Rebirth: Phoenix Riding the Ninth Heaven

Chapter 196 Preparing for Battle

The Fourth Prince trudged carelessly before him, his steps nonchalant. Facing such a cynical figure, he felt helpless. Finally, he had to reveal his true purpose for wanting to teach him: "Spring has arrived, the earth is reviving, and the leaves are sprouting new buds. It's time to act."

As soon as the words fell, Baili Xi, who had been acting nonchalantly, suddenly became serious. He stared at the Fourth Prince and asked solemnly, "Are you really sure you want to do this?" His eyes revealed a hint of doubt and worry.

The Fourth Prince nodded without hesitation, indicating his resolve. Seeing his resolute attitude, Baili Xi couldn't help but think to himself that the Fourth Prince had truly made up his mind. He said no more, his expression grave, "If that's the case, then fine. I understand." His words were filled with alertness and preparation for the challenges that lay ahead.

The Fourth Prince stared at Baili Xi expressionlessly. His gaze was like a torch, as if it could penetrate Baili Xi's heart. That focused and determined look was breathtaking. After a long moment, the Fourth Prince slowly turned his gaze away, looked at Baili Xi, and said calmly, "This is your own choice. Just don't regret it."

Baili Xi's eyes were complex and difficult to read. He looked deeply at the Fourth Prince, then said without hesitation, "I won't regret it. Having chosen this path, I will walk on it with resolve. Even if there's a bottomless abyss ahead, I'm willing to use my ordinary body to brave it."

After hearing Baili Xi's words, the Fourth Prince sighed helplessly and said, "Well, since you have made up your mind, then go ahead and implement it." After that, he waved his hand, as if trying to get rid of this heavy topic.

Upon seeing this, Baili Xi hurriedly bowed and said, "Thank you, Fourth Prince!" Then, he turned around gracefully and left without looking back, leaving behind only a determined back.

A century of grudges, though the plan had come to nothing, but how could I not hate them when they invaded my territory and killed my people? Now that they have bared their fangs, don't blame your own heart and hands for being rotten. The Fourth Prince sat at the table, writing, and made his final decision. If you don't cut the grass at its roots, it will grow again in the spring breeze.

On the northern frontier of the Daqian Dynasty, where the vast grasslands met the Daqian territory, the Xiongnu tribes, like a pack of ravenous and brutal wolves, frequently harassed the Dasui frontier. Their cavalry trampled the land with reckless abandon, leaving towns and cities in ruins and the people displaced, their cries echoing through the air. For a time, the northern border was ablaze with war, and the situation was precarious.

At this crucial moment, the Fourth Prince bravely stepped forward, resolutely heading for the border. He knew full well that this journey bore the heavy responsibility of defending his homeland and saving the lives of countless civilians from dire straits. The Fourth Prince, a man of lofty ambitions since childhood, was well-versed in military texts, possessing a unique understanding of military strategy. His humble and amiable demeanor earned him the admiration of his fellow soldiers. Furthermore, he commanded a galaxy of formidable generals, including Luo Cheng, a master of martial arts and spearmanship; Baili Xi, a man of exceptional intelligence and meticulous thought; and Li Jing, a master of military tactics and strategic planning. These men served as the Fourth Prince's right-hand men and, alongside the soldiers at the border, were determined to compose a magnificent hymn of national defense in this war-torn land.

One day, the Fourth Prince stood atop the towering Fortress, gazing into the distance. In the distance, dust billowed, obscuring the sky and the sun. The Xiongnu army, bearing down like a dark cloud, was advancing in full force, intent on breaking through the Dasui border in one fell swoop and plundering even more wealth and land. The Fourth Prince's expression was solemn, but his gaze was as firm as steel. He turned to the neatly arranged ranks of generals and soldiers behind him and declared, "The Xiongnu barbarians have repeatedly invaded our borders, burning, killing, looting, and committing all manner of evil. Today is their burial place! Luo Cheng, Baili Xi, and Li Jing, listen to my command!"

When the three heard the call, they immediately stepped out of the team, knelt on one knee in unison, and responded in unison: "We are here!" Their voices were loud and full of firmness and determination.

The Fourth Prince watched them, methodically laying out his tactics. "Luo Cheng, you lead 3,000 cavalry. Leveraging their mobility, quickly ambush them in the valley on the left. Once the Xiongnu army has fully entered our encirclement, you will cut off their retreat and ensure they have no chance of escape. Baili Xi, you will lead 2,000 infantry and set up numerous obstacles, such as tripwires and chevaux de frise, along the key roads ahead to disrupt the Xiongnu cavalry's charge and throw them into disarray. Li Jing, you and I will command the central army, coordinating the overall situation and adjusting our deployment accordingly. We will ensure the Xiongnu never return!"

"Yes, sir!" The three men, receiving their orders, sprang into action. Luo Cheng leaped onto his horse, silver spear in hand, a dashing figure. With a wave of his hand, three thousand cavalrymen galloped off like a whirlwind, raising a cloud of dust. Baili Xi led the infantry, carrying heavy tripwires and chevaux de frise, and quickly rushed to the designated location, meticulously setting up obstacles. Li Jing followed the Fourth Prince to the central military tent. The two of them, examining the military map, double-checked every detail, not missing a single factor that might affect the outcome.

Soon, the Xiongnu army surged forward like a surging tide. The Xiongnu Chanyu, leading the charge, rode atop a towering black warhorse, clad in heavy armor and wielding a massive sword. He looked toward the fortress ahead and laughed wildly, "My dear little brother, today I will show you the power of the Xiongnu! This fortress, and everything within, will be mine!" With a wave of his hand, the Xiongnu army rushed forward, howling like hungry wolves.

When the Xiongnu army entered the designated area, the Fourth Prince decisively gave the order: "Shoot!" Instantly, a thousand arrows rained down from the city walls, piercing the Xiongnu army like a dense rain. The sharp arrows, accompanied by a whistling sound, mercilessly pierced the bodies of the Xiongnu soldiers. For a moment, screams rang out in the Xiongnu ranks, and many soldiers fell from their horses. But the Xiongnu, known for their ferocity and strength in numbers, did not retreat. Shouting and brandishing their weapons, they continued to charge forward recklessly.

By this time, the infantry led by Baili Xi had already completed their obstacle course. As the Xiongnu cavalry approached, they saw the tripwires and chevaux de frise that suddenly appeared before them, and their formation was thrown into disarray. The cavalry in the front, unable to evade, were tripped and thrown off their horses. The cavalry behind them, unable to stop, were also repeatedly bumped into, throwing the entire formation into chaos.

Just as the Xiongnu cavalry was in disarray, three thousand cavalrymen led by Luo Cheng stormed out from the left valley like a tiger descending from a mountain. The clatter of hooves resonated like thunder, shaking the earth. Luo Cheng led the way, silver spear in hand, its tip gleaming with an icy light. His spearmanship was razor-sharp, each strike precise and accurate, striking the Xiongnu's vital points. He galloped through the enemy lines, leaving Xiongnu soldiers falling and blood splattering everywhere he went. In a blink of an eye, dozens of Xiongnu soldiers were slain by his spear.

Seeing this, the Xiongnu Chanyu was furious. He let out a thunderous roar and personally led a group of elite cavalrymen, charging towards Luo Cheng like a black whirlwind. Luo Cheng showed no fear. Instead, his eyes ignited with an even stronger fighting spirit. He squeezed his legs against his horse's belly and rushed towards the Xiongnu Chanyu.

The two clashed instantly, Luo Cheng's silver spear colliding with the Xiongnu Chanyu's long sword, sparks flying everywhere. The Chanyu was immensely powerful, each strike carrying a tremendous force, as if cleaving Luo Cheng in two. But Luo Cheng, agile and swift as a dragon, skillfully parried the Chanyu's attacks with his silver spear. After several rounds of back-and-forth, Luo Cheng secretly decided to exploit his weakness and lure the Chanyu into a trap.

Luo Cheng deliberately left a seemingly careless opening. Seeing this, the Xiongnu Chanyu, seeing an opportunity, a flicker of ecstasy in his eyes, swung his sword without hesitation. This single blow, condensing all his strength, was powerful and devastating. However, Luo Cheng was prepared. Just as the sword was about to strike him, he dodged the fatal blow with ghostly agility. Then, like a venomous snake emerging from its lair, Luo Cheng's silver spear pierced the Xiongnu Chanyu's throat with lightning speed. The Xiongnu Chanyu was horrified, unable to dodge, and instinctively turned sideways. The spear tip grazed his cheek, leaving a bloody streak, and blood flowed down his face.

Meanwhile, within the central military tent, Li Jing was intently monitoring the battlefield situation, keeping abreast of the dynamics of various battlefields through messages relayed by messengers. He worked closely with the Fourth Prince, constantly adjusting troop deployments based on the evolving battlefield situation. Whenever a critical situation arose in a particular direction, Li Jing was always able to make a quick assessment and dispatch appropriate forces to support and ensure the stability of the defense line.

Seeing their leaders so brave and fearless, leading by example, the soldiers at the border were greatly encouraged. They shouted, "Kill the Xiongnu, protect our country!" The sound was like rolling thunder, resounding through the sky, filled with determination to face death head-on.

On a fierce battlefield, a young frontier soldier named Xiaohu, a simple and honest young man who had recently joined the army, was filled with anger at the Xiongnu's brutality. He was brandishing his long sword, locked in a fierce battle with the Xiongnu soldiers. Suddenly, a Xiongnu cavalryman, seizing Xiaohu's opportunity, attacked from behind, his scimitar raised high, about to strike Xiaohu in the back. Xiaohu remained oblivious, remaining focused on the enemy before him.

At this critical moment, a nearby veteran, Uncle Wang, witnessed the scene. With years of experience serving at the border, he knew the lethality of this blow. Without a second thought, he shouted, "Xiao Hu, be careful!" Without hesitation, he leaped at the Xiongnu cavalryman. He used his body to block the fatal blow, and the sharp scimitar slashed deeply into his back.

When Xiaohu heard the shouting, he looked back and his eyes widened. He saw Uncle Wang lying in a pool of blood. He was heartbroken and his eyes were instantly filled with tears and anger: "Uncle Wang!" Xiaohu roared like an enraged lion. He rushed towards the Hun soldiers desperately, dancing the long sword in his hand with great vigor. With endless grief and anger, he chopped down several enemies in a row.

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