Border Situation

The situation on the eastern border had undergone several shifts over the past ten years.

Initially, when Yang Guanfeng and Han Wang arrived here, they faced bandits and rebels seeking to cross into Zhuhu Wangchao. Most of them were remnants of failed uprisings from within Donghuang territory.

As time passed, by the fourth year, the new factions formed after Donghuang's disintegration had gradually stabilized.

The eldest prince of the former Eastern Wasteland Wangchao occupied the entire eastern territory alone. Meanwhile, the third prince and seventh prince divided the western region along a great river-one ruling the north, the other the south.

The entirety of the seventh prince's western border, along with a small portion of the third prince's border, adjoined Zhuhu Wangchao.

After this tripartite stalemate took shape within Donghuang, the number of rogue soldiers and bandits sharply decreased, and the border stabilized.

It was at this point that the upper echelons of Zhuhu turned their attention back to domestic matters, beginning to integrate and reorganize various factions. The Yang Family rode this sweeping trend, embarking on a period of rapid development.

This stability lasted for about three years. It was the most comfortable period on the front lines; a month would typically see only three small-scale skirmishes, and large-scale battles numbered no more than five.

But by the seventh year, the intervention of Sect forces turned the once-peaceful border treacherous once again. The situation took a sharp turn for the worse.

With Sect backing, the forces of the seventh and third princes began to stir, once more coveting Zhuhu Wangchao's border territories.

Thus, the Wangchao once again summoned cultivators from within the country as reinforcements-a draft that had included Huang Yan of the Huang Family.

This fighting continued for another three years, bringing them to the present.

Now, over seventy percent of the mortal soldiers' methods to counter cultivators on the Donghuang side had emerged only in the past three years, right after the Sects joined the fray.

Moreover, beyond providing supplies and secret methods, several Sects had secretly dispatched many formidable disciples to assist in battle.

These two factors were the primary reasons for the sharp rise in casualties among Zhuhu's cultivators over the past three years.

Thus, the current situation on the front lines was more complex and volatile than before. Even cultivators could not afford to drop their guard.

The four left Yang Guanfeng's tent. Han Wang silently returned to his own to rest.

"Ah, coming all the way here... who knows how long it will be before we can go back?"

A newly arrived cultivator clasped his hands behind his head and sighed at the sky. "This Squad Leader is strange, too. He didn't even ask for our names before handing down orders."

"Fellow Daoist, do not worry. We have been here for five days now, and the winds have been calm. Nothing has happened."

Another patted his shoulder and said, "Besides, before I came, I heard people say the fighting is nearly at an end. At most, we'll stay here for half a year before we can return home."

These two, like Yingxuan, were at the fifth level of Qi Gathering.

They came from Qi Gathering families in the Wangchao's heartland. They had arrived in Wanghai City half a month ago and reported to this garrison five days prior.

"Miss, we are both from Molin. Where do you hail from?"

One of them looked at Yingxuan and asked.

"I am from Qiulu."

"Oh! Qiulu is a fine place! I have never been there. Since we have been grouped together today, it must be fate. When we return, please be our guide and show us around Qiulu."

This person had a naturally familiar temperament, already planning future outings upon their first meeting.

Yingxuan thought for a moment, then nodded.

She had wanted to warn them not to be so lax-the eastern war was far from over.

But seeing the two chatting and laughing beside her, Yingxuan realized that even if she spoke, they wouldn't listen. She remained silent.

The first half of the night was peaceful.

But at the third quarter of the Yin hour, the resting soldiers were suddenly jolted awake by the urgent beating of war drums.

"The Donghuang rebels are attacking!"

Following a loud shout, the two new cultivators rushed out of their tent, only to see Yang Guanfeng, Han Wang, and Yingxuan already fully armored and prepared to move.

"Don't just stand there! Move!"

Yang Guanfeng barked. The two men hurried back into their tent to put on their gear.

Seeing their flustered state, Han Wang muttered under his breath, "Dead men walking."

"You will be responsible for leading them later," Yang Guanfeng said.

"Hiss-understood, Patriarch."

Yang Guanfeng turned to Yingxuan. "Follow me. Today, you and I will spearhead the assault."

"Yes, Squad Leader!"

Yingxuan nodded in acknowledgment and followed Yang Guanfeng toward the clash of the two armies.

Han Wang waited for the two newcomers to dawdle their way out, then patiently adjusted their improperly worn armor.

"Fellow Daoist, there is no need to be so cautious. After all, we are mid-stage Qi Gathering cultivators."

"Exactly. We have plenty of experience fighting other cultivators."

Han Wang did not respond immediately. Only after confirming their armor was securely fastened did he speak. "I will say this once. Remember it well. Today, the Squad Leader and Yingxuan will lead the attack. We three are the bait. Follow my orders. When I say move, we move. When I say stop, we stop. Do not do anything unnecessary. Understood?"

"Uh... understood."

"Let's go."

Han Wang led them down a different path.

The two followed behind Han Wang. Watching his limping, hopping figure-like a grasshopper with a broken leg-they found it quite amusing.

They exchanged glances and curled their lips, showing no sign of urgency on their faces.

Even though Yang Guanfeng had emphasized the dangers earlier, as cultivators-especially those who had reached mid-stage Qi Gathering-they simply could not view mortal soldiers as a threat.

Half an hour later, the three reached high ground covered in thick shrubs. Han Wang gestured for them to conceal their auras and hide.

Through the gaps in the branches and leaves, they saw that the two forces had already clashed and were locked in a chaotic melee.

Han Wang gathered a sliver of spiritual power into his pupils, observing the terrain of the battlefield.

Drawing on years of experience, he deduced the positions of Yang Guanfeng and Yingxuan.

"The terrain is in our favor. Next, we must bait out the enemy's Snake Crossbow positions."

A plan formed in Han Wang's mind. He turned to instruct the two, only to see that one of them had taken off his armor.

"What are you doing!" Han Wang hissed.

"Fellow Daoist, do not get worked up. This thing is too stiff to wear. It hinders my movements."

"Put it on. Now. I am not joking."

The cultivator was about to argue further, but the moment his eyes met Han Wang's, he couldn't help but shiver.

"Alright, alright. I'll put it on."

Han Wang was deeply exasperated. Dealing with these short-lived newcomers to the front lines was the most troublesome chore. Unless they experienced the blood themselves, you could wear your lips thin talking and it still wouldn't matter.

Just then, a third-level Qi Gathering cultivator charged out from the enemy ranks.

Previously, the battle below had favored Zhuhu's side, but the moment this man entered the fray, the momentum instantly reversed.

From the excited flush on the man's face, Han Wang knew he was also a newcomer on the enemy side, fooled into charging down as cannon fodder.

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