809 Finally (1/2)
Yun Yang was caught in a moment of shock.
What was going on? What's happening? What is the entire stronghold of the eastern garrison here for?
The two of them approached the site quickly.
”Sir Supreme Cloud has arrived!” The sentry guard's eyes were filled with passion as he kneeled out of respect, his voice clear and sharp enough to slice the sky apart.
Upon his announcement, the whole encampment lapsed into chaos, quickly followed by the blaring sound of a battle horn.
The pounding of drums started rhythmically. In a short moment, four hundred men of various ranks and designation, led by Fu Baoguo, rushed forward.
When they arrived before the gates of the campgrounds, the four hundred men quickly kneeled and paid their respects in one swift and ceremonious gesture. ”I, Fu Baoguo, this humble subordinate — leading forty million soldiers, hereby pay homage to Sir Supreme Cloud. Best of luck in combat — may you eliminate all adversaries!”
”Please rise, my brothers,” Yun Yang started. ”All of you have placed your lives on the line and spilled blood in Yutang's name; how could I accept such an honorable treatment by my own brothers? Please, do not put me in such a position — rise, all rise!”
”However… Marshal Fu, what are you lot playing at? Why is the entire eastern garrison deployed here? Is the eastern frontier or the Fortress of Resilience no longer important?” Yun Yang implored in curiosity.
Fu Baoguo laughed heartily. ”Relax, Sir Supreme Cloud, we are only following His Majesty's orders by coming down to Tianxuan Cliff. The emperor had given us our an irrefutable order — we are here to protect Sir Supreme Cloud, and not let you encounter any form of injury at all costs, even if this means the death of the eastern frontier's forty million soldiers!”
Yun Yang felt a quiver in his heart. ”Is this for real?”
”If this is not for real, how would this humble subordinate dare call the shots? Of course, before we left, this humble subordinate had already made the necessary arrangements to take care of things when we are not around. Even if Dongxuan takes this opportunity to attack, they won't be able to break through the Fortress of Resilience in this short span of time. Furthermore, after Dongxuan's recent defeat, Yutang is the most formidable force in the whole of Tianxuan — Dongxuan will not dare to make any move.”
Yun Yang let out a deep sigh. ”I am touched by His Majesty's hospitality — I am grateful to the core. However… there is really no need for this. Marshal Fu, I was the one who challenged the Four Seasons Tower this time, and this is a dispute of the martial world with many private matters concerning my actions. Yun Yang isn't claiming that your assistance will not be required here, it's just that… there is really no need for this.”
”Well, the royal decree has already been given. This humble subordinate does not dare to defy orders. Please, Sir Supreme Cloud — don't make this harder than it already is for this humble one,” Fu Baoguo pleaded.
Beautifully said, indeed, but I'm the one here who bears the weight of the royal decree on my shoulders. To not let me assist you only means that I am not following the orders given — this is blatantly sending me to my death. How can you do this — even if you are Supreme Cloud, you can't do this to me!
Knowing the true meaning behind Fu Baoguo's elaborate explanation, Yun Yang could not help but keep quiet. He silently observed the will and passion etched on everybody's faces and knew that it was useless to say more. His heart was flushed with waves of warmth.
The fact that the emperor would send us an edict like this was far beyond Yun Yang's expectations!
An army of forty-million strong defended the Fortress of Resilience, the gateway to Yutang — this stronghold was a very important one indeed, yet, the emperor could bear to come up with an irrefutable command like this. The gateway could be sacrificed, the safety of the entire nation could be forfeited, just to protect me!
Strictly speaking, this edict was actually quite preposterous, but the entire eastern frontier still obeyed such orders by gathering here willingly. They demonstrated such will and fearlessness which made the whole affair seem quite absurd!
Yet, when such circumstances befell Yun Yang — also known as Sir Supreme Cloud, Champion of the Nine Supremes — it was almost befitting!
”Well, since this is a direct order from His Majesty, Yun Yang shall not trouble Marshal Fu any further. However, I have only one request.”
”Feel free to ask, Sir Supreme Cloud, this humble subordinate shall do his best to fulfil your wish.”
”To prevent unnecessary casualties during the battle, I would like Marshal Fu to order the troops to step back twenty miles from the original formation. If more activity is triggered in the event of the battle, please move back another twenty miles accordingly!”
Fu Baoguo considered his words. ”Certainly. Baoguo will definitely act accordingly depending on how it all plays out — no unnecessary sacrifices shall be made.”