Battle to Secure Youzhou (12)

In the mountains and forests, the left sleeve of the Ghost Servant's Ink Concealment Black Robe was rolled up on the back of a chair, fluttering like the wind as it carried him forward at high speed.

Chu Xuanao sat in a chair, watching the surrounding mountains and forests change. Li Xunhuan was on Chu Xuanao's left, following the Ghost Servant with ease.

More than ten figures followed closely behind, including Bai Yi, Bai Wangye, several Manifestation Realm experts from the Bai Family, Cheng Shifei, and Seven Balefuls.

Those who follow here, even those with the weakest cultivation levels, are all at the Dharma Aspect Realm.

After returning to Hanshan Prefecture and settling the seriously injured Yue Shan, Chu Xuanao led everyone to Zhenyou City.

Given the urgency of the military situation, he ordered Gao Shun to lead the Camp of Trapped Formations to follow behind and meet at Zhenyou City, while he brought the experts from the Prince of Qin's Manor ahead of him.

Otherwise, if the Camp of Trapped Formations were brought along, the schedule would probably have to be postponed for another day. But the news from Hanshan Prefecture could not be kept secret for another day, nor could it be kept secret any longer.

Besides, why would we use 800 Camp of Trapped Formations in this situation? It would be a waste of their potential.

"Greetings, Your Highness."

Looking at Zhu Wushi, Wang Long, and the others, Chu Xuanao stood up from his chair and said slowly.

"Alright, get up! Let's get into the city first."

Chu Xuanao did not go to the courtyard in the city, but went directly to the central military tent, sat down and asked Wang Long.

How many troops are left in Zhenyou City?

Marquis Shenying, Wang Long, replied with a hint of melancholy.

"Your Highness, after the battle, only 270,000 troops remain in Zhenyou City, with a total number of less than 280,000."

After the first battle, only about 40,000 of the 80,000 Zhenyou Cavalry remained, and nearly 20,000 of the You Ran Cavalry. Subtracting the more than 60,000 cavalry, the You Province army was left with only a little over 200,000 men.

Chu Xuanao pressed for an answer.

"What about the Great Feng? Have you got a rough estimate of their losses?"

"Your Highness, the Great Feng also lost tens of thousands of soldiers, but it shouldn't be too many, around thirty or forty thousand. The reorganized force is still over three hundred thousand. That Qin Xiaosheng is indeed a genius."

After adding everything up, Chu Xuanao couldn't help but gasp slightly.

Including the garrison troops that were summoned, the total number of troops in Zhenyou City should have been over 400,000. In other words, 130,000 troops were wiped out in one battle.

Compared to the Great Feng, even considering the 40,000 casualties who suffered the most, the casualty ratio was more than 1 to 3.

Adding to the more than 30,000 troops lost in Hanshan Prefecture, the total number of casualties has now reached more than 160,000, possibly even over 170,000. In this battle, nearly half of the Youzhou Grand Camp has been wiped out.

"Your Highness, it was all Peng Chang and Luobu who leaked our army's marching route, causing our army to be ambushed. Even the vanguard was able to withdraw."

However, they were misled by Peng Chang, who intercepted the orders to retreat and issued incorrect orders, pushing the army into the abyss.

They could only watch helplessly as the vanguard was annihilated, and even the Zhenyou Cavalry, who were providing support on the flanks, lost nearly half of their forces.

When Peng Chang and Luobu were mentioned, Wang Long's eyes turned bloodshot, filled with an indescribable mix of murderous intent and hatred, and his aura became faintly visible.

In the end, two lines of tears streamed down Wang Long's face. He felt sorry for the soldiers of the You Province army who had died, especially the 80,000 vanguard soldiers and the brothers of the Zhenyou Cavalry. Peng Chang was someone he, Wang Long, had personally promoted.

Wang Long knelt on both knees, exuding an aura of desolation, and spoke in a deep voice.

"Your Highness, Peng Chang was my man, and many soldiers died because of me. Wang Long begs for forgiveness."

Looking at Wang Long, Chu Xuanao shook his head.

"Alright, Shenying Marquis, rise! Now is not the time for punishment. If you truly have this intention, then in the upcoming battle, you should slay the likes of Peng Chang and Luobu, defeat the army of Great Feng, and use the blood of the Great Feng traitors to comfort the heroic spirits of my Dagan border army."

After Chu Xuanao talked with the others for a while...

The Ghost Servant noticed the unusual movement in his hand, looked at it, and said to Chu Xuanao.

"Your Highness, Feng Xian and the others have arrived."

Hearing the Ghost Servant's words, the others were somewhat confused, but Chu Xuanao revealed a smile.

"Summon General Wang and Prefect Lu to come as soon as possible; it's time."

A glint flashed in Wang Long's eyes; he knew that he had discussed it with Lord Zhu yesterday.

Soon after, Wang Hanying and Lu Shuangxing arrived in a hurry.

Upon first meeting the two, Chu Xuanao went straight to the point, asking directly.

"How are the army's preparations going?"

Upon hearing this, Wang Hanying replied.

"Your Highness, Your Highness. Since receiving news of your Your Highness arrival this morning, we have assembled a large army and are now awaiting Your Highness arrival."

While the discussions were taking place in the central command tent, all parties received news that the Prince of Qin had arrived in Zhenyou City, but they were all somewhat puzzled.

Why is this person not staying in Hanshan Prefecture, but instead coming to Zhenyou City?

Could something have happened at Hanshan Prefecture?

Many people were shocked by this possibility. The situation in Zhenyou City was already not good. If something happened to Hanshan Prefecture, then You Province would be in serious trouble.

No, no, we can't think the worst, but we must prepare for the worst.

Clearly, news from Hanshan Prefecture had not yet reached Zhenyou City, nor had it reached Great Feng. The entire army of 150,000 had been wiped out; not a single one had survived. Under the trampling of the Wolf Cavalry, not a single person could escape, nor could they escape.

Great Feng had not yet received the news, or rather, the news had not yet reached them. This was the time difference that Chu Xuanao needed; otherwise, he would not have been in such a hurry to bring a group of experts to Zhenyou City.

When the thunderous drums resounded throughout Zhenyou City, the entire Zhenyou City heard the sound, which spread in all directions. All sides stirred, and the leaders of the major forces headed towards the central command tent.

The military commanders began to inspect the soldiers and make preparations. The Martial World practitioners who had been resting in various parts of the city also perked up, and some of them spontaneously organized themselves and gathered together.

When the people from various factions arrived at the central command tent, they were all slightly stunned, blinked, and looked at each other.

Did you go to the wrong place?

But they can't all be wrong!

I looked around, and there it was!

Prefect Lu Shuangxing is sitting right there.

Shenying Marquis is here too. Hmm, why isn't Wang Hanying sitting upstairs today?

Who's sitting up there?

No, it's a python robe, the Prince of Qin.

At this moment, Chu Xuanao removed his previous ordinary clothes and put on the Prince of Qin's python robe, a five-clawed python robe.

With a vibrant bright red base color, paired with a deep black python shape, dotted with gold patterns, it seems to be coiled on the robe, exuding an extremely domineering aura.

Chu Xuanao sat upright in the main seat, his back straight as a pine tree, his expression calm and composed. His imposing aura commanded respect from all.

Upon seeing the arrival of people from various factions in You Province, Wang Hanying, Lu Shuangxing, Wang Long, Zhu Wushi, Bai Yi, and others rose to their feet, bowed respectfully, and said...

"Greetings, Your Highness, Prince of Qin."

The newly arrived group was a bit confused. Wait, what are you two doing here?

There's nothing wrong with Zhu Wushi and Bai Yi being like this; they were originally from the Prince of Qin's Manor.

But you, Lu Shuangxing, are the Prefect of You Province, and Wang Hanying is the General Who Guards You Province Border Army. These are the highest military and political commanders in You Province, ah!

And they called him "Your Highness," not "Prince." What are you all doing?

Why didn't anyone tell us?

I don't know anything about it yet!

Is this how they play right after they come in?

"We pay our respects to Your Highness, the Prince of Qin."

The first to take action were some military generals and members of the Lu Family. People from both factions bowed and said, "Our leader has made a decision; we just need to follow suit."

"Greetings, Your Prince."

The remaining people had no choice but to bow. The two bigwigs had already expressed their support for the King of Prince of Qin, so no matter what, they had to get things done first.

After scanning the room with a sharp look, Chu Xuanao spoke slowly.

"Gentlemen, please rise and take your seats!"