Chapter 1 The Sky-Severing Mountain Range

The Sky-Severing Mountain Range was very long, stretching across nearly seven or eight tenths of Jin State's north. It was also vast, with layers of mountains stacked upon each other, lacking the feeling of steep, overlapping peaks, instead presenting a vastness similar to the East Sea.

After marching for a day, under the guidance of Xiong Lie, the army set up camp in a flat valley.

The closest of the three settlements to be conquered was only twenty-odd *li* (approximately 6.2 miles) away in the mountains. It was a寨子 (zhai zi, fortified mountain village) with a population of several thousand, and an estimated two thousand able-bodied men.

Inside the military tent, Zheng Fan gnawed on a roasted pheasant leg.

When the army entered the mountains, those with skills would naturally hunt. Even if the military rations were sufficient, it was good to improve the meal.

Both the barbarian soldiers and the Jin soldiers were good at hunting. After setting up the camp, they all scattered, ruining countless prey. Afterward, they all rushed to offer their spoils to Zheng Fan.

The Blind Man sat opposite Zheng Fan, gnawing on a chicken wing, and said,

"My lord, there are actually 'cooked' and 'raw' savages."

"Do you mean civilized and uncivilized?" Zheng Fan asked.

"My lord is wise. That's exactly what I mean. Anyone who has accepted the influence of Jin civilization, and has trade relations with Jin, with some people in the settlement who can speak Xia language, are called 'cooked' savages.

"The three settlements that Xiong Lie previously colluded with, which are the three we are going to conquer this time, belong to the 'cooked' savage settlements.

"They are basically located on the outer edge of the Sky-Severing Mountain Range, close to the Three Jins. Because they understand the rules, both the Helian family and the Situ family turn a blind eye to these 'cooked' savages. When the Jin army enters the mountains to encircle and suppress, they will spare them, treating them as Jin people's settlements under their command.

"These 'cooked' savage settlements, relying on trade relations, have a much better life than their 'raw' savage relatives in the deep mountains and the north of the Sky-Severing Mountain Range in terms of food and ironware, so they often use this advantage to annex and capture the 'raw' savages.

"Some are to supplement their own population, and at the same time, they will also carry out population贩卖 (fan mai, trafficking). There has always been savage slave trafficking in the Three Jins, and the 'cooked' savages have contributed more to this than the Jin people."

"Truly extravagant, still trafficking in people." Zheng Fan smiled, picked up a handkerchief, and began to wipe his hands.

"This is also because the climate on this side of the Sky-Severing Mountain Range, and the side close to it, is not suitable for agricultural development, so too many agricultural slaves are not useful."

"Well, we should just take them in; those workshops also need manpower."

The Blind Man nodded. "Your subordinate also thinks so. Many times, things like gold and silver are useless."

At this moment, a guard outside the door came in to report,

"My lord, Tribal Chief Tufa requests an audience."

"Let him in."

Soon, Tufa Chengji entered the tent and knelt down directly, saying,

"Tufa Chengji greets my lord and Mr. Bei."

"Get up, Tribal Chief Tufa. Have you eaten?"

"I have had my evening meal, my lord."

"So, what is it?"

"My lord, I saw General Liang leading more than three thousand soldiers quietly leaving the寨子 (zhai zi, fortified mountain village)."

"Hmm?" Zheng Fan said with a slight suspicion.

Tufa Chengji immediately lowered his head and said sincerely,

"Please forgive me, my lord. This humble one did not intentionally pry into the army's movements, but…"

"There's nothing to blame. You are a captain in my army. It would be a crime if you were blind and deaf in the military寨子 (zhai zi, fortified mountain village).

"Besides, with three thousand people leaving the寨子 (zhai zi, fortified mountain village), it's hard for anyone in the寨子 (zhai zi, fortified mountain village) not to notice."

"Yes, my lord. This humble one dares to ask, where is General Liang taking this force?"

"This is not very convenient to tell you," Zheng Fan said.

Hearing this, Tufa Chengji bit his lip and said,

"My lord, Xiong Lie is also missing. Is it because Xiong Lie suggested that he knew a small path that could be used to secretly flank the savage寨子 (zhai zi, fortified mountain village) on the opposite mountain?"

"Oh, you know quite a lot. Did you guess?"

"Replying to my lord, I didn't guess. Xiong Lie hinted at it to me last night."

"Hinted? Hinted at what?"

"He said that the Yan people are much more arrogant and domineering than imagined. After registering the population, what's the point of being a tribal chief?"

"He's right."

"…" Tufa Chengji.

The Yan Kingdom is currently also carrying out large-scale population registration. Originally, more than 50% of the country's population was "non-existent."

The population had been hidden by the local clans, which meant that sometimes when local officials wanted to do something, such as conscripting labor, they had to sit down and discuss it with the local powerful families first.

And this policy of thoroughly surveying the land and registering the population can be said to be digging at the roots of the local gentry.

"Tufa Chengji."

"I am here."

"Don't call yourself 'this humble one' anymore. Call yourself 'this general.'"

"Yes, this general is here."

"You are a smart man. The smart thing about a smart man is that he knows what is sesame and what is watermelon. I am very pleased that you took the initiative to report this matter."

"Tufa Chengji swears to be loyal to my lord, loyal to Great Yan!"

"Hmm."

"But my lord, there is a problem with Xiong Lie. He is definitely not willing to lead the way this time. In fact, in my opinion, his being humiliated and driven back by the savage settlement was also a pretense.

"So I implore my lord to order General Liang to be called back, otherwise, he may fall into the savages' ambush. Xiong Lie should be in collusion with the savages."

Zheng Fan shook his head and said,

"It's too late."

"Then…"

Tufa Chengji didn't know what to say. He had thought that his suggestion would be valued and rewarded, but the attitude of this city lord and this military advisor seemed extremely ambiguous, as if they didn't take it seriously at all.

Could it be that they really thought that the Yan army was invincible?

Just then, a burst of shouts suddenly came from outside, like the cries of beasts and birds.

Zheng Fan and the Blind Man exchanged glances, smiled together, and walked out of the military tent, with Tufa Chengji following behind.

The military寨子 (zhai zi, fortified mountain village) was set up in a flat valley. Standing here, you could see the patches of torches on the surrounding hillsides. Accompanied by the bursts of shouts, heaven knows how many savages were ambushed around here.

The savages were planning to take advantage of the Yan army leaving the camp and the military寨子 (zhai zi, fortified mountain village) being empty to directly attack the营寨 (ying zhai, military camp)!

At this time, there were only the tribal soldiers of the Tufa tribe and some barbarian soldiers in the营寨 (ying zhai, military camp), totaling just over a thousand people.

Tufa Chengji swallowed his saliva. He didn't expect the savages to directly attack the military寨子 (zhai zi, fortified mountain village)!

"My lord, judging from this formation, at least all the adult savages from three settlements have come. Their number may be no less than five thousand!"

This was still a conservative estimate. Savages are fierce. Although their combat strength and combat literacy are not comparable to those of the barbarians, generally, in places with harsh natural and living conditions, women can really hold up half the sky. The teenagers and women in the tribe can also wield knives and bend bows. If they really completely mobilize their family property, seven thousand savages would not be enough.

Zheng Fan was very calm. He waved his hand, and Zuo Jiqian and Ding Hao, who were wearing armor, walked over.

"Greetings, my lord!"

"Greetings, Master!"

"Tribal Chief Tufa, your tribal soldiers will be commanded by these two. This寨子 (zhai zi, fortified mountain village) is built quite well. The savages won't be able to break in for a while."

"Yes, this general obeys!"

Tufa Chengji hesitated for a moment, but still gritted his teeth and agreed. He followed Zuo Jiqian and Ding Hao down to reorganize the troops. Although he was still a bit confused, he knew the principle of not getting off a boat easily once you were on it.

Zheng Fan then looked at the Blind Man and said,

"Do you think I should move a chair over and lie down?"

The Blind Man added, "You also need a feather fan."

"Well, you also need a pot of good tea. You play the erhu next to me, and I'll hum a tune."

"After the end, you have to add: 'The children have defeated the enemy.'"

Zheng Fan's eyes lit up and said, "Refined."

"However, my lord, arrows don't have eyes."

"Hmm, you're right."

"My lord is wise."

It's dark and in the front line, not the time to show off.

"Yoyoyoyoyo!!!!!!!"

A long whistle sounded,

Immediately afterward, echoes came from all directions on the hillsides.

This should be a military order. Then, the torches on the hillsides began to move and jump downwards rapidly.

"It's also interesting. The savages have a lot of people. In this extreme environment, they seem to have some strength. Why have they been used as machines for racking up kills by Jin soldiers for the past hundred years?"

Hearing this, the Blind Man smiled and explained,

"My lord, in the beginning, the savages were actually the masters of the Three Jins. The Yu clan followed the orders of the Great Xia Emperor to develop the Three Jins, forcibly driving the savages out of the Three Jins and forcing them to run to the Sky-Severing Mountain Range and the snowy plains north of the Sky-Severing Mountain Range.

"Although they are now called savages, they actually created a civilization earlier, but it was forcibly cut off by the Jin people.

"In the eyes of ordinary people, when successful people fall and rise again, it seems easier, but that is often not the case. In fact, it is even more difficult.

"Because your mentality is wrong, and you can't be as down-to-earth as you were when you were barefoot. The savages are almost in this situation. One settlement after another, one chieftain after another, everyone can trace their ancestry back to some noble family, and no one is convinced by the other, so they have always been a mess.

"In addition, although they are collectively called savages, they are actually divided into dozens of specific 'ethnic groups.' It is really easy for the Jin people to deal with them."

"So there are these tricks. I thought it was just because they lacked armor and equipment."

"They are okay. They still have some equipment, armor, and military equipment. After all, they are 'cooked' savages. It is impossible for them to really live by eating raw meat and drinking blood.

"But in the current situation, it is already remarkable that the three settlements have mobilized their young and strong and created such a big formation. These three 'cooked' savage settlements have gradually faded away from their primitive tribal atmosphere with the development of trade in recent years. In fact, they are more like three city lords who know how to help each other."

"Xiong Lie's lobbying should also be a big factor, right?"

"That's natural. This Xiong Lie is also a character and has some brains.

"However, my lord, in your subordinate's opinion, the savages dare not really kill the Yan people. They know that the Yan people are not easy to mess with. But the three requirements you made of them earlier, Tufa Chengji can accept because Tufa Chengji has no way out, but the savage leaders don't want to.

"They probably want to hurt us once through this incident. Even if you are captured this time, they will treat you with courtesy, send some gifts to repair the relationship, and continue to do business with each other."

"Your analysis is too rational. I still prefer to be more emotional."

"My lord is right. How can others be allowed to sleep soundly beside one's bed? The Great Cheng Kingdom and the Great Yan Kingdom are sleeping too soundly and cannot be pushed, but the savages here, don't even think about sleeping well again."

The most important thing is that the best way to accumulate wealth is not to bury your head in farming, but to plunder. You always have to have someone you can beat up, right?

The savages have already rushed down, converging on the camp from all directions. Fortunately, Zheng Fan has a good habit of fighting, a habit that stems from a lack of confidence in his own military command skills.

He doesn't understand any whimsical military ideas, but at least he understands that it is always good to make fewer mistakes at any time.

He has experience in building营寨 (ying zhai, military camp), after all, this work is not difficult, it only requires the word "attention."

How deep the fence rails are buried, how many *zhang* (a Chinese unit of length, approximately 3.3 meters) the moat in front of the寨子 (zhai zi, fortified mountain village) is dug, how many trenches are dug, how many sharpened bamboo pieces are buried in the pit, and the distance between the pit, the寨子 (zhai zi, fortified mountain village) gate, and the鹿角 (lu jiao, sharpened wooden stakes used as obstacles) obstacles behind it, as long as the main general pays attention, inspects them repeatedly, and the soldiers don't slack off, they can always be arranged properly.

At present, the outer defenses of this military寨子 (zhai zi, fortified mountain village) have caused the savages no small amount of suffering. Cries of pain are rising and falling one after another. In addition, the guards in the military寨子 (zhai zi, fortified mountain village) are shooting arrows and obstructing them, greatly hindering the savages' momentum.

And the lack of organization of the savages is revealed. Often, a breakthrough has been formed in one place, but other directions have not received the news to converge here, but continue to gnaw on the hard bones.

The team that broke in didn't think about supporting their allies, but instead plunged into the inside in a swarm, and was quickly beaten back.

This made the effect of the military寨子 (zhai zi, fortified mountain village)'s fortifications much better than expected, delaying enough time.

"Withdraw!"

"Withdraw!"

After waiting for the savages to start clearing the outer obstacles and fences, Zuo Jiqian and Ding Hao almost simultaneously ordered the soldiers around them to retreat, directly abandoning the outer perimeter and turning to the core area centered on Zheng Fan's military tent for a real阻击 (zu ji, resistance).

Archers were inside, heavily armored soldiers were outside. Tufa Chengji personally acted as a small soldier and listened to the command. He led his tribal members against dozens of savages who had just rushed over in one direction and launched a counter-charge, directly cutting back that wave of savages, and then immediately returned to the ranks.

"This Tufa Chengji is not bad," Zheng Fan commented.

"He has the qualities of a hero. Since ancient times, heroes have been hidden among the common people. It just depends on whether there is a favorable wind to help him rise to power," the Blind Man said.

Zheng Fan nodded, weighed the long刀 (dao, single-edged Chinese sword) in his hand a few times, and looked around. The savages who had rushed over from several directions had been repelled. Finally, they finally came to their senses, stopped being hot-headed, and began to surround the area first, and then launched an all-round siege.

The costumes of these savages are very strange. Some wear clothes that are no different from those of the Jin people, while others wear only animal skins, giving a sense of civilization and barbarism mixed together.

Under the night, you can still hear the shouts of many tribal leaders, restraining their subordinates.

To be honest, this is not an army at all, but a group of people managing a chaotic flock of sheep.

At this moment, Zheng Fan finally understood why the Jin people could form an overwhelming advantage over the savages. The two sides were almost an era apart in terms of military level and concepts.

"Can't my lord resist it anymore?" the Blind Man asked.

"I just got promoted and want to try out its quality."

Just like getting a new toy and can't help but want to show it off to your friends.

"My lord, not that your subordinate is being talkative, but now is not the time for you to go into battle. Wait a little longer."

"If you wait any longer, it will become an easy victory. Always grabbing kills in an easy victory, after grabbing them for a long time, you won't find it very interesting."

"My lord, you've got the spirit."

Zheng Fan smiled and put away the刀 (dao, single-edged Chinese sword),

"Is that so?"

………

"Third Master, why have we stopped for so long?" Xiong Lie looked back curiously and found that only Xue San was left behind him. The others were not behind him.

Ahead was a峡谷 (xia gu, canyon). Passing through this峡谷 (xia gu, canyon), they could reach the top of the savage settlement and swoop down from behind for a sneak attack.

"Aren't we about to start fighting? We have to take a break," Xue San responded. "The soldiers have been on the road for a day and have been crawling through the mountains for so long. They have to catch their breath before they have the strength to fight, right?"

Xiong Lie nodded and said, "That makes sense."

Then, Xiong Lie sat on the ground, chewing on dry food and drinking water.

Xue San also sat on the ground eating and drinking.

After about half an hour, Xiong Lie looked at the short Xue San and smiled,

"I know your skills."

"Oh, you're not calling me Third Master anymore?"

"Why should I? I know you. You're good at tracking."

Xue San nodded and said,

"I know you know I'm good at tracking."

Xiong Lie was stunned for a moment and continued,

"I know you followed me into the mountains the other day."

Xue San nodded again and said,

"I know you know I followed you into the mountains the other day."

"I let you follow me on purpose!"

"I also let you know on purpose that I was following you on purpose."

Xiong Lie's mind was a little dizzy,

But he immediately said,

"I know you don't trust me!"

"We let you know you know we don't trust you."

"Cough cough…"

Xiong Lie coughed twice and took two big gulps of water, sneering,

"Don't think I don't know where the thousands of soldiers who came up with you went. They were divided into batches and went to the highlands on both sides of the峡谷 (xia gu, canyon) to set up a counter-ambush, right?"

Xue San looked at Xiong Lie, who was complacent,

Shook his head,

Said,

"We know there is no ambush on the highlands on both sides of the峡谷 (xia gu, canyon)."

"Then… then you?"

"Oh, them, they all went back. They came out for a training exercise at night and went back to camp a long time ago. They should be almost at the military寨子 (zhai zi, fortified mountain village), right? It's just you and me here."

"…" Xiong Lie.

This is a套中套中套 (tao zhong tao zhong tao, a set of nesting dolls).

Xue San yawned,

Said,

"Kid, you've picked the wrong person to play tricks with."

Why were the demon kings kneaded in the past?

Because they themselves were too weak, their power was weak, their personal strength was not enough, and the level of opponents they faced was too high. Now, when the strength of one's own side is dominant, the talent for tricks and schemes can naturally be used.

Suddenly, Xiong Lie suddenly raised his left arm, and a hidden弩 (nu, crossbow) appeared.

"Whoosh!"

Faster than words could describe,

Xue San fell backward, lying on his back on the ground, his legs kicking forward.

Xiong Lie pulled out his刀 (dao, single-edged Chinese sword) and was about to take the opportunity to kill Xue San, but his body suddenly trembled. Two short arrows had been刺入 (ci ru, stabbed) into his abdomen.

Xue San raised his legs,

And shook them arrogantly at Xiong Lie like a calisthenics athlete,

Said,

"You've also picked the wrong person to play with hidden weapons."

………

On the mountain valley,

Looking at the营地 (ying di, camp) with flickering torches below, and listening to the constant sounds of fighting, Liang Cheng reached out and stroked his chin.

Xu Youcheng stood beside him.

"Captain Xu."

"This general is here." Xu Youcheng saluted Liang Cheng.

"I heard that you Jin people have been good at fighting savages for hundreds of years. I haven't seen it, and I don't know if it's true."

"General, we can't beat the Yan people, but we can definitely handle the savages!"

Hearing this, Liang Cheng smiled,

Knowing how much humiliation this old Qiu Ba (crude term for soldier) in the army endured in his heart when he said this,

Reached out,

And patted Xu Youcheng on the shoulder,

Said,

"In the future, you will be able to defeat the Yan people."

"What…"

Xu Youcheng was a little confused. He didn't know why this Yan general would say such a thing.

"However, please show me now. If you have even lost your housekeeping skills of fighting savages, then don't even think about eating the same meals as the Yan soldiers in the future."

"Please watch carefully, General."

Liang Cheng reached out and patted Fan Li's stomach next to him, because Fan Li was wearing armor, and his whole body was made of iron, which made a clanging sound when struck.

"Blow it."

Fan Li, who had been dozing off while standing, was awakened,

He looked around blankly,

After yawning,

He picked up the rhinoceros horn he had been carrying on his back for a day, puffed up his cheeks, and was about to blow it, when Liang Cheng added,

"If you dare to blow the charge again, you won't be allowed to eat tomorrow."

"Uh…"

Fan Li smacked his lips and faced the rhinoceros horn:

"Wuwuwuwuwuwu!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

When the horn sounded,

The Yan army, which had already returned to the师 (shi, garrison) and completed the encirclement, no longer hid and began to charge.

Among them,

The Jin people, who had been in low spirits, showed an unusual courage at this time, rushing down with loud shouts, truly in the posture of wolves going down the mountain.

The soldiers of the original Cui Liu Fort were much more orderly, and everyone rushed down the mountain in small teams of three or five, maintaining their formation.

A Ming, who had been standing next to Liang Cheng, smiled and teased,

"Wouldn't this be like being submissive in front of the Yan people and unleashing heavy punches in front of the savages?"

"They have to regain some confidence and killing intent, otherwise they will all become old soldiers. These savages are really nothing great. They come in a swarm and go down in a swarm, not leaving themselves any way to retreat."

"Alright, you continue to command here, I'm going down too." A Ming said and prepared to rush down the mountain with the main force.

"What are you going down for?" Liang Cheng asked, "The situation is set anyway."

A Ming raised the empty water bag in his hand,

Said,

"I'm going to get wine."

——————

Thanks to 书荒呵呵不存在 (Shu Huang Hehe Bu Cunzai) for becoming the 82nd盟主 (meng zhu, alliance master) of The Descent of Magic.