Chapter 1454 - 1451: Return in Triumph

Chapter 1454: Chapter 1451: Return in Triumph

"Haha..."

Watching the Sabina people retreat in disarray, the generals burst into hearty laughter. It had been a long time since they had fought an enemy so satisfactorily, and today they finally indulged in a rare craving.

Chen Tianlong didn’t join in the laughter. Instead, he glanced towards the small forest along the mountain wall in the distance. It was quieter there, indicating that the stealth operation was successful.

Only then did he smile slightly, feeling relieved.

This battle was finally won, but it also served as a warning to Kuang Chenggong. The next battle would likely be more fierce, and who knows what situation it would bring.

"Brother Chen Tianlong, we owe today’s victory to you. You crushed their morale so thoroughly, it’s truly satisfying. You’re our true hero, and Captain Gu has a keen eye for selecting heroes!"

Jiang Yun was finally convinced and admired Chen Tianlong profoundly, knowing he couldn’t achieve such feats himself.

"Haha, Commander Jiang, you’re too kind. This was just a stroke of luck. Those experts broke through temporarily by taking the Qi Gathering Pill. Otherwise, with my strength, I’d never withstand an attack from so many experts."

Chen Tianlong revealed the truth, not wanting everyone to see him as a deity and letting their guard down.

"I see."

Jiang Yun was momentarily stunned but soon regained his cheer, laughing and saying, "Haha, it doesn’t matter. We won this time, after all. Besides, our Huaxia army is not weaker than them anywhere. Isn’t that right, everyone?"

"Yes, yes! The Huaxia army is invincible!"

The soldiers shouted, their voices echoing loudly.

After hearing this, Chen Tianlong could only smile wryly. However, it was a way to boost morale, and unknowingly, he too began to chant lightly. Beside him, Mengting’s smile was as beautiful as a flower.

Earlier, she had also witnessed Chen Tianlong, wearing armor, fight against four fierce generals on the battlefield, exuding such flair and looking extremely handsome.

"Mengting, what are you smiling about, so happily?"

Chen Tianlong led the horse over slowly.

"Haha, Chen Tianlong looks so handsome!"

Wu Mengting’s cheeks were flushed, radiating admiration.

Chen Tianlong was speechless, wondering since when Mengting became so infatuated. Wasn’t he handsome before?

Yet, Chen Tianlong didn’t dare to say that. He just modestly replied, "Hehe, no, not handsome at all."

"Here, here, all handsome!"

Wu Mengting pointed to Chen Tianlong’s face and chest.

"..."

Chen Tianlong was speechless, feeling a bit helpless with Mengting’s playfulness.

Shortly after, the two rode on horseback and followed the two Grand Generals back to the camp. As expected, Chen Tianlong was right; the 5000 elite soldiers had successfully crossed over safely. Once everything was settled, the fifty men who paved the way rushed back to report.

Xu An and Ancient Celestial Dragon, upon hearing this news, praised one person in their hearts: Chen Tianlong.

They both knew that if the army could keep this man, it would certainly strengthen the Huaxia army. However, they couldn’t force Chen Tianlong to stay, which also troubled them.

At this moment, a few people appeared at the door. Upon closer look, Ancient Celestial Dragon saw it was the two generals and Chen Tianlong returning triumphantly. Although they hadn’t watched the battle firsthand, they were in command and received updates constantly. So, even without being present, it was almost like a live broadcast.

The victorious news naturally reached the decision-makers immediately.

They were thrilled upon hearing Chen Tianlong single-handedly battle multiple forces and win. Those were four Celestial Dao seven-star experts, yet he took them down with a single move, either killing or injuring them. It was astonishing.

"Haha, Chen Tianlong and the two generals, you’ve worked hard. This battle was brilliantly fought. It looks like the Sabina army will quiet down for a while," Ancient Celestial Dragon was clearly very happy.

"Reporting to Leader Gu, the majority of the credit this time goes to Brother Chen Tianlong. We dare not take it," Zhao Zhuo quickly said.

Chen Tianlong gave a wry smile, stepped forward respectfully, and said, "This was a collective effort. On the battlefield, only united can we secure victory. I merely set a good precedent and boosted the morale, making us unstoppable even against thousands of troops."

"Indeed, Brother Chen Tianlong is right. There’s no need to deflect credit from one another; everyone deserves praise," Ancient Celestial Dragon said with a smile.

Suddenly, he took a couple of steps towards Chen Tianlong and tentatively asked, "So, Brother Chen Tianlong, what are your plans? The country is in chaos, so why not..."

"Haha, thank you, Leader Gu. I still stand by my word; I prefer freedom and leisure. Such national matters are beyond what I can shoulder, but as long as there’s trouble, I’ll aid to the best of my ability."

Chen Tianlong knew what Ancient Celestial Dragon wanted to say, but he had many other tasks and couldn’t remain on the battlefield indefinitely.

Not to mention, the Assassin Group was about to be besieged by Kuang Chenggong again. His purpose here was to stealthily guide a part of the army across to help in relieving the encirclement.

"Alas..."

Ancient Celestial Dragon sighed softly, feeling a bit helpless. At this time, Xu An immediately walked over, pulling Chen Tianlong to the ground together, and said, "Please forgive us, Leader!"

Ancient Celestial Dragon paused, realizing Xu An’s meaning, and then smiled bitterly, "Brother Xu An, what are you doing? Chen Tianlong is a young man, and we can’t understand their thoughts. Let’s let them be free. Maybe what we think won’t succeed, but the actions of the younger generation can save the country. We can only do our best."

"Leader..."

Xu An was also deeply moved at this moment, knowing that Ancient Celestial Dragon was wholeheartedly for the country but felt helpless in his efforts.

The two commanders understood that Chen Tianlong’s mind was made up and couldn’t force him, so they also felt it was a bit of a pity. Chen Tianlong knew he couldn’t stay longer, so he bid farewell to Ancient Celestial Dragon, saying, "Leader Gu, we have to leave now. The Assassin Group is in trouble. Once I’ve resolved the crisis, I promise to return for you. I will keep my word."

Ancient Celestial Dragon was initially a bit depressed but was instantly overjoyed upon hearing Chen Tianlong’s words. He thought Chen Tianlong would never look back after leaving, and his previous words were just courtesy. Unexpectedly, he vowed to return and help.

What a joyful thing this was.

"Haha, Brother Chen Tianlong, do you mean it?"

Knowing that opportunities couldn’t be missed, Ancient Celestial Dragon quickly asked.

"A real man always keeps his word."

Chen Tianlong answered earnestly, without a hint of jest.

"Good, then I will lend you five thousand troops to crush Kuang Chenggong completely. Additionally, I will assign you three Tiger Generals, the Cao Brothers, Cao Jiang, Cao He, and Cao Hai. They will follow you to slay that bastard Kuang Chenggong," Ancient Celestial Dragon said with some excitement.

Chen Tianlong was overjoyed. He hadn’t expected to gain five thousand troops and three generals. It seemed that the Assassin Group was saved.

"Thank you, Ancient Celestial Dragon!" Chen Tianlong said hurriedly, clasping his fist.

"Haha, no need for so much courtesy. Alright, hurry back. We’re waiting for your good news," Ancient Celestial Dragon concluded before directly ordering, "Someone, fetch the Cao Brothers."

"Yes!"

The nearby subordinate quickly ran out of the tent, and before long, the three tall and mighty Tiger Generals entered the tent.

"Leader Gu, what orders do you have for us?" the eldest, Cao Jiang, asked.

"Well, here’s the thing..."

Ancient Celestial Dragon told them everything from start to finish. Upon hearing it, the three immediately accepted the mission, showing no reluctance. They knew they were to follow the young hero Chen Tianlong now.

Today’s battle truly opened the eyes of many soldiers, as if witnessing a deity.

Seeing this situation, Ancient Celestial Dragon smiled bitterly, never imagining that Chen Tianlong, this kid, could conquer the whole army in just two days. That’s the mark of a strong man!

Ancient Celestial Dragon couldn’t help but sigh.

Soon, Chen Tianlong set off with Mengting and the three generals, led by a team of over a dozen escorting guards, walking along the foothills towards the interior of Huaxia. Originally, Chen Tianlong thought of directly flying back with Xiaogu, but with the added company of the generals, he couldn’t just leave them behind and go alone.

Doing so would be too inconsiderate, too impolite.

The trio proceeded down the previously cleared jungle path, walking for over an hour when they suddenly noticed movement ahead.

Chen Tianlong gestured for them to hide on the spot. In a short while, everyone was hidden. Before long, they saw a handsome young officer cautiously approaching with three or five soldiers.

Nearer, and nearer.

Suddenly, Chen Tianlong leaped out, thrusting his sword forward, but hastily pulled back upon recognizing a familiar face. It was Wang Meng, the leader of five thousand clandestine troops.

"Wang Meng? Why is it you? Why did you come back, what about the troops?" Chen Tianlong asked, somewhat puzzled.

"Haha, Brother Chen Tianlong, don’t worry. I have everything secured. I just came to see if you got lost or if the enemy found you," Wang Meng said with a smile.

Chen Tianlong chuckled, relieved for a moment. Meanwhile, the hidden Cao Brothers also emerged, greeting Wang Meng and then all rapidly moved forward.

Since Wang Meng had just come from that side, there was no need to worry along the way, heading straight to the interior of Huaxia.

At this moment, Chen Tianlong suddenly remembered a matter, considering how and where the five thousand troops were hidden. Curiously, he asked, "Wang Meng, where are our five thousand troops hiding? Such a large number could easily be discovered."

"Haha, you wouldn’t know. We’ve trained in civilian disguise at the camp. Now they’re not soldiers; they’re ordinary civilians."

Wang Meng pointed to a nearby mountain path, where a dozen individuals resembling farmers were relaxing.

"What? You say they’re your soldiers?"

Evidently, Chen Tianlong was quite surprised and asked incredulously.

"Yes, all five thousand men have turned into ordinary civilians. They are nowhere, yet everywhere near us. At the sound of a whistle, they immediately converge with great speed," Wang Meng explained.

To demonstrate, Wang Meng blew a whistle, and suddenly, a large group appeared, who previously seemed nowhere, now forming an overwhelming mass.

Both Chen Tianlong and Wu Mengting were taken aback, while the Cao Brothers, being military men, only managed a wry smile.

This was just a demonstration for Chen Tianlong, so without summoning everyone, Wang Meng signaled to disperse promptly.

Chen Tianlong was greatly impressed, understanding that this was the border of the Capital City and not a place to linger. He remarked, "Alright, we should quickly head to the Assassin Group while we still have time."