novelden Chapter 448 - 44: Choosing the Day to Attack, the Tide Has Turned
Chapter 448 - 44: Choosing the Day to Attack, the Tide Has Turned
By the Han River.
The atmosphere on both sides of the Han River grows increasingly tense, with patrols visible on both banks.
To prevent a sudden raid from the opposite side.
Yet, occasional rumblings occur; troops from the Jiuli Tribe constantly harass the Lie Mountain Vanguard Army.
Inside the central tent of the Jiuli Tribe.
Shen Fei sits at the main position, with Can Gang and Zhe Lu beside him.
Shen Fei rises and taps on the sheepskin map behind him.
Defensive zones along the Han River are marked on it.
"The Empress is already in position, and the Lie Mountain Tribe’s attention is completely drawn by us now."
"According to current intelligence, Gonggong’s injuries are severe; he can only stay in the tent for command, leaving us to face the Human Immortal Zhurong."
"Leave that guy to me," Can Gang says, as he is the only Human Immortal here.
As for the other Human Immortals, some remain in the Jiuli Tribe, while the Wind God and Rain Master follow Chi You to the north.
Their combat strength is needed more there.
Moreover, the High Priest is here.
"But the Lie Mountain Tribe is famous for its Medicine Immortals; Gonggong should have recovered somewhat by now."
Zhe Lu can’t help but ask.
Shen Fei responds calmly: "The Lie Mountain Tribe has encountered some internal problems, and only those below the Harmonization of Dao level have arrived.
Even if they work day and night to heal Gonggong, at most it prevents his earlier self-explosion of the Immortal Pill from worsening."
"If he were to engage with foes of the same rank, the result might be direct death, and he likely wouldn’t last long."
Can Gang and the others glance at each other with surprise, hearing how well-informed the High Priest is about the Lie Mountain Tribe.
It seems that both the High Priest and Empress have continuously received intelligence from the Lie Mountain Tribe.
This can only indicate there are insiders of the High Priest within key positions of the Lie Mountain Tribe.
"Set the plan for attack."
Shen Fei remarks calmly; everything is in place, conquering the other side shouldn’t be difficult.
Moreover, Medicine Ancestor reports that the Cultivator Forces led by Ma Shihuang are already in contact with Xuanyuan.
Once Gonggong’s side suffers another defeat.
Everything in motion, Ma Shihuang and his group will surely depart immediately.
Then, the hinterland of Lie Mountain will face no obstacles.
Yet Can Gang and others feel a bit puzzled, noticing Shen Fei hasn’t devised any tricks, unlike the first attack.
Almost like a game, he secured a major victory by leveraging his understanding of the Jiuli and Lie Mountain sides.
Clearly, this time seems ready for a decisive showdown.
Why does the High Priest sound so nonchalant?
"Everything necessary is prepared; the majority of a war’s stakes are finalized before the actual decisive battle begins."
Shen Fei taps the map, "Currently, part of our forces are behind the Lie Mountain Army.
With our near full superiority in top-tier, mid-tier, and low-tier forces."
"The final showdown will unleash everything we’ve accumulated so far."
"Overplanning could backfire; straightforwardly crushing them is the true path."
Following Shen Fei’s comments, the group nods in agreement, acknowledging the High Priest’s reasoning.
"Let the tribe members from the Rain Master Tribe check when the heavy rain is due, and attack immediately before the rain pours!"
"Seize the advantage of heavenly timing; if we don’t take it..." Shen Fei shakes his head.
"Yes!"
...
Across the river.
Where the Lie Mountain Army is located, in contrast to the bustling Jiuli, the Lie Mountain Army’s camp appears rather lifeless.
Having just faced a major defeat not long ago, they indeed managed to halt Jiuli from crossing the river.
But even the commander Gonggong was severely injured, making a victory seem unlikely, especially with reports that high-tier Medicine Immortals couldn’t come to the front lines.
Despite Zhurong’s presence, Gonggong was previously defeated by the Jiuli High Priest and the great python.
If not for Zhurong’s intervention, Gonggong might have been captured again.
Now, if Gonggong can’t recover, solely relying on Zhurong’s command won’t be enough to resist Jiuli.
Coupled with Jiuli’s frequent harassment, the Lie Mountain troops can’t relax and rest.
In the camp.
Zhurong watches Medicine Ancestor heal Gonggong, asking, "How is it?"
Even after arranging for Ting Yao to send a Medicine Immortal at Unity Realm, only the relatively renowned Shen Yao from the Lie Mountain Tribe arrived.
It’s said Shen Yao chose to come on his own; Zhurong knows Shen Yao is closely connected with Ma Shihuang.
Unexpectedly, this person willingly came.
"Quite troublesome, but under my medicine, the recovery seems fine, as long as no battles break out in this period."
"It will take about thirty sunsets to restore to the original state."
Medicine Ancestor disperses the green glow from his hands, explaining.
At this point, Gonggong speaks, "Thirty sunsets? Jiuli will definitely not wait thirty sunsets.
The decisive battle could happen within these days."
"But there’s no choice, squeezing mana alone could shatter your unstable Immortal Pill."
Medicine Ancestor shakes his head.
Zhurong looks at Gonggong, stating, "You just handle directing the troops, I’ll deal with them."
"Mainly, that High Priest is enigmatic; you might not be able to confront them either."
Gonggong shakes his head.
Medicine Ancestor comments, "I’ll leave now. I’ll return tomorrow."
"Take care."
...
Exiting the camp, Medicine Ancestor heads to the Medicine Immortal’s place, sitting cross-legged on a mat.
A bug appears in his hand, which he quickly crushes while musing, "This Ma Shihuang intends for me to control Gonggong; sorry, but I’ll have the master control him."
Originally, Medicine Ancestor planned to guide Ma Shihuang’s group toward the Xuanyuan Tribe, creating the illusion of Cultivator Forces leaving the Lie Mountain Tribe.
After Ma Shihuang and others escape, relying on his current reputation, he would lead the Lie Mountain Tribe people to cease resistance.
Putting on a show with his master.
Unexpectedly, Ma Shihuang already plans to head to the Youxiong Tribe and won’t spare Gonggong and others.
Upon learning Gonggong is severely injured.
Ma Shihuang actually sends Medicine Ancestor to heal Gonggong, but adding minor details during the treatment.
Allowing poison to infiltrate Gonggong’s gradually recovering Immortal Pill.
When they join the Youxiong Tribe, Gonggong will be taken along.
After all, controlling a Human Immortal has significant value.
Their influence within the Youxiong Tribe will increase.
Yet they couldn’t imagine that Medicine Ancestor, a loyal subject of Lie Mountain Tribe, the Cultivator Forces’ emblem, and a true disciple of the Common Lord.
Turns out to be a Summoned Beast of the Jiuli Tribe’s High Priest.
Unless Medicine Ancestor and Shen Fei appear together, feeling the connection through their aura.
Otherwise.
Others find it really hard to trace their relationship.
"Better inform the master first."