Rebirth: Phoenix Riding the Ninth Heaven

Chapter 197 The Brutalities of War

The Fourth Prince saw this scene in the battle line, and he felt both grief and emotion. Veterans like Uncle Wang have been guarding the border for many years. They have dedicated their youth and blood to this land and to the people of Dasui. Now, in order to protect their young comrades, they are willing to sacrifice their own lives. The Fourth Prince shouted loudly: "Soldiers, heroes like Uncle Wang are right beside us. They are willing to sacrifice their lives to defend their country! We cannot let their sacrifice be in vain. Kill! Avenge the heroes and fight for the people of Dasui!"

The Sui soldiers were greatly encouraged by the Fourth Prince's cry. Their eyes burned with even brighter flames, their shouts became louder, and everyone burst out with unprecedented strength, fighting a desperate battle with the Huns even more bravely.

The battle intensified, with both sides suffering heavy casualties. Despite their superior numbers, the Xiongnu army gradually began to show signs of defeat against the Daqian army's clever tactics and tenacious resistance. However, the Xiongnu Chanyu refused to accept defeat. He knew that if he failed to win this time, he would face unrest within his tribe upon his return. So, he assembled all his remaining forces and prepared for a final, desperate counterattack, hoping to break through the Daqian army's defenses.

At this moment, Baili Xi, on the battlefield, keenly perceived the Xiongnu army's weaknesses. He quickly approached the Fourth Prince and suggested, "Your Highness, the Xiongnu are now at the end of their strength, their morale is low, and their formation is somewhat disorganized. We can feign a retreat, draw them in, and then, utilizing the terrain we've planned, encircle them on three sides and annihilate them completely." The Fourth Prince pondered the plan briefly, believing it feasible. He nodded and said, "Okay, I'll do as you say! Send the orders; have the soldiers feign a retreat, but maintain their formation and don't panic."

Upon receiving the order, the Daqian army began an orderly, feigned retreat. Seeing the Daqian army's retreat, the Xiongnu Chanyu, convinced they had finally collapsed, rejoiced, believing victory was within reach. He laughed wildly and shouted, "The Dasui people are truly vulnerable! Chase them! Don't let any of them escape!" Thus, the Xiongnu army, led by him, pursued them relentlessly, regardless of the consequences.

As the Xiongnu army entered the encirclement, the Fourth Prince gave the command, "Attack!" Instantly, the cries of battle rang out again. Luo Cheng, Baili Xi, and Li Jing led their armies from three sides, attacking like three sharp blades, encircling the Xiongnu army. Panic seized the Xiongnu soldiers, who fled in all directions. They realized their impasse, but it was too late.

In this final encirclement and annihilation battle, the Daqian soldiers engaged in hand-to-hand combat with the Xiongnu. Every Daqian soldier was determined to die, for their country, for their comrades, and for the heroes who had sacrificed their lives. They used their weapons and their bodies to fight the Xiongnu in a desperate battle.

A wounded soldier saw his comrades surrounded by several Xiongnu soldiers, their lives in imminent danger. He ignored his wounds, struggled to pick up his spear from the ground, and roared into the enemy lines. He single-handedly fought the Xiongnu soldiers, ultimately perishing alongside them. With his own life, he embodied the loyalty and fearlessness of the Daqian soldiers.

After a fierce battle, the Xiongnu army was finally annihilated. Luo Cheng overtook the Xiongnu Chanyu in the chaos, and Luo Cheng thrust his spear through his chest. The Chanyu's eyes widened, and he fell from his horse in dismay and fear. Thus, the brutal battle finally came to an end.

On the battlefield, the smoke gradually cleared, leaving behind a thick, bloody odor. The Daqian soldiers cheered their victory, but fatigue and pain etched across their faces. The Fourth Prince gazed upon the blood-soaked soldiers, his eyes welling with tears. He knew full well that this victory had been hard-won, earned at the cost of countless lives and blood.

The fourth prince slowly walked up to the soldiers and said in a choked voice: "Brothers, you are all heroes of Dasui! It is your bravery and sacrifice that has brought us this victory and the peace of the people on the border! The people of Dasui will never forget your achievements, and the history of Dasui will remember them forever!" The soldiers knelt on the ground and shouted in unison: "We are willing to die for Your Highness and go through fire and water for Daqian!" The sound resounded through the sky and echoed for a long time in this land full of war and blood.

Luo Cheng, Baili Xi, and Li Jing approached the Fourth Prince, and the four of them exchanged a smile. Their smiles reflected the joy of victory, and even more so, the heartfelt bond forged through life and death in this brutal battle. This bond, as strong as steel, would forever be etched in their hearts. And they, bearing this bond, would continue to protect every inch of Da Sui's territory, safeguarding its dignity and peace.

"A lone smoke rises straight from the vast desert, the sun sets over the long river." Yet, at this moment, the vast desert is ravaged by the flames of war. The war between Daqian and the Xiongnu is like a fierce storm, raging in its wake, leaving behind devastation. Luocheng Baili Xi and the Fourth Prince Li Jing lead the exhausted but resolute soldiers to clean up the battlefield.

Yellow sand filled the sky, and the wind carried the pungent smell of blood. Corpses lay scattered across the sand, some of the Xiongnu, some of the Daqian soldiers. Blood had long since stained the sand a dark red, emitting an eerie glow in the setting sun. Baili Xi gazed at the horrific scene, his brow furrowed, his eyes revealing endless grief and helplessness.

"General, this battle was too brutal," the deputy general beside him said hoarsely, tears welling in his eyes. Baili Xi nodded slowly and said, "The Xiongnu are ambitious and have repeatedly invaded our borders, burning, killing, looting, and committing all kinds of atrocities. We have no choice but to fight this war."

Recalling the cause of the war, Baili Xi was filled with indignation. The Xiongnu had long coveted Daqian's fertile land and abundant resources, and in recent years, their harassment had become increasingly frequent. The people along the border suffered terribly, with countless families torn apart and loved ones separated. The Daqian court repeatedly sent envoys to negotiate peace with the Xiongnu, but the Xiongnu tore up the agreements and intensified their attacks.

"For the people living on the border to live in peace, we must not retreat, even if we fight to the last man." Fourth Prince Li Jing clenched his fists, his eyes determined. Luo Cheng, raised in the palace, possessed no trace of arrogance. He cared deeply about the people and understood their suffering. He had volunteered to fight on the battlefield to defend his country.

Soldiers began clearing the battlefield of bodies. They carefully carried the remains of their comrades to a single location, each movement imbued with respect for the deceased. Some soldiers couldn't help but sob softly. They had lost their brothers, with whom they had spent so much time together. Memories of training and fighting together flooded back to their hearts.

Broken weapons littered the battlefield. Spears, scimitars, and crossbows lay scattered in the yellow sand, a testament to the cruelty of war. Tents, battered by artillery fire, lay crooked on the ground, their tattered flags fluttering feebly in the wind.

Li Jing squatted down and picked up a blood-stained sword. The sword's owner was a young general under his command. He had fought valiantly and achieved numerous military feats, but tragically died in this battle. Baili Xi gently stroked the sword, as if he could sense the passion and fighting spirit of its owner.

"General, the Huns are too cruel. Many of our brothers have been brutally murdered by them," a soldier said angrily. Luo Cheng stood up, glanced around, and said, "The Huns are known for their barbarity. They know no morality, only plunder. We must teach them that the land of Daqian is not something they can trample on at will."

In the distance, several wounded war horses neighed in pain. Their bodies were covered in wounds and blood was dripping. Soldiers hurried over to try to comfort the horses. These horses had fought alongside the soldiers in the war and were their most loyal companions.

"Gather all the injured horses and find the military doctors to treat them properly," Baili Xi shouted. The soldiers nodded and began to work. However, many horses had already fallen to the ground, their eyes closed forever. Their bodies would be properly buried along with the soldiers.

While clearing the battlefield, the soldiers also discovered a large amount of Xiongnu baggage. This included food, weapons, tents, and more. This baggage, originally intended to be used by the Xiongnu to sustain a prolonged invasion of Daqian, now became proof of their failure.

"Take all these supplies back with you. Don't let the Xiongnu get away with them," said the Fourth Prince, Li Jing. The soldiers began to carry the baggage. Although they were exhausted, the thought that these supplies could replenish the military supplies at the front gave them renewed strength.

Night fell, shrouding the desert in darkness. Bonfires lit across the battlefield, and soldiers gathered around them, wearily eating their rations. Baili Xi, the Fourth Prince Li Jing, and several generals sat together, discussing their next move.

"Although we've dealt a heavy blow to the Xiongnu this time, they won't give up. We must be prepared," Baili Xi said. The Fourth Prince, Li Jing, nodded and said, "Indeed, the Xiongnu are known for their vengeance. But we, the Great Front, can't just sit back and wait. We must take the initiative and completely eliminate their threat."

A general frowned and said, "However, this war has already caused us heavy losses. The soldiers have suffered heavy casualties, and a lot of food and fodder has been consumed. If we start another war in the short term, I'm afraid..."

Baili Xi was silent for a moment

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