"Furthermore, inform the Baima County Magistrate that he must dispatch troops to guard the grain and military equipment, without any errors, otherwise... his head will not be kept intact." Ye Shikai said coldly, his words full of threat.

"Master, should I recite your exact words?" 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝚠𝚎𝚋𝗻𝗼𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝚘𝐦

"That’s right, tell him the exact words." Ye Shikai commanded.

"Understood." The messenger exited the tent, quickly riding towards the county. The reason Ye Shikai placed the supplies delivered from the rear in the town was, firstly, because the town had solid walls for defense, making it much safer than temporary warehouses. Secondly, it was also to show the people their determination and stabilize morale.

"I’ve made harsh statements, a month from now, whether I return full of honors or with my reputation in ruins, it all depends on you." Ye Shikai bowed to the dozen chiliarchs in the tent.

"Please rest assured, Master. With me here, I guarantee bringing back Yan Yu’s head." Man Cang, a fierce general, was also the best candidate for the vanguard.

"Very well, how many men do you need?" Ye Shikai shouted.

"I only need two thousand soldiers to level Beast Mountain."

"Good, I’ll give you three thousand elite troops, but I don’t expect you to annihilate them all. The terrain at Beast Mountain is rugged, with intricate roads and paths; it’s impossible to wipe them all out. However, there’s a peak outside Beast Mountain called Eagle Ridge. According to local hunters, only eagles can fly up there, hence the name Eagle Ridge. The enemy has built a camp there, serving as the gateway to Beast Mountain. If this place is taken, the large army can fully enter the mountain." Ye Shikai pointed to a landmark on the map.

"Rest assured, Master, leave it to me."

"I’ll give you a week, will that be enough?" Ye Shikai said calmly.

"I only need three days," Man Cang said firmly. For such a fierce general, the use of a provocative approach is effective. The week was intentionally made longer by Ye Shikai to stimulate Man Cang’s desire to succeed. Longer time is equivalent to denying his capability, serving as motivation for someone as impatient as Man Cang.

"What if you can’t take it?"

"I’m willing to guarantee with my life and sign a military warrant."

"Good, wishing you success." Ye Shikai stepped forward and patted his shoulder.

"Understood, I will take my leave." Man Cang bowed his head and turned to leave the tent.

"All of you must perform your duties, I’m making it clear; if anyone dares to be passive in battle, without the need for orders from the Commander Mansion, I’ll deal with you myself."

"Rest assured, Master, I’ll devote myself entirely."

"Risk life and limb, prepared to die ten thousand times."

Ye Shikai let the crowd go first, leaving Shangguan Jian behind. These chiliarchs were personally supported by him, each with their outstanding merits.

"Old Ye, Eagle Ridge is a peak in Beast Mountain, and the enemy set their camp there to retreat intruders by relying on the terrain. Although Man Cang is a fierce general, I’m not worried about him fearing battle. But in such terrain, you can’t win on courage alone." Shangguan expressed his concern.

"I understand what you mean. In this situation, we should use intelligence, but we don’t have enough time right now. If the battle drags on, it’s detrimental in every way. Moreover, we have over ten thousand troops stationed here, and the supply of military grain is a concern. However, you’re right, we should seek swift victory, not act recklessly." Ye Shikai nodded.

"Why do you still let Man Cang be the vanguard?"

"Though Man Cang is the vanguard, the command is still mine. If I let him command entirely, I’m afraid even if he sacrifices the three thousand brothers, he may not take it. Do I really have to execute him?" Ye Shikai’s tone shifted. Previously, Man Cang signed the military warrant in front of everyone, guaranteeing with his life, just to motivate the generals. If Ye Shikai wasn’t completely sure, how could he boast?

"You mean... you already have a plan to defeat the enemy?"

"Of course, do you remember Long Mountain?"

"Certainly, that was our first battle commanding troops, although the troop size was small compared to now, it was just minor skirmishes."

"Do you remember how we broke the camp back then?"

"You mean to..."

"Bring Xue San here."

.....................

Late night.

"Since the master’s military order is given, my mission will be achieved. I will complete the task." Xue San arrived at the camp with the "Special Operations Squad", a squad originally formed by Ye Shikai. It was selected from among the troops for agile individuals, equipped with excellent weapons. Ye Shikai taught them the principles of special operations for handling tasks impossible for ordinary soldiers.

"This time, I can’t accompany you on the operation. Xue San, you need to be attentive." Ye Shikai lightly tapped his shoulder. He was now the Main General, responsible for command, and couldn’t join the squad. This mission required Xue San to lead the team to infiltrate Eagle Ridge’s camp, open the gates, allowing Man Cang to lead three thousand Iron Armor Army and kill the enemy by surprise.

"Eagle Ridge’s camp is the enemy’s gateway; they will surely deploy heavy troops here. Be cautious when infiltrating."

"Understood." Xue San led the team, setting off under the cloak of night. Not only were they a "Special Operations Squad", but also a "Daredevil Squad". If discovered by the enemy, they would surely face death.

"Notify Man Cang to stand by, upon seeing the signal arrow, rush the entire army to breach the camp."

"Understood."

An hour later.

Ye Shikai and Shangguan Jian led their close guards to a height, anxiously awaiting Xue San’s signal arrow. Frankly, Ye Shikai wasn’t keen on Xue San risking himself. Their relationship was quite good. However, within the army, no one was better at wall-climbing, climbing, sneaky reconnaissance than Xue San.

Whoosh.

Suddenly, a piercing sound came from the air. Everyone looked up and noticed the long-awaited signal arrow.

"Charge, attack!"

Simultaneously, a shout came from the mountain’s base; cold shine reflecting on iron armor. It was Man Cang leading three thousand Iron Armor Army.

"Old Ye, Xue San likely succeeded. If nothing unexpected happens, I think Man Cang can seize the entire camp within half an hour." Observing the situation, Ye Shikai and Shangguan both let out a sigh of relief.

"Let’s go and take a look."

Eagle Ridge Camp.

"Strange, why aren’t there any sounds of fighting?" Upon closer inspection, Ye Shikai was perplexed. Logically, it should be intense fighting, but the camp was silent. On further inspection, the gates were wide open, and guards stood posted outside.

"What’s going on?"

"Reporting to General, there are only over a hundred men in the camp, we encountered almost no resistance and seized the camp."