Chapter 1398 - 50: Wang Shouzhe Is the Ultimate Villain? (Part 2)

However, Murong Kaifong was not as optimistic.

He always felt that things might not be so simple.

Although Southern Qin and East Qian hadn’t engaged in a national war for nearly a thousand years, small skirmishes had never ceased. He had dealt with many generals on the East Qian side and had some understanding of their strategies and tactics. But the current approach didn’t seem like their style.

While it couldn’t be ruled out that they suddenly changed their style, in reality, it was more likely that the main general had changed. Or perhaps the main general hadn’t changed, but the person overseeing the campaign had.

If that were the case, the possibilities behind it would be numerous.

We can’t dismiss the possibility that this is a trap in itself...

It’s safer to investigate further.

As Murong Kaifong was considering this and preparing to discuss with Prince Beimian, a vast and majestic pressure suddenly appeared from the distant sky, rapidly flying toward the direction of their camp.

Murong Kaifong and Prince Beimian’s expressions changed simultaneously, almost disappearing from where they stood.

In the next moment.

Their figures appeared in the sky, and their overwhelming presence spread out, covering the entire army.

Below, the soldiers who were resting were startled awake by this presence and quickly donned their armor and picked up their weapons, entering a state of combat readiness.

Meanwhile, the terrifying pressure from the sky was rapidly approaching.

The explosive fiery breath, mixed with intense evil qi, swept over, spreading a frightening aura in the air, and even the silent starry night seemed to be dyed with red and black firelight.

Within the blazing light, a vague human figure could be faintly seen, appearing overwhelmingly ominous under the glow of the fire.

"Eunuch Gou?"

Murong Kaifong sensed the familiar presence in the fiery light and frowned slightly. This presence was clearly that of Gou Chang’an, the Divine Power Realm Chief Eunuch by His Majesty’s side.

But Gou Chang’an not staying in the Capital City and appearing here was definitely not a good omen.

"Grand Marshal, long time no see~"

A sharp eunuch voice came from within the firelight, making one’s head ache with its grating sound.

And as soon as the voice fell, the firelight was already upon them. As the flames dissipated, a thin, white-faced, beardless elderly man appeared before Murong Kaifong and Prince Beimian.

Clearly, this was the Chief Eunuch Gou Chang’an.

"By decree of His Majesty, I am to deliver an imperial edict to Marshal Murong," said Gou Chang’an, clearly not in a good mood, flicking his duster as he cast a sideways glance at Murong Kaifong, somewhat impatient, "Marshal Murong, prepare to receive the edict~"

Murong Kaifong and Prince Beimian, sensing something amiss, could only proceed according to protocol, setting the stage to receive the edict.

"The Emperor decrees." Eunuch Gou unfurled a scroll of dark black silk, enunciating each word, "Grand Marshal of the Three Armies Murong Kaifong is ordered to immediately launch an attack, with Chief Eunuch Gou Chang’an supervising and assisting the army, to capture Sword Ridge Pass as quickly as possible. So ordered."

"I, receive the decree. Thank you for Your Majesty’s great grace."

Murong Kaifong accepted the edict with Prince Beimian, though his expression was not pleasant.

"Grand Marshal, there’s no need to look so glum. His Majesty had no choice," Gou Chang’an sneered at him with his sharp voice, "If not for His Majesty’s repeated verbal orders urging you to attack, where you’ve been motionless, would His Majesty have specially sent me over?"

"You know very well, that person is waiting in the Imperial Palace, and this matter cannot be delayed."

"I understand, Eunuch Gou. Rest assured."

Murong Kaifong took a deep breath, knowing that with this decree, he couldn’t proceed as slowly as he had planned.

Given the current situation, he could only take it step by step from here.

He declared in a deep voice, "Pass the order, the entire army will set out at dawn tomorrow. Let the Corpse Puppet Legion prepare to take the vanguard tomorrow."

After giving the order, he casually called over the logistics officer, telling him to prepare an Elephant House for Gou Chang’an, and then turned back to his own Elephant House to continue studying strategies and tactics.

Early the next morning, the army stationed in the valley set out once more, advancing mightily and steadily towards Nether Gate Ridge.

Out of caution, Murong Kaifong did not attempt to consume the three battle groups of the East Qian Kingdom, instead leading with the puppet army, while the other forces followed, steadily progressing toward Sword Ridge Pass.

Killing beasts as they came, killing humans if they blocked the way.

...

Almost simultaneously.

The camp of the Azure Dragon Third Corps, deep within Nether Gate Ridge.

In one of the many ordinary tents, a group of big shots was still holding a meeting.

Thanks to his wealth, Prince Yoongheng, who had only recently advanced to the Divine Power Realm, had already equipped himself with a set of luxurious, talking Divine Spiritual Treasure Armor.

At this moment, he sat at the head table, wearing neatly arranged armor, exuding confidence with a hearty laugh, "Hahaha, Shouzhe guessed it right, that Murong Kaifong couldn’t hold back and is indeed advancing his army towards Nether Gate Ridge."

Prince Ning, the Battle Group Leader of the Azure Dragon Third Corps, wore an expression of disbelief: "This doesn’t match Murong Kaifong’s usual combat style. Advancing such a large army is excessively reckless."

"It’s not exactly rash," Wang Shizhao calmly remarked, "Murong Kaifong has his reasons for having to advance. He hasn’t recklessly pursued merit by attempting to swallow our three elite battle groups, which already shows commendable restraint. Unfortunately, as Grand Marshal, he cannot fully control the battlefield situation and inevitably faces moments beyond his control."