Human Clan Defender-Chapter 721 - s 69 to 72: Eight Million Army, The Battle Begins (Four in One for Monthly Votes)_3
With such an existence taking action, there were already few in the world who could contend.
"Defender Pei isn't coming this time?" Ran An asked indifferently.
Upon hearing this, Wang Xiao's expression remained unchanged. "After the battle with Great Zhou, Defender Pei was significantly injured and is still recuperating in the Demon-Subduing Division. It's unexpected, and indeed admirable, that Defender Ran managed to make a breakthrough first."
"Defender Pei also has profound foundations; I merely took a step ahead," Ran An said with a slight smile, though a barely noticeable flicker passed through his eyes. Pei Feng recovering from his injuries? He remembered that Pei Feng had not suffered any severe injuries during the Great Zhou campaign. His absence obviously meant Dayue was holding back. Ran An had been clear about this for some time. However, a single Pei Feng couldn't stir any significant waves.
Dayue had now dispatched three million troops, a substantial portion of their strength. This contribution was considered sufficient by Great Liang.
Then, Ran An asked, "Are there any problems with the provisions?"
"Our supplies from Dayue are following the army and can be provided at any time."
"The same goes for us," Beiming Wang replied.
Hearing their answers, Ran An nodded. "This assault on Great Qin might not be as straightforward as splitting bamboo, so everyone must be prepared for a war of attrition. Provisions are critical and must not suffer any issues. As for Luo'an Prefecture, they have likely received the news by now. Since that's the case, we shouldn't keep them waiting. We can set out immediately," Ran An stated.
Wang Xiao and Beiming Wang exchanged glances, both nodding in agreement.
Seeing this, Ran An waved his hand grandly. "Advance!"
Eight million troops mobilized at once, advancing in an orderly manner towards Fallen Saint Pass. For this assault on Great Qin, Great Liang itself had deployed five million troops, not counting Dayue's reinforcements. Such might consumed the better part of Great Liang's resources. Combined with Dayue's reinforcements, the total number of troops had exceeded eight million—a force too vast to be described merely as grandiose.
Ran An, leading on his steed, felt killing intent rise within his calm gaze. Fallen Saint Pass! He seemed to already envision Fallen Saint Pass falling, the army's iron cavalry storming into Luo'an Prefecture and trampling the Great Qin Capital. At this moment, Ran An's blood boiled with passion. First, crush Great Qin, then find an opportunity to annex Dayue. From then on, Great Liang would achieve true unification. And he, as the commander of this vast army, would be immortalized, his name praised by future generations forever. This was an ultimate honor, an opportunity Ran An would not relinquish, no matter what.
Inside Fallen Saint Pass, the atmosphere was grave, and solemn expressions adorned every face.
"Has the message been sent out yet?" Wei Yang asked in a deep voice.
A deputy general beside him saluted. "General, the message has been sent. Luo'an Prefecture is currently dispatching reinforcements, but aid from beyond the prefecture will likely not arrive quickly."
"I understand." Wei Yang sighed internally. Although he had received some prior intelligence about movements from Great Liang and Dayue, he hadn't expected them to act so swiftly. By the time confirmed reports arrived, the Allied Forces of the two nations were already less than a few hundred miles from Fallen Saint Pass. A few hundred miles was not a great distance. The time required for messages to travel back and forth, and then to deploy troops for defense, could not be accomplished in mere days.
Great Liang's methods are indeed cunning! Stirring minor unrest within Great Qin's Capital City to divert our attention, while covertly bolstering their border defenses. To think that several million troops could be mobilized with so few rumors leaking out—truly unexpected! Wei Yang's expression was cold. Great Liang's tactic had successfully diverted Great Qin's focus. If not for the more significant movements from Dayue, they might not have detected the threat at all. Eight million troops! With the current forces stationed at Fallen Saint Pass, resistance was impossible.
He turned his head to look at the motionless incarnation sitting beside him, his expression softening slightly. "Defender Shen," he said, "Great Liang and Dayue's eight million troops will soon be at our gates. What is your counsel?" 𝗳𝐫𝚎𝗲𝚠𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝘃𝚎𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝗺
Wei Yang was now at a loss. Although this Shen Changqing was only an incarnation, Wei Yang had spoken with him before. It was clear that this incarnation possessed not only formidable strength but also memories and knowledge identical to Shen Changqing himself. Uncertain, Wei Yang felt he could only defer to the other's judgment. After all, this Great Qin Defender was the most prominent figure in Great Qin. If even he suggested a retreat, then the Flying Phoenix Army had no need to defend Fallen Saint Pass to the death. It wasn't that Wei Yang was afraid to fight, but a futile struggle that only increased casualties was pointless. Unless, of course, there was truly no other option. Temporarily avoiding the enemy's main force wasn't necessarily a bad strategy.
The incarnation remained calm, displaying none of the urgency felt by the others. Hearing the inquiry, he replied unhurriedly, "Mobilizing eight million troops must have been no easy task for Great Liang and Dayue. Once this battle begins, any pact between them will be utterly torn apart. Therefore, their objective isn't merely to breach Fallen Saint Pass; they aim to invade Luo'an Prefecture, and perhaps even to annihilate Great Qin entirely."
He continued, "Some time ago, the Heavenly Inspection Guard relayed a message. If I'm not mistaken, Ran An must have achieved a breakthrough, correct? A Saint Rank Defender Envoy—that must be the source of their confidence to attack Great Qin."
