Chapter 1850: Analysis of the Enemy! (1/2)
Translated by: Hypersheep325
Edited by: Michyrr
”I've just received some information. I don't know if the rest of you noticed, but at sunset, a giant cauldron suddenly appeared at the highest point of the Arab base. It's several dozen meters high and surrounded by thirty-some giants that protect and move it.
”Twenty-some days have passed since the start of the war. In this time, all of our ballistae and supplies have arrived, and even the Arabs have finished bringing their catapults and Behemoths to the front. Given all this time and Khatabah's legendary reputation, it doesn't make sense for something to arrive so late.”
Wang Zhongsi scanned the room.
The hall fell silent. Everyone, including Wang Chong, pensively creased their brows.
This truly was strange. Wang Chong had received the same report from Zhang Que, but for the moment, he couldn't tell what was in that massive bronze cauldron.
But regardless, this bizarre, massive cauldron did not mean anything good for the Great Tang.
”Khatabah is no ordinary person. I sense that something that would make him so cautious as to send several dozen giants to slowly escort it cannot be a minor object. It might be a pivotal object the Arabs will use in tomorrow's battle!” Wang Zhongsi firmly declared.
No one doubted Crown Prince's Junior Guardian Wang Zhongsi. As the former War God, at his prime, Wang Zhongsi had a reputation and status that far surpassed Gao Xianzhi, An Sishun, and Zhangchou Jianqiong. The giant cauldron in the Arab base had to be extremely important if it had earned his attention.
”Is there a way to investigate what it is?” An Sishun asked. This was a battle that would affect the fate of the two greatest empires of the east and west. No mistakes could be permitted.
”No!”
Someone suddenly spoke. It was not Zhang Que, but Gao Xianzhi's subordinate, Cheng Qianli.
”After today's battle, I rode a horse out of the camp to patrol, hoping to find something by surveying the enemy base, perhaps even a weakness. I also noticed the giant cauldron that Lord Junior Guardian spoke of.
”When I went to take a look, that giant cauldron was guarded by several hundred thousand Arab cavalry, and the inner circle had several dozen giants. Moreover, the skies were guarded by the giant bird army and the hunting falcons. It was impossible to approach, whether by sky or land.”
There were many commanders in the army like Cheng Qianli. Although they had not taken part in the battle during the day, they had not just sat back in the rear.
Each one had their own way of probing the enemy camp and analyzing intelligence. With their various abilities, they made various plans and did all they could to contribute.
”If that's the case, this giant cauldron is even more important than I thought.”
An Sishun frowned. During the day, he had been fighting with Zhangchou Jianqiong against the Arabs, and after the battle, he had been reorganizing his army and preparing for tomorrow’s battle, so he had not had time to observe the enemy army.
The duties in an army were clearly spelled out. There were naturally others who would carry out such tasks.
Several hundred thousand cavalry and several dozen giants were a formidable defense that was essentially impenetrable. This level of defense was a clear indication of just how important that cauldron was.
The mood in the air turned grim and oppressive.
”Leave this matter to me,” Wang Chong suddenly said. ”Although the Arab base is tightly guarded, that doesn't mean that there are no ways to scout it. I'll try my best to see what's inside that giant cauldron.”
With Wang Chong volunteering, the matter was put to rest for the moment. Everyone trusted in Wang Chong's abilities, and they could rest easy now that he had taken the job.
Moreover, in previous conflicts, no matter how formidable his opponent was, Wang Chong always managed to find a way.
”Let's continue to tomorrow's battle,” Wang Chong said. He extended a finger and quickly drew everyone's attention to the model.
”The Arabs claim an army of 3.8 million, but the number that can truly fight is 2.8 million. If we deduct the soldiers we killed during the day, they have 2.6 million soldiers left, four times more than us. This massive army will undoubtedly strike from the flanks as well as the front.
”For this reason, in the southwest direction, we have to reinforce the triangular gap on the Tibetan Plateau to guard against any possible attacks.”
Wang Chong then turned to the Turkic steppe to the northeast.
”In comparison to the triangular gap, the northeast is much more difficult to defend. Although I've done my best, as long as they make a large enough detour, they can still deal us a heavy blow. No matter what, we can't be encircled!” Wang Chong sternly said.
As he described the strategic layout, he no longer exuded any of that youthful aura. His entire body exuded the energy of the Grand Marshal from the apocalyptic era. Even an extremely experienced leader like Zhangchou Jianqiong appeared to slightly dim in front of Wang Chong. The only person who could rival him was the previous War God of the Great Tang, Wang Zhongsi.
”Leave this direction to me. No matter how many soldiers they send, I'm confident that I can break them!”
To everyone's surprise, it was Tongluo Great General Abusi who spoke.