Chapter 175 - 138: Luring the Snake Out of Its Hole
Chapter 175: Chapter 138: Luring the Snake Out of Its Hole
It wasn’t that Xiao Shi didn’t trust Lu Yuan; this was simply protocol.
All generals sent on campaigns were observed, and this surveillance unit was kept secret from the commanding general.
He wouldn’t be told their specific location.
At that moment, watching the Mantuo Tribe mobilize their troops, the expression of the Centurion leading the Scouts changed drastically. "Send word to the imperial court," he ordered. "Activate the Profound Light Mirror and show them what’s happening."
He was unaware of Lu Yuan’s plan; all he saw was that most of the troops meant to defend against the Mantuo Tribe had been moved.
Meanwhile, the enemy’s main force was charging out.
His heart sank, convinced their army was doomed.
’How can the court’s army possibly withstand an attack from both front and rear?’
As the Profound Light Mirror activated, a massive mirror in the Military Hall instantly began to glow. Though it was the middle of the night, the Eunuch on duty dared not hesitate. He immediately hurried outside and rushed toward the rear palace.
A moment later, Xiao Shi, the Grand Minister of Rites, the Prime Minister, and other officials all filed in.
As they watched the scene in the mirror, their faces grew grave.
Xiao Shi sat at the head of the room, her face impassive. "I’ve just received word," she said. "Prince Qin has led the main army out of the pass to launch a surprise attack on the Shengman. Thirty thousand soldiers from the army stationed near the Mantuo Tribe were requisitioned for the assault."
"Now, the Mantuo Tribe has officially raised the banner of rebellion and is marching on the imperial army’s camp."
"The Manhun and Manhe Tribes also appear to be mobilizing. Combined, the three forces total two hundred thousand troops. Their target is Ancient River Pass."
As she spoke, the Profound Light Mirror displayed the Mantuo Tribe’s army on a forced march. A seemingly endless column of cavalry was advancing toward the imperial garrison.
They were moving quickly.
Grand Commandant Fu Chuan’s face was grim. "We can’t blame Prince Qin," he said. "The Shengman army refused to engage, and we lack the supplies to be drawn into a war of attrition."
"Our only choice was to strike first before winter set in. We need a swift victory, but sixty thousand men alone aren’t enough. Even I can’t think of a better solution."
"Indeed. It’s an impossible situation," the Grand Minister of Rites said softly. "I suggest we have the Crown Princess and Prince Qin withdraw. With the masters from Prajna Temple escorting them, they should be able to escape without issue."
But his voice was tinged with bitterness.
"The Vassal Towns... it’s always these Vassal Towns," Xiao Mie said in a low, heavy voice. "As long as they exist, they will remain a dagger at our throats."
Xiao Shi gazed at the Profound Light Mirror and took out a Sound Transmission Stone. ’No matter what, as long as Lu Yuan and my daughter’s lives can be saved, that will be enough,’ she thought. ’Everything else will have to be dealt with later. But after this battle, the entire region around Ancient River Pass will be lost to the court.’
Meanwhile, Lu Yuan looked completely confident. He and his army were hidden by the moonlight near the former garrison that had been watching the Mantuo Tribe.
He watched as the Mantuo Tribe charged toward the encampment.
A smile touched his lips.
’After all this time planning, my only worry was that the Mantuo Tribe wouldn’t take the bait,’ he thought. ’Now that they’ve made their move, there’s no need to hold back.’
He now had eighty thousand Elite Cavalry behind him. Combined with the ten thousand men in the camp, that was a force of ninety thousand. He was certain he would devour the Mantuo Tribe’s hundred thousand warriors today.
Xiao Hua stood to one side, her eyes sparkling as she gazed at Lu Yuan. In that moment, his stature in her eyes grew even greater.
’The Mantuo Tribe... they actually came.’
Xiao He was also thrilled.
He said to Lu Yuan, "Prince, they really came out! It’s a good thing we decided to deal with the Mantuo Tribe first. If we had charged straight into battle with the Shengman, it would have been a true disaster."
As he spoke, he looked at Lu Yuan with a fiery reverence in his eyes.
When Lu Yuan had first arrived, Xiao He hadn’t paid him much mind. The only reason he had been willing to cooperate was due to Xiao Hua’s presence.
Now, however, he had a completely new appreciation for the young man before him.
’If this plan succeeds,’ he thought, ’not only will the three tribes—Mantuo, Manhun, and Manhe—surrender and cede all their territory, but we’ll also be able to repel the Shengman invasion.’
’At the very least, we won’t have to worry about any trouble on the northern front this winter.’
Lu Yuan heard Xiao He’s voice but didn’t respond directly, only stating calmly, "It’s time."
As he spoke, everyone looked ahead.
They saw the Mantuo army closing in on the main imperial camp.
Xiao He immediately raised his hand, and the army behind him instantly prepared for battle.
Lu Yuan turned to Xiao Hua. "You wait here," he said. "The Beast Riders will protect you. Do not wander off, no matter what. The battlefield is treacherous—even someone at the Divine Essence realm can’t be guaranteed safety. Understand?"
His tone was exceptionally serious. Xiao Hua looked at him and nodded. She didn’t argue, but was instead perfectly compliant. She was a woman who understood the bigger picture.
She knew that at a time like this, she couldn’t afford to be a distraction to him.
Seeing her agreement, Lu Yuan glanced back at his army, already arranged in a charge formation. In a calm voice, he commanded, "Charge!"
The next moment, he spurred his horse forward, leading the charge. His Python Robe billowed, and the Cyan Dragon Crescent Saber materialized in his grip with a flash.
It left a streak of cyan light across the night sky.
The ninety-thousand-strong army thundered close behind, their horses’ hooves striking the earth with a sound like rolling thunder.
As the formation began to spread out,
wisps of black mist began to rise from beneath their feet.
The mist coiled around every Warrior.
At the same time, a voice rang out in Lu Yuan’s mind.
[Host’s Array activated. All allied troops receive: Speed x2, Defense x2.]
In the next instant, the army’s speed surged. Like a raging torrent, they crashed toward the forces of the Mantuo Tribe.