Chapter 100 - 97: Breaching the Stronghold

Chapter 100: Chapter 97: Breaching the Stronghold

Meanwhile, many of the powerful bandit leaders Beyond the Passes began to get ideas. Combined, their numbers were quite formidable.

For years, a large portion of those exiled from Dayong had been sent to the Northern Border. After arriving, some of them settled down and made their homes there. But many others, unwilling to serve as cannon fodder on the battlefield, chose to flee Beyond the Passes.

Furthermore, in the chaos of past wars, some soldiers from scattered armies had settled in the region. These men were not only Northern Barbarians, but also Yong People.

After several generations, their population had grown immense, all struggling to survive in this lawless land.

Now that someone was finally paying them attention, how could these powerful bandits not be tempted?

A large portion of them were willing to cooperate with the Northern Barbarians.

For the strongmen Beyond the Passes of the Northern Border, this was an opportunity. Of course, if they played their cards wrong, they could just as easily be crushed between the two behemoths.

Lu Yuan was definitely not the only one with his eye on this situation.

However, he was probably the first to make a move.

「After a day’s march.」

The main army had already assembled at the foot of Vulture Ridge. Helian Shang and Yun Mo had both arrived ahead of schedule. Upon seeing Zhou Hongling, they immediately stepped out of the camp to greet her, saying respectfully, "General."

"Dispense with the formalities. Are all your men here?" Zhou Hongling asked coolly as she strode forward.

Upon entering the camp, she walked straight into the command tent that had already been pitched for her.

"Reporting, General. All have arrived. From Huangsha Fortress and Huqiu Fortress, a total of four thousand men from the City Guard Army and six thousand Garrison Soldiers are present.

It’s more than enough to take Vulture Ridge," Yun Mo declared, his voice ringing out.

Though he now had only one arm, he showed no signs of discouragement. In fact, he seemed even more spirited than before, and his cultivation had clearly grown.

A long saber hung at his waist.

"Mm." Zhou Hongling nodded, clearly agreeing with Yun Mo.

Although their side was outnumbered, numbers weren’t always the deciding factor in warfare.

A disciplined, professional army could easily crush a disorganized mob.

The disparity in equipment alone was immense, to say nothing of other factors.

And that wasn’t even counting the six thousand Garrison Soldiers who had come along.

In truth, Vulture Ridge would be hard-pressed to withstand even a few thousand soldiers from the City Guard Army on their own.

This was precisely why the bandit problem Beyond the Passes had never garnered much serious attention; otherwise, they would have been wiped out long ago.

Just then, Helian Shang spoke softly, "General, when will we begin the attack? The men on Vulture Ridge have already started organizing their Defense."

Zhou Hongling, seated at the head of the tent, glanced at Lu Yuan. Seeing that he had no intention of speaking, she said slowly, "Then we attack tomorrow. Strive to crush this stronghold within a single day."

They had brought over a hundred Siege Crossbows with them on this campaign.

Never mind a mere stronghold; with that kind of firepower, they could suppress even a small city.

"As you command!"

Lu Yuan and the other two replied in unison.

Zhou Hongling then gestured for them to withdraw.

They had barely stepped out of the tent when Helian Shang grabbed Lu Yuan and Yun Mo. "You two, it’s not often we’re all together. Care for a drink?"

"Alright," Yun Mo nodded.

Lu Yuan didn’t refuse and followed them to Helian Shang’s tent. As a scion of a General’s Mansion, Helian Shang never believed in skimping on comforts.

Inside the tent, roasted lamb and various other delicacies were already laid out.

Jars of wine had also been set out.

The three men entered and took their seats.

Helian Shang unsealed a jar of wine, filled the bowls for Lu Yuan and Yun Mo, and then dismissed the Personal Guards from his tent.

After downing a bowl of wine, he leaned in and whispered, "Have you two heard what’s going on Beyond the Passes?"

"What is it?" Lu Yuan asked, raising an eyebrow.

Yun Mo nodded. "He must be talking about the Northern Barbarians recruiting the powerful bandits Beyond the Passes to create a buffer zone. The higher-ups are mostly aware of it.

Not only that, but I’ve heard the imperial court has also sent people to contact these same bandits.

Some of the great aristocratic families are also preparing to get involved."

Lu Yuan looked astonished; this was genuinely incredible to him. "Why?" he asked, his curiosity piqued. "I can understand the court’s involvement. Since the Northern Barbarians are backing a faction, it’s only natural for us in Dayong to support our own to counterbalance them.

But why are the noble families getting involved?"

"Why? First, to build up their own family’s power. Second, and more importantly, is business. Once that buffer zone is established, it’ll be a true no-man’s-land.

The number of people in that territory is significant, and most of them are Martial Artists, so their demand for supplies is naturally huge. Another thing is that the real business they want to do is with the Northern Barbarians.

If they don’t control their own piece of turf in the buffer zone, their trade routes will be a huge problem. They might get robbed before they even get where they’re going. That’s why so many people have their eyes on this area."

Helian Shang said, taking a gulp of wine.

His face was already slightly flushed.

Lu Yuan shot him a sideways glance. "How do you know all this?"

"My father told me, of course," Helian Shang said smugly. "I’m only telling you two this much because I see you as brothers. According to my father, the Northern Border is about to become a land of great opportunity."

Ever since the battle Beyond the Passes, his relationship with Yun Mo and Lu Yuan had become very strong. After all, they had faced life and death together.

Lu Yuan, in particular, had arguably saved his life.

That was why Helian Shang was being so candid today.

"So, does your Helian Family have any plans to get involved?" Lu Yuan asked after clinking his bowl with him.

Helian Shang lowered his voice. "Of course we’ll get involved. We can’t compare to those nobles in the Imperial City, but we have the advantage of being right here on the ground. It won’t just be our family; the Zhou Family will probably make a move as well.