Chapter 191: Dare You to Battle?

The generals passed the battle report around, some in anger, some in shock, and others in confusion. Qian Ye was even more puzzled after reading it. The report stated that the central fortress had only held for half an hour before its defenses collapsed under the onslaught of the dark army.

Due to the rapid breach, the Zhao clan did not have time to send rescue warships. When the defensive line crumbled, the high-speed warships that were meant for evacuation, carrying Qian Ye and others, had just landed at the rear base.

The fall of the central fortress immediately triggered a chain reaction on the battlefield, putting immense pressure on the fortresses on both flanks, which were now besieged from all sides. Despite this, the two fortresses tenaciously held their ground until the emergency rescue warships dispatched by the Zhao clan arrived.

However, the hurried retreat did not go as smoothly as the previous ones. Of the six warships sent, four were shot down, and only two managed to carry the fortress defenders back. In a short time, the majority of the soldiers at the two flanks were either killed or gravely injured. They fought with the last of their strength, driven by sheer will, to hold out until the end.

The brief battle report seemed to carry a heavy stench of blood.

After a moment of silence, Zhao Yuying asked, “How many people managed to retreat from the central fortress?”

This question broke the uncomfortable silence and shattered the unspoken taboo.

Qian Ye, who had experienced two fortress defenses, understood that without warship support, withdrawal under such circumstances was a pipe dream. The defenders of the central fortress were surely all annihilated.

But what puzzled Qian Ye even more was how the central fortress, with its formidable defense, could fall so quickly.

Zhao Yuying, who was originally set to join the defense, was severely injured, but she had also supplemented the fortress with several capable warriors from the Duke of Yu’s ranks. Additionally, Zhao Fenglei was aided by several fierce warriors from the Duke of Yan’s household. On paper, the forces led by Qian Ye and Song Zining seemed like a hodgepodge.

Zhao Junfang stood with his hands behind his back, expressionless, and after a long pause, said, “Most of the fortress defenders… were killed in action.”

Zhao Yuying leaped to her feet, “Most? That means some survived and escaped?”

She couldn’t help but be concerned; after all, there were several warriors from the Duke of Yu’s household among the defenders, including one who had watched over her since childhood.

Zhao Junfang’s voice was somber, each word like a hammer on their hearts, “Seven in total. Zhao Fenglei and six from the Duke of Yan’s household.”

Those privy to the classified information instantly changed their expressions. They all knew the deployment of troops in the central fortress. The Duke of Yan’s household had sent six warriors, making seven with Zhao Fenglei.

Zhao Yuying’s voice trembled, “What about the people from the Duke of Yu’s household?”

Zhao Junfang shook his head, “No news.”

Everyone knew that ‘no news’ was the worst news. How could a few warriors possibly escape from the midst of the enemy?

Zhao Yuying demanded, “How did the Duke of Yan’s household warriors escape!?”

Zhao Junfang’s brows furrowed deeper, “I do not know.”

At this point, a general sneered, “It’s not hard to guess. They must have secretly hidden a fast boat in the fortress and fled when they saw the overwhelming enemy force.”

Zhao Junfang’s frown deepened, and he barked, “This is a serious matter. Do not make wild guesses!”

The general, from the Duke of Yu’s lineage, was unafraid of Zhao Junfang and continued coldly, “If my guess is correct, then where did the boat come from, and why was it placed in the fortress without record? This matter needs to be thoroughly investigated.”

According to convention, airships are strategic weapons, and any movement or deployment requires the approval of the regional commander or at least a report of their movements. If a small, high-speed airship was secretly placed in the fortress, it would imply that the commander had left a way out, and how could the soldiers fight to the death?

The presence of an unregistered airship implicated the higher-ups in the Zhao clan, particularly the faction represented by Zhao Junfang. Thus, the general from the Duke of Yu’s household spoke with no restraint, knowing that his side suffered the greatest losses.

Hearing this, Zhao Yuying calmed down, sitting quietly. But those who knew her well recognized that this was when she was most dangerous. The temporary silence heralded an impending, earth-shattering eruption.

Realizing the gravity of the situation, Zhao Junfang suppressed his anger, explaining, “Whether or not there was an unregistered airship remains to be verified. However, I can vouch for the fact that our faction, the Duke of Cheng’en, was unaware of it.”

With Zhao Junfang’s assurance, the general grunted and returned to his seat.

Zhao Junfang surveyed the generals in the room, “There is another pressing matter. We cannot let the dark army advance past the fortresses. This battle is crucial for the entire Zhao clan, and we need your full effort. The troops are scheduled to assemble by evening and head to the front lines. You may rest for two more hours before taking your positions. I will distribute the defensive assignments shortly. Any objections?”

Most of the generals present were loyal to the Zhao clan, and even Qian Ye and Song Zining, who were not part of the Zhao clan, were close allies. In such a critical moment, none would refuse.

Seeing no objections, Zhao Junfang was relieved and said, “Many of you are still recovering. I will open the strategic resource vault and distribute the reserve medicines. They should be quite effective.”

This news invigorated the generals. The Zhao clan’s secret medical supplies were rare and of the highest quality, often obtained directly from the Li family and not available on the market. With these, their chances of survival increased by at least thirty percent.

Seeing the morale improve, Zhao Junfang waved his hand, “In that case, I suggest you all get some rest. Tonight and tomorrow morning, we will fight the dark races to the death!”

At that moment, the building began to vibrate slightly. The shaking grew more intense, soon becoming noticeable even to ordinary soldiers. What could cause such a tremor in the main building?

Impatient generals rushed to the window and saw a massive shadow passing overhead!

They were stunned and looked up to see a warship flying over the fortress, followed by several more warships and a dozen large transport ships. Only then did the siren alarm blare through the fortress.

The generals recognized the warships as belonging to the Zhao clan, but this fleet was not mentioned in the battle report, leaving them puzzled.

As they pondered, the door to the conference room suddenly opened, and Zhao Jundu calmly walked in, saying, “No need to assemble.”

Zhao Junfang was taken aback, “Why not?”

Zhao Jundu coolly replied, “Too slow. I will lead the main force and intercept the dark army at dusk, driving them back.”

Zhao Junfang was even more surprised, “Fourth Young Master, this… is too sudden. Your safety is far more important than the outcome of a single battle!”

Zhao Junfang spoke diplomatically, but another general from the Duke of Cheng’en’s faction was more blunt, “Fourth Young Master, you have a bright future and are a pillar of the empire! Why risk yourself for the remnants of the Zhang clan? It’s not worth it!”

Other generals from the Duke of Cheng’en’s faction echoed his concerns, even those from the Duke of Yu’s faction agreed. They feared that the dark race’s powerful warriors would overwhelm the young and less-experienced Zhao Jundu.

Zhao Jundu’s gaze swept over the generals, and he slowly said, “Do you doubt my ability to defeat the enemy?”

“Of course not. It’s just that…” Zhao Junfang struggled to find the right words but felt compelled to stop Zhao Jundu. The Fourth Young Master was not only the hope of the Duke of Cheng’en’s faction but also the future backbone of the entire Zhao clan and the empire.

Zhao Jundu chuckled, “Does that mean we shouldn’t fight if we think we might lose?”

The generals exchanged glances, unsure how to respond. Then, Zhao Jundu pointed at Qian Ye, “Qian Ye, accompany me into battle.”

Without hesitation, Qian Ye responded, “Yes.”

Song Zining, however, jumped up in anger, “Are you mad? Qian Ye is still injured. How can he go to the battlefield?”

Zhao Jundu glanced at Song Zining, “You come too.”

Song Zining bristled, “I have my own strategies. I don’t need you to tell me what to do! Besides, we’re not on the same side. I must decline…”

Suddenly, Zhao Jundu appeared beside Song Zining, placing a hand on his shoulder. A purple light flashed in his eyes, silencing Song Zining mid-sentence. He then said, “That’s settled.”

Song Zining struggled fiercely, but he was still weak and no match for Zhao Jundu. Compared to their encounter with the Song clan, the Fourth Young Master now exuded no trace of aggression. His Eight Trigram Sealing Technique was subtle, and he had subdued Song Zining with a mere thought. Many generals hadn’t even noticed Zhao Jundu’s use of the technique.

No matter how much Song Zining struggled, he couldn’t free himself from Zhao Jundu’s grasp. Zhao Jundu didn’t give him a chance to explain and dragged him away. Song Zining was livid, knowing Zhao Jundu was deliberately ruining his composed and suave image, but he had no choice but to endure it in the face of Zhao Jundu’s unreasonable actions.

Zhao Yuying suddenly stood up, “What about me?”

Zhao Jundu glanced at her and said coolly, “Rest here. You’ll only cause trouble if you come.”

Zhao Yuying, undaunted by Zhao Jundu, exploded in anger, “How am I causing trouble! Fourth Young Master, you’d better explain yourself before you leave!”

But Zhao Jundu had already stepped out of the room, guiding Qian Ye and dragging Song Zining away, leaving a trail of purple fire sealing the door.

Zhao Yuying, though furious, was too weak to break through Zhao Jundu’s Eight Trigram Sealing Technique. She was sealed behind the door, jumping up and down in frustration, her threats falling on deaf ears.

As dusk approached, Zhao Jundu had the troops arrayed, and in the distance, the dark army was advancing.

Looking at the wave of darkness approaching, Zhao Jundu turned to Qian Ye and asked, “Are you ready for battle?”