The Lord Of Blood Hill

Half an hour later, the overwhelming imperial forces steadily push Nangong Ying’s troops into retreat.

Anyone with eyes can see that Nangong Ying’s side is running on empty, completely drained.

At that moment, a report arrives: the remaining three armies of the Forbidden Army suddenly appear on the north bank of the Fengyue River, seemingly intending to join the battle.

Confident of victory, Nangong He sneers coldly. “Ha… Now they want to defect? A little late, isn’t it? Send orders for Fu Sifang to hold the north bank and protect our supply lines. I’ll reward him later for his contribution.”

The newly promoted Minister of War beside him remarks, “Your Majesty, he’s just showing up to claim credit. He hasn’t done anything, but now that the outcome is clear, he comes running. What a clever move.”

In high spirits, Nangong He waves dismissively. “No matter! After all, Fu Sifang is an imperial Fifth Rank Martial Warrior and a general of the Forbidden Army. If he’s willing to cooperate, I’ll give him whatever he wants. I don’t care about these minor lapses in loyalty. It’s all for the empire!”

The reason Nangong He favors Fu Sifang is because he needs him to reclaim the elite 150,000 troops left behind in the South Regions.

As Nangong He daydreams about governing the country, he suddenly spots a figure on a small hill across the river.

Using his telescope, he sees it’s Henwell, clad in armor and carrying a war spear.

Surprised, Nangong He asks, “Why has this barbarian returned?”

A nearby official flatters him, “Perhaps he realizes he can’t escape the imperial pursuit and wants to surrender.”

Before the words finish, two cavalrymen appear beside Henwell, holding high the banner bearing his name.

Henwell spurts forward on horseback, heading straight toward Nangong He’s position.

Soon, thousands of cavalry gather on the hill, charging alongside Henwell.

Everyone realizes these are Nangong Ying’s remaining cavalry, rallying for a desperate suicide charge.

Nangong He immediately orders four cavalry units of five thousand each to charge from all directions, aiming to annihilate Henwell here and now.

No one believes Henwell can make any waves. After all, the imperial side has over twenty thousand cavalry, while Henwell commands just over five thousand. The gap is enormous.

But soon, everyone begins to sense something is wrong.

It’s not just a few thousand riders, more and more cavalry pour down from the hill without stopping.

When the number behind Henwell’s squad swells beyond ten thousand, alarm bells ring.

Because these riders wear the uniform of the imperial Forbidden Army cavalry!

Nangong He’s eyes widen in shock. “Where did these Forbidden Army troops come from? Has Fu Sifang betrayed us?!”

No one can answer him. Meanwhile, no more cavalry appear on the hill.

Henwell’s force now gathers to fifteen thousand, all charging at full speed.

The four imperial cavalry units that had been closing in immediately change course and redeploy in response.

Henwell activates his Will Lock and Gene Lock, unleashing a roaring sea of golden-red flames that once again fills everyone’s sight.

This time, the fire is even larger and fiercer than before.

The charging speed of Henwell’s cavalry cluster surges by roughly thirty percent.

Don’t underestimate that thirty percent, it’s a very noticeable boost.

Generals in the central army formations shout orders to release volleys of arrows, determined not to let this cavalry get close.

But with the Civilization Light powered by the Will Lock, the cavalry’s defense improves dramatically. Ordinary arrows can’t pierce their protection, and even the horses suffer minimal harm.

With their speed so greatly enhanced, the front lines of the central army can’t adjust their formations in time and collide with Henwell’s charge.

Henwell crashes into the newly formed tower shields like a high-speed locomotive.

These two-meter-high massive shields have supporting poles and are held by over ten men each, forming a shield wall with small windows for shooting arrows and thrusting spears.

This formation is specifically designed to stop cavalry charges, and most riders dare not charge head-on.

But Henwell clearly isn’t most riders!

At the moment of impact, the force from hundreds of cavalry behind Henwell channels through the Will Lock and surges into him.

The sturdy shield wall shatters like paper under Henwell’s assault.

Screaming soldiers fly through the air, shields break apart, and a gap over twenty meters wide opens up. It proofs that nothing can stop Henwell.

Hundreds of cavalry follow Henwell through the breach, charging fiercely to both sides.

The outer riders cut down enemies, while the inner riders draw bows and shoot deadly arrows at the stunned soldiers behind the shields.

The entire defensive shield wall quickly descends into chaos.

By the time the next wave of cavalry charges through, the gap has widened to over a hundred meters.

Most dangerously, the second line of defense hasn’t even been fully organized.

Still, the imperial generals aren’t fools. They sound the drums and bugles, ordering the four cavalry units to intercept and kill Henwell’s riders.

They’re prepared to sacrifice over ten thousand defensive troops to stall Henwell’s cavalry.

If they can hold him back, other formations will quickly close in and encircle Henwell’s fifteen thousand cavalry for annihilation.

But then, the imperial forces witness a shocking scene unfold.

On both sides of the battlefield, two separate armies suddenly appear, prompting the imperial generals to curse their scouts for such poor reconnaissance.

In truth, all the scouts have already been wiped out. With their numerical advantage and knowing Nangong Ying has no reinforcements, the imperial side dispatched only a limited number of scouts.

Since the Forbidden Army from the South Regions remains inactive, scout numbers were scarce.

Earlier that morning, Lucy’s troops began hunting down any scouts near the battlefield.

Now, the armies entering from the east and west bear two different banners.

On the left is Liu Mang’s Jingzhe Army; on the right, Benjamin’s Ying Zhao Army.

Each commands eighty thousand soldiers and arrived at the battlefield two nights ago.

To conceal their movements, they traveled in separate groups and flew the banners of forces loyal to Nangong He, maintaining the illusion of support for him.

As a result, the imperial side remains unaware that these two massive armies have already taken position.

Meanwhile, Lucy’s faction, the Yuwen Family, and William’s forces have joined to suppress any news leaks.

Within the capital, Henwell has planted covert agents to block information, keeping the imperial court oblivious to Liu Mang and Benjamin’s mobilization.

In fact, just days ago, the two were still pretending to accompany Nangong He’s envoys in the South Regions.

At that time, their armies, along with the stranded Forbidden Army units, had already mobilized.

The troops the envoys saw were freshly recruited and still in training, so long as no fighting broke out, the illusion held.

Most importantly, Nangong He never suspects these two would side with Nangong Ying.

From his perspective, they have no reason to betray him, especially since his offers were generous enough.

Yet now, with these two armies advancing, the cold hard facts prove such an absurd betrayal has indeed happened!