Лучжоу Луна

Глава 29

Behind him were two lieutenants. The one on the left was a calm-looking junior officer, holding a large, cold-looking sword in his right hand, exuding the air of an ancient war god general. The one on the right was a burly man with powerful arms, also carrying a large, ornately carved sword.

Behind them stood twelve armored soldiers in twelve square formations. At the commander's signal, they all stopped their thunderous march, slamming their shields down, sending up foam-like waves of snow.

"General, something's not right," the young general said in a low voice, pulling on the reins.

Yelü Xingtian turned his face, his pride shining through his eyes: "Nephew, even if there are dragon's dens and tiger's lair ahead, how can we resist the mighty army with iron arms?"

Yelü Bao surveyed the towering city wall a hundred feet away with a deep gaze and a cautious tone: "Gujing is the highest platform in the Central Plains, backed by Xigong and Liangyue Mountains, with sheer cliffs thousands of feet high, piercing the natural barrier. Its high position makes it difficult to attack, a solitary peak. At this moment, the entire city is under heavy guard, and the Song army has retreated into the city to resist to the death. It is advisable to take it by strategy rather than by force."

After speaking, he glanced at the man holding the knife beside him, who nodded slightly and said respectfully, "The young general is absolutely right."

Yelü Xingtian raised his face, looked down at the ancient city before him, shook his black cloak with feathers, and said loudly, "Nephew, have you forgotten that since the battles began at Juyong Pass, the Song army has fought a bloody and brutal war, only managing to win a few battles at Mapo and Sanyuan Gorge? If we don't take advantage of the Liao Dynasty's might and charge forward now, wouldn't we be crushing our own morale and giving the enemy a chance to breathe?"

Yelü Bao looked at his uncle and said calmly, "General, your mastery of Han learning is a blessing to our Great Liao. However, the opposing commander, Zhao Yingcheng, is cunning and treacherous, skilled in the art of having multiple burrows. Have you heard of this, General?"

Yelü Xingtian raised his right hand and decisively replied, "No need for further words. Now that we have come this far, once we conquer the last isolated city, we can advance straight into the Central Plains. My mind is made up, so there is no need for further discussion."

Yelü Bao turned to the person beside him and sighed, saying somewhat dejectedly, "Mr. Han, let's go back to the camp."

Han Yuanshan bowed and, together with the young general before him, rode away.

The ancient well platform, inside and out, was filled with military flags fluttering in the wind. Numerous soldiers in black armor lay prostrate on the city wall like a tide, with only a section of the red tassel on their helmets showing, trembling in the wind and snow.

The third-level bunker in the city offers a wide view and is extremely well concealed, making it the first choice for command and control. Zhao Yingcheng would certainly not let go of this excellent location. As soon as he retreated into the ancient well, he immediately set off for the place.

As one ascends the spiraling tower steps, a stern figure gradually comes into view. A white brocade robe billows in the cold air without wind, snowflakes roll up the loose sleeves, brush past a pair of slender, supple hands, and a longsword hidden in its sheath.

"Young master, you've been waiting for a long time." Zhao Yingcheng raised his hand from behind Qiu Yeyijian.

"No rush." Qiu Yeyi's back was to the newcomer, her tone equally icy.

Zhao Yingcheng silently stepped forward and stood side by side with Qiu Yeyijian. Yin Guang stepped forward and bowed to Zhao Yingcheng. Zhao Yingcheng nodded slightly, and Yin Guang lowered his head slightly and withdrew from the tower.

"One person is missing." Qiu Yeyijian looked at the snowy sky and suddenly spoke.

"I fought to the death as agreed, but was defeated before Phoenix Cry Mountain. I kept pushing my troops back without making a single mistake," Zhao Yingcheng said calmly, his gaze fixed on the outside of the tower.

“Nan Jingqi didn’t come; there must have been a flaw.” Qiu Yeyi’s face remained unchanged as she watched the Liao army’s movements through the wind and snow.

Zhao Yingcheng considered several options, hesitated for a moment, and then immediately looked up: "It can only be the first day of the lunar month..."

After hearing this, Qiu Yeyijian suddenly turned around and stared at Zhao Yingcheng. Zhao Yingcheng smiled slightly and said, "I can't interfere with your people, young master. Yang Wan attacked last night and I killed him. Everyone who had left the military camp was sent to the battlefield by me and died in the Battle of Fengming. There's no way the news could have leaked, and the plan is flawless, except for Chu Yi who fled overnight..."

Qiu Yeyi coldly replied, "Where are the three elders?"

"They are all injured and need to rest." Zhao Yingcheng turned his head to look at Qiu Yeyi's unchanging cold and handsome face, and slowly said, "Chu Yi's move was extraordinary. The three of them attacked for a hundred moves, and he not only showed no signs of defeat, but also defeated the three of them. If it weren't for the three elders coming to the rescue, I would have almost been unable to dodge..." A faint smile still appeared on Zhao Yingcheng's face.

Qiu Ye Yi Jian's heart sank as she recalled the past and became even more certain that during the battle on Ruzhou Long Stone Street, the cunning Chu Yi had concealed his skills and could not have only lasted twelve moves against her.

Zhao Yingcheng put his hands behind his back, his voice rising with a hint of pleasure: "Such a ruthless person, I hope that when you capture him, you will not kill him, but give him to me. I am willing to pay any price to get Chu Yi."

Qiu Yeyi's gaze was cold and piercing, and he remained silent.

"It is said that Chu Yi risked his life to save Nan Jingqi during the Battle of Luoyan Tower. Today, after Chu Yi fled at night, Nan Jingqi has remained inactive. Clearly, there is some connection between the two. However, we cannot guess their relationship. Could you please tell us, young master?"

"I don't know," Qiu Yeyi said coldly. "Your Highness should pay more attention to the situation of this battle."

"With the young master standing so calmly before me, what worries could Zhao Yingcheng possibly have?"

"Anything is possible until it is accomplished."

Zhao Yingcheng walked to the watchtower, bent down to examine it for a moment, and then said calmly, "Yelü Xingtian has not yet launched an attack. Could it be that he has become suspicious?"

"Whether or not he suspects anything, given his eagerness for quick success and profit, he will inevitably attack the city."

"It is rumored that his nephew is cautious and meticulous, and has been supervising the delivery of the crossbow carts. If this person were to offer advice, Yelü Xingtian might hesitate..."

Qiu Ye looked directly into Zhao Yingcheng's probing gaze and coldly asked, "Who were the generals who led the troops in the previous battle, Your Highness?"

"Wei Chong died in battle."

"The defeat of the crown prince's trusted general has convinced Yelü Xingtian that our dynasty's main force has been severely weakened, and he has retreated to avoid battle."

"So they will definitely advance and pursue their victory?"

"It's only a matter of time."

The two exchanged a glance and stood side by side in the tower, speechless.

"Your Highness must have a countermeasure for the Liao people's fish-scale formation, right?" Zhao Yingcheng asked calmly, his gaze fixed on the distance.

"have."

"Since you are so certain, I, Zhao Yingcheng, will take my leave now."

"Where did the young master go?"

"Yelü Xingtian doesn't move for a moment, so I'm going to lure him into the trap."

30. The Final Battle

The ancient well-shaped city gate slowly descended amidst the creaking of the winch, revealing itself to the dark Liao army amidst the biting cold wind and swirling snow.

A troop of men charged out from the suspension bridge. At the front stood a general with a silver saddle, riding a white horse, his face fair and red lips red. A cold, sharp look, brought by the speed of their approach, lingered between his brows, mirroring the gleaming, icy spear he carried, piercing the eye.

Yelü Xingtian waved his cloak and roared, "This man is the son of the Song Dynasty's prime minister! A great reward will be given for whoever captures him alive!" He then spurred his horse forward to meet him.

As the saying goes, "A great reward will surely bring forth brave men." Upon hearing this, the Liao people disregarded the advice of their deputy general Yelü Bao and the two broken formations of the previous two columns swarmed away like a tide.

Qiu Ye, sword in hand, leaped and landed atop the tower, standing in the cold, empty snow-covered sky. His gaze followed Zhao Yingcheng closely, and he coldly shouted, "Light!"

The Silver Light Prince was waiting outside the tower. Hearing the prince's call, he responded loudly, "Prince."

"Pass on my orders: Xueying will lead cavalry to protect the Crown Prince at all costs, and the vanguard will be dispatched to encircle and annihilate the Liao army's front line. You will go to provide support and shoot Han Yuanshan before returning. Instruct the guards on the city walls not to obstruct civilians from leaving the city."

"yes."

Although Yin Guang was deeply surprised, he had always followed the young master's heart since childhood and guessed that the young master's actions must have a deeper meaning. Without hesitation, he picked up his longbow and rushed forward.

Qiu Ye stood tall with his sword, his eyes piercing as he surveyed the battlefield before the city.

A figure in silver light galloped out of the city gate, followed by the remaining hundred silver-armored cavalrymen, disappearing into the cold wind and snow, their silhouettes becoming indistinguishable in an instant. A flash of white light followed, then a nimble young vanguard in light black clothing, wielding a sharp blade, darting forward with lightning speed.

Amidst the swirling snow, the two groups of people joined forces and engaged in a chaotic battle.

Suddenly, earth-shaking shouts and sounds of fighting erupted from the open space.

Zhao Yingcheng's spear tip sliced through the snowy air as he charged forward on horseback towards Yelü Xingtian. Yelü Xingtian's eyes glowed red as he roared and brought his spear down on Zhao Yingcheng's head. The two quickly clashed, their horses spinning in circles, kicking up snow that resembled scattered jade.

The men behind Zhao Yingcheng were all his trusted confidants, and they all understood what was happening. They surrounded Yelü Xingtian and desperately tried to stop the tide of reinforcements from coming.

Yelü Bao saw it clearly and shouted urgently, "Deputy General Han, you lead a group of soldiers to aid the commander-in-chief, while I lead the main force to charge forward."

Han Yuanshan nodded, and the Liao army in the formation behind him sped out of the camp.

Yelü Bao rode forward and said loudly, "Crossbowmen, listen to my command! Do not fire arrows without my order, lest you injure the commander!" With a wave of his left arm, he led the dark, fish-scale formation forward steadily.

Han Yuanshan rode straight towards Zhao Yingcheng from afar, his eyes filled with a greed that was hard for others to understand. As his warhorse charged out through the biting wind and snow, a sharp, piercing whistling sound suddenly came from the front. He was startled and quickly ducked down on his horse.

The wind and snow howled and danced wildly. A golden arrow pierced the air and pierced Han Yuanshan's chest before he could dodge. Before he fell to the ground, a second silver light flashed and firmly embedded itself in his back.

Han Yuanshan heard the sound of bones breaking, felt the cold snowflakes on his eyelids, and then closed his eyes.

The Liao people behind him were stunned.

A silver light swept past, followed by rows of black figures.

When Leng Shuangcheng arrived at the ancient well platform, the battle was still raging.

He strained to see ahead, his eyes unblinking. Through the swirling snow, the people before him lay a bloody mess, their bodies mingling with the mud, and fell to the ground, merging into the dark, filthy snowmelt beneath his feet.

Leng Shuangcheng gripped the moonlight tightly in his right hand, leaped over the Liao army's rear, and ran swiftly towards the narrow edge of the city, intending to rush through the city gate along the edge. He dared not linger for a moment, his eyes gleaming as he clearly scanned the battlefield around him.

Black and white figures clashed in a chaotic melee. Shouts shook the heavens, and slaughter raged across the field.

Leng Shuangcheng paused slightly when he saw a group of teenagers in black military uniforms surrounding the square formation in front of him, circling around it.

"This is the same octagonal formation we encountered half a year ago. It seems that Young Master Bixie is indeed here. Since Qiuye is hiding in Gujing City with his sword, he will surely destroy the high platform—we must rescue Wu Sanshou in time."

Leng Shuangcheng used his movement technique, wielding his gleaming cold sword, charging left and right, forcefully carving out a thin, thread-like path. He had no time to look at anything else, no time to think about the complex scene before him, and he rushed forward, accompanied by the cold wind.

As they rushed to the drawbridge at the city gate, a large group of panicked people poured out, wailing and lamenting. They were thinly dressed, pulling their wives and children along, their mouths filled with the thick snow and wind, their cries hoarse and guttural.

With a pang of sadness, Leng Shuangcheng hid to the side and passed through the first city gate.

Amidst the chaotic crowd, a young man in a blue coat stood out as he silently made his way through the throng. The gatekeeper, surprised, stepped forward and demanded, "Who goes there?"

Leng Shuangcheng took out Wei Chong's waist token and waved it in front of the soldiers: "Lord Wei, I have important matters to report to the commander-in-chief."

The soldier examined the waist tag carefully, then looked up at Leng Shuangcheng's face: "Lord Wei sacrificed his life for the country an hour ago, brother, how did you escape..."

Leng Shuangcheng felt a deafening roar in his head and was dizzy for a long time. After a while, he regained his senses, forcibly suppressed the discomfort in his heart, gritted his teeth, and walked towards the second city gate with his head down.

The soldier was still shouting after him, "General Zhao has already left the city to challenge us to battle; he's not in the city anymore..."

Leng Shuangcheng refused and slipped into the crowd. He passed through the second city gate and hurried toward the Third Pass.

The wind and snow in front of him intensified, and Leng Shuangcheng couldn't help but look up.

A solitary figure stood atop the tower, amidst the swirling snow, his white robes fluttering in the wind. Leng Shuangcheng glanced at him quickly, then immediately looked down. That one glance was enough for him to see clearly—it was Qiu Yeyijian.

Despite the biting wind and howling snow, Leng Shuangcheng noticed that Qiu Yeyijian's features were not blurred; instead, they appeared even more defined and profound in the cold wind. Qiu Yeyijian seemed to be overlooking the earth, like a king ruling over all living beings, his pupils shimmering with an icy light. When Leng Shuangcheng looked up earlier, he wasn't sure if Qiu Yeyijian had noticed him, because that gaze was distant and indifferent, piercing through the chaotic sky.

Leng Shuangcheng was puzzled and couldn't help but look up again.

A pair of sharp, indifferent eyes descended from the sky, striking Leng Shuangcheng's slightly stunned gaze. That gaze held no domineering killing intent, only indifference, an indifference that had remained unchanged for millennia.

Leng Shuangcheng was thinking about Wu Sanshou, but she didn't flinch. She raised her eyelids, gave him a cold, expressionless glance, and slipped into the third city gate, blending into the crowd of refugees like a fish swimming in the sea, disappearing without a trace.

Qiu Ye stood motionless atop the tower, a cold smile playing on her lips.

On the night the city fell, everyone rushed to escape, but this man alone kept his head down and hurried toward the ancient city.

It seems that the arrival of this first day of the lunar new year was filled with eeriness. What was extremely surprising was that Zhuge Dongge, who was usually a carefree and unconventional person, once sought out Qiu Yeyijian and spoke for the first time, pleading with his young master for mercy.

While Zhuge Dongge was at the Wuzhou headquarters, he suddenly requested an audience with the young master. After pondering for a long time, he carefully said, "Young master, I have a request that is not my prerogative, which concerns the first day of the Qingyi Camp."

Qiu Yeyi coldly looked at the refined and scholarly Zhuge Dongge in blue robes, without saying a word.