Chapter 329 – This Second Young Master Won’t Do, Let Lord Lin Take the Stage!
In the capital city, people from various court factions were greatly concerned upon hearing these opinions.
“Zhao Kuo really doesn’t seem up to the task. Even the enemies don’t take him seriously!”
“War is not child’s play. Lives are at stake! Handing over a 400,000-strong army to a second young master who has never fought before is truly unsettling. What if we lose?”
“Let’s not take it too seriously! Everyone’s just playing around!”
“The more they talk, the more uneasy I feel. It’s better to let Lord Lin take the lead. With Lord Lin on the field, I’d feel at ease!”
“Who can argue with that?”
…
Zhao Kuo, who was busy preparing for battle, exploded in anger upon hearing these rumors and gossip.
“They’re saying I’m not up to the task? Calling me a pampered second young master who relies on his family? Saying I haven’t grown up, that I’d wet my pants in battle? This is absolutely ridiculous!”
True, he did indeed rely on his family’s influence to get this opportunity!
But, hasn’t he also worked hard for it?
Despite being born into a military aristocracy and living a comfortable life, he worked harder and put in more effort than others!
He studied military tactics and strategies extensively from a young age, memorizing them effortlessly. He frequently simulated battles with older generations and often emerged victorious!
Furthermore, he started from the bottom by entering the military camp with his father at a young age.
He ate what other soldiers ate, slept when they slept, and did what they did. He endured just as much hardship as any other soldier!
In fact, because he was from the Zhao family and carried the hopes of his clan, his father treated him harshly. Even a slight mistake resulted in punishment, often doubled!
In addition to that, he endured the harshest training in the coldest winters and the hottest summers, all to build his innate strength.
It can be said that he was entirely different from those useless nobles who just lazed around and stirred up trouble everywhere!
He had great ambitions and was eager to achieve great things!
Now, he was just lacking an opportunity to prove himself!
Reclaiming the northern territories, starting with Northern Hebei, was that opportunity!
Yet, before he could even make a move, everyone was already mocking him incessantly, from start to finish…
Zhao Kuo trembled with rage, unable to eat!
“Kuo’er, don’t let this bother you!” A calloused hand was placed on Zhao Kuo’s shoulder.
“Uncle!” Zhao Kuo turned to see a middle-aged man with a dignified face and stern demeanor.
This person was his actual uncle, Zhao Hai, who had been diligently guiding him in military strategy and martial arts. Their bond was deep, much like with his father. Hence, he was referred to as “uncle.”
“Your restlessness and anxiety might play into their hands. To prove yourself, just achieve something significant. That will dispel all rumors!” Zhao Hai advised.
Zhao Kuo took a few deep breaths to calm himself and nodded, saying, “Uncle, I understand. I won’t act impulsively. I absolutely won’t fall for the schemes of the enemy!”
Zhao Hai nodded in approval. “Exactly! Remaining steady in the face of challenges is what makes a true heir of the Zhao family!”
“The discontent and doubts of others will only fuel my determination to move forward!” Zhao Kuo clenched his fist, his gaze unwavering. “In this battle, I will certainly ride to the north, reclaiming the land, and bring back the Prince of Northern Hebei for justice!”
“Good! With such determination, our Zhao family fully supports you!” Zhao Hai exclaimed loudly. “Over the years, all the experts we’ve nurtured in the Zhao family will follow you into battle! Additionally, we’ve leveraged our connections to gather many skilled individuals to aid us! Together with the imperial experts and forces, as long as we fight prudently, victory is assured!”
Zhao Kuo was elated. “Thank you, Uncle!”
With the staunch support of the Zhao family, Zhao Kuo felt even more confident.
He organized the troops and supplies, held a pledge ceremony, then led a vast army towards Northern Hebei.
Meanwhile, the Prince of Northern Hebei was also counting his forces and making preparations for the impending war.
“My lord, we currently have a standard army of 322,000 troops!”
“And there are 937,929 peak martial artists from the Heaven Defying Sect. Each one is equivalent to a hundred soldiers, making it a force of 1,2 million troops!”
“We have a total of 15 innate experts!”
“However, after the catalysis of the Dragon Suppressor and Tiger Tamer Grandmasters’ medicinal concoctions, we’ve gained an additional 50 pseudo-innate experts within our army. Their strength may be weaker than true innates, but they’re stronger than late-stage martial artists!”
“Furthermore, there are three grandmasters lurking in the shadows, waiting for the right moment to strike!”
The Prince of Northern Hebei was incredibly excited upon hearing this, “Excellent! This terrifying power is bound to overthrow the court! After planning and waiting for so many years, it’s finally happening, haha!”
Mr. Zhuge hesitated for a moment, saying, “However, we are relatively short on provisions and can only sustain for half a month…”
The Prince of Northern Hebei calmly waved his hand, saying, “We don’t need that much provisions at all! Our army consists mainly of martial artists, and they move swiftly. In just a few days, we can march to the capital and change the dynasty, haha!”
“Your Highness is absolutely right!” Mr. Zhuge also laughed.
He didn’t believe that this terrifying force couldn’t bring down the court.
The Prince of Northern Hebei stood up, hands behind his back, gazing southward as if he could see the imperial city hundreds of miles away.
“Let’s set out! We won’t return until the imperial city is captured!”
About five or six days later, the two armies faced off on the plains of Northern Hebei.
This battle attracted the attention of people from all over the world.
The armies were separated by over 200 yards, facing each other from a distance.
Zhao Kuo wore a dazzling silver armor, holding a specially crafted red-tassel spear in his hand. Mounted on a tall steed, he exuded an imposing aura, his spirit high as he swept his gaze across the Northern Hebei army.
Around 300,000 troops, 14 or 15 experts at the Innate realm, along with various miscellaneous martial artists…
Zhao Kuo felt confident because his information was almost identical to what he had obtained.
This force didn’t pose a threat to him.
After all, this time he led 400,000 elite imperial troops, outnumbering the 300,000 Northern Hebei army.
In terms of Innate experts, apart from the 12 from the imperial side, his family had brought an additional 12 through various means, surpassing the opposition.
As for those miscellaneous martial artists, they could be disregarded in the face of the army’s arrows!
Thus, the imperial side had a great chance of victory!
At that moment, Zhao Hai leaned over and whispered, “We just received good news. The Northern Hebei army’s supplies are insufficient and can only last for half a month. We can play a steady game, drag it out for half a month, and secure a victory!”
Zhao Kuo was overjoyed. This was indeed good news!
If the enemy’s supplies were inadequate, how could they fight him?
With a confident stride, he rode forward, loudly declaring, “Prince of Northern Hebei, by rising against the Emperor, you’ve committed a heinous crime of rebellion and gone against the Dao. Her Majesty is furious, and we are here to apprehend you and demand justice. I advise you to surrender now, accept your punishment, or face the consequences!”
The Prince of Northern Hebei sneered, “Rising against the Emperor? It’s clear that you’ve fabricated an imperial edict and framed me with malicious intent! My uprising isn’t for rebellion, but to rid the Emperor of corrupt officials and restore prosperity to the nation!”
“Rid the nation of corrupt officials and restore prosperity!”
“Rid the nation of corrupt officials and restore prosperity!”
…
The soldiers of Northern Hebei chanted fervently, their voices deafening and their momentum overwhelming!
It had to be said that after more than 20 years of cultivating his image, the Prince of Northern Hebei had garnered immense respect among the people of Northern Hebei, to the point of being deeply ingrained.
Even many individuals from the martial world had been deceived, let alone the illiterate commoners and soldiers!
Zhao Kuo’s expression soured. He had originally intended to show his might, but he was taken aback by the opponent’s people!
“Prince of Northern Hebei, it seems you’re stubborn. There’s nothing more to say between us. Let’s settle this with arms!” Zhao Kuo rode back to his position, preparing for battle.
“Originally, there’s nothing more to discuss!” The Prince of Northern Hebei waved his hand with gusto, “Guards, release the arrows!”
“What? Release arrows?” Zhao Kuo and the members of the court were dumbfounded.
Usually, archers could shoot up to 100 yards at most!
There was a difference of 200 yards between the two sides. How could they manage to shoot from such a distance?
Had the Prince of Northern Hebei not been at war for too long and gone mad?
Just when they were all puzzled, the miscellaneous martial artists, who seemed insignificant in their eyes, actually pulled out bows and arrows and began shooting.
“Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh…”
Arrows rained down, crossing the distance of 200 yards and landing within the ranks of the court’s army like meteors.
The unprepared court soldiers were struck by the arrows, cries of pain echoing everywhere.
“Ah! Oh no!”
“Arrows incoming!”
“I’ve been hit!”
…
Zhao Kuo was once again dumbfounded, “How did these arrows travel such a distance?”
Something felt off to him!
Exchanging a glance with his uncle, they both felt that something was amiss!
This single barrage of arrows inflicted thousands of casualties on the court’s army!
The Prince of Northern Hebei was extremely pleased, brimming with excitement!
His army of martial artists had succeeded!
Martial artists possessed superior physical strength, formidable power, and potent internal energy cultivation compared to regular soldiers.
If trained in the ways of an army, they could surely unleash tremendous destructive power while marching and fighting!
Moreover, his martial artists were no ordinary martial artists; they were all peak-stage martial artists. A single strike from them was equivalent to hundreds or even thousands of times their normal strength. The results were showing now.
Just one round of arrow fire caused heavy losses to the enemy, while their side suffered no casualties!
How could you fight me when you can’t even shoot back?
“Haha! Fire more arrows for me! I want them dead!” The Prince of Northern Hebei exclaimed with delight.
Upon his command, another volley of arrows rained down.
“Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh…”
Zhao Kuo shouted, “Raise the shields, retreat slowly! All innate experts, follow me to shield against the arrow storm and protect the retreat of the main army!”
“Yes, General Zhao!”
The innate experts dashed out from the main army, meeting the onslaught of arrows.
Meanwhile, the court’s main army took advantage of the situation to retreat gradually.
“Planning to retreat? Have you asked me for permission?” The Prince of Northern Hebei raised his sword and led his martial artist army, declaring loudly, “Kill for me! Spare none of them!”
“Kill!!!” The Northern Hebei soldiers were invigorated and advanced step by step.
The army of martial artists continued firing arrows, reaping the lives of court soldiers from a distance.
“Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh…”
The losses of the court’s army kept expanding.
