Around May, just before midsummer, the days were growing increasingly dry.
The Shang Dynasty Army set out from Xiqi City and headed straight for the Five Passes.
From west to east, the Five Passes were Sishui Pass, Jiepai Pass, Chuanyun Pass, Tong Pass, and Lintong Pass. They controlled the routes between Xiqi and the royal domain. Along with Qinglong Pass, which guarded Juelong Ridge and lay between Xiqi and the Southern Capital, they held the lifeline connecting all of Xiqi to the outside world.
Once the layers of passes were sealed off, Shang could cut off all entry to and exit from Xiqi, completely strangling its economic, political, and military arteries.
War was a contest of comprehensive national strength. By merely holding back its troops, Shang could slowly bleed Xiqi to death.
In truth, that was not the case. Xiqi was encircled by mountains and surrounded by great rivers, and its fertile land was enough to sustain itself. It would not be bled dry. Under the blockade, it would only finish building high walls and laying up abundant grain, growing stronger by the day.
Besides, this was the world of Investiture of the Gods. A few mere passes could not starve Xiqi to death.
The only purpose of the Five Passes and Qinglong Pass was to block Xiqi's army from advancing eastward and, without outside interference, complete the central government's absolute control over the local territories.
Lu Bei had personally led the expedition this time, commanding three hundred thousand troops. At his sides were Grand Tutor Wen Zhong, King Wucheng Huang Feihu and his family, as well as Shang generals Chao Tian, Chao Lei, Fang Bi, Fang Xiang, and others.
Not only that, Lu Bei had brought the civil and military officials of the entire court out of Chaoge. If