Chapter 156 (1/2)

Chapter 156

Translator: Nyoi-Bo StudioEditor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

”Which army are you from? Report your identity and the name of your general!” A strong voice pierced through the frigid winds, resounding in everyone's eardrums. In the massacre, Chu Qiao slashed down a Xia soldier before lifting her head up. That voice sounded really familiar.

The approaching group was at least 5,000 strong, and just by observing the formation, one could tell that they were well trained. The Xia soldiers had no choice but to stop their massacre of the civilians and respond. An officer shouted back, ”We are the Xia Garrison in Yan Bei Area 18, 21st Detachment. Who are you?”

They were the Xia Garrison within Yan Bei? In that one moment, Chu Qiao had already understood everything. The independence of Yan Bei was something that was declared overnight. Within only half a month, the original garrisons had been decimated from within the Yan Bei territory. However, due to the short duration of independence, and considering how the Xia Empire had already mustered troops to conquer Yan Bei, they had no time to completely search and destroy all remaining troops within the borders. As a result, there would still be small groups of leftover Xia troops within the borders.

These men were probably the Xia Army that had been routed during the rebellion but had yet to be hunted down. As they caught wind of the Xia invasion, they banded together in hopes of aiding the invading force. Yet they had encountered the civilians who were responding to the conscription order along the way. To prevent the Yan Bei forces from being notified of their existence, they began a massacre. Since these people's origins were known, what about the approaching group of people?

Hearing how the Xia troops reported their origins, the approaching troops sank into a deadly silence. With the wind raging between them, the snow that was on the ground was blown up into the air, creating an illusion that it was snowing again.

”Attack!” A loud and clear charge call was blown by the military bugle. It was a bugle call exactly the same as the standard used in the Xia military. It was precisely the same as the one that had just been used by the Xia troops just now. Yet, flashing their bright swords, the unknown force had revealed nothing other than hostility. The soldiers of the Xia empire panicked. The commander dashed up and shouted, ”We are imperial troops that were stationed in Yan Bei! Who are you? Are you imperial forces as well? Please stop your attack! Please stop!”

With a whoosh, a strong arrow flew over, piercing that man's chest. With a crimson trail of blood flying through the sky, he fell to the ground.

”Brace! Brace!” The Xia troops came to their senses and hurriedly changed their formation to brace themselves against the incoming charge. But it was too late. Given this short distance, such ferocity of the charge, and the huge disparity in strength, the Xia troops had sunk into a complete disadvantage. The vengeance came quick and hard, as the massacre just now was once again resumed, only that the victim had changed. The sounds of blades clashing resounded throughout the entire battleground. Although the attacker was dressed in all kinds of clothes, their skills with the blade were exceptional. Well equipped, obviously experienced, and well trained, every swing of the blade was targeted at the vitals of their enemies.

In the flurry of slashes, the Xia troops fell like leaves in the powerful assault. In mere minutes, they had been divided into small pockets without any sense of order or formation remaining.

The wind grew stronger and brushed against everybody's skin like blades. Under the cover of the darkness, the snow seemed to start yet again, as the seemingly messy attacking force tore through the remnants of the Xia troops. The sounds of fighting could be heard everywhere. On the snowy plains that were not even 50 miles away from Beishuo City, such intense fighting occurred.

”Report!” a soldier reported in. In the small tent that was hurriedly pitched up, a general was pacing up and down, as though he was waiting for someone.

The messenger walked in and loudly informed, ”Reporting in. There is an enemy that surrendered and wishes to see you.”

The man was still young and looked rather handsome. He had long eyes, and his lips were thin. With just one glance, one could tell he was a courageous man who would not hesitate, even in danger. Yet, that man seemed to be rather irritated. He frowned. ”A Xia captive? What matter does he have? Has that Yan Bei soldier returned?”

”Not yet, Master. As for that captive, she refuses to say anything apart from firmly requesting to see you, Master.”

The commander casually waved his hand. ”Bring her in.”

As Chu Qiao just entered the tent, she saw that the General was speaking to the few Yan Bei soldiers whom he had captured earlier. ”How is the Lady? Is she still healthy?”

”She is pretty healthy, though the same could not be said for her luck. By accident, she has become a captive.”