Chapter Sixty-Seven: The Cunning Capture of Juxiong Pass
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Tuo Li Bao hurried out of the camp, only to hear cries to seize him echoing everywhere. In that moment, he was so terrified that he was at a complete loss, utterly disoriented.
“Prime Minister, we must go! Our stronghold has been overrun!”
Two monster generals brought over a white unicorn horse and helped him onto its back.
Tuo Li Bao steadied himself and cursed angrily, “Nonsense! With so many soldiers and generals, how could our fortress be breached?! It must be just a small enemy raiding party! Organize our troops and counterattack at once!”
The two monster generals were drenched in anxious sweat.
“Prime Minister, there’s no time! Some unknown enemy opened the gates and let in a great army. Our soldiers were captured in their sleep, not even able to move. There’s no force left to fight back! Hurry and escape!”
“Nonsense! If I flee today, how could I ever show my face again?! Even without soldiers or generals, I must fight these rebel dogs to the death!”
Tuo Li Bao’s eyes were bloodshot as he brandished his steel-tipped spear, intent on charging into the enemy lines for a last stand.
But the two monster generals held back his horse. “Prime Minister, two fists can’t beat four hands. Heroes can’t withstand a crowd! Our brothers are all lost—what can you alone accomplish? Flee, quickly!”
They forcibly turned his horse around and led it away at a run.
“No! Go without me! I cannot abandon my men and save myself!”
Tuo Li Bao watched the city ablaze, his monster soldiers wailing like lost children, and felt as if he’d gone mad.
“Prime Minister, there’s no time for anything else—flee now! When you’ve gathered your forces, you can return for revenge!”
As they argued, a rebel soldier spotted Tuo Li Bao and shouted, “Tuo Li Bao is here! Quick, catch him!”
He rushed in with his blade.
The two monster generals, with no other choice, acted: one gave the horse a hard slap on the rump, while the other raised his sword and met the rebel soldier head-on.
Clang! Clang!
A fierce fight broke out.
The rebel’s shout alerted others; more rebels charged in, surrounding the two monster generals. Some continued in pursuit, but before they’d gone far, the unicorn horse and its rider had vanished.
Tuo Li Bao clung to his mount as it galloped like the wind out of the city.
Behind him, he heard two cries of agony—likely the two monster generals sacrificing themselves to cover his escape.
Grief overwhelmed him. Twice he’d fought Murong Yan and Ye Feng, those two green youths, and lost both times—a shame beyond bearing!
In his prime, he’d dominated both human and monster realms, undefeated in a hundred battles—what glory that was!
Who could have foreseen today’s utter rout and the total destruction of his forces?
The more Tuo Li Bao thought, the deeper his sorrow.
Finally, he steeled himself: Enough! I’ll go to Mount Cockcrow and seek my master’s help. He will avenge my blood feud and the disgrace I’ve suffered!
With that thought—
“Whoa…”
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—he reined in the unicorn horse.
Turning the horse’s head, he squeezed its sides with his legs.
“Hyah!”
He rode toward Mount Cockcrow to seek reinforcements.
Leaving Tuo Li Bao’s journey aside, let us return to Murong Yan and Ye Feng.
The two were busy clearing the battlefield, counting prisoners, weapons, and provisions.
Seeing such abundant spoils, Murong Yan couldn’t contain her joy.
She said, “Brother Feng, with this victory, we’ve nearly recovered all the lands the Grand Xia lost. Next up is the Ten Thousand Demons Kingdom, isn’t it?”
Ye Feng nodded. “Exactly. The terrain there is treacherous and the environment harsh. Our righteous army is unfamiliar with their climate, which will make the coming battles even more difficult.”
Murong Yan’s brow furrowed with worry. “Yes, and Tuo Li Bao’s escape is a great concern. In terms of personal skill, none of our army can match him. If we meet him in the Ten Thousand Demons Kingdom, it will be even more troublesome. With his knowledge of the terrain, we may only be able to react defensively.”
Ye Feng agreed. “Indeed, our victories against Tuo Li Bao were due to our familiarity with our homeland’s geography. In the Ten Thousand Demons Kingdom, circumstances will be very different.”
He comforted Murong Yan, “As the saying goes: ‘The right time is less important than the right place, which is less important than unity among people.’ In the Ten Thousand Demons Kingdom, we may lack time and place, but we will have unity, for we are the army of justice and righteousness.”
Murong Yan nodded earnestly. “You’re right, Brother Feng! For justice and to drive out the monsters, even if we face death, so what?”
As they spoke, the soldiers finished clearing the field, escorted the prisoners to the rear, requisitioned the supplies, handed over the fortress to local authorities, and the army pressed on.
That day, as they reached the border, Murong Yan and Ye Feng stopped their horses to closely observe the terrain.
From a distance, the land of the Ten Thousand Demons Kingdom looked utterly different from the Grand Xia: towering mountains, dense forests, deep grass, and desolation everywhere.
If the monster army lay in ambush there, it would be difficult for the righteous army to withstand an attack.
Seeing this terrain, Ye Feng drew a sharp breath. No wonder the Grand Xia has never prevailed against the Ten Thousand Demons Kingdom—their geography gives them a natural advantage.
Just then, a scout reported, “Reporting! Ten miles ahead lies Black Cliff Pass, commanded by General Wolfwood Star with ten thousand troops, a warrior of unmatched valor. Should the main force advance? Please advise!”
Murong Yan ordered, “The army will halt here, make camp, cook food, and rest. Prepare for tomorrow’s assault on the pass.”
The generals responded in unison, “At your command!”
Ye Feng stepped forward and saluted. “Marshal, we are close to the enemy’s stronghold and may be attacked by night. Allow me to inspect the camps and ensure all defenses are in order.”
Murong Yan nodded. “With General Ye overseeing things, I am fortunate indeed. When you return, we’ll devise tomorrow’s strategy together.”
Ye Feng saluted respectfully. “As you command!” He departed swiftly.
Murong Yan watched Ye Feng go, then returned to her tent. Alone, her thoughts drifted: With Brother Feng by my side, it’s as if the heavens themselves aid me. He always anticipates my needs and handles everything flawlessly. With him, my efforts are doubled with half the struggle. How can I not avenge my great wrongs and rid the world of monsters? If only this campaign ends swiftly, I may return home and live a harmonious life with Brother Feng, side by side to the end of our days.
Just as she was lost in thought, Ye Feng returned from his rounds. Seeing Murong Yan deep in reverie by the light of a red candle, her face even more radiant, a mischievous impulse arose in him.
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Seeing that no one else was in the tent, Ye Feng crept up behind her, spread his arms, and embraced her gently, whispering in her ear, “Yan my dear, what are you thinking about? Could it be you’re missing me?”
His teasing struck Murong Yan right at the heart. She blushed deeply and chided, “Brother Feng, so you know how to play tricks too—you startled me!”
Still holding her close, Ye Feng pressed, “You haven’t answered my question! Tell me, were you just thinking about me?”
Leaning into his embrace, Murong Yan felt Ye Feng’s chest so broad and warm, a safe and peaceful harbor. The masculine scent intoxicated her.
Still, she rebuked softly, “You’re so full of yourself!”
Then she broke into sweet laughter.
Ye Feng, even more affectionate, kissed her cheek and pressed, “Be honest, what were you thinking?”
That kiss melted Murong Yan. Her will grew hazy, her breath fragrant, eyes dreamy, lips parting to seek his…
“Marshal, Li—”
At that moment, a personal guard burst in, saw the scene, and quickly retreated.
From outside the tent he reported, “General Li Yiqing requests an audience!”
“Let him enter,” Murong Yan ordered.
After the guard withdrew, the two were left in awkward silence.
Murong Yan playfully punched Ye Feng and scolded, “It’s all your fault—what if the soldiers see us like that?”
Ye Feng, thoroughly embarrassed, scratched his head. “Yan, I was overcome for a moment and forgot we’re in the military camp. It won’t happen again!”
They each took a seat, sitting upright, waiting for Li Yiqing to arrive.
Soon, Li Yiqing entered the command tent, saluting with both hands. “Mu… Mu… Marshal Murong, Ye… Ye… Deputy… Deputy Marshal Ye, your… your… subordinate Li Yiqing… re… reports with… with a… a matter…”
Still as stammering as ever, his eyes rolled at the effort.
Murong Yan said, “General Li, speak freely.”
Li Yiqing continued, “Your… your subordinate s… sees that Black Cliff Pass’s… pass’s terrain is treacherous—one… one man could hold it against… against ten thousand. I… I volunteer… to slip into the enemy’s camp and… and gather intelligence.”
Ye Feng was shocked and tried to dissuade him. “General Li, the very name ‘Black Cliff Pass’ suggests sheer cliffs, and with the mountains and forests, it’s perilous beyond measure. You shouldn’t go!”
Li Yiqing was unshaken and insisted, “Deputy… Deputy Marshal Ye, you… you’ve seen my skills first-hand! And… and… don’t forget my nickname—‘Little Monkey of the Thousand Cliffs!’ Such… such a small… cliff can’t scare me! I… I’m willing to sneak into the enemy camp under cover of night and win the first merit!”
Ye Feng, seeing his resolve, could not bear to stop him. “Since you are so determined, I won’t object. But I urge you to be cautious and not take unnecessary risks. When you return, I’ll personally raise a toast in your honor!”
Li Yiqing could not contain his joy and saluted. “At… at your command!”
Murong Yan praised him, “General, your willingness to go is excellent! I was just considering this very problem but lacked a suitable candidate. Your volunteering solves a major concern in my heart.”
As she spoke, she made a face at Ye Feng while Li Yiqing bowed his head.
Ye Feng grinned awkwardly, scratching his head and lowering his gaze.