Chapter 718: The Battle Has Begun
When Fan Wanming’s words fell, everyone focused their attention on the army approaching in the distance.
Looking through the military binoculars, Feng Xiyan quickly spotted the commander. Frowning slightly, he thought, ’Isn’t that the fifth-ranked general under Wen Kang? He is the new Great General?’
Noticing the subtle change in Feng Xiyan’s expression, Fan Wanming asked, "Great General, did you notice something?"
Feng Xiyan handed him the military binoculars and replied, "See for yourself."
Taking the military binoculars, Fan Wanming looked into the distance. The moment he saw the man leading the army, his brows furrowed.
Xue Ruhong noticed the change in his expression and took the military binoculars from him. Looking toward the approaching army, he, too, frowned when he saw the familiar face.
Lowering the military binoculars, he muttered with a hint of disbelief, "This... Did Wen Kang really appoint him as the new Great General?"
Hearing this, Tan Pengtai couldn’t suppress his curiosity anymore. "General Xue, who is he? Why are all three of you reacting the same way?"
Xue Ruhong was momentarily speechless at Wen Kang’s decision. He handed the binoculars to Tan Pengtai and said, "... It’s that old rat."
At his words, Tan Pengtai froze for a second before exclaiming, "No way! Wen Kang can’t be that stupid... right?"
Despite his doubt, he still raised the military binoculars and looked into the distance. The moment he saw the familiar face, he fell silent.
"...." Alright... Wen Kang really is that stupid.
Not knowing who this "old rat" was, the other generals and vice-generals exchanged puzzled glances.
Coming back to his senses, Tan Pengtai turned to Feng Xiyan and asked, "Great General, will you still personally lead the battle?"
Feng Xiyan glanced at him, his gaze cold. "General Tan, it is a taboo to underestimate the enemy in war."
At his words, Tan Pengtai’s face paled. He quickly clasped his fists, lowered his head, and said, "This subordinate is at fault. Great General, please punish me."
Feng Xiyan waved his hand. "No next time."
"Thank you, Great General, for your guidance." Tan Pengtai secretly let out a sigh of relief and wiped his damp palms on his pants.
Patting his shoulder, Ding Zhensun gave him an encouraging look.
Seeing this, Tan Pengtai could only respond with a helpless grimace.
While they observed the enemy from the top of the city wall, Ku Shu, the newly appointed Great General of the Wen Empire, gritted his teeth as he stared at the tall, imposing city walls in the distance.
Spotting Feng Xiyan and his generals standing on top of the city wall, Ku Shu licked his lips and urged his warhorse forward. Behind him, the two hundred thousand troops struggled to keep up.
Twenty minutes later, Ku Shu finally halted eight hundred meters from the city wall. Soon after, his cavalry arrived and lined up behind him, while the infantries were still rushing to catch up.
Looking at the disordered formation below, Feng Xiyan’s eyes dimmed slightly. His grip tightened around the hilt of his blue sword as he frowned deeply.
’Not enough. This is far from enough.’
Below, Ku Shu pointed at Feng Xiyan and shouted, "Feng Xiyan! The new Emperor has decreed that you surrender and return to the imperial capital city as soon as possible! If you do, you will be granted the title of a second-ranked prince and a fiefdom in the north!"
As his voice echoed across the battlefield, a young general scoffed. "Heh! Our Great General is a first-ranked Duke of Hu Guo. His status is even higher than that of a first-ranked imperial prince. Who would want to be a mere second-ranked prince with a different surname?"
Hearing this, the others nodded in agreement.
Seeing that Feng Xiyan remained silent, Ku Shu sneered inwardly. ’What kind of great general is this? Just a coward.’
After a brief pause, Ku Shu raised his voice again. "If you refuse to surrender, this general will flatten Xiqiang City! You have the time it takes to drink a cup of tea to decide!"
While Ku Shu was yapping below, Feng Xiyan didn’t spare him a glance. His attention was entirely focused on the enemy’s formation.
Because Ku Shu had rushed his march, the troops were stretched into a long line, with some units lagging far behind while others had already gathered at the front.
Slowly rubbing the hilt of his blue sword, Feng Xiyan gave a cold order, "General Fan, lead two thousand elite cavalry. Strike the middle formation and cut off their route with fire."
Fan Wanming clasped his fists and responded, "This subordinate accepts the order!"
Turning around, he pointed at two young generals and three vice-generals. "You guys, come with this general."
The generals’ and vice-generals’ eyes lit up at his words. "Yes, General Fan!"
Without delay, the group descended the wall. Moments later, the Gate Captain shouted, "Open the gate!"
The soldiers quickly removed the massive wooden bar and pushed open the heavy gates.
Unlike the city gate in the inner-ring area, this newly constructed outer-ring city gate was larger, sturdier, yet lighter—built for rapid deployment.
As soon as the city gate was fully opened, Fan Wanming raised his spear and ordered, "Move out!"
With a sharp kick, his warhorse surged forward. Behind him, two generals, three vice-generals, and two thousand elite cavalry charged out like a black tide.
Once they exited the city, the Gate Captain immediately ordered, "Close the gate!"
Bam!
In no time, the city gate slammed shut behind Fan Wanming and his troops.
But instead of fear, the Feng Army’s elite soldiers were filled with burning fighting spirit, and their bodies radiated a chilling killing aura.
Watching the approaching cavalry in shiny black armor, Ku Shu sneered. "Overestimating themselves."
He then turned to one of his generals and ordered, "You—take five thousand men and deal with Fan Wanming."
"This subordinate accepts the order!" Without hesitation, the general led five thousand cavalry forward to intercept Fan Wanming.
From the top of the wall, the newly appointed generals and vice-generals looked uneasy.