Before dawn, the副将 suddenly saw black smoke rising from the west. He excitedly ran to Li Xuan Shi.
"My lord, look, there's smoke in the west!"
Li Xuan Shi frowned, suddenly opened his eyes, stood up, and looked towards the west. Indeed, he saw rolling black smoke rising into the sky like clouds and mist.
He immediately became excited and turned to the assembled soldiers.
"Pack up your gear, we're leaving!"
"Yes!"
The soldiers, having received the long-awaited order, hurriedly packed up. Li Xuan Shi then led the troops to the Dongpin Mountain Pass.
Although the elder tried to comfort me, I knew that the ghost race had been oppressed for a long time and lacked training. Even if they possessed some abilities, they would likely be unable to withstand the elite forces of the four cities in battle.
This made me restless, and I didn't sleep all night.
The next morning, I heard news from the mountain patrol team that the front lines had engaged in battle.
I hurried over and saw a group of people already standing in front of the Mingyue Palace. In the distance, black smoke billowed, and two mountain peaks were already engulfed in smoke.
Lin Er walked up to me and said.
"Ghost King, let's go to the main hall."
I nodded slightly and went into the hall with him. The others followed.
As soon as we entered the hall, before I could speak,
A messenger rushed in.
Without time to kneel, he cupped his hands and said.
"Ghost King, an urgent report from the front lines! The forces from Nanhai City are fierce, with a large contingent of battle-hardened veterans and excellent equipment.
Our weapons are crude, consisting only of ordinary short swords and spears. Although we were prepared, we are on the verge of falling under their fierce assault."
I knew this would be the outcome, but I still looked to Lin Er for a way out.
"Elder, what should we do?"
Lin Er shook his head, a trace of sadness in his eyes. I was unwilling, unwilling to give up so easily.
"Is there really no way? Elder, please think of another way, there must be another way."
He suddenly knelt on the ground, his eyes filled with sorrow, and explained.
"I know the Ghost King is benevolent. If we can hold the four mountains, we will have protected our people.
However, the current attack is also a stratagem of the four cities.
They intend to attack Dongshan with heavy forces, forcing us to send reinforcements, and then attack the pass from elsewhere.
Regardless of the outcome, Black Mountain will be in danger."
I asked.
"Can't we let them in and surround them?"
He shook his head and analyzed.
"Black Mountain, apart from the four mountains, is surrounded by vast plains. Moreover, they are prepared and not easily tricked.
If we abandon the four mountains easily, they will hold their ground and attack, which would be very disadvantageous for our last step of turning danger into safety."
Lin Er's analysis was thorough. Although I was unwilling, I had to listen.
However, if we remained inactive, the soldiers at the front would only face death. How could I bear it? Thinking of this, my heart ached.
I placed my hand on the armrest of the chair and exerted force, destroying it.
Yet, in just one day, as Lin Er had predicted, they were prepared.
Nanhai City attacked from the front, while Beishen Du ambushed from the rear.
Meanwhile, Xiziguo and Dongyuezhen secretly brought their troops to the forest outside Nanshan under the cover of night. When night fell, someone secretly opened the South Gate from within, and it turned out to be our own sentry.
He so easily let the enemy into the South Gate with a gesture of his hand.
Then, a scream was heard from the sentry tower, "Ah!" and a corpse fell from the tower.
The army then entered and clashed with those who had come to assist.
Subsequently, fleeing soldiers brought this news to Black Mountain, where they were personally received by Heifeng.
This messenger was originally his trusted subordinate, but now he could only be a casualty of the battle. He was instantly enraged.
He also recalled Lin Er's words in the hall yesterday about abandoning the four mountains to protect Black Mountain, and how so many of his brothers had died in vain. How could he tolerate this?
Therefore, he stormed into the main hall, his face grim, and requested.
"Ghost King, let me send troops."
Since I had followed Lin Er's advice, I could not act on my own. I waved my hand and said.
"This matter cannot be done for the time being."
As soon as these words were spoken, the flames of anger in his heart were ignited. He pointed at me and roared.
"Liu Muye! I respected you as a brave man, which is why I handed over Black Mountain to you.
But now, what about you! Our brothers are fighting bravely on the front lines, and you are enjoying yourself here. What are your intentions!"
I was momentarily speechless, but how I wished to protect the four mountains and everyone.
Seeing my disregard for life, he became even more enraged.
"If I had known you were such a coward, I would never have handed over Black Mountain to you, nor would I have watched you send them to their deaths."
Every word he spoke was like a sword, cutting into my heart.
Meanwhile, outside the hall, the guards at the gate ran in from in front of the Mingyue Palace. Liu Shinian and Dao Lang Feixiong happened to be passing by.
Looking in the direction they were going, which seemed to be the main hall, Liu Shinian became suspicious. He grabbed one of the running men and asked him.
"What's wrong? Why are you running?"
"Young Master, don't you know?"
"Know what?"
"The Ghost King and our Young Master are arguing. I don't know if they will part ways."
"What!"
Liu Shinian was immediately surprised and released the man, complaining.
"This Heifeng, at such a critical time, he's causing trouble."
Dao Lang said.
"I think he's just anxious."
"No matter what, he shouldn't be causing trouble at this time."
Feixiong chuckled and said.
"Let's go and take a look."
Saying that, the three of them headed towards the main hall. As they reached the entrance of the hall, they saw a crowd gathered there, everyone peeking with trepidation.
Feixiong managed to push through the crowd, and before he could enter, he heard the shouting from inside.
"Liu Muye! Are you going to send troops to rescue them or not?"
I sighed and said.
"I haven't made a decision on this matter yet."
"Good, very good! If you don't save them now, I will go save them myself!"
With that, he turned to leave. Lin Er hurriedly stepped forward to stop him and said.
"Heifeng! Wait, listen to me."
Heifeng, in his rage, refused to listen to advice and yanked Lin Er, throwing him to the ground.
Seeing his increasing unreasonableness, I was about to get angry when I suddenly heard someone roar.
"Don't push your luck too far!"
Heifeng looked up and saw Liu Shinian, and retorted angrily.
"What's it to you!"
Lin Er, sitting on the ground, had no time to get up and said to Liu Shinian.
"Young Master Liu, he's going to lead troops to their deaths at the front lines. Quickly stop him."
Upon hearing this, Liu Shinian was instantly enraged and questioned him.
"Are you trying to rebel!"
Hearing the word "rebel," Heifeng's anger intensified, and he replied. httpδ:/m.kuAisugg.nět
"I'm rebelling today, what are you going to do about it!"
"Then you'll have to ask if my sword agrees."
Saying that, Liu Shinian drew his sword. Heifeng also drew his sword to meet him. Immediately, their swords clashed, and they fought back and forth.
Xue Gucheng, Yan Wushuang, and Shisanniang rushed over upon hearing the news, only to see Liu Shinian's sword raining down. Heifeng managed to parry a few blows but was no match for him. He was kicked to the ground, and then Liu Shinian pointed his sword at his throat.
Xue Gucheng quickly rushed forward and pulled Liu Shinian away, then separated the two.
"What's going on? Why are you fighting all of a sudden?"
Yan Wushuang was very confused.
Liu Shinian glanced at Heifeng irritably and said.
"Ask him."
Heifeng also turned his head away and explained.
"I just wanted to send troops to support our brothers at the front lines."
I sat in the main seat, slowly stood up, and sighed, saying to the two of them.
"Liu Shinian, Heifeng, come with me. I have something to say. Elder, you come too."
After speaking, I turned and walked towards a secret chamber behind the main hall.
The two followed. Seeing them enter, I said.
"It's not that I don't want to send troops to rescue our brothers, but... let the elder explain."
Lin Er then explained to them.
"The four cities have come with great force, determined to kill us. If we send troops, Black Mountain will be insufficient in strength. Once the four mountain passes are breached, it will be difficult to control them, and they will be destroyed."
Heifeng felt a little better after hearing his explanation, but he said.
"If that's the case, then please order the Ghost King to recall them. This way, at least more people can be saved."
I looked at Lin Er. Lin Er nodded, and I said.
"Alright, Heifeng, pass down the order for all front-line soldiers to retreat."
"Yes"
Heifeng, having received the order, hurried out to relay the message.
Afterward, the soldiers at the pass retreated, and the four cities advanced without obstruction.
Not long after, another urgent report came from the front lines. The young messenger said anxiously.
"Reporting to the Ghost King, all four defensive positions in the southeast, northwest, and the forward outposts have been occupied by the enemy. Only the central Ximen Mansion still has half its men and some severely wounded soldiers."
I knew that the situation was dire and I was powerless. I only felt a sharp pain in my heart. At this moment, all I could do was make a decisive decision and order.
"Recall everyone to Black Mountain, abandon Ximen Mansion."
"Yes."
Then I summoned Lin Er to the main hall and asked him.
"How many people were lost in this battle?"
"Over twenty thousand."
"What! We have less than seventy thousand men in total, and we've lost over twenty thousand for no reason."
Lin Er was not surprised by my reaction, knowing I would react this way. He simply added.
"The front-line army commanders and outpost soldiers guarding the four mountain defense lines have all been killed!"
He emphasized the words "killed" with a heavy tone.
Hearing these three words, I suddenly felt dizzy and was about to collapse, holding my forehead. Fortunately, he caught me in time.
At this moment, I felt the world spinning. I didn't want to say anything and waved my hand.
"I understand. You can go. Leave me alone for a while."
He knew I couldn't accept such a tragic situation for a while, so he quietly withdrew.
After he left, I sat alone in the desolate hall until the sun rose and set, and the full moon appeared.
In the quietness, a wisp of mournful moonlight fell from the window, casting onto the hall's floor, which was as smooth as a mirror.
Following the moonlight, I saw only paper windows pasted with paper, rustling in the wind.
In my mind, I involuntarily imagined the front-line soldiers who had died under the enemy's cavalry, screaming in agony in the flames.
For a moment, a surge of anger welled up. I unconsciously picked up a teacup, my hand trembling slightly. Before I could savor it, my eyes became increasingly fierce.
Anger rising, I fiercely smashed the cup onto the ground.
Then I stood up, walked down the steps, and took the precious sword hanging on the red wooden pillar.
Drawing my sword, I kicked open the door with imposing momentum and walked out with a heart full of rage, intending to go down the mountain and fight them to the death.
Those nearby heard the commotion and rushed over. They saw my eyes filled with ferocity, and I was heading towards the mountain gate with my sword in hand.
Lin Er hurried over, but then stood aside. With just one glance, he knew that the current Ghost King was young and impulsive, with little experience.
Unlike old guys like them who had lived for hundreds of years and seen all sorts of storms, he did not step forward to stop me.
However, Xue Gucheng saw the situation and quickly moved in front of me to block my path, asking.
"Muye, where are you going?"
"I'm going to make those villains pay with their lives!"
Seeing me so cute, he couldn't help but laugh.
"Hahaha, when did you learn to act rashly?"
I was a little flustered by his laughter, and my anger subsided a bit. I still retorted defiantly.
"They killed so many of our brothers. As the leader of the ghost race, I should avenge them."
He extended his hand and said.
"I understand how you feel. I feel the same way. Give me your sword, and we'll come up with a plan together."
I thought for a moment and handed the sword to him. He took the sword and said.
"Let's discuss it in the main hall."
I nodded slightly and followed him back to the main hall.
Liu Shinian suddenly came close and whispered a few words in my ear. After hearing them, I felt incredulous and my brow furrowed.
Then I ordered all the soldiers to be summoned to the main hall.
In a short while, a group of people rushed into the main hall. Looking at everyone, I felt a mixture of emotions.
However, I still forced a smile on my face and said to everyone.
"Everyone, do not worry. The elder and I have already devised a method to resist the enemy.
We will select elite soldiers to ambush around Black Mountain, and then take them down in one fell swoop when they arrive."
After speaking, I sat back in my seat and carefully observed everyone present. Upon hearing this, their expressions varied.
They seemed to find it unlikely, and everyone's face showed expressions of joy and sorrow, sadness, half-belief, or confidence.
Only Gan Ye, a general under Heifeng, remained unmoved, as if it were expected. I leaned sideways and asked Heifeng, who was at the foot of the steps.
"General Hei, you are the overlord of this region. You must be very familiar with Black Mountain."
"Reporting to the Ghost King, I am indeed very familiar with this area."
"And do you know your subordinates?"
"Naturally."
"The four cities will soon be at our gates. This battle concerns the survival of everyone. We need someone who is extremely familiar with the terrain to lead the ambush.
I recall that you once recommended your subordinate Gan Ye to me. Now is the time to use people. Let's assign this task to Gan Ye. What do you think?"
Heifeng was a bit confused for a moment, recalling that he had never recommended anyone to me before. Why was I saying this today? Could it be intentional?
Thinking this, he immediately responded.
"Gan Ye is indeed a capable person I have identified. He has only fought in small skirmishes before and has never seen such a large-scale battle. I'm not sure if he can handle it."
"Gan Ye, can you do it?"
I asked him personally.
Seeing me ask him, he was not displeased and said frankly.
"Thank you for your favor, Ghost King. I am indeed very familiar with Black Mountain and have fought with several small groups in the surrounding areas, so I have some combat experience.
If I can command elite soldiers in this battle, I will be satisfied even if I die."
"Very well, someone, bring paper and brush. Everything must have its rules. This battle is of great importance. I want you to sign a military order.
If you win, you will be promoted to the rank of general. If you lose, you will atone with your life."
"Yes"
He cupped his hands and knelt on the ground. A flicker of hesitation flashed in his eyes, but he still braced himself and signed the military order.