishuitan!

It was here that the Zichuan family lost 230,000 loyal and valiant soldiers. The Zichuan family's two-hundred-year rule over the Far East, the glory and dreams of seven generations, and their qualifications to dominate the Xichuan continent... everything was ruthlessly shattered by the hooves of horses the moment the Lei Hong army appeared on the Chishui Tan Plain. The defeat at Chishui Tan not only led to the weakening of the Zichuan family's power but also triggered a series of subsequent disasters for the family. Chishui Tan can be regarded as a turning point in the Zichuan family's fate, marking their transition from strength to decline.

These damned bureaucrats! They are unreliable, it seems we must find a way ourselves

With a sharp sound of "whoosh," the central army cavalry, racing at high speed, simultaneously unloaded their bows and readied their spears. The swift, precise, and uniform movements demonstrated that the central army truly deserved to be the foremost elite unit of the family. The ability to execute such a flawless maneuver while galloping at full speed left the rebel forces in a state of alarm and trepidation

The woman's words incited widespread anger, and the crowd surrounded her, eager for confrontation

At this point, what are you waiting for? Surely you don't intend to confess your feelings, do you?

Jinchang was about to take his leave when Zichuan Xiu called out to him: "I would like to inquire about something. You are not currently an active vice flag officer, are you?"

Upon reaching the battlefield, Sterling observed that the rebel forces, having hurriedly turned around, were in disarray. He immediately commanded, "Charge, all troops!"

Beautiful Shirakawa

President Luo Minghai has always considered himself a person of great cultivation and patience. His main daily task now is to review a large number of conscripted troops from all corners of the country: after each crooked infantry formation marches past the rostrum, the bare parade ground is inevitably left with a heap of shoes (during the drill, the soldiers in the back row step on the shoes of those in the front row)

Shirakawa was stunned: "Why are there so many old men with canes, their teeth all gone, standing in line? Look at that one; he even needs assistance to walk—oh no, how did he end up lying on the ground after just a few steps?"

Alright, from now on our army will be called the 'Xiuzi Camp'! I have a feeling that this unit will definitely... Oh dear, what are you doing? Defiling the military flag is a capital offense!

The 50,000 central troops and 200,000 rebel civilians have once again engaged in a back-and-forth tug-of-war in the jungles of the Yun Province mountains. Once the rebels break through this exit, they will find themselves in a vast, flat plain ahead

Oh, I thought of the family business, and my emotions became too excited. In any case, I will do my best to meet the requests of those brave warriors who are about to go to the battlefield to fight for the country! What else do they require?

The cavalry of Sterling did not intercept; they simply focused all their efforts on encircling and eliminating those who remained in place to resist—such fools were few to begin with, and soon there were none left! As for those who lagged behind (this provided great comfort to the rebel soldiers, as it was acceptable not to outrun the human cavalry, as long as they could outpace their own comrades)

Within three days, within a radius of three hundred miles from the center of the provincial capital of Jixin, all idle rascals, scoundrels, rogues, lechers, thieves, and swindlers... were drawn together and gathered in a long line at the entrance of the Phoenix Hotel, fighting among themselves for a good position.

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It is truly contrary to any military doctrine to pursue an enemy that is significantly stronger while simultaneously dispersing one's own forces.

No one can bear this responsibility, so Minghui dawdled even more brazenly. In the battle against the terrifying elements of nature, he managed to remain "unbeaten" due to his caution and speed. Now, it seems he intends to take this spirit of caution to the extreme: every hill could be a stronghold for rebels, every forest might conceal ambushes, every road could have traps set, and even casually lifting a stone by the roadside might reveal two or three elusive rebel soldiers grinning at you in a strange manner. Every forest might conceal ambushes, every road could have traps set, and even casually lifting a stone by the roadside might reveal two or three elusive rebel soldiers grinning at you in a strange manner.

Looking at the young yet haggard faces, the pairs of resolute eyes, I am reminded that many more young and determined young men have already found eternal rest on lands far from their families and loved ones. From the foot of the Walen Fortress to the Chishuitan in Yun Province, over a distance of more than 3,000 miles, a cross for each son of the imperial capital stands every fifty meters on average.

When the governor of the province, Yang Licheng, a bannerman in red, surrendered during the fall of the city, he was tortured by the rebel forces for a full three days before they finally showed mercy and killed him. It can be said that throughout the province, there were either rebels or the families of rebels.

The two vice commanders, who had thought they were doomed, exchanged glances and simultaneously exclaimed, "Could it be that reinforcements have arrived! So soon?" In a surge of emotions, they clasped each other's hands tightly

Chishuitan in Yun Province is neither a military stronghold nor a strategic fortress, yet General Sterling, who is unaware that he has officially become the commander, has made a special exception to take the time to write a battle report to the command office, indicating the significant historical importance of this location being re-controlled by the family army. In the summer of the Empire's year 779, this place, so small that it is not even marked on the map, brought nightmarish and painful memories to the Zichuan family. A month ago, 300,000 elite troops of the family’s Far East army engaged in an unprecedented large-scale battle involving one million participants against 500,000 rebellious civilians and 150,000 Lei Hong insurgents on this narrow plain, fragmented by river hills.

Ah, wise as you are, you should understand the difficulties we face in preparing the work of the Armed Forces Department. The office budget is severely insufficient, welfare cannot be distributed, bonuses cannot be guaranteed, and even for public dining expenses, we can only stipulate that each person may not reimburse more than thirty times per week... It is indeed hard work! However, even in such a challenging environment, the staff of the Armed Forces Department have demonstrated a spirit of hard-fought perseverance and achieved such accomplishments, which is truly not easy

Central Army Acting Commander Sterling

Sterling solemnly saluted the entire army, to which he was met with a roaring response: "We are willing to follow you, my lord!"

Xiuzi Camp

Shirakawa hurriedly entered: "My lord, it is not good! Our soldiers have revolted again!"

Roger Corman's Death Race

Since the pursuit entered Yun Province, the rebels have become as agile as fish in water; this is their territory, their homeland, and they are as familiar with the terrain here as they are with their own rooms

Seeing the fierce cavalry swiftly eliminate the formidable half-orc without leaving a trace, many from the serpent tribe, dragon tribe, and dwarves have already begun to make their escape.

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As the soldiers of the central army were primarily the offspring of the capital's elite, over a million residents lined the streets to witness the imposing military display, attempting to catch a glimpse of their loved ones within the ranks—an elderly mother grasped her son's hand, tears streaming down her face, while a newlywed wife tightly embraced her husband, weeping uncontrollably, amidst a chorus of sobs.

Shirakawa whispered to Roger, "Don't you think this deputy banner lord looks remarkably like someone?"

On that day, Sterling proactively withdrew his troops from Chishuitan, leaving Yun Province, thus concluding this reckless pursuit operation

***

The soldiers loved Sterling, wholeheartedly supporting him and resolutely executing every command he issued

Sir, I have a proposal. Should we issue an order to that damned Jin Chang to complete the collection within a week?

I scoff! Calling Roger the 'Death Squad' is more fitting! Of course, it should be called the handsome Mingyu team!

A drop of scalding liquid fell onto Zichuan Ning's hand, and she widened her eyes, peering through the veil at Kadan's beautiful face: "You cried..."

Oh, we are just passing by and do not know this thug. Please feel free to do as you wish!

On the following day, alluring advertisements featuring Bai Chuan in a miniskirt appeared everywhere in the streets and alleys of the capital of Jixin Province

Zichuan Xiusuran stood up and gave the president a highly concise and utterly correct answer: "People!" Then he quickly ran out through the back door

Although Sterling had mentally prepared himself in advance, he was still taken aback by the "enthusiastic" welcome from the residents of Yun Province upon their arrival—within twelve hours, the forward reconnaissance team faced hundreds of attacks, ambushes, and traps, ranging from large groups of over a thousand to suicidal assaults by one or two individuals

Oh, that 'certain friend' refers to me. However, my original words were not like this. I told the reporter that Sterling has been a troublemaker since childhood, often skipping classes to play 'Street Fighter' with Dilling. When he lost, he would act shamelessly and run away without paying! He also relied on copying Dilling during exams, but Dilling was no saint either. As a result, both of them failed year after year, and the teacher often scolded them: 'You both make the same mistakes! How did it end up like this in writing?'

Two weeks after the Battle of Valen, following Sterling, the family leader Minghui led the powerful Black Flag Army from the family's western border through the Valen Fortress to quell the rebellion in the Far East

Sir, let the army take a break; they have been fighting continuously for nearly fifty days and have covered five thousand miles

Notify my brother Diling, instruct the gendarmes from the Inspection Bureau to suppress this group of despicable rascals—just kill them all!

Large flocks of scavenging vultures filled the sky, rising and falling, their eerie cries seeming to celebrate their good fortune

Oh, I see that she is very sad, and I want to comfort her

If this arrangement had not been devised by the renowned general Sterling, and had still achieved success, it would undoubtedly have drawn unanimous condemnation from all military theorists and historians, who would exclaim in unison: "Foolishness!" Now, they can only sigh and refer to it as a "miracle," while frantically scrambling to find theoretical justifications to prove Sterling's exceptional wisdom.

Li Qing was pale, and Zi Chuan Canxing sighed—none of them had noticed that Commander Sterling had been somewhat distracted today, his gaze occasionally drifting towards the crowd of people bidding farewell, only to be withdrawn in disappointment...

Ha, ha, ha, everyone listen to my explanation, it is clear that this is a misunderstanding

The reserve officers and soldiers come from different provinces and regions, speaking with peculiar accents and dialects, sporting frighteningly large beards, and wearing an array of bizarre outfits: the urban poor soldiers are dressed in tattered clothes, resembling beggars; the young gentlemen are clad in luxurious tailcoats, exuding elegance as if attending a banquet; the rural gentry don rusty armor, so ancient that one might suspect it was stolen from a museum, and their steeds are old enough to qualify for a retirement home; there was even an occasion when Zichuan Xiu saw an old man struggling to carry a fifty-kilogram machete, gasping with every step, and he maliciously speculated, "What is he going to do with that knife? Even if he intended to commit suicide, he would be too weak to do so!"

Sterling's assaults have become increasingly frequent; often, as one unit departs, another unit has already appeared. As a result, many exhausted rebel soldiers would rather surrender than continue fleeing, while the rest wonder: "Do Sterling's troops never get tired?"

I have always been the most devoted messenger of defending the family... Haha... How could I do such a thing

"You don't need to say anything; that fool isn't even listening! Look at him, grinning foolishly at a copy of the 'Imperial Capital Daily' again! Sir, what could possibly be so amusing?"

Action speaks louder than words, come on! If you miss this opportunity, you will regret it for the rest of your life

At this moment, only Zichuan Xiu and Di Lin understood Sterling's intentions in the imperial capital

Indeed, the urgent sound of gongs echoed through the ranks of the rebels, not resembling the joy of impending victory. Flags waved everywhere, messengers ran back and forth, and the officers shouted loudly, their voices betraying anxiety. The formations were hastily adjusted, soldiers hesitated and stopped in their tracks, at a loss and in great confusion. A rumbling sound emerged from the northwest

It seemed as if to validate their words, the cavalry let out a deafening roar: "Ura!"

While reading the letter, Sterling could not help but be moved to tears: although the efforts were made without seeking anything in return, his sincere dedication to the family was finally understood by the leader

"Bah, what kind of perspective is that! Really, after just three days of military service, even a sow could become a fairy!" Zichuan Xiu ignored Baichuan's expression and continued, "However, as a commanding officer, you should cherish your subordinates; otherwise, who will be willing to serve you in the future? Baichuan, why not make a small sacrifice—this is entirely for the greater good of the family business, for the early restoration of peace in the Far East, and for the hopes of the people..." Baichuan, why not make a small sacrifice—this is entirely for the greater good of the family business, for the early restoration of peace in the Far East, and for the hopes of the people..."

Adults, see clearly the flag! It is the Central Army! The Central Army has arrived!

Once the army left the imperial capital, Sterling concentrated the highly mobile cavalry units, forming ten cavalry divisions and twenty infantry divisions. He believed that reinforcements were as urgent as putting out a fire, and disregarding the objections of his subordinates, he ordered the corps deputy commander, Qin Lu, to lead the infantry forward. Meanwhile, he himself took the cavalry and pressed on day and night towards Valen, ultimately setting a new record for forced marches.

Indeed, without a doubt, this is the battle call of the Central Army's charge! Luo Bo and Lin Bing are astonished: How did they arrive so quickly!

The assault troops arrived within one hundred meters of the rebel forces, and Sterling's clear voice echoed across every corner of the battlefield: "Front row, change to spears!"

In the face of misunderstandings from his subordinates and criticisms from the command, Sterling remained silent and did not defend himself; in his view, personal honor and disgrace were truly insignificant.

Roger was also taken aback: "There are a bunch of little brats over there. I see the oldest is no more than 15 years old, and the youngest... hey, kid, don't come near me; my pants are not for you to wipe your nose on!"

"Listen to me, this was entirely an accident." Zichuan Xiu had a serious expression, exuding righteousness. "Due to various factors such as time, space, atmospheric circulation, the Earth's magnetic field, and gravity, my hand inadvertently coincided with the protruding part of this lady's lower back—this is entirely the arrangement of fate, so there is no reason to blame anyone..."

After a moment of hesitation, Commander Wen He of the First Cavalry Division asked the question that was on everyone's mind: "My lord, what shall we do next..."

In contrast, Sterling's battle report appears much more credible, moving the listeners to tears

Sterling has always adhered to the belief that "military personnel should not interfere in politics. When the military develops its own ideology, it is a harbinger of national demise"

Stirling, filled with an inexplicable anger, took out his bow and swiftly shot down several screeching vultures, letting out a deep sigh of frustration

People seem to see a dazzling new star rising slowly in the far eastern edge of the continent! Under the intense radiance, from the Demon God Fortress Palace of the Demon Kingdom in the far east of the continent to the capital of the Liufeng family in the far west, from the command center in the imperial capital to the rebel caves and forests in the far east... people across the continent, in various languages, with various emotions and expressions, repeatedly utter the same name: "The Tiger of Zichuan" Sihatu Shulin

Jinchang explained: "Oh, Wang Lao's heart condition has flared up; let him lie down for a while and he will be fine! My lord, please see, these are all seasoned veterans, rich in combat experience! Some have even participated in the great campaign against the Liufeng family led by the four generations of commanders! They are all invaluable treasures of our esteemed Zichuan family!"

The first handsome man, Ming Yu

In that case, your esteemed officials should call them in for some practice

The advisors expressed their dissent: "My lord, the enemy outnumbers us significantly, and our troops are weary from the long journey—would it not be better to first rest in Valen and wait for the main army to arrive before making further plans?"

Let me see, according to a certain friend of Lord Sterling from childhood: Lord Sterling has always been an exemplary child, excelling in both character and academics, receiving the "Three Good Student" award and scholarships every year. From a young age, he established the great ideal of serving his family. This sacred ideal is like a bright lamp, guiding Lord Sterling's future direction, enabling him to muster the courage to overcome any difficulties and ultimately become a renowned general. Lord Sterling's path of determination teaches us: where there is a will, there is a way; ideals are the lighthouse and direction of life. This sacred ideal is like a bright lamp, guiding Lord Sterling's future direction, enabling him to muster the courage to overcome any difficulties and ultimately become a renowned general. Lord Sterling's path of determination teaches us: where there is a will, there is a way; ideals are the lighthouse and direction of life. This is a model and example for countless aspiring youths to learn from... My lord, I do not see your name here?

Thus, he firmly believed that the only way to quell the rebellion was to strike directly at its source, to engage the rebels in a decisive battle, and to eliminate the roots of the insurrection in one fell swoop. Although the rebels had suffered a great defeat and appeared significantly weakened, Sterling was acutely aware that the rebels still possessed considerable strength; they had merely been stunned by his lightning-fast assault. Once they regained their composure, the family would have to pay a hundredfold in blood to quell the rebellion in the future

It was then that Sterling understood why, despite the cunning strategies of Robbo on that day, combined with Lin Bing's bravery and the valiant combat skills of the Far East soldiers, they still suffered defeat at Chishuitan.

The only regular force among the rebels is Lei Hong's division, but they left on the third day to deal with the only two provinces in the Far East that had not rebelled: Deyah Province and Yilibate Province. ... He could never have imagined that hundreds of thousands of rebels could be so thoroughly defeated by fewer than fifty thousand cavalrymen.

The mid-level officers, however, sensed danger: regardless of how high the morale of the troops was, an army could not rely solely on morale to fight. Continuously, officers went to persuade Sterling

Jinchang seems to have suffered a great insult: "How can Lord Mingyu say such a thing? Look, isn't there a strong young man? He is exactly thirty years old!"

The rebels and the Far Eastern army watching from the city walls were astonished: "How is it that Sterling's troops are all archers? They are shooting arrows while advancing for the charge; how can an archer unit perform a charge?"

However, when it comes to the arrangements for tomorrow's actions, he always casually states: "As per the original plan, nothing has changed"

In order to counter the immense strength of the half-orcs, human soldiers often adopt a formation strategy, with three individuals working together to confront a single half-orc, thus achieving organized combat against the disorganized. The rebels, having hastily formed their ranks, find it even more challenging to withstand the well-trained and highly coordinated regular army in such a test of cooperation and courage in close combat, leading them to fight individually. In less than ten minutes, six half-orc divisions were scattered and fled in all directions. The rebels, having hastily formed their ranks, find it even more challenging to withstand the well-trained and highly coordinated regular army in such a test of cooperation and courage in close combat, leading them to fight individually. In less than ten minutes, six half-orc divisions were scattered and fled in all directions.

Oh, I also transitioned from the reserves

At the foot of the mountain lies a vast plain, where the eye can see corpses clad in tattered battle armor everywhere. The fate of the family’s most proud armored cavalry is to be left exposed in the wilderness. Whether out of hatred or a desire to flaunt their victory, the victors of the Chishui Beach battle showed no mercy in denying the defeated a proper burial for their remains. Even from several kilometers away, the intense stench of decaying bodies in the air is unbearable

Half-orc: "Wala wala ke! Wajia!" (You cowards! I will run too!)

Zichuan Sanxing whispered to Sterling, "Don't say such ominous things! Winning or losing is a common occurrence in warfare. I only want you to return safely. You must know that I have no son and have always regarded you as my own. . . . " Tears streamed down his face as he spoke.

It is best to come over before breakfast, as the air is fresh and one is full of energy at this time, making it most suitable for long-distance running. This also helps to enhance appetite and promotes good health for both body and mind

The other officials participating in the review wore peculiar expressions, wanting to laugh but refraining, their faces turning blue and their hearts torn. Only President Luo Minghai could maintain his composure as he addressed the former owners of the shoes, praising their "diligence in training, never forgetting the great cause of national defense," thanking them for their "loyalty and courage, stepping forward in the family's most difficult times," and encouraging them to "fight bravely against the enemy and achieve great accomplishments." The soldiers returned the salute, shouting "Long live the family!" and "Long live the commander!" as if the shoes, placed on the bare playground under the blazing sun, did not exist at all—Luo Minghai truly felt as if he had cultivated himself to the level of a saint! However, on September 10th, when the militia from the Jixin Province strolled past the review stand in casual attire, smoking cigars, and meandering about as if they were out for a leisurely walk, even the "saint" could no longer contain himself! Their flags were smeared as if they were talismans for exorcism, and one could only vaguely discern what seemed to be the character "秀" on the flags with a magnifying glass.

Sterling once pondered: "What reason could there be that, after the Zichuan family has implemented benevolent governance in this land for two hundred years, every living being on this land is now struggling with their last breath to oppose us? Where did we go wrong?" However, his strong sense of loyalty as a faithful minister of the family prevented him from continuing to seek answers.

Conversely, the steep mountains and rugged paths of Yun Province make it difficult for the pursuing human cavalry to advance. Coupled with their unfamiliarity with the terrain, it is common for the entire army to set out in the morning shrouded in clouds, only to find themselves winding through the tortuous mountain roads all day long, until dusk falls. Consequently, everyone discovers that they have returned to the campfire where they slept the previous night.

Oh dear, how did I not know that our 'Xiuzi Camp' tour group had such a program arranged? If I had known earlier, I would have brought my camera for photos

"It is the army of humanity! My lord, reinforcements have arrived! Reinforcements have arrived!"

Sterling ... ... is Lord Sterling's army

Roger is a sex addict

As the queue advanced, arrows occasionally shot from the grass, and javelins flew out from the woods; when the army halted to camp, the surroundings were filled with the clamor of gongs and drums, leaving no moment of peace; when sentries were dispatched to investigate, they either found nothing at all or none of the dispatched personnel returned.

With tremendous force, the cavalry's lances effortlessly pierced the tough bodies of the half-orcs—some even managed to impale two or three at once. The second row of half-orcs began to retaliate with wooden clubs and iron rods, knocking the cavalry off their horses. The cavalry behind them then switched to sabers suitable for close combat, cleaving the half-orcs in two.

The central army roared: "Ura!" The sound of hooves thundered as the orderly ranks surged forward like a dark wall, rapidly pressing against the half-orcs

Are they ever going to stop? Last Monday they complained about the food, and on Wednesday they said there was no exotic dance to watch! There have already been two mutinies! Now they can eat well, drink spicy food, and even go to see strip shows every night, yet they still want to stir up a mutiny?

Through the tireless efforts of all members of our preparatory armed forces, significant progress has been made in the assembly of the reserve armed forces, and the achievements are remarkable! Of course, as humans are not sages, we inevitably encounter various shortcomings and deficiencies in our work. However, we should recognize that this is a relationship of nine fingers to one finger; achievements and contributions are primary, they are the mainstream, they represent the overall situation, while shortcomings and deficiencies are secondary, they are...

I wonder how the assembly situation of the reserve militia in your province is, Deputy Flag Officer Jin

After the moment of silence, it is a night of revelry for millions—every time the name Sterling is mentioned, it elicits cheers from the crowd: "Long live!"

On August 11, a messenger, nearly running his horse to exhaustion, brought jubilant news to the capital: "Valen has achieved victory! We have killed 71,000 enemies, captured 116,000, and the rebel forces have retreated 100 kilometers. Lord Sterling is in hot pursuit! The Valen fortress remains safe!"

A group of people returned to their residence, all sighing in despair

On the other side, there were simultaneous shouts: "Wow! Wow!"

With a loud slap, a woman standing in front of Zichuan Xiu turned around with an angry expression: "Rogue! Trying to take advantage of me! My husband is following Lord Sterling to the Far East to fight for our country, and you dare to bully me, a lone woman! Is there no justice left in this world!"

Soldiers, before us lie the remains of our comrades from the Far East Army, who fought bravely and sacrificed their lives for the nation. What we must do now is to bury their bodies, and then..." Sterling closed his eyes, and two warm tears slowly rolled down: "We are withdrawing."

Zichuan Xiu is an idiot

On August 6, the battle for Fort Valen reached a critical moment. After more than ten days of continuous attacks, the rebels finally breached a gap in the sturdy walls of Valen. Over a hundred thousand rebels surged through the opening, shouting loudly.

What we cannot tolerate the most is Sterling's surprise attack after dinner! The rebel soldiers declared, "This is the most inhumane act!" With our bellies full, we still have to run and jump all over the mountains; just think about how painful that is!

The Sterling forces also have an absolute advantage in numbers, and their weaponry and equipment far surpass the wooden sticks and shovels of the rebels