"Reporting to the Second Elder, in another thirty miles, there is a great river, about ten miles wide. This river flows between the peaks, with a considerable drop. Its surging currents contain immense primordial energy!"
"This primordial energy is carried by the water flow and is extremely destructive!"
At the border between the Blood Spring Wasteland and the Great Han, a large army clad in scarlet armor was stationed. Inside the main tent, Yu Xin, the Second Elder of the Blood Feather Crane clan, held a cup filled with a brown liquid. The liquid's origin was unknown, but it emanated wisps of primordial energy.
"Elder, this river is the closest route from our Blood Spring Wasteland to the Great Han. If we bypass it with the army, the journey will be significantly longer!"
As soon as the scout finished speaking, a general in armor stood up, his face grave.
"This river is wide and flows between the peaks, inevitably carrying a large amount of primordial energy. Coupled with the steep drop, the primordial energy, which would normally be gentle, will now possess a considerable impact. Elder, our army must be cautious if we are to cross it!"
"Also, will the Great Han set up defenses here?"
Opposite the armored general, a man stood up. Compared to the armored general, his presence was more serene.
"You are both correct. However, delaying here would undoubtedly violate the Young Master's orders. Moreover, the Primordial Savage Ox and the Fire Crow clans will not share the spoils with us."
Yu Xin stood up, lowering his head slightly, and pondered for a moment. "Notify the army to march another twenty miles forward, set up camp, and dispatch scouts to reconnoiter the surrounding area for several miles. Without my command, no one is to act rashly. Those who dare to disobey will be executed without mercy!!"
"This Elder will see if these humans truly have the audacity to set an ambush!"
......
"Reporting to the General, the Commander has led twenty thousand troops and has circled to the right rear of the Blood Feather Crane army by twenty miles!"
On the opposite bank of the great river, Han Shizhong and Liang Hongyu watched the magnificent river. The steep drop caused surging waves to crash against the giant rocks, shattering them. Some rocks, seemingly worn down by time, had become incredibly smooth on the surface and emitted a pale phosphorescent glow.
"Where has the Blood Feather Crane army reached?"
Han Shizhong asked the scout softly, looking at him.
"Reporting to the General, the Blood Feather Crane army has set up camp ten miles across the river. They dispatch scouts daily to probe the surroundings and have repeatedly nearly discovered the Commander's army!"
The scout reported respectfully.
"Yu Xin is indeed cautious!"
Han Shizhong nodded slightly.
"I believe the Blood Feather Crane army will attempt to cross the river within the next two days!"
Liang Hongyu said with a slight smile.
"Oh?"
"Madam, what is the basis for that statement?"
Han Shizhong smiled slightly.
"The Fire Crow army and the Primordial Savage Ox army, a combined force of one million, are pressuring our Great Han's borders. Those two clans move much faster than this Blood Feather Crane army."
"In their impression, our human race is so weak. Would Yu Xin waste time by encamping on the riverbank?"
"I believe Yu Xin is inherently suspicious. He sees the river as extremely perilous, and his soldiers cannot tread water for extended periods. Furthermore, the surging currents are infused with potent primordial energy. A moment of carelessness could lead to their demise in this great river!"
"Yu Xin's actions are likely due to his fear that we have set up an ambush here. Fortunately, they have not discovered the Commander. I predict that the Blood Feather Crane army is currently felling trees to build boats!"
"Yes, General!"
The scout raised his head slightly. "According to the news from the Commander, late at night, many auras are moving through the mountains, cutting down trees everywhere!"
"Good!"
"Return and inform the Commander. Once the Blood Feather Crane army breaks camp, he may lead his troops to cut off their rear and, together with Shizhong, trap this demon beast army on this ten-mile-long river!"
A chilling killing intent flashed in Han Shizhong's eyes.
"Yes!"
......
"Send down the order: we will break camp tonight and cross the great river!"
Yu Xin's cold eyes gazed at the setting sun, which bled like blood. Initially, he had observed the river and deemed it extremely dangerous, fearing that the Great Han had set an ambush. For several days, he had continuously dispatched scouts to probe, but to no avail. Time was of the essence, and the Fire Crow army and the Primordial Savage Ox army were advancing on human territory. He had little time left.
Looking at the setting sun, for the sake of prudence, he decided to march at night.
As darkness slowly descended, the fifty thousand strong Blood Feather Crane army lined up neatly along the riverbank. Standing there, the wind howled as if by the sea, even more fiercely.
Looking up, one could see several white lights suddenly appear in the void. Through the white light, the surging river water could be seen, mercilessly crashing against the nearby mountains with a deafening roar.
"Board the ships!"
Yu Xin scanned the primordial energy within the water flow. Indeed, the energy, amplified by the rapid current, had generated a unique power. The surrounding peaks and the steep drop created a geographically advantageous location, resulting in a special river.
He waved his hand, issuing the command. Soldiers relayed the order in all directions. After about an hour, the fifty thousand troops were ready.
Giant ships sailed across the river, their undersides emitting dense, brilliant sparks.
The water, carrying primordial energy, slammed into the bottoms of the ships like giant hammers, causing the entire vessels to sway precariously.
The bottom of each ship was covered with a thick layer of blood-red feathers, shed by the Blood Feather Crane soldiers themselves. These feathers were incredibly hard, capable of withstanding the impact of primordial energy far exceeding their own cultivation level!
Without the protection of these feathers, the giant ships would likely have disintegrated the moment they touched the water.
"Commander!"
In a patch of jungle, Ying Bu, clad in dark armor, emerged with his long saber, his steps steady.
"Commander, the Blood Feather Crane army, a total of fifty thousand, has broken camp and is heading towards the great river!"
"The enemy has all gone to the great river?"
Gao Changgong emerged from the main tent, his voice deep as he questioned Ying Bu, who knelt on one knee.
"Yes, to prevent any trickery, your subordinate followed for another ten miles and discovered the enemy boarding the warships one after another. I then left a team of scouts to continue observing!"
"It is estimated that by now, all fifty thousand troops have boarded and begun to cross!"
Ying Bu's expression was resolute.
"Good!"
Gao Changgong looked at Ying Bu, a smile gradually appearing on his face. "Notify the entire army to advance lightly. To prevent any unforeseen circumstances, proceed slowly!"
"Coordinate with Han Shizhong's Second Army, and trap this entire demon beast army on this turbulent great river!"
*Clang!*
His sword was drawn!
"Annihilate them!"
"Yes!"
Ying Bu rose abruptly and roared, "All troops, listen to my command! Advance lightly, with slow and steady steps, lest we alert the enemy!"
......