The Demon Lords-Chapter 671 - 128: Life Needs a Sense of Ritual_3

"I estimate that if we combine the forces inside and outside the city, we should have nearly twenty thousand troops in total," the Eldest Prince said.

This was the last remaining strength of the "dynasty" at hand. Perhaps Situ Yi himself was prepared to be conferred a "Duke" title from either the wild people or the Chu people once the war was over, and didn't wish to pursue anything further. The more chaos he caused, the faster his end might come. Receiving the treatment of a "wealthy noble" was enough for him. Of course, this all depended on the Yan people not being able to overcome the Wang River.

"We just finished cleaning up around here, and there are hardly any villagers left. These bastards have wrought more havoc on their own kind than we 'invaders' ever could! Your Highness, tell me, if we led five hundred cavalry directly over there now, do you think we'd have a chance at seizing the city gate?"

The news of the renewed front-line warfare probably hadn't reached here yet, so the city of Fengxin was virtually defenseless. The city gates weren't shut even at night, and soldiers were constantly coming and going—not patrolling, but amusing themselves. Just like a bandit's den, where everyone indulges in merry-making at night, right?

"Are you considering it?" The Eldest Prince looked at Jin Shuke.

Jin Shuke gritted his teeth, clearly weighing the options. After a moment, he shook his head and said, "Never mind, the General has his plans."

If he were merely leading the vanguard, he could act according to the circumstances. But he had received specific military orders before departing. To force an engagement under these conditions, even if successful, would be a transgression far outweighing any merit.

"Plans?" The Eldest Prince understood immediately. "Has General Zheng been targeting Situ Yi all along?"

Jin Shuke nodded. "Yes." There was no need to hide it.

"COO... COO... COO..."

At the sound of the birdcall, Jin Shuke immediately rose, raised his hand, and shouted to his surrounding men, "Friendlies! Lower your bows!"

The surrounding tribal soldiers all put away their bows and arrows.

Then, from the withered woods to their west, Xue Three emerged.

There was one contingent that had arrived even faster than the vanguard: Xue Three and his scouts. They had secretly crossed the river and reached this area nearly two days ahead of the main army.

Xue Three merely nodded at Jin Shuke, then sat down, silently chewing on a blade of grass.

Seeing Xue Three wasn't in the mood to talk, Jin Shuke prudently kept his distance and continued to arrange the defenses with his men.

Before long, a rider approached. Upon seeing Jin Shuke and, on the other side, Xue Three, the rider immediately dismounted and knelt on one knee before Xue Three.

Before he could speak, Xue Three asked directly, "How long until the main army arrives?"

"Half an hour."

"Good, understood."

Xue Three then glanced at Jin Shuke, shook his head with a helpless smile, and turned his gaze to the Eldest Prince. "Your Highness, shall we go in and have some fun?"

"Seize the gate?"

"Yes, Your Highness."

"If there's any way I can be of use, you need only command."

Xue Three nodded with a satisfied smile.

Soon, the sound of approaching warhorses was heard. Only a few dozen cavalrymen arrived, led by Zheng Fan. Beside Zheng Fan were the Sword Saint and A Ming.

After dismounting, Zheng Fan first looked at Xue Three and asked, "How are the preparations?"

"Reporting, General, my preparations are complete. We can depart now."

Zheng Fan nodded to acknowledge. "Then let's begin. The main army will be here soon."

"You, you, you, you, and you, and also Your Highness, and you, Sir Sword Saint, come with me. We need to prepare and change clothes."

The last two "you"s were directed at the Eldest Prince and the Sword Saint.

The clothes had already been prepared. Xue Three pushed aside some dry branches, revealing a hidden chest. Opening it, he revealed a set of rather fine civilian clothes, mostly scholar's robes.

"Take off your armor and change into these. I've made arrangements. We'll enter through the west gate and seize the west gate."

The men around them began to change. The Eldest Prince hesitated for a moment, then removed his armor and chose a white scholar's robe to wear.

"Is all this really necessary?" the Sword Saint asked Xue Three, looking puzzled.

He believed that with his sword and a few dozen men, one charge would be enough to secure the gate until the main army arrived. He was the Sword Saint, after all, and certainly had the confidence for such a notion.

But Xue Three shook his head. "Life needs a bit of ceremony. Besides, there are still quite a few soldiers in the camps outside."

The Sword Saint didn't press further and chose a dark blue robe to change into.

Xue Three then took out several small boxes from the chest. "Alright now, look at yourselves, reeking of horses. Rub some of this on to cover the smell, so we don't get sniffed out."

As he spoke, Xue Three eagerly helped the Eldest Prince apply some.

The Eldest Prince stood still, allowing Xue Three to apply the fragrant powder.

Xue Three then turned to the Sword Saint. The Sword Saint was clearly resistant, but when Xue Three stressed the importance of the overall situation, he conceded.

At this point, as long as he could get to the city gate to kill people—to kill those traitorous dogs who acknowledged thieves as their masters—he was willing to do anything.

Xue Three then looked at A Ming and asked in confusion, "Why haven't you changed?"

"I must protect My lord," A Ming replied, his answer impeccable.

"Alright, everyone, follow me! My men are waiting for us up ahead. Act naturally, don't be stiff. Once we reach the city gate, wait for my signal to make a move. Whatever happens on the way, you must endure it!"

Xue Three gave another instruction, then led the nine of them forward.

Zheng Fan looked at A Ming curiously. "Not going to join the fun?"

A Ming shook his head. "It's definitely going to be trouble."

Zheng Fan nodded in profound agreement, saying, "That's why I'm not going either."

Ahead, there were indeed people waiting for them, along with three bullock carts.

Xue Three signaled the Eldest Prince, the Sword Saint, and the others to get on, then motioned for the men at the front to pull the carts.

The bullock carts moved forward slowly.

The Eldest Prince's gaze swept around constantly. He found that their small group was passing through the army camp with surprising openness. Nearby rebel soldiers merely laughed when they saw them, making no move to stop or inspect them. Had the defenses become so lax? Or was there something special about the group they were with, something that earned such trust from the rebel soldiers here?

The Sword Saint also noticed that passing rebel soldiers merely pointed and snickered at those of them in the bullock carts, not paying them much heed.

When their party was nearing the west gate, an obese man who looked like a general, reeking of alcohol and accompanied by several personal guards, staggered over and stopped their cart.

"Stop! Don't go any further! Stop, I say! Stop for this general!"

For a moment, everyone in the bullock carts held their breath. Had they been discovered?

"Damn it! Let this general have a good look. Let this general examine you closely... Tsk tsk, truly handsome."

The rebel general swaggered closer, pointed at the Eldest Prince, and slurred, "A bit dark, but sturdy. Tsk tsk, got that untamable, wild air about him."

Then, the rebel general looked at the Sword Saint, who was seated on the other side.

"A bit old, but what a delicate face and hands! So fair and tender. That body must be incredibly soft. Definitely knows how to please a man, hahaha! Alright, I'm claiming these two gays."

"..." the Eldest Prince.

"..." the Sword Saint.