Chapter 1048: Divine Martial Army! (1/2)
Part of the Tang army had remained intentionally concealed, only waiting until the two armies had clashed to abruptly strike. This minor detail immediately had tremendous effects. Even though Jiudu Fuluo had promptly called for a retreat, he had still left tens of thousands of Turkic bodies on the battlefield.
Even those Western Turkic cavalry who had fled very far away could hear the shouts of the soldiers behind them. The battle had only lasted for a short while, but Jiudu Fuluo and his army had paid nearly eighty thousand lives. Meanwhile, the Beiting Protectorate had not even lost five thousand. This sort of casualty ratio had never happened before.
”Enough! Everyone come back! This battle is enough to restrain Jiudu Fuluo from any reckless actions for at least a year!”
With An Sishun's order, all the pursuing Beiting soldiers withdrew. The Beiting Protectorate had far too much infantry and supply wagons to match the agility of the purely cavalry forces of the Western Turkic army. Moreover, the ballista army also could not follow the army in the pursuit.
As An Sishun was awash with joy and all the soldiers of the Beiting Protectorate were celebrating, a cold and untimely voice spoke. ”Lord Protector-General, our mission is complete and you have seen the power of the ballista army. It is now time to fulfill your end of the promise.”
The young and aloof commander of the ballista army had ridden up to An Sishun's side atop a Turkic horse.
Buzz!
In a flash, all fell silent, and even the cheers died away. The surrounding Beiting Protectorate soldiers all began to look at this young general, and An Sishun's expression turned gloomy as his brows creased.
”Young man, you've got quite some nerve. Do you know that as long as I wish it, I could kill you here?” An Sishun harshly said, his eyes slowly becoming as sharp as swords.
”If Lord Protector-General kills me, I naturally cannot resist, but that is an entirely different matter. I fulfilled my promise to Lord Protector-General. The Western Turkic army has been defeated and the Sanmi Great General Jiudu Fuluo has withdrawn. Now is the time for Lord Protector-General to fulfill his end of the promise. I presume that someone of Lord Protector-General's status will not go back on their words?” the young commander firmly replied. Even in front of an elite Great General like An Sishun, his face showed not a flicker of emotion.
”Impudent! A puny subordinate general dares to act so rudely before Lord Protector-General! I don't believe that our Beiting Protectorate army can't handle a puny officer like you!” A swarthy-faced general next to An Sishun finally could not hold back his rage.
”If Lord Protector-General wishes, you may kill me, but the transaction must proceed. The Beiting Protectorate army must send the promised soldiers to reinforce Talas. I might as well add that even though I might be a puny subordinate general of insignificant status, my transaction with Lord Protector-General has the seal of the Qixi Protectorate. This seal represents our Qixi Protector-General. I hope that Lord Protector-General can carefully consider his options!”
The aloof commander coldly stared at An Sishun, clearly not willing to yield.
”Bastard! You dare to threaten Milord!”
”Kill him! I don't believe that that Qixi Protector-General can do anything to Milord!”
The surrounding Beiting commanders all exploded with fury.
”You would dare!”
”Anyone who dares to touch our lord will have to contend with us!”
”At the worst, we'll just bring you down with us. Brothers, prepare for battle!”
In the rear, the 'Qixi Protectorate army soldiers' were also enraged. One of them even threw off his helmet to reveal his savage and fierce face.
”You would dare!”
Clangclangclang! Sabers and swords were unsheathed by the furious Beiting soldiers. These warriors of the Qixi Protectorate were not regular soldiers at all. Their temper and demeanor were more appropriate for bandits and brigands.
”Enough! Everyone stop!”
An Sishun's single order immediately had all the Beiting soldiers sheathing their weapons.
”Young man, tell me: what is your name?”
An Sishun turned his head to that aloof young commander. An Sishun had met countless commanders and had experienced many trials and storms, but he had to admit that this young commander's daring and insight were truly admirable. They had left an extremely deep impression on An Sishun.
”Su Hanshan!”
The young commander announced his name, neither proud nor meek, and his eyes shone with a fearless resolve.
”Not bad! I'll remember you! My words just now were just a joke. I will do everything that I have promised and will immediately give you the soldiers that I have promised. An Beiliu, select some elites for me and have them follow him back to Qixi.”
”Many thanks, Milord!”
Su Hanshan's expression grew much gentler, and with a wave of his hand, the ballista soldiers behind him fell silent.