The four-ways ambush plan was a success; each ambush team from Gusu Lan, Yunmeng Jiang and Qinghe Nie sects managed to subdued their targets that night. And the Yin and Yang duo without a doubt achieve their goals as well. And now, the allied forces gathered at their agreed upon rendezvous point which make their main base camp.
The base had been meticulously set up along the Huang He River, near the border of Jingling, on knolls and hillocks elevated above the surrounding Gunan county. The river acts as a natural barrier, providing an added layer of protection against any potential ambush and the high ground is convenient from a military point of view. It was a location carefully chosen for its strategic advantages; it allowed for swift access to supplies and dispatch reinforcements, giving them an edge in both attack and defense.
The sound of footsteps echoed throughout the camp as disciples wearing white, dark green and purple marched into battle formations as assigned. The tank fighters took their positions at the forefront; their armor glistened under the sunlight, each warrior exuding an aura of unwavering determination and their eyes shone with a sharp edge of wariness. While the melee teams had their hands loosely on their hilt of their swords, all ready to jump into combat when they are required to do so. Behind them, the squads of long-range attackers, priming their bows with arrows nocked and loaded while they remained vigilant, waiting to strike at their target should they appear.
Xiao Zhan's gaze shifted to the stealth teams, who had strategically divided themselves to cover all corners of the camp. Their shadowy figures melded seamlessly with the surroundings, their movements so swift and silent that it was as if they were mere phantoms. Their purpose was to ensure that no enemy could infiltrate their ranks, but also to provide assistance in case of possible attack from any direction.
To get a better view of things, Xiao Zhan released his owls. He closed his eyes, focusing his energy. He felt the energy surge and flow, coursing through his system, his blood, pumping throughout his body. His senses were heightened and his visions expanded. Every single movement of the troops, every step that crossed his sights, was noted and analyzed, every formation was under his scrutiny, every individual and every mission would be considered critically in preparation for when they needed to strike. Each team was organized according to their respective cultivation techniques and abilities. This was a united army, ready for combat.
Having these owls as CCTV drones are surely useful
He turned to Lan Wangji, whom appeared to be scanning their surroundings as well. There was a calculating glint in Lan Wangji's gaze as he watched the people moving around the base and the men in armor standing at various spots in the camp. "Looks like everyone is ready." He remarked.
"Yes." Lan Wangji agreed.
"You two are here." Jiang Fengmian said as he walked towards his nephew. Beside him, Lan Wangji exuded an air of unwavering calm, his silver robes billowing in the wind. The cold expression on his face belied his quiet strength.
"Uncle Jiang." Xiao Zhan addressed the elder respectfully and Lan Wangji followed suit.
Jiang Fengmian ushered them to a corner behind the tent where they were not too conspicuous and began to speak. He wanted to have a private chat with the two young men before anything else happened. "This may not seem the best time to talk about this, but I heard about the full account of what had happened." He paused and turned to look at the couple expectantly, "I want to hear it directly from you two. What is going on?" He asked. It wasn't that he never noticed the strange energy flow in his nephew but it wasn't until now that he noticed the overwhelming dark aura that surrounded Xiao Zhan. In fact, it was almost like the youth was emitting some sort of dark force, like a storm cloud, but it was much stronger than that. It was something darker, something more sinister.
Xiao Zhan lowered his head, "Uncle. I should have told you earlier but I...wasn't sure how, or even if, you'd react and..." He stopped, biting his lower lip. "I apologize for keeping secrets from you, uncle." He bowed formally and sincerely.
"What are you apologizing for, child? You did nothing wrong." Jiang Fengmian's voice sounded warm and genuine. Xiao Zhan glanced over at his uncle and saw warmth, affection and pride in his eyes.
"Thanks Uncle..." Xiao Zhan murmured quietly, before straightening himself up, showing Jiang Fengmian what his demonic cultivation was like.
"Wait." Jiang Fengmian held out his hand and halted Xiao Zhan during his demonstration of his power. "You can command the dead?" He asked, eyes wide with shock as he looked at the creature that Xiao Zhan had just summoned.
Xiao Zhan nodded, "Yes. I can. They obey me."
Jiang Fengmian took a breath, and let it out slowly, "I see. That's incredible..." He turned to look at Xiao Zhan, "Just be careful." He warned him, "That could potentially become dangerous."
"I know, Uncle Jiang. But it's necessary." Xiao Zhan responded calmly .
Lan Wangji looked at Xiao Zhan then back at Jiang Fengmian. He informed, "Wei Ying's core is currently sealed."
"...What?" Jiang Fengmian asked, shocked. Then after a moment of silence, "Is it serious? Are you okay, A-ying?"
"I'm alright, Uncle." Xiao Zhan didn't want to worry his uncle further. "I just need a couple of weeks before I can unseal it fully."
The elder exhaled in relief, "Well, alright then. Whatever it is, don't forget that you have my support." He smiled at Xiao Zhan reassuringly. "Now, I think we've wasted enough time here. Let's continue our discussion inside and end this war once and for all." Jiang Fengmian's tone hardened ever so slightly.
The couple nodded resolutely as the followed Jiang Fengmian into the tent where all important representatives are gathered. Even Nie Huaisang was there in attendance (albeit against his will).
"Any news from the recon teams?" Xiao Zhan asked as they approached the strategy table.
Lan Xichen looked up from the map he was studying. "The scouts reported sightings of the enemy troops in the northern regions. There are movements of Wen Ruohan's army near Gangquan and Hedong." He reported, then added. "Wen Chao is leading an expeditionary force heading towards Jingchu. There's a high probability that he is targeting Yunmeng."
Xiao Zhan nodded grimly. "Just as expected."
Jiang Fengmian replied, "We are ready to dispatch our elites to meet their advance and destroy the troops."
"Uncle, Let Jiang Cheng and Er Ge lead that team." Xiao Zhan said confidently, knowing that the two were his and Lan Wangji's best students. Both were trained well enough, with sufficient experience in mock battle. As far as Xiao Zhan could see, they were ready. Besides, with Wen Zhuliu and Wen Xu out of the picture, he calculated that they would definitely win. "They can handle Wen Chao's team."
Jiang Cheng's eyes widened, "Are you serious?!"
Xiao Zhan smirked. "Don't worry," he reassured Jiang Cheng, "I trust that the two of you can work well together in the field."
Nie Huaisang, who was forced to come to the base by his father, had his eyes even wider than Jiang Cheng's. "Me??" he squawked, looking like a peacock whose tail feathers were ruffled.
"Yeah, you. You're the best strategist among us." Xiao Zhan said, without any doubt in his tone. He added, "No matter how difficult or dangerous the situation was, you always manage to turn it around."
Nie Huaisang blinked rapidly. His cheeks colored slightly, and he averted his gaze. "I'm honored to be recognized as such. But you're overestimating me. Even if I am skilled at the strategic management of tactics and warfare, my cultivation-"
"Er Ge, there's no one suited for this type of job," Xiao Zhan cut him off and insisted. "You've won every single mock battle you've participated in thus far, and you know your way around a battle better than almost anyone."
"I agree." Lan Wangji nodded. Nie Huaisang was always able to anticipate and predict his opponent's moves and strategies. This was why he became a great strategist, able to use tactical maneuvers and strategic plans to his advantage. He often played tricks on his opponents, causing them to underestimate his own capabilities. When faced with real enemy attacks, he would counter their attacks and avoid being harmed himself. A real mastermind.
Jiang Cheng couldn't deny that Xiao Zhan was right. Not only was Huaisang adept at tactical matters, but he knew how to fight on the defensive and how to strategize effectively.
"And Jiang Cheng, you are the best partner for our Er Ge. You two fought against each other for countless of times that you two are familiar with each other's style. So, you guys will work well as a team too." Xiao Zhan pointed out. "And besides, it's just Wen Chao."
Nie Huaisang's lips pursed and he let out a small whine. "I'll admit that you do make sense, Didi." He mumbled under his breath. "But...I still don't really want to..."
"Just get on it, Huaisang." Sect Leader Nie chimed in from behind him. His tone was stern but held a hint of amusement.
Nie Huaisang sighed heavily, still looking pensive. "Alright," He mumbled in resignation. "Just don't blame me when everything fails."
Xiao Zhan shook his head and stated confidently, "You won't fail, Er Ge." He turned to Jiang Cheng, "Same goes to you. I believe that you won't let your ass kicked by Wen Chao, right? " He stated bluntly.
Jiang Cheng glared at him. "Like hell I will!" He replied hotly. "I'll defeat the bastard! Just you watch!"
"Oh, I know." Xiao Zhan grinned. He then added, "But make sure to capture Wen Chao alive. We need leverage against Wen Ruohan and there's nothing else better than his son as a hostage."
"I just need to keep him breathing, right?" Jiang Cheng asked, raising his brows.
"Yes." Xiao Zhan affirmed. "If you fail, I will kick your ass." He warned, "Do you hear me?"
"Yeah. Yeah. I heard you." Jiang Cheng mumbled. He knew that Xiao Zhan was serious, so he decided not to argue with him anymore. He was about to turn away when he paused, looking at Xiao Zhan, "We'll do our best." He promised earnestly.
Xiao Zhan smiled, satisfied with his words. "Good. Now go. We have a war to win."
"Come on, 'Er Ge'." Jiang Cheng said as he dragged Nie Huaisang along with him.
"Oh, now you want to use that nickname on me?! How dare you!" Nie Huaisang shrieked indignantly.
"No more talking! We have buttocks to beat!" Jiang Cheng said loudly, ignoring the indignant spluttering coming from behind.
When the two finally left the camp with a whole squadron of elite disciples of their respective houses, Xiao Zhan turned serious once more, "Now. We shall begin too."
*****
Three beats of drums, followed by a resounding fanfare. Several *li later, a scout returned to report that the forces were drawn up in battle lines and the first skirmishes had already broken out in Jingchu.
At urging of the bugles, the vanguardâ about five hundred men took the first steps westwards, leading the charge, followed by the rest of the army. Nie Huaisang signaled to the flag bearer and the assassins began to weave through gaps in Wen Chao's ranks in small units, making it difficult for the opponent to determine how many men they were up against. A whistle sounded three times, the main forces split into twelve group now, a formation that was inspired by the twelve hours of the day. *Zi, Chou, Yin, Mao, Chen, Si, Wu, Wei, Shen, You, Xu and Haiâ each group alternated between launching assaults and holding their ground, charging back and forth in unpredictable patterns, always confounding expectations. Sometimes the companies on the right surged to the left and the other times those on the left cut across to the right. As a result, the enemy's forces were forced into isolated and disorganized troops. It was a perfect opportunity for the elite members of Jiang Cheng's company, hidden in the shadows to launch attack against their respective foes, killing them, and moving forward.
Xiao Zhan and Lan Wangji were right. The two really work well as a team. Their combined powers of intelligence and strength and agility allowed them to execute perfectly coordinated attacks against their enemies, striking down any foe that stands in their path.
"You!" Wen Chao yelled angrily as he stood face to face with Jiang Cheng. "Why are you the one leading these bastards?! Where is Wei Wuxian?"
Jiang Cheng rolled his eyes at the man before him, who was clearly getting flustered about being cornered by his underlings. "You should be thankful that I am the one leading these bastards." He commented sarcastically. "If it's Wei Wuxian, you might've lost all your limbs by now."
Wen Chao sneered, "You think you can intimidate me?" He looked back at his soldiers, trying to rally them again but he realized that there was no longer any order to his men.
"Heh..." Jiang Cheng scoffed, "Wei Wuxian doesn't think that you are worth his time and I certainly agree with him. You and your people aren't worth even the effort."
The anger inside Wen Chao's heart boiled over completely now and he drew his sword. With a shout, he charged forward, aiming to take Jiang Cheng down.
"Tsk." Jiang Cheng pulled the sword out, blocking Wen Chao's attack. "Is this the best that you've got?!" His fist landed squarely on Wen Chao's cheek and sent him flying backwards, colliding violently with a tree. He grunted and quickly staggered upright, spitting out blood.
Wen Chao coughed. The impact had knocked the air right out of his lungs, yet he managed to stand. "Not bad...for an amateur."
"What are you talking about? Your pathetic troops have been defeated by amateurs. I'm not impressed." Jiang Cheng countered in mocking.
"How dare you speak to me in such a manner!" Wen Chao snarled furiously, taking another step towards Jiang Cheng.
"Jiang Cheng, hurry and finish him up." Nie Huaisang called over. "And try not to make things too bloody ."
"Fine!" Jiang Cheng shot him a glare but did as he was told. In less than a blink of an eye, he was already upon Wen Chao.
He launched his blade straight ahead and landed his next strike on Wen Chao's arm, successfully wounding his target.
Wen Chao screamed in agony as the pain coursed throughout his body and he fell to the ground. "AHHHH!!" Blood gushed out of his injured arm, soaking his robes and creating a large puddle beneath his legs. "You fucking piece of shit...I'll kill you, you arrogant bitch!"
Jiang Cheng raised a brow at his words, "You're lucky Wei Wuxian want you alive ...but if you ever talk like that again, I will chop off your useless dick off!" He growled.
"Ouch, Jiang Cheng! Are you going to castrate him?!" Nie Huaisang piped in as he peeked out from where he hid.
"You said not to make it too bloody!" Jiang Cheng exclaimed, throwing another punch towards his opponent.
"Well, I didn't say that you can't make him eunuch." Nie Huaisang grinned.
"You bastard!!! You fucking bitch!!!" Wen Chao roared, trying to take a swing at Nie Huaisang, but Jiang Cheng simply blocked each blow for him.
"Oh Jiang Cheng, I think you love me, don't you?" Nie Huaisang teased as he hid behind Jiang Cheng's shoulder, trying to avoid the incoming blows.
"Shut your mouth, dumbass." Jiang Cheng replied harshly.
"But I mean~you love me. Don't you~?" Nie Huaisang sang sweetly.
"Ugh!" Jiang Cheng groaned irritably as a response before he landed a conclusive kick squarely on Wen Chao's crotch, really really hard.
Wen Chao screamed in agony, falling onto his back and gripping his groin.
"That's what I thought! Good boy!" Nie Huaisang cheered and clapped.
"I'm going to do the same to you if you don't shut it now !" Jiang Cheng growled, turning at Nie Huaisang's side to give him an unamused look.
"Okay, okay!" Nie Huaisang chuckled innocently. "Go get the fucker, Jiang Cheng."
With that, Jiang Cheng knocked Wen Chao out with a solid blow on his head with the hilt of his sword.
Meanwhile, in Hejian front, Nie Mingjue took charge of the entire army and commanded his own forces to form into tight squares facing the incoming army, engaging in deadly combat in a counterattack at Wen Ruohan's army.
Like a true berserker, Nie Mingjue was merciless and ruthless in his pursuit of victory. He advanced at a fast pace, slashing at anything that came into contact with his blade. He was quick, ruthless, and decisive with every step. He was also extremely strong, and the saber in his hand easily sliced through the skin and tendons of his enemies. His blade flashed through the air with lightning speed, leaving red trails behind it, leaving bodies strewn all over the battlefield. The enemy troops fell in droves before his onslaught. He had proven to be worthy of his title of Chifeng-zun - the Red Blade Master.
In the meantime, Lan Xichen and his assault team filed in perfect order, dressing up in all black attire that Xiao Zhan introduced as they made their way towards the target encampment. The terrain provided perfect camouflage for them and no one noticed their presence in the thickets. Once they arrived at the location, the team dispersed to cover each other's movements, so they could ambush one of main division base camp in Langya city. Like they've been briefed, they moved in two waves.
The Wen soldiers in the camp did not expect an attack so soon in the day, so their defenses were weaker and their troops scattered all over the place. Most of them ran straight past the sentries, while some even went inside to prepare supplies. They fought in a messy formations as Lan Xichen's squad rushed in, attacking them with heavy blows of their swords. They especially did not expect a second wave of assault coming while they were in the midst of fighting. This time, there were a couple dozen men in total that broke through the lines and charged directly at their back lines. They were relentless and fearless, rushing forwards at full speed, swinging their blades in tandem.
Lan Xichen was a proficient swordsman and possessed outstanding skill in both offensive and defensive techniques, which meant that he was able to take down several opponents immediately alone. His high cultivation level, coupled with his experience he gained from Xiao Zhan's training method allowed him to effortlessly dispatch most of the foes with relative ease. He continued like this, dealing swift blows to the enemies until the whole camp was clear.
****
The sky was already darkening as the sun disappeared behind the horizon. The light of the waning moon bathed the duo in a silverish glow.
"Wei Ying ?" Lan Wangji called out.
"Hmm?" The young man responded absentmindedly as he scanned the surrounding area, his eyes close.
"How long do you think this war will last?" Lan Wangji inquired.
"I'm not sure. But I hope that we can finish it quickly." Xiao Zhan murmured softly.
"Will you still stay with me in Gusu after this war?" Lan Wangji asked as he looked at him.
"If I am welcomed there, I will stay. But if things change..." Xiao Zhan trailed off. He didn't need to say more, as Lan Wangji knew exactly what he meant by that.
"Then, I will go with you." Lan Wangji offered. "Wherever you go, I will follow."
Xiao Zhan smiled. "Thank you, Lan Zhan." He whispered sincerely. He turned his head slightly and looked over at the man beside him. "Are you ok though?" he questioned worriedly, sensing how stiff and rigid Lan Wangji's posture was. He reached over and placed his hand on the man's arm gently. "Lan Zhan?" he urged gently.
Lan Wangji glanced sideways at him, "I just want you to be a part of the family, Wei Ying." He admitted. "I want you to be acknowledged as one of us and as my spouse." His father might have approved their relationship but now that he is gone, he wasn't sure that his clan will be accepting of his partner after all of this is over.
"You and I are already a family, and you're my rightful partner." Xiao Zhan reassured him. "As for being acknowledged by the Lan clan, it might be a tough road to walk, but you should never forget that, no matter what happens, I'll never leave you." He smiled sweetly as he added, "And don't forget, my side of family had long acknowledged you as my other half."
Lan Wangji couldn't hold back a smile, gazing intently at Xiao Zhan with eyes full of love, "Mn."
"Now, let's focus on the task at hand," Xiao Zhan suggested, patting Lan Wangji's shoulder.
Lan Wangji nodded, his expression turned into one of his battle mode on, "Yes." He agreed.
Xiao Zhan turned back all his attention to the fortress that was in front of them. There were more troops gathering there than he had expected but he was counting on that. He muttered, "Let's do this, Lan Zhan."
"Mn."
Soon, the sound of coming out of Chenqing filled the silent night and after, the scent of blood and charred debris hung heavy in the air, mingling with the acrid stench of smoke. The sound of metal clashing and battle cries echoed through the night, a symphony of chaos that painted the scene with an otherworldly aura.
Xiao Zhan's demonic cultivation surged forth, an inky darkness enveloping him as he unleashed an inferno of power. His eyes burned with an eerie glow, his fingers movements were fluid and graceful as he played the ghost flute. Each note seemed to resonate with the spirits of those lost. The ground trembled beneath his feet, cracks spiderwebbing outwards as his power reverberated through the earth. Under his command, his legion of undead army roared, their eyes glinted with unbridled ferocity and excitement as they charged and surrounded the enemy.
And by his side, Lan Wangji exuded an air of unwavering calm, his white robes billowing in the wind as he prepared for the imminent clash. His presence, like a tranquil oasis amidst the raging storm, a pillar of strength and loyalty that grounded Xiao Zhan, providing him the stability he so desperately needed. He stood guard beside his beloved, protecting him from potential incoming attack as they both walked into the enemy's base. Their movements were like poetry in motion, each strike calculated and precise.
Bright blue sword glare flashed, piercing through the dark and lighting up the entire battlefield like a spotlight shining upon a stage. The red lightning struck every now and then, illuminating the world. The couple's unity on the battlefield was a testament to their bond and shared purpose.
From the depths of the valley below rose a mighty roar as countless animated figures emerged from the shadow, obeying the sound emitted by the flute. They let out a shrill shriek as they pounced upon the members of the enemy. The Wen clan's forces faltered under the weight of this onslaught, their numbers dwindling with each passing moment.
As the battle raged on, Xiao Zhan and Lan Wangji emerged as a force to be reckoned with. Their prowess on the battlefield was unmatched, their movements fluid and precise. With each enemy they vanquished, their resolve strengthened, their determination unwavering. With each victory, they would inch closer to their ultimate goal: to bring down Wen Ruohan.
Unbeknownst to Wen Ruohan, however, Xiao Zhan and Lan Wangji had become symbols of hope and inspiration to their people. They were no longer mere cultivators; they were avatars of justice, wielding their swords with righteous fury. Their bravery, their stanch dedication to justice, had ignited a fire within the hearts of those who had long suffered under the Wen clan's tyranny. With the newfound admiration, several smaller sects with many groups of rogue cultivators decided to join the three sects pact in their battle against Wen Ruohan.
When the Yin and Yang duo was back to the base camp several days later, there were more people pledging their alliance on their side. That include the Lanling Jin clan who finally got off their stance on the fence.
Xiao Zhan, of course, did not trust Jin Guangshan at all. But as much as he wanted to reject their advance, he couldn't deny that they need every help that they could acquire since the Wen Clan was still outnumbering their combined number at the moment despite having numbers of their divisions destroyed. Even in the face of such overwhelming odds, they managed to put up an extremely valiant resistance; the Wen clan wasn't easy to take down.
*****
******
A/N:Â *This battle formation was an excerpt from The Legend of Condor Heroes (Book 4).