Chapter 72: The Vanguard

“Humans are still increasing their forces. Now, their ground troops have a significant advantage. What are they up to? Are they really planning a full-scale war?” Loxar asked.

Methanze slowly replied, “Perhaps they discovered something remarkable in the Great Beast’s Slumber.”

“If that’s the case, we should halt all withdrawals and recall the tribes that have already retreated.”

Methanze shook his head, “Let those who have left go. The first batch may already be close to the Upper Continent. We still have substantial forces, and with us here, what can these humans do? Even if they have some scheme, Her Majesty Lilith will arrive at the first sign of trouble.”

Loxar’s face darkened, “Humans are known for their cunning. Whatever we can think of, they will be prepared for. I fear there might be unexpected events, and Her Majesty Lilith might not be able to return in time.”

Methanze laughed coldly, “What plot could possibly work against the great Queen of the Night?”

Loxar said meaningfully, “That is not certain at all!”

Methanze’s expression instantly darkened, but he did not lash out; instead, he gave Loxar a cold glance. Those who knew him well recognized this as the true anger of the King of No Light. However, his anger did not seem to intimidate Loxar, who remained unperturbed, still gazing at the opposing Imperial camp, lost in thought.

In the airship landing field, reserved only for high-ranking officers of the Imperial Central Camp, two small, black floating airships were ready for takeoff. Though small, their streamlined, metallic-sail-like exteriors hinted at superior performance. The cloud insignia on the hulls marked them as the Thunder Cavalry Guard’s ships.

The entire landing field and surrounding area were under strict security. Only the Thunder Cavalry Guards were present, and even Zhang Boqian’s “Ironclad Legion” was barred from entry.

Lin Xitang emerged from a separate passage connected to the main tent, wearing loose robes, his silver hair flowing in the wind, exuding an ethereal aura. Gu Tuohai accompanied Lin Xitang aboard the floating ship, standing by the window. Zhang Boqian, however, was notably absent.

The floating ship ascended smoothly, as stable as if it were on solid ground. As it climbed higher, not only the Imperial Camp but also the Great Beast’s Slumber and the far-off Evernight Council Camp came into view.

Gu Tuohai looked worried and sighed, “I hope everything goes smoothly this time, and no more mishaps occur.”

Lin Xitang smiled faintly, “This is an open and direct strategy. Even if they suspect, they will never believe it. They will fall into our trap, and then the situation will be in our hands.”

Gu Tuohai remained grim, “Even so, she can always break free from your trap.”

Lin Xitang seemed confident, “By the time she breaks free, it will be too late.”

Gu Tuhtai stomped his foot, “Sigh! That’s not what I meant. When the trap is broken, how can you not be affected?”

“It’s a minor matter, nothing to worry about.”

Gu Tuohai glared, “Is anything related to the Queen of the Night a minor matter?”

Lin Xitang smiled without answering, and the floating ship continued its ascent, quickly disappearing into the distance.

Qian Ye was currently standing in the Zhao family camp, on his way to meet Zhao Xuange. He suddenly looked up, seeing two floating airships ascending from Zhang Boqian’s central camp. With the sharp eyes of a long-range sniper, he caught a glimpse of the cloud insignia.

Qian Ye’s heart stirred slightly. Although most people believed the Thunder Cavalry Guard in the Qingyang King’s main tent was merely ceremonial, Song Zining had met Lin Xitang, and this elite unit was more likely there to protect the Imperial Marshal. Thinking of that person, Qian Ye sighed and continued toward Zhao Xuange’s command tent, escorted by his guards.

Upon seeing Qian Ye, Zhao Xuange rose from behind his desk and asked, “How did it go?”

“Everything is taken care of, so I’ve come to report back.”

Zhao Xuange nodded, “You return at a good time. I have a difficult decision to make. Our Zhao family has a private army of ten thousand, plus a fleet of floating ships. The fleet is under Imperial command, so let’s set that aside. The rest of the private army is divided into companies of a thousand, categorized as vanguard, field, and mobile. Currently, Jun Du leads a mobile company, Jun Hong commands a field company, and I lead five. However, three companies lack suitable commanders. Are you interested in leading one?”

Qian Ye didn’t immediately agree, “Why are we all accompanying the army this time?”

Large-scale battles differ greatly from smaller skirmishes. Generally, when the number of troops exceeds one hundred thousand, there is a clear distinction between strongman battles and positional warfare.

Commanders like Qian Ye and Zhao Jundu, who possess super-long-range sniping abilities and superior individual combat strength, usually roam the battlefield, choosing their opportunities, whether to support the main force, execute decapitation tactics, or create openings for even stronger warriors, thus maximizing their effectiveness.

Only commanders like Zhao Junhong and Song Zining, who are strategists, typically lead armies. The fact that even Zhao Jundu is leading a company suggests that this operation is extraordinary.

“A good question. This battle is indeed different,” Zhao Xuange walked to the military map on the wall, pointing out a route. Qian Ye was surprised, as Zhao Xuange indicated the direction of the Imperial advance: the Evernight Council’s main camp!

“As you see, the target is the Evernight Council’s main camp. The Imperial army will move in full force, driving all the dark allied forces out of the Great Beast’s Slumber. Both sides will commit all their forces, making this much more perilous than previous engagements. General Zhang Boqian will also join the battle. You will each lead a contingent, serving as pillars of support and being amidst the army to prevent any mishaps.”

After Zhao Xuange’s explanation, Qian Ye understood. Being in the army would prevent them from encountering powerful nobles and getting killed easily.

In such a large-scale battle, the situation could change rapidly, and both sides’ powerful warriors would be moving around, leading to unforeseen events. Even as brilliant young geniuses, their original power levels were insufficient, and they could easily die in vain. Once dead, their potential would be meaningless.

After a moment’s thought, Qian Ye said, “I will lead the vanguard company.”

Zhao Xuange was surprised, “The vanguard? Are you sure?”

The vanguard carries the heaviest burden in major battles, often the most grueling and dangerous. Usually, it consists of the best elites, those seeking redemption, or even cannon fodder.

A vanguard commander is either someone with no prospects for advancement or a true opportunist aiming for fame through the vanguard’s glory.

Qian Ye was now seen as a core member of the Zhao family, making his placement in the vanguard somewhat inappropriate.

Zhao Xuange pondered, “Qian Ye, your fighting style suits the vanguard, but in the long term, the field company might be better for you. I’ve heard you’re also a skilled marksman, so the mobile support company could work too.”

“Just the vanguard, my lord. Please grant me this honor!” Qian Ye bowed deeply.

Zhao Xuange frowned, then relaxed, “Very well, young men need enthusiasm. I won’t stop you. Since you request it, I’ll allow it. From now on, you may enter the Zhao family’s armory and take whatever you need. The battle could start at any moment, so prepare early.”

“Thank you, my lord!” Qian Ye thanked Zhao Xuange and went to prepare.

The Zhao family, being a great noble house, had a substantial temporary armory in the camp, with many high-grade weapons, including Level 6 firearms. Qian Ye selected a Level 6 sniper rifle, a Level 6 assault rifle, a multi-purpose combat knife, and a Level 5 armor set, along with the necessary ammunition, before leaving.

Qian Ye was now fully armed, carrying hundreds of kilograms of equipment. But he moved effortlessly, impressing the Zhao family soldiers who had helped him carry the gear. Accustomed to using the East Peak, this weight was nothing to him.

Soon after, Qian Ye received his formal appointment to lead the vanguard company. The Zhao family had two vanguard companies of a thousand each. One was led by Qian Ye, and the other by a general from a branch of the Zhao family.

With the order, Qian Ye decided to visit his vanguard company.

The vanguard camp was in a corner of the Zhao family camp, with the two companies stationed together. An off-road vehicle drove Qian Ye to the vanguard camp. As he got out, he heard the clamor inside, with shouts and laughter, indicating the soldiers were training.

The major who had driven him wished Qian Ye luck and left. His words carried a hidden meaning, but Qian Ye paid no mind, presenting the Zhao Xuange-issued order to the gate guards.

The guards looked at Qian Ye oddly, even with a hint of Schadenfreude. One guard led Qian Ye in, though his attitude was overly polite, lacking sincerity.

Entering the camp, Qian Ye saw a sparring arena in a corner of the practice field. Two shirtless soldiers were locked in intense combat, using impressive techniques. The onlookers cheered, and some were placing bets.

Beside the arena stood a burly, bearded man, arms crossed, watching the fight with interest. When Qian Ye approached, the man looked up, his gaze suddenly turning sharp.

Qian Ye frowned, puzzled by the man’s sudden hostility. Clearly, he had recognized Qian Ye. Most of the Zhao family soldiers were recent arrivals from the Western Continent, but there were also a few veterans from the Blood Wars. Qian Ye believed these veterans would not be hostile without reason.