Chapter 36: Challenging the Enemy

The command was somewhat unreasonable, but no one was foolish enough to provoke Dong Qifeng when his face was as dark as storm clouds. The officers scattered like startled birds and beasts, each returning to their tasks.

However, Heiliu City had already completed the first wave of troop assembly after sounding the alarm for an enemy attack.

After a brief discussion between Qian Ye and Zhang Zixing, they decided that half of the Dark Flame and Third Legion’s forces would be dispatched to reinforce the city defenses.

Although the soldiers and heavy weapons from both sides arrived at their designated areas at roughly the same time, there was a noticeable disparity when they were viewed together. The reorganized Seventh Division of the Dark Flame and the Imperial Third Legion were far from being evenly matched, both in quantity and quality, against this fierce army.

Qian Ye stood on the city wall, looking into the distance, where he saw massive airships slowly descending from the low sky. Troops emerged from them, organizing themselves in an orderly manner, each heading to different assembly points.

This force had clearly landed in haste, yet there was no chaos, indicating they were a well-trained elite unit.

After observing for a few minutes, Qian Ye estimated that this force numbered over ten thousand, the scale of a full division. Transporting an entire division by air required astronomical resources, something usually seen only in major campaigns on the Upper Continent.

Whose family crest was on those airships?

Zhang Zixing, Wei Potian, and Song Zining stood beside Qian Ye. Zhang Zixing appeared deep in thought but remained silent. Wei Potian put down his binoculars, frowning deeply, unable to recall which family the crest belonged to, just like Qian Ye.

Song Zining raised an eyebrow, seemingly surprised. “The crest and banners indicate that this is the private army of the Dong family of Sishui. However, the Earl of Sishui’s fiefdom is far in the Eastern Land. It’s quite surprising that they have mustered such a force in the Domain of Evernight. It seems they are determined to succeed.”

“Dong family of Sishui?” Qian Ye immediately understood. It appeared that Song Zining’s previous information was correct. Dong Qifeng had not given up on Heiliu City and had brought his family’s private army all the way here. However, Qian Ye had underestimated General Dong, not expecting him to have the audacity to attack Heiliu City at this time.

“Dong family of Sishui!” Wei Potian suddenly realized, tossing his binoculars to a subordinate and clenching his fists, cracking his knuckles with a grim smile. “I’ll show them what it means to mess with my brother.” He had been stifled these past few days, and he didn’t care about the aristocratic families; even if they were from the great clans, he would fight first and ask questions later.

Song Zining gave him a sidelong glance, his expression one of contempt.

Zhang Zixing’s gaze swept over the three of them before turning back to the distant army. Another flag rose within the opposing formation, depicting a musket crossed with a bloodied bayonet, the emblem of the Expeditionary Force.

However, Qian Ye was somewhat speechless at the sight of the army gathering to land so brazenly just a few kilometers from Heiliu City. Weren’t they afraid that the city’s troops might attack while they were still disorganized?

The three small gunboats in the air were of little use. Without Qian Ye, even Zhu Wuyan could shoot one down with a large-caliber sniper rifle. But then he saw three figures leap from the central airship, hovering mid-air—three Battle Generals!

Qian Ye finally frowned.

By now, the Dong family’s armored machinery was spreading out on the ground, but the heavy equipment was clearly insufficient. There were no heavy war machines, and only a few cannons, mostly trucks and armed off-road vehicles. It seemed that transporting these troops and equipment was already pushing the Dong family’s limits.

Such a lightly equipped force might succeed in attacking other cities of the same level in the Domain of Evernight, but Heiliu City’s defenses, under Wei Boyi’s leadership, had become as hard as a turtle’s shell. Even the hordes of dark races had to detour around it. Moreover, the Dark Flame’s heavy firepower was even stronger than before. Even with three Battle Generals, the Dong family would not find the siege easy.

Wei Potian could no longer hold back. “These bastards are forming up right under our noses, treating us like we’re dead! Qian Ye, I’ll take my men and slaughter them first. Three Battle Generals? They think that scares me!”

Ignoring Wei Potian, Qian Ye glanced at Zhang Zixing and said, “Let them come first.”

Song Zining chuckled, “With Heiliu City’s strong walls and powerful artillery, and no heavy weapons on their side, why go out and fight to the death? Let them wear themselves out first.”

Zhang Zixing gave a faint smile. While Song Zining’s strategy made sense, Qian Ye probably wanted to drag the Third Legion into the fray. Zhang Zixing, however, wasn’t too concerned.

The Zhang family of Haobei shared roots with the Zhang family of Qingyang, the head of the great clans, but had maintained its own lineage for ten generations. If they were slightly weaker, they couldn’t have maintained their status. Moreover, he represented the Third Legion, and even if the Earl of Sishui wanted to pursue the matter later, he wouldn’t dare cause trouble in the Third Legion.

Qian Ye quickly issued a series of orders, and the waiting messengers flew off immediately.

Wei Potian glared at Song Zining but then fell silent.

Suddenly, a commotion erupted from below, like a boiling pot. Soft, melodious voices filled the air.

“Is there going to be a battle?”

“I heard the enemy has arrived outside the city! Are they the dark races?”

“Of course! We came here to see the dark races, didn’t we? Guess what’s on the other side? Werewolves or Arachne?”

“I like the Blood Race! They’re so cool and handsome! I have to catch a few this time!”

“If there are some Demonkin, that would be even better!”

“Yes! Just thinking about it gets me excited! Move, move! I can’t wait any longer!”

Qian Ye suddenly felt a headache coming on. Zhang Zixing’s wooden face seemed to twitch, and Wei Potian turned to stone. Only Song Zining remained calm, his eyebrows not moving, clearly used to such scenes.

In a blink, the city wall was swarmed by people. The noble young ladies rushed up, squeezing to the front to look out, disrupting the formations of the Dark Flame and Third Legion soldiers.

Eagerly, the noble young ladies looked out and saw the human army assembling, with a prominent flag resembling the expeditionary force’s. They were all disappointed.

They had come to this desolate place in the Domain of Evernight, not only for Wei Potian, but to observe the dark races. Especially the striking Blood Race and Demonkin, who were highly popular among the nobles, like the most exquisite dolls.

One noble young lady was unhappy. “Whose army is this? So ugly, like beggars.”

Another daughter of a marquis hesitantly said, “The crest looks like it belongs to the Dong family of Sishui.”

“Dong family of Sishui? Sounds familiar, but what is it?” Most of the noble young ladies were clueless. If Dong Qifeng, who was always proud of his heritage, saw their reaction, he might have a heart attack.

None of these noble young ladies were over twenty years old, all daughters of dukes and marquises. Their social circles consisted mostly of high-ranking families, and it was rare to encounter even middle-ranking ones. The Dong family of Sishui, at the bottom of the middle rank and at risk of demotion, was far beyond their reach, and it was unsurprising they couldn’t remember them.

Finally, one of the more sensible young ladies asked, “What are they doing? Are they going to attack us?”

“Looks like it!”

The noble young ladies showed no fear; instead, their eyes sparkled. As the daughters of noble families, they naturally trained in martial arts and had high levels of origin power, but they had almost no combat experience, let alone facing a real battle.

At this moment, Dong Qifeng’s forces finished their reorganization and began moving towards Heiliu City.

However, the massive fleet of airships did not follow the original plan to provide fire support, mainly because of the light cruiser above Heiliu City. In the face of a true warship, the unarmored cargo airships would be easy targets in an aerial battle.

“General, we’re in range. Should we attack?”

His colonel’s reminder jolted Dong Qifeng from his thoughts. He rubbed his hands anxiously and said, “First, offer them a chance to surrender!”

The airships became busy, setting up loudspeakers. Technical officers inserted black crystals to activate the origin arrays. Moments later, a thunderous voice echoed across Heiliu City.

“People of Heiliu City, by the order of General Dong Qifeng, commander of the Seventh Division of the Expeditionary Force, you are commanded to surrender immediately! Repeat: surrender immediately! You have three minutes to decide. If you continue to resist, all who oppose will be executed on the spot after the city falls. The citizens will be reduced to slaves, and the women will be conscripted as camp followers!”

This method of dealing with defeated cities was not uncommon, even in civil wars within the Empire, where the treatment of the vanquished was rarely merciful, and more cruel between opposing factions. Yet, Dong Qifeng never imagined that this routine pre-battle message would stir such a commotion in Heiliu City.

Wei Potian still wore a stern, chiseled face, Song Zining’s smile grew even warmer, and Zhang Zixing sighed, muttering, “What a fool!”

Qian Ye smiled faintly, offering no comment.

The noble young ladies were in an uproar. The young ladies, aware of the presence of the crown prince, had to maintain a high standard of decorum. But their maids, unconstrained by such etiquette, were red-faced and cursing, their fierce attitude suggesting that insulting their young ladies was more serious than insulting them ten times over.

In truth, the noble young ladies themselves were not completely composed. They had never been threatened with becoming camp followers.

“How dare he?”

“Sishui? What kind of title is Sishui? A mere count, how dare he be so arrogant? Father must annihilate him!”

“General Zhang, where is General Zhang? Where is the Imperial Legion? Why aren’t they moving?”

Amidst the clamor, Zhang Zixing approached Qian Ye and lowered his voice, “The Third Legion isn’t so easily used. If you want to play with fire, be careful not to burn your hand.”

Qian Ye replied calmly, “General, staying put now is the real fireplay.”

The noise on the city wall grew louder. The noble young ladies were still just talking, but their maids and attendants had drawn weapons, and some were preparing to call for the guard.

Zhang Zixing’s eye twitched slightly. “Good, I’ve never met a mercenary who dared to speak to me like that. I won’t bully you. After you break through to the Battle General realm, come find me for a proper duel.”

“If the general is interested, there’s no need to wait. We can do it after this battle.”

Zhang Zixing, instead of being angry, laughed, “Young man, don’t be too arrogant!”

He was a level-11 Battle General, but his rank of junior general was earned through solid military achievements, not just his surname. Ordinary Battle Generals couldn’t last long under him, let alone a level-9 mercenary like Qian Ye, known for his sniping skills.

Qian Ye smiled lightly, his clear eyes sparkling, “People like us, who always walk on the edge, don’t always have the luck to face weaker enemies.” He was genuinely interested in a duel with Zhang Zixing, wanting to know how much he still lagged behind the generals who had fought through countless battles.

Unfortunately, the young general seemed to misinterpret Qian Ye’s intentions. Zhang Zixing’s neck veins bulged, and he was too angry to speak. He turned abruptly, calling over an adjutant, and roared, “Order! All units of the Third Legion to form up in battle array. Heavy artillery prepare to fire. The fleet to take to the skies!”

Clearly, Zhang Zixing had directed his anger at Dong Qifeng.

Song Zining, having listened quietly, exchanged a glance with Qian Ye, shrugging and raising his hands. With the fleet taking to the skies, it seemed there was nothing left for them to do.

By now, the three-minute deadline had expired, and Dong Qifeng ordered, “Full-scale attack! Heavy artillery, prepare to fire!”

As the battle horns sounded, the Dong family’s private army advanced in a loose line, surging towards Heiliu City. Once they reached a certain distance, the elite warriors mixed among the ordinary soldiers would launch a surprise attack, seizing the high points on the city walls.

Dong Qifeng floated in the air, coldly watching Heiliu City. On the city walls, a long stretch was crowded with a mass of people, the formation extremely disordered, making it hard to discern their formation.

Dong Qifeng felt his earlier anxiety was unnecessary. Even if the Dark Flame had a cruiser, a mob was still a mob, and good equipment wouldn’t change that. Standing beside him were two Battle General elders. The appearance of three Battle Generals would deliver a heavy blow to the morale of the Heiliu City defenders.

A division of troops, three Battle Generals, surely they could take this small Heiliu City!

The Dong family’s heavy artillery opened the battle, aiming at the city gates. The roar of the cannons echoed as shells rained down on the gate tower!

A voice suddenly boomed in the ears of everyone on the battlefield, “You dare to fire at your grandmother? You’re courting death!”