Chapter 184: A Sea of People
peechless, only bowing repeatedly."As soon as I appear, Wei Quji will immediately try to kill me. Not to mention Dong Ahu lurking in the shadows. We have no chance." Her voice was a mix of reproach an...It was the winter month, with frosty winds sweeping across the land.
The border between the Southeast and the East, long trampled by hooves, has become blurred.
If someone were to look down from the heavens, they would see—
A dense array of soldiers stretched out in long lines, like a river surging across the vast expanse. Banners fluttered in the wind, as if declaring war against the heavens.
The monster warhorse, pack beast, seemed like flying fish leaping in this “river.”
Those tanks, chariots, were a resolute surge.
And the rocks in the river, the most eye-catching presence, are like a giant carriage reaching the heavens.
The tower car was thirty feet high, with battlements and flying eaves.
The top resembles an iron umbrella, and there is a mixed light.
Beneath the roof, a layer of fortifications was cast like crenellations. On top stood large ballistae, and armored soldiers held spears and guarded them.
From this point onwards, it seemed as if everything below was an impenetrable iron wall, pitch black and solid, utterly impervious. It resembled a moving city wall.
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Within the ironclad walls, one could hear the sounds of mechanical movements, *kacha kacha*, *boom boom!* Regular and constant.
At the very bottom, there are eight heavy wheels.
The ground that was crushed, became smooth...
The overall appearance resembles a massive iron drum, equipped with a vehicle's chassis and topped with a building's dome. Such a structure should be somewhat awkward, but the ingenious design of Qi Country's master craftsman makes it appear so reasonable and complete. As it drives into view, you feel nothing but awe and fear.
A unicorn, over seven zhang tall and twelve zhang long, entirely white, with a single horn, stood alone, carrying its burdens.
Like mountain ranges, the back muscles tightened their grip on the iron cable.
Four limbs wrapped in white fur, gripping the ground firmly.
With such a massive size, every step it took was surprisingly quiet.
Truly possessing the might of mountains, it flows through flesh and bone. Yet, it is also gentle, making no sound.
This chariot, named "Rumbling Assault," was a secret weapon created by the Qi state's weapon foundry. This is its first public appearance!
This time, during the campaign against Xia, a million troops gathered. From the armory, only three Rongchong chariots were mobilized. This shows how precious they are.
And the beast pulling the chariot, is called "Fushen".
It's also a special kind of monster bred by the Qi Army Beast Breeding Yard. It's designed to improve the mobility of large weapons like Rong Chong. Although Rong Chong can move on its own, it's very slow due to its weight. With the presence of the Niu Shou beast, it can easily keep up with the army's speed.
The research of weaponry, the breeding of monsters, the development of Taoism... all aspects are areas of competition among the major hegemon nations.
In the vastness of this world, only six nations have grasped the title of hegemon. These six countries excel in every aspect, ultimately converging into a formidable national power, forming the foundation of hegemony. Their strength and depth far surpass any other nation.
At this time, inside a centrally-located armored vehicle.
A dense and intricate array of glyphs covered the entire room. The ceiling, walls, and floor; look up or down, there was no escaping them.
The room actually has a window, allowing you to see the hustle and bustle outside from within. Sunlight can stream in, and you can feel the wind during your journey. However, from the outside, all that can be seen is a solid wall of iron.
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Cao Jie sat alone at his desk, but he wasn't busy with military affairs. He was holding a scroll and reading it in his hand.
This military formation's weapon is designed to utilize every inch of space within it. Even the quarters where the Xia campaign commander resided were not spacious.
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Even the applications of array patterns that have no room for expansion are limited, because the array patterns engraved here are designed to serve the entire Ronghua.
A warrior is born for war!
Across from Cao Jie, the young-looking Imperial Inspector of Astronomical Observations sat by the window, gazing at the sky with quiet contemplation amidst the tumultuous journey.
The starry map robe drooped, like a dream shadow.
"What's the count up to" Cao Jie casually asked.
Perhaps a little bored, I casually put the book down and flipped it upside down on the desk.
The book cover appeared, the title was 《Grand Summer Record》.
He had long since memorized this record of Daxi geography and scenery. This time, he was flipping through it more for inspiration for war.
Summer's nation was absolutely not the "easily crushed" opponent that many Qi people think it is today.
This kind of cognition is prevalent.
...and will definitely influence the public opinion of both Cao and him.
It's entirely conceivable that if there had been even the slightest obstacle in this campaign against Xia, someone within the court would have jumped out to criticize Cao Jie for his incompetence...
Of course, that's not something he'd be considering right now.
And the question he casually asked was not expected to receive an answer. Because in the midst of the War Between Qi and Xia, both sides were entangled in a struggle for power, and the heavens were in disarray. At this time, anything related to Qi and Xia was beyond human calculation—
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Unless that "humanity" surpasses the combined strength of Qi Xia, but how is that possible
“Having calculated the fate of all living beings, one cannot calculate war. Having measured spirits and gods, one cannot measure a nation.” This diviner’s words are the ultimate truth.
Even the master of the Great Qi Imperial Astronomical Observatory, a Grandmaster of astrology, and the dominant presence among fortune-tellers in the River of Fate, could not calculate anything about the upcoming Qixia War through divination.
“I was just looking at the clouds,” said Ruan Qiong.
Cao Jie shook his head and smiled wryly.
It seems that this "military strategist for subduing the army" position, is something Ruan Qiu only intends to fulfill the "subduing the army" part of.
Of course, if Ruan Qiu were truly to give military advice and strategize, his attitude would not be like this.
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This so-called "little daughter-in-law face," which bears a slightly bitter expression, is cold and hard as iron in military affairs.
"The isolation of the communication channel, you have put in much effort." Cao Jie finally said.
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Speaking of serious matters, Ruan Qiong became much more serious and formal. "Three hours ago, we already broke through Xia Guo's main communication channel. Before noon tomorrow, we will be able to completely lock down all extraordinary communication within Xia Guo's borders."
There must exist a transmission array in each government office of the Xia Kingdom, featuring a unique channel existing at the transcendental level. This is to facilitate the Xia court's rule over various regions. This transmission channel connects all areas; it must possess uniqueness and irreplicability, running through hidden spacetime, permeating with the will exclusive to the Xia court. It won't be invaded by any will that doesn't meet the conditions, ensuring absolute safety and reliability.
So, the so-called primary communication channel of the Xia Kingdom refers to this.
...whether by sound waves, or by energy, or by focusing on the five elements, or even in conjunction with space…there are various complex compositions. For example, the main communication channel within the State of Qi was built based on starlight power and maintained by Ruan Chi.
Any nation's domestic communication channels, their structure and essential information, are inevitably the highest state secrets.
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To find it is not easy. To capture it, is a most complex and intricate battle.
But before the two armies even clashed, under Ruan Qiong's leadership, the Qi forces had already taken the initiative to break the main communication channels within Xia's territory. To be honest, this wasn't anything particularly remarkable. When war truly begins, with a nation's power concentrated and its military strength focused, cutting off communication is only a matter of time. What was remarkable was the timing...
Ruan Qiong finished too quickly!
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This means that the communication disadvantage of the visiting team will be eliminated before noon tomorrow.
played a significant role throughout the entire war!
In a real war, the importance of battlefield communication is undeniable.
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All the efforts made by both sides in communication are nothing more than to achieve one goal: while building their own communication channels, they disrupt the enemy's communication channels.
Among these, long-distance sound transmission is the easiest to isolate.
Next are objects like writing tablets.
Even existences of the level of a Taixu Illusory Realm were isolated as soon as the two sides began preparing for war.
From sound, to Taoism, to spiritual awareness, and expanding to all levels of extraordinary communication, it is basically impossible for them to persist in a national war.
That's why, in the midst of war, everything from thousand-mile voice transmitters to long-distance sound transmission secrets becomes useless. Information still has to be delivered in the most primitive way, by relaying messages through horses.
Humans themselves are the most reliable beings.
This is especially true during wartime.
As for Yu Qi, the establishment of communication channels mainly relies on those swift horsemen patrolling near Rong Chong at this moment.
He was riding a Tempestuous Demon Horse bred by the Beast Taming Pavilion. During its training, all other aspects were disregarded in favor of speed. When it ran, it was faster than an inner court cultivator flying at full power, and its top speed even approached that of an outer court cultivator!
Immediately, the cavalrymen were clad in simple trousers and light garments. They carried three command flags on their backs, a circle of small flags around their waists, and each wore a red sash. Their horses galloped like crimson clouds pursuing one another.
Military communication is about orders, banners, seals, and drums.
These flag soldiers were all cultivators of the Tenglong Realm who had broken through the Heavenly Gates. This flag army could be said to be the meridians of the entire Xia Army, carrying out the will of the marshal's mansion and maintaining the operation of the million-strong army.
"I'm truly impressed by the efficiency of the censor." Cao Jie smiled, and like Ruan Qiyu, he looked out the window behind him.
Only a faint voice from behind Ruan Qiong was heard saying: "Following the will of Heaven, there will be nothing but success."
And wherever his gaze fell, below the lofty Rong Chong, the crowd surged like a sea.
Every soldier in the ranks, under the gaze of the strong, had a face clearly visible.
Yu Liyang sat at the highest point of the city wall, quietly looking at those soldiers in armor, and suddenly thought... I wonder how many people I can still see after this battle
Such a sorrowful thought should not exist. For a powerful Dao cultivator, it is even rarer.
But when you look around, they're all real living people.
To have one's own parents and family, love, hate, joy and sorrow, a unique life.
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Live soldiers, like ants, climbed up and down, busily engaged in constructing fortifications.
During the Xia Dynasty, administration was carried out by six ministries: the Ministry of Personnel, the Ministry of Revenue, the Ministry of Rites, the Ministry of War, the Ministry of Justice, and the Ministry of Public Works. Above them were the Two Wang Pillars and the Empress Dowager who wielded power behind the throne.
The Grand Minister, Liu Xiyi, concurrently held the Ministry of Personnel. The State Preceptor, Xi Mengfu, concurrently held the Ministry of Rites.
As for the Ministry of Works, it has always been the foundation of the Tai clan.
Practitioners skilled in geomancy were gathered together and, under unified direction, performed rituals to fill ravines, level ground, and build earthen walls.
The white-robed army commanders of the Ministry of Works are carefully etching formation patterns, racing against time to construct a protective barrier before the Qi nation's troops arrive. Of course, most of these commanders come from the Tai clan.
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The young man named Tai Yin was also among them, working efficiently and diligently. There was no sign of any arrogance or disdain for the commoners.
Everyone is doing their best.
This is Tongyang City, which belongs to Xiangyou Prefecture.
To the northeast lies Fengjie County.
A steady stream of troops marched past the city, striding resolutely towards Fengjie.
However, Yu Liyang was very clear that Fengjie Prefecture could not be held...
The most important pass of Fengjie Prefecture is Jianfeng Mountain.
Apart from that, everything is going smoothly.
But Sword Peak Mountain had long since been shattered, its defense system completely destroyed by Jiang Mengxiong. From last year to now, the Ministry of Works has consumed a vast amount of resources, tirelessly trying to repair it... But it would be impossible to restore it to its former glory in less than ten years.
The decision to abandon the Prefecture of Sacrificial Rites and keep the Prefecture of Auspicious Protection was made by Si Jiao and him.
But the defense of Fengjie Prefecture cannot be abandoned so easily. At least some time must be bought for Xiangyou Prefecture's defenses to be constructed, which is why so many troops are being sent to Fengjie.
Their mission wasn't to defeat the entire army, nor was that possible. Instead, they were to turn Fengjie Prefecture into a quagmire, using their flesh and blood to delay the advance of the Qi army.
"What is King Min looking at" a voice suddenly said in his ear.
At this moment, the guards were all standing far away. Beneath the whistling wind on the city walls, a man exuding an ancient and solemn aura appeared before Yu Liyang.
The wind stopped.
Yú Lǐyáng did not rise, only saying: "Person."
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Across all of Xia Kingdom, at this very moment, the only person who could appear by his side like this was Duke Wǔ's daughter, Jiāo.
This Great Xia Prince, who is already eight hundred and ninety-seven years old, had achieved the status of a true immortal before the reign of Emperor Xia Xiang. He was established as a national pillar during his time. During the reign of Emperor Xia Xiang, he shone even brighter, leaving behind immortal achievements both behind the Ten Thousand Demons Gate and in the Myriad Realms.
That was truly a glorious era, with the great Xia crushing Wei and Liang, daring to challenge Chu, going to the old lands of Yuyang, vying for hegemony in the East...
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But that era's Si Jia was just one of the many brilliant figures in Daxia.
... but now it has become an indispensable pillar supporting the Xia Kingdom.
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Yu Si Jiao, being a person of pride, her feelings must be indescribable.
"Indeed." Si Jiao also followed Yu Liyang's gaze downward, sighing. "If it weren't for this war, some of these people might have had extraordinary futures."
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Yu Liyang didn't speak for a moment.
Si Jiao suddenly said again, "Jìn Líng is summoned to guard Jian Feng Shan."
“Lord An Guohou…” Yu Liyang sighed, “His failure in Chu was not his fault. Why would things come to this”
The common soldiers hurrying to the Fengjie Prefecture could not know their fate.
But someone like Jin Ling, a high-ranking imperial official, naturally wouldn't misunderstand. It was a place that had already been abandoned on the strategic level. What they guarded with their lives wasn't Fengjie Prefecture, but time.
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Si Jiao said, "Someone always has to guard Jian Feng Mountain. We can't just abandon the place without a fight."
Yu Liyang stood up directly: "I'll go myself. The Marquis of Anguo, this journey will be either death or life, not to mention that he probably won't be able to complete the strategic plan."
Facing the overwhelming army of the State of Qi, to realize the ambition of turning the province of Fengjie into a bloody quagmire, at least one true talent is needed.
However, where in present-day Xia Kingdom could they possibly give up a living sage of this caliber
Jin Ling volunteered proactively, he had a death wish.
But some distances cannot be crossed by courage and will alone. Take, for example, the Sword Peak Mountain to the west... that hundred-li abyss which has yet to be filled.
Jìn Líng probably can't even delay things!
When the King of Min went personally, it was different. The true masters teamed up with Jianfengshan's existing fortifications, and could hold out for several dozen days in Fengjie Prefecture.
But, there's a but...
As the Great Xia Min King, Yu Liyang is a powerful true immortal. Acting too early would undoubtedly cause his "Dao" to be observed and scrutinized more. This would increase his danger level in this war!
--- Aside ---
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Let me know if you have other text you'd like me to translate! umbrella, firmly guarding itself.Ding!!Let me know if you have any other text you'd like me to translate!Longing cuts upon the iron umbrella, leaving only a trail of sparks. Sword energy disperses, u...