Twilight Boundary-Chapter 834 - 810: Not Eating Beef Eight Gates_2
As for the Iron Threshold Army, after I flattened the Yan Family, it was secretly arranged by the Niuba Sect and then incorporated into my forces.
I can command these two armies; if they arrive, surrounded by three armies, even if we are trapped, we can still trap Huzhou's Old Flood Dragon to death. 𝕗𝐫𝐞𝕖𝕨𝐞𝗯𝚗𝕠𝘃𝐞𝚕.𝐜𝗼𝚖
But now, I've just left Mingzhou, should I reveal all my cards?
Moreover, if I truly wait for these two armies to arrive, who knows how many days it will take? The Food Protection Army's momentum will have weakened, and with three armies moving together, it loses the air of the King of Mingzhou marching against the rebels.
Pondering, he thought of several strategies, but couldn't decide which one to use. Instead, he first thought of something and asked, "What is Yang Gong thinking now?"
The disciple from the Color Sect smiled wryly and said, "He's become somewhat obstinate, absolutely refusing to harm the common people."
...
...
"Your Majesty, this is our first battle after leaving Mingzhou, and we must not lose our prestige."
In the military tent, Think Tank Iron Mouth also frowned, earnestly advising, "Their proposal to duel is of no benefit to us. The troops of the Huzhou Prefecture are far inferior to ours. With a single command flag, we can definitely breach the city gates."
"But if we continue to engage in duels with the opponent, there will be too many uncertainties. The more we lose, the weaker our morale becomes, and if they seize the opportunity to attack, we risk suffering a loss."
"Moreover, with weakened morale, the enemy might use some evil skill against us."
"..."
Someone nearby also advised, "Caring for the common people is right, but on the battlefield, compassion is the greatest taboo. Moreover, those outside Huzhou City are not necessarily commoners; many are Niang'er Sect believers willing to act as meat shields or even attempt assassination."
"We might as well let our spies inside start a fire, burn through the Huzhou Prefecture, and have the army rush in, scaring off the common people before taking the city and then issue orders to pacify them."
"Otherwise, by following the enemy's rules to duel, even if the General of Copper Armor is fierce, even if we win, will they really open the city gates for us?"
"In the end, it's just playing us for fools."
"..."
"No."
Though many agreed with Think Tank Iron Mouth's plan, Yang Gong shook his head, saying, "Precisely because it's our first battle, we must win fairly and openly."
"The name of the Food Protection Army is here; we cannot ignore those common people. Admittedly, some might be Niang'er Sect believers in disguise, but as long as there are genuine common people among them, the Food Protection Army's swords cannot be swung at them."
"..."
He could only leave it at that, but inwardly he was thinking: 'Brother Hu had already hinted at it before. He would help me conquer the world, and I would help him seize destiny. The concept of destiny is beyond others' understanding, but after being crowned king, I deeply understood it.'
'The grander the means, the greater the ability to seize destiny.'
'If I always use cruel tactics, even capturing the city and beheading the grasshead king won't ensure the opponent's destiny will obediently submit to me.'
'Moreover, after boasting so loudly before him, if I can't manage things, must I ask for his help in everything, or act recklessly without regard for my reputation? What face do I have to claim I can support him?'
'He passed me the Heavenly Book and altered my fate, all for nothing?'
"..."
He shouted loudly, "Sound the gold, call back the troops. I don't believe with the millions of people in Mingzhou and the countless fierce generals in the army, we cannot find one to defeat this person!"
With that thought, he shouted sternly, "If no one goes, I'll go myself!"
The crowd was troubled upon hearing this. If the troops withdrew, wouldn't it indicate we temporarily lack someone who can duel their champion, thereby bolstering the enemy's morale?
Moreover, if you go yourself, you may not prevail...
Yet they didn't dare disobey and really withdrew the troops. Even the Huzhou side was quite surprised, shouting in confusion, while that Fierce General didn't return to the tent but rode around, loudly cursing.
However, among the leaders, someone breathed a sigh of relief. The overwhelming power of the advancing Food Protection Army had been terrifying, prompting them to propose a duel to slow things down.
They hadn't expected the enemy, unable to win the duel, to withdraw, admitting temporary defeat.
Among the Food Protection Army, seeing that no one could overcome the enemy's Fierce General, the Ming King's intention to personally fight stirred anger among the subordinates, each eager to step forward and slay the opponent's leader.
Only Think Tank Iron Mouth frowned, knowing this anger would only provoke fierceness in his men, but in truth, they couldn't prevail in a duel.
At this moment, someone suddenly reported from outside: "Hearing of the Ming King's campaign against the rebels, I come to assist."
Four strong men were ushered in, one with long arms reaching past his knees, one stout, another tall and thin, and the last short but vigorous. In front of the Ming King's tent, they did not kneel but cupped their fists in salute.
Observing them, some felt they recognized them, yet couldn't place them.
Among the four, the man with strong arms said, "We four brothers are humans of Old Yin Mountain. When the food-protection general fought the hungry ghosts earlier, we assisted. Now hearing of the Ming King's campaign, we specially come out of the mountains to help."
Before saying much, the sounds of challenge sounded constantly from outside. Smiling, he said, "The opponent is too arrogant. Who will lend me a weapon or a horse?"
Recognizing them, Yang Gong was overjoyed and said with a smile, "I'll lend you my treasure sword and my horse."
The man took the sword, mounted Yang Gong's horse, not bothering with armor, and with the sounds of drums and gongs, rode out of the camp, charging toward the copper-armored general without another word.
