"Wang Kui, this time you will lead the troops to block the Qin army's attack. I have already sought the support of the other five nations. I hope you can learn from Pang Juan's lesson!"
Showing his irritation at the civil officials' lack of cooperation, Emperor Wei issued the order, glaring at a general in the front row. His tone carried a distinct threat.
What happened to Pang Juan?
After his defeat, every member of his family was executed.
The underlying meaning of this statement was clear: victory was the only option; failure was unacceptable.
"Your Majesty... Your humble servant obeys!"
Wang Kui trembled. He wanted to refuse, but upon seeing Emperor Wei's expression, he held his tongue.
He had a strong premonition that refusing would not end well for him.
However, after accepting the mission, he was filled with deep regret. The Battle of Anyi Pass had decimated most of Wei Country's elite forces. Furthermore, there were no strategic chokepoints to defend the thousand-mile stretch of land between Anyi Pass and Ye City.
Two of the key elements for military success—favorable conditions and strategic terrain—were already lost.
How should he fight?
With mixed feelings, Wang Kui began to deploy his troops. These forces, mainly drawn from the surrounding four commanderies, formed an army of two million men, which then departed Ye City in a grand formation.
But soon, they faced a dilemma: Where should they intercept the Qin army?
"Send the order! Head to Peng City!"
After staring at the map for a long time, Wang Kui made the difficult decision. Strategically, Peng City offered no significant geographical advantages, but unlike other cities, it possessed a defensive moat.
This was undoubtedly the best choice for the Wei army, which desperately needed to buy time.
Hexi City was located three hundred miles from Anyi Pass. Here, deep within the Great Wei Empire, the city walls, still stained with undried blood, were adorned with the vibrant flags of the Qin Empire, fluttering in the wind.
In the spacious City Lord's residence, Qin Wudao sat at the head, with Jia Xu on his right and Wang Jian on his left, while the other generals were arrayed behind them.
Joy was evident on everyone's face.
Since invading the Great Wei Empire, they had conquered over a dozen cities. Apart from Hexi City, the garrisons of the other cities had been so terrified by the news of their approach that they had opened their gates and surrendered.
"Your Highness, an urgent military report!"
A Scout entered steadily, presented a dispatch, and reported respectfully, "According to our investigations, Emperor Wei has appointed Wang Kui as commander-in-chief, leading an army of two million, stationed in Peng City!"
"Investigate further!"
Qin Wudao instructed calmly, his gaze fixed on the Scout.
Even when not in battle, he wore spirit armor and a battle sword at his waist; a sharp aura emanated from him, filling the void.
After the Scout saluted and departed, Qin Wudao and the assembled generals fell into deep thought.
They knew the Great Wei Empire would dispatch troops to intercept them rather than allow the battlefield to be Ye City. After all, Ye City was the imperial capital, embodying the national destiny of an empire that had stood for over a hundred thousand years.
"Your Highness," Jia Xu spoke first after a moment of contemplation, earning nods from the others, "Peng City is a large city on a plain, serving as the central hub within a hundred-mile radius. To attack Ye City, we must first capture Peng City and use it as a temporary staging ground."
Those present in the hall were the elite of their million-strong army. Even if they lacked exceptional command abilities, they possessed basic strategic insight.
"In that case, the entire army will set out! We strive to occupy Peng City before their reinforcements arrive!" Qin Wudao nodded and issued the command in a resolute tone.
Earlier that morning, he had received an order from the Qin Emperor to coordinate with Bai Qi and annihilate the Great Wei Empire.
If that was the case, he would clear all obstacles on the path to Ye City before Bai Qi's arrival.
Of course, what Qin Wudao cared about most was the check-in reward he would receive from the system after conquering Ye City. According to the system's definition, the fall of the capital meant the fall of the nation!
After a day's rest, Qin Wudao left twenty thousand men to guard Hexi City and led over nine hundred thousand soldiers on a forced march towards Peng City. Their journey was peaceful, encountering no interference from Wei troops.
Upon learning of the Qin army's advance, Wang Kui ordered the troops from surrounding cities to withdraw and consolidate within Peng City, thereby minimizing unnecessary casualties.
Three days later, the Qin army arrived outside Peng City. Their momentum was overwhelming, and each soldier's morale was dragon-like—a stark contrast to their state just half a month prior.
Having experienced the Battle of Anyi Pass and slain a million enemies, they had transformed from ordinary soldiers into an elite force.
The battlefield is always the best teacher.
Those who could walk out of the battlefield alive, refined like gold from sand, would inevitably grow stronger.
"Such a powerful army!"
Atop Peng City's walls, Wang Kui surveyed the Qin army. Sensing their formidable strength, his heart trembled. His brows furrowed tightly as he felt the immense pressure.
"General, what should we do now?" the Deputy General asked, his face etched with worry, his weapon clutched tightly.
Wang Kui had no better solution and spoke word by word, "Defend with all our might!" A passive defense was the least optimal strategy in an engagement.
"Issue the order: set up camp on the spot, prepare food, and launch the attack tonight!"
Having surveyed Peng City, Qin Wudao had a plan, a bloodthirsty smile playing on his lips. Apart from its protective moat, this city isn't much different from an ordinary one. With the Qin army's strength, capturing it won't be too difficult. However, the priority now is to let the soldiers rest well, have a hearty meal, and build up their energy to slaughter the enemy thoroughly tonight.
It was a dark night. A crescent moon hung in the sky, but the stars were dim, hidden by dark clouds overhead. Yet, Peng City within was brightly lit, with squads of soldiers patrolling ceaselessly.
"Attack!"
Suddenly, a thunderous cry shattered the void.
Qin Wudao drew the Xuanyuan Sword, his presence majestic. With a cold expression and killing intent that pierced the heavens, he issued the command to attack.
"Kill! Kill! Kill!"
Leading the charge was the Qin Iron Cavalry. Clad in blood-red armor and wreathed in a terrifying, crimson Evil Qi, their power had soared through continuous battles, with most having advanced to the Real Human Realm.
Martial Artists in the Real Human Realm were rare in the armies of the Six States and could qualify for the rank of Chiliarch.
One could only imagine the combat prowess of a legion composed mostly of Real Human Realm Martial Artists. Deployed on the battlefield, they were veritable engines of slaughter.
"Defend!"
"Archers, prepare! Fire!"
Wang Kui, constantly watching the Qin army's every move from the city wall, saw the Qin Iron Cavalry charge and hastily commanded.
WHOOSH WHOOSH WHOOSH!
Countless arrows filled the air with an ear-piercing sound, forming a dense rain as they streaked through the sky.
"Formation! Block!"
The Qin Iron Cavalry, over forty thousand strong, activated a defensive barrier. A blood-red light flickered around their bodies, forming an impenetrable shield that repelled the volley of arrows.
After the rain of arrows, they remained unscathed.
HISS!
Wang Kui sucked in a cold breath. Realizing the attacks from ordinary soldiers were futile, he prepared to mobilize the experts at the Real Human Realm and above.
At that moment, he saw eighteen figures burst forth and cross the moat. They condensed a powerful blade Qi above their heads, which then fiercely smashed into the city gate, exuding a formidable aura.
The solid city gates crumbled into fragments, revealing a dark, gaping tunnel.
"Oh no..."
Wang Kui's expression changed drastically. If the gateway is breached, the Qin Iron Cavalry will be able to surge into the city! Our slight geographical advantage will be completely lost!
"Valiant Old Qin, together to meet the nation's peril! Kill! Kill! Kill!"
The overwhelming Qin infantry swarmed forward, launching their assault. They carried bamboo ladders, spanned the moat, and surged into Peng City.
Soon, the flames of war spread throughout the city!
At this, Wang Kui's heart plummeted, as if he had fallen into a bottomless, icy abyss.