Chapter 1397: Something Feels Off

Chapter 1397: Chapter 1073: Something Feels Off

A cold light shot forward and precisely struck the connecting point between the hand axe and the long spear.

Only a crisp “clang” was heard, and the two weapons instantly bounced apart. Shi Yutao, caught off guard, leaned backward, nearly falling off his horse; fortunately, his other hand gripped the reins tightly enough to remain seated. Meanwhile, Shen Tu Tai’s arm sank but maintained his composure, swiftly swinging his long spear to steady himself, as he looked up toward the direction from which the cold light came.

He noticed the opposing army slowly retreating to the sides, creating a clear passageway in the middle. A person on horseback stood amidst the crowd, holding a longbow with its string still vibrating and humming.

It’s Hua Ziyang!

Seeing him, others might be indifferent, but Yu Wenye, standing on the city wall, immediately showed a sullen expression.

Shen Tu Tai’s gaze also slightly narrowed.

Compared to Yu Wenye, who had once suffered under Hua Ziyang at Xingluo Granary, he was evidently more familiar with this person. After all, he was also the Seventh Master of Wanggang Village, addressed as brothers with Xiao Yuansui, naturally understanding the people around him, especially this Little Li Guang.

From just that shot, it was clear that Little Li Guang’s archery skills had become much more refined than before.

And that shot also startled Xue Lin, who originally retreated to the side. He immediately rode his horse behind Shen Tu Tai and whispered, “General…”

Shen Tu Tai only glanced back at him before noticing that the soldiers behind him were all tense because of that shot, their hands gripping sabers and swords, with angry eyes looking at the enemy as if ready to charge forward at any moment to fight a life-and-death battle.

Shen Tu Tai immediately raised a hand, signaling Xue Lin not to act rashly.

The soldiers behind them all quieted down.

Having controlled the situation, he slowly turned his head. At this point, Shi Yutao had evidently collected himself, his face slightly pale as he glanced at Shen Tu Tai, quickly retreating several steps on horseback. Upon reaching Hua Ziyang’s side, he lowered his voice and asked, “Why are you here?”

Hua Ziyang kept his hand on the longbow, his hawk-like eyes fixed on the familiar figure ahead, then looked up at the distant city wall, where a valiant figure stood, and replied, “Brother Xiao asked me to come and take a look.”

Just as Shi Yutao was about to speak, he suddenly felt a sharp pain in his hand.

Looking down, he realized that after the recent exchange of blows with Shen Tu Tai, not only was his arm numb and both hands weakened, but even the web between his thumb and forefinger was cracked.

This was the first time since his debut that he faced an opponent with such embarrassment.

The fear and panic that had gripped him were suddenly overshadowed by the sharp pain, and a surge of anger and unwillingness bubbled up in the young man’s heart. He gritted his teeth and said, “Since you’re here, let’s—”

Hua Ziyang immediately said, “Brother Xiao instructed not to get entangled in battle.”

“What?”

“Don’t get entangled in battle, Shen Tu Tai is not someone you can take down.”

“Not someone I can take down? Then what’s the point of bringing me here?”

Hua Ziyang turned to glance at Shi Yutao. He wasn’t familiar with him and generally didn’t like to placate others, but he patiently said, “Did you forget what your sister said before you left? She told you not to act impulsively.”

Upon hearing this, Shi Yutao’s expression changed.

He wanted to say something, but as he opened his mouth, he felt as if his throat was being choked by something invisible. After struggling for a while, he could only dejectedly say, “Don’t try to push me with my sister.”

Hearing this, it was clear he wouldn’t advance further. Hua Ziyang mentally sighed in relief, glancing ahead again. Despite the soldiers at Hulao Pass being aggressive, Shen Tu Tai remained calm, not intending to charge forward. He then firmly commanded, “Sound the gong, recall the troops!”

His soldiers immediately began striking the copper gong.

In an instant, the sharp sound echoed across the battlefield, and their troops immediately formed ranks, slowly retreating.

Yet Hua Ziyang and Shi Yutao did not immediately follow the troops’ retreat. Instead, they remained in place, accompanied by several personal soldiers, guarding the main force’s withdrawal. Only when their people began crossing the Sishui River did they notice Shen Tu Tai slowly shaking the reins and advancing a few steps.

Shi Yutao’s face showed a tense expression.

But Shen Tu Tai merely held the long spear, stopping at a distance from them, and addressed Hua Ziyang: “Xiao Yuansui didn’t come?”

Hua Ziyang looked at him, “Seventh Brother, do you want to see him?”

Shen Tu Tai shook his head, “I don’t want to see him. Isn’t he better off staying in Hebei? Why insist on intervening here?”

Hua Ziyang replied, “Once you’ve taken Luoyang, will it end just like that?”

“…”

Shen Tu Tai remained silent, which signaled his tacit acknowledgment. Hua Ziyang said coolly, “Since there will inevitably be a battle, sooner is better than later.”

Shen Tu Tai chuckled lightly, nodding, “That’s his temperament.”

As they spoke, most of Hua Ziyang’s men had successfully crossed the Sishui River. His personal soldiers quietly reminded them it was time to cross the river. Hua Ziyang turned back and then looked at Xiao Yuansui, bowing slightly, “Seventh Brother, I’m leaving. Next time we meet—I won’t hold back.”

Xiao Yuansui raised his hand in salute, “That’s the message I want you to convey to him.”

Hua Ziyang nodded, turned, and departed with Shi Yutao.

Not until their troops retreated to the other side of the Sishui River did Shen Tu Tai finally turn his horse around, instructing his men to continue monitoring the other side of the river and report any movements immediately, before heading into Hulao Pass with Xue Lin and their soldiers.

After entering the city, the two immediately ascended the city wall. Yu Wenye, standing in his original spot, only turned around slowly when they approached.

Xue Lin stepped forward and immediately saluted, “Your Highness…”

Yu Wenye quietly looked at him, saying, “You’ve longed to lead troops into battle; is today the fulfillment of that wish?”

Xue Lin’s previously pale face instantly flushed red.

He gritted his teeth and bowed, “I willingly accept punishment.”

Shen Tu Tai was about to say something but reconsidered and kept silent. Yu Wenye didn’t lose his temper, merely looked at Xue Lin’s bowed head and said, “You didn’t lose the battle, so I won’t punish you; but today’s battle should make you understand your position. The ancient saying, ‘Humble oneself and cultivate virtue, embrace gentleness and can be firm,’ is used to admonish gentlemen, but it can also guide military leaders. Reflect on it well.”

“…Yes.”

Xue Lin straightened up, bowed deeply to both him and Shen Tu Tai, then turned and withdrew.

Watching his figure disappear into the distance, Shen Tu Tai sighed and said, “Your Highness need not overly blame him. Today, he didn’t disgrace us or lose our army’s spirit.”

“…”

Yu Wenye didn’t respond to this, instead turning to watch the army retreating across the Sishui River, gradually vanishing from sight, and suddenly said, “I feel something’s not right.”