Chapter 53: The Factors that Seal Victory

“Battle Tactic.” Qian Ye replied indifferently. The Song Clan’s ancient scroll and the blood force within his body were his greatest secrets, and only Song Zining knew about them now.

Zhao Yuying laughed, “Battle Tactic? The breath you expelled was entirely dark in nature, pure darkness, not something a little impurity could explain. I’ve never heard of Battle Tactic being able to cultivate dark origin power.”

Qian Ye’s face remained expressionless, clearly unwilling to continue the conversation.

Zhao Yuying sneered, “No need to be so petty; I’m not interested in your little secrets. Oh, by the way, I practice the Western Emperor’s Dominance, which, along with the Western Extreme Purple Qi, are both top-secret cultivation methods of the Zhao Clan, one light and one dark.”

Western Extreme Purple Qi was one of the most famous cultivation methods of the Zhao Clan. If the Western Emperor’s Dominance could be on par with it, why had it remained obscure? Qian Ye didn’t know the purpose of Zhao Yuying’s revelation and didn’t want to ask. Sometimes, it was better to know less about the secrets related to the four clans.

That night, as they set up camp, a report came from the vanguard. Duan Hao had already invaded the dark domain, capturing two settlements and annihilating two patrol teams, reaching the designated position smoothly.

Duan Hao now had over a hundred captives, both warriors and civilians, and was sending them back. In addition, he had deliberately let some darklings escape, and Viscount Domo, the closest noble, would likely receive the news soon. In no more than two days, the viscount’s army would arrive at the battlefield.

Qian Ye handed the report to Zhao Yuying, saying, “It seems it’s time for us to move out.”

Unexpectedly, Zhao Yuying yawned, “Domo? That pitiful, weak country vampire? I have no interest. You can handle him yourself.”

Qian Ye smiled faintly, forcing the report into her hand, “No, if you don’t join the battle, my warriors will suffer more casualties.”

Zhao Yuying yawned again, tossing the report back to Qian Ye, “You’re a leader of a region, use your head. My greatest value is to deliver a crushing blow to that spider demon count, knocking off at least two of his legs. A mere viscount, and a third-rate one at that, do I need to get involved? Your warriors, do they expect to survive without a scratch on the battlefield? Without sacrifices, how can there be an elite army? If that’s what you think, then you’d better disband Dark Flame. You’re not fit to lead.”

“Stuka, I’ll deal with Stuka.”

“You should know, I’m the right person for the job,” Zhao Yuying showed no sign of compromise.

Qian Ye shrugged, finally relenting, “Alright then. But if you can’t really knock off two of his legs, you’ll have to follow my command from now on.”

Zhao Yuying glanced at Qian Ye, “If you cooperate properly, I have a fifty-fifty chance of killing that old spider. But are you sure you want that?”

Qian Ye shook his head immediately, “Of course not. Keeping him alive is beneficial to us.”

“Then it’s settled.” Ignoring Qian Ye, Zhao Yuying returned to her tent to train.

After handling the military affairs, Qian Ye reflected on the conversation with Zhao Yuying, feeling a slight chill. Despite her seemingly careless demeanor, Zhao Yuying possessed a keen strategic insight.

As night fell, Qian Ye led the main force of Dark Flame towards the designated battlefield, targeting a mine. This mine was vital to Viscount Domo’s economy, and regardless of any calculations he might have, he would have to send troops to rescue it.

Dark Flame, after integrating the Seventh Division, had six regiments plus a division headquarters. Qian Ye brought the three strongest regiments, leaving the rest to guard Four Rivers Base and Cloud Sail City. Only Song Hu remained at the Blackflow City headquarters, overseeing logistics.

Qian Ye was not worried about the defense of Blackflow City, as it was impregnable before Imperial Fleet Admiral Zhang Xingzi’s departure.

By evening, Dark Flame entered the designated battlefield, a gently rolling hilly area, ideal for their heavy firepower. Qian Ye positioned several wheeled artillery pieces on the highest hill, controlling the battlefield for dozens of kilometers around.

Zhao Yuying watched from the side, noting that Qian Ye’s deployment followed strict Imperial tactics, showing no genius but also no mistakes. Given the advantage in troops and equipment, this was the best strategy.

The night on the Evernight Continent came early, and by 4 PM, the sky had completely darkened. Suddenly, a faint sound came from afar, but it seemed to be nothing more than the wind blowing through fields and forests.

However, several experts with night vision saw many dark figures appearing on the distant hilltops, a sense of pressure gradually spreading.

Zhu Wuyan approached Qian Ye, whispering, “Lord, the enemy has arrived.”

“What about their advance scouts?”

“All those who got close enough have been eliminated.”

Qian Ye nodded, sending Zhu Wuyan back to his position. Only Zhao Yuying and some messengers remained by his side.

Suddenly, countless bats flew up from the distant forest, forming a massive cloud that hovered in the air. Below the cloud was the army of the dark races.

To Qian Ye, who had true sight and extraordinary vision, day and night made no difference. He took one look and told Zhao Yuying, “Five thousand blood slaves, about four or five hundred vampire warriors. It seems they belong to Viscount Domo.”

Zhao Yuying shrugged, “Is this your first time commanding such a large battle?”

“Yes,” Qian Ye admitted frankly.

“Then after this boring fight, you’ll understand that many factors influence war, including well-trained soldiers, adequate supplies, sound strategy, and good equipment. But there is only one thing that determines victory…”

This was a famous saying of one of the greatest marshals in imperial history, Zhang Dongliu, the great-great-grandfather of Zhang Boqian. Almost every Imperial soldier could recite it backward, and Qian Ye was no exception. So he smiled bitterly and continued, “A strong warrior.”

“Exactly, I thought you wouldn’t know that. So, why don’t you just rush over and kill that weak viscount? A mere third-rate viscount, don’t tell me you can’t handle it! I think you could take out two of them easily.”

Qian Ye smiled slightly, pointing to the waiting Dark Flame soldiers, “What you said is correct, but my soldiers need the experience of battle. Such opportunities are not common.”

“What use are these ordinary soldiers? They only distract.”

Qian Ye chuckled, shaking his head, “For someone from a great clan, they may seem useless. But for us, it’s different…”

Before he could finish, Zhao Yuying interrupted, “Qian Ye, you’re wrong. Armies and power are useful to people like us. We get support from our families, and thus have a duty to repay them. An army’s primary role is to occupy, control, and govern, making it a powerful asset. But for you, it’s different. You should know that while the Zhao Clan may help you, they are more likely a crisis.”

Qian Ye frowned slightly.

Zhao Yuying continued, “Little Fourth is very strong, and I have no doubt about his determination to protect you. But we both know relying on others is unreliable. What you should do is become stronger and stay focused. For example, Lin Xitan…”

The sudden mention of the name made Qian Ye’s heart tremble.

Zhao Yuying didn’t notice his subtle reaction and continued, “Many people only see Lin Xitan as a master tactician and strategist, and the Northern Army he built is the finest in the world. He also single-handedly elevated the Lin Family from a lower-class family to an upper-class one. But few know the other reason he is considered one of the Empire’s twin pillars alongside Marshal Boqian…”

Qian Ye held his breath, listening intently. He had never considered another reason.

Zhao Yuying snorted, “Since his debut, Lin Xitan has fought hundreds of battles, big and small, and has never lost a single one-on-one duel. It’s laughable how many foolish people think he rose to power through strategy alone.”

Qian Ye opened his mouth, unable to resist asking, “Has General Lin ever fought Marshal Zhang?”

Zhao Yuying shook her head, “Never heard of it. Don’t ask me, I don’t know why either.”

Qian Ye thought carefully and realized there had indeed never been any rumors about a duel between the two, which was surprising.

The reputation of the imperial twin pillars began when Zhang Boqian and Lin Xitan were still generals. These two brilliant stars, one literary and one martial, one strategic and one tactical, were a legend in the military. Even later, when one became a pillar of the nobility and the other a new political leader, they remained idols to many young people.

Now, Zhang Boqian symbolized the invincible strength of the middle generation, while Lin Xitan’s Divine Celestial Art was unparalleled, even surpassing other ancient secret arts. Many believed the best combination was Lin Xitan leading the army and Zhang Boqian breaking formations and defeating generals. As for martial prowess, Zhang Boqian was naturally stronger.

However, from Zhao Yuying’s words, the outcome of a hypothetical duel between the twin pillars might be uncertain. But with Zhang Boqian’s impending promotion to Grand Marshal, this speculation would remain unanswered.

Qian Ye steadied himself, gazing at the approaching vampire army, “I understand. But let’s finish this battle first.”

He slowly raised his right hand, and the messengers behind him watched intently, awaiting orders.

Qian Ye silently judged the distance, and as the tide of blood slaves rushed down the hill, starting their charge, he finally clenched his fist!

The deep night was suddenly split by brilliant flashes as over ten heavy artillery pieces fired, launching shells at the dark race’s army. The first volley contained mostly illumination shells, creating a dazzling effect, turning the battlefield into daylight.

The high-ranking vampires hidden among the blood slaves were all staring at the sky, ready to intercept the artillery shells. Ordinary illumination shells would only slightly affect their vision, causing no real damage.

But the illumination shells Qian Ye used were special flash grenades, usually equipped by the imperial main forces. They emitted a powerful Dawn force, highly effective against the dark races, especially the vampires and demonic descendants with excellent night vision.

These special flash grenades were expensive and rare, even in major battles on the Evernight continent. Viscount Domo had never seen such things. When the blinding light appeared, he sensed something was wrong, quickly closing his eyes, but they already stung, and tears flowed involuntarily.

Even more affected were his subordinates. The bright light caused many high-ranking warriors to cover their eyes, screaming in pain. The skin of the blood slaves developed large black scorch marks, and many weaker ones rolled on the ground, burned.

In just one volley of artillery, Domo’s forces were thrown into chaos, with most of the low-level fighters decimated.

Qian Ye stood quietly in the rear, watching everything.