Counterattacking

Early in the morning, the sun slowly rose above the eastern horizon, and the sunlight gradually brought the surrounding landscape into view.

It was sure to be a fine day. The sky was as clear as transparent blue crystal, with wispy white clouds floating quietly overhead. The visibility was astonishingly good.

It would have been absolutely perfect for an outing.

But the repeated cries of battle ruined the lovely atmosphere, and the four charred mountain peaks spoiled the otherwise splendid scenery.

From the mountaintop, Renard gazed into the distance. In the dense forest below Qiming Mountain, countless shadowy figures moved about like ants on the march.

With dark circles under his eyes, Renard watched the demon cannon fodder gathering once again, spat on the ground, and cursed, "Damn bastards."

Ray Dawang walked over and handed him a meager breakfast. "The demons are making good use of exhaustion tactics. If this goes on, our soldiers really won't be able to hold out much longer."

Renard smiled at that. "It's fine. Once you've eaten, pass the word around. Leave five thousand men to defend the position, and tell them to avoid using cannons and Explosive Arrows if possible. The rest can all go back and get some sleep."

Ray Dawang frowned. "What if the demons seize the chance to launch an all-out attack?"

Renard waved a finger and grinned. "Now that we've figured out their tactics, it'd be foolish to keep holding out like this."

"Besides, I've got a pretty good read on their commander's temperament. He's an extremely cautious fellow. He won't launch an all-out attack recklessly unless he's sure of victory."

"I actually wanted to give this order last night, but I was afraid they'd take advantage of the darkness to launch a sneak attack, so I held off until