Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
Before the break of dawn, the twelve wooden steps merged into six lengthy stairs.
Simultaneously, some soldiers transported seven or eight long beams, evidently intended for breaching the castle door.
Qin Silong organized the soldiers into a disciplined formation.
The castle guards atop the structure anticipated an impending attack and prepared for battle.
Yet, they remained composed.
The robust castle posed formidable challengesâit boasted high, resilient walls, resistant to easy ascent, and a gate of exceptional strength, impervious to a mere handful of beams.
From their elevated position, the guards taunted the soldiers below.
âBrothers, have you contemplated whether you truly want to engage in this battle?â
âShould you choose to fight, youâll likely end up as mere sandbags, filling the moat!â
âIf you doubt us, go ahead and try!â
âThe officials care not for your lives. Theyâll tread upon your lifeless bodies to ascend!â
âWhy not reconsider your way of life and join our ranks? You neednât risk your life storming the castle or be relegated to the role of a moat-filling sandbag.â
At that moment, Qin Silong abruptly mounted his horse, brandishing his bow and arrow, and rode to the forefront.
Soldiers shouted, âQin, be cautious!â
The soldiersâ position was still at a safe distance from the castle, beyond the reach of the sharp arrows perched on its walls.
However, Qin Silong advanced toward the castle. If struck by the adversaryâs arrows, their ability to wage the upcoming battle would be compromised.
As anticipated, the leader of the castle guards exclaimed with excitement,
âArchers, prepare yourselves!â
He recognized the figure on the horseâit was Qin!
Eliminating Qin would be a significant feat.
Without hesitation, the guard leader commanded, âFire! Sustain the barrage!â A multitude of sharp arrows hurtled toward Qin Silong.
However, Qin Silong had halted his advance. Nocking an arrow, he aimed at the tall man wielding a loudspeaker atop the castle. This individual had been employing psychological tactics to undermine the soldiersâ morale.
âAhâ¦â A piercing scream rang out as the man, who had been orchestrating the psychological warfare, was struck through the chest. His demise was imminent.
Qin Silong released the arrow and swiftly retreated on his horse.
The arrows launched from the castle fell far short, failing to even graze Qin Silongâs hair.
The soldiers erupted in cheers. âWell done, Commander Qin!â âAll hail Commander Qin!â
The guard leader stood in stunned disbelief.
Could Qin Silong truly achieve precision shots from such a distance?
Observing his commanding presence, doubts crept inâcould he indeed devise a strategy to assault the castle later?
With the instigator of the taunts eliminated, the castle guards fell silent.
As the sun began to rise, the guards witnessed the soldiers connecting the six ladders into three exceedingly long ones.
Only then did they realize that the ladders werenât meant for scaling the city wall; instead, they were to serve as a bridge across the moat.
Yet, their confusion deepened. The long ladder was assembled, the smaller wooden blocks prepared, but the soldiers refrained from launching their attack.
The small wooden blocks were intended to be laid on the ladder.
The soldiers found themselves somewhat perplexed.
Commander Qin had declared his intent to capture the castle in one decisive move, but considerable time had elapsed without any action.
As speculation circulated about Qin Silongâs strategy, thick smoke abruptly billowed from the castle.
Qin Silong grinned. âTheyâve accomplished it already! â Simultaneously, chaos erupted among the castle guards.
âThe headquarters is ablaze!â
âThe fire is substantial.. It must be a deliberate act!â