Over the next five months, Western Qi repeatedly challenged Kong Xuan, trying to break the stalemate and force their way through the pass.
Yet no matter how hard Western Qi tried, every attempt ended in failure.
The Five-Colored Divine Light reigned supreme throughout the Primordial Wilderness, unmatched in attack and defense. Despite all their efforts, Western Qi could not shake Kong Xuan in the slightest, much less breach the defenses of Three Mountains Pass.
Battle reports from Three Mountains Pass streamed back to Morning Song, delivered deep into the palace.
Di Xin read the memorial in his hands, delight surging in his eyes. "Good! Excellent! The man recommended by the state preceptor truly is peerlessly reliable!"
No one had expected Kong Xuan, alone, to pin Western Qi's army outside Three Mountains Pass for nearly a full year, halting an advance that had swept through its enemies like a blade splitting bamboo.
That year of holding the gates shut had completely reversed Yin Shang's perilous decline.
The various feudal lords who had already raised armies in rebellion grew doubtful when Western Qi failed to take the pass after so long. Caught between advancing and retreating, they no longer dared act recklessly.
Those other lords who had been itching to move were cowed by Kong Xuan's strength. They abandoned their rebellious intentions entirely, withdrawing into their fiefs without daring to stir.
The tottering Yin Shang dynasty finally gained a chance to breathe, recovering from the brink of destruction.
Now, Di Xin only hoped Kong Xuan could remain like a nail, pinning Western Qi firmly to Three Mountains Pass.
He would trap Western Qi's army, wear down its fortune and morale, and exhaust its reserves and strength.
Once Western Qi lost its edge and collapsed without a fight, the threat of Yin Shang's