The three reinforcement armies collapsed at the same time and fled at full speed, while the war beasts pursued relentlessly from behind. The rear formations were gradually swallowed up...
The first city came into view. Sweep it clean!
The second city came into view. Sweep it clean!
The third city—sweep it clean...
The remaining million men from the three cities were all swept in, swiftly reduced to several hundred thousand...
After racing thousands of miles, they reached the entrance to Xihe. Several hundred thousand remnants entered Xihe and ran wildly onward. Behind them came the final batch of war beasts, equal in number to those ahead...
Lu Tiangao finally saw the familiar lands of Xihe again. His blood surged as he raised the great banner high. "Brothers, Xihe—we have returned!"
The major commanders of the Flying Dragon Legion raised their banners together in response.
They were all defenders of Xihe. Xihe held a special meaning for them.
Yet Lin Su merely lifted a hand. "Stop!"
Whoosh—the banners were lowered at once.
A hundred warships halted simultaneously at the entrance to Xihe.
"Brothers, the battle for Xihe requires care. We must not act rashly!"
"Yes!" Lu Tiangao dropped to one knee. "This subordinate acted impulsively. I beg punishment!"
"This impulse is only natural for those facing their homeland," Lin Su said. "I promise you that you will personally slaughter the enemies who harmed your former brothers-in-arms. But war itself is a profound discipline."
Lu Tiangao said, "All the brothers know your command of warfare, Marshal. Wherever your military banners point, we will brave boiling water and raging fire without hesitation. May I ask how you intend to point those banners?"
Lin Su smiled. "After two days of battle, the overall situation is settled! Next, we rest for the moment!"
"By your