First Battle with Mohist Mechanists! The Might of the Iron Curtain Earth Net?

A day later, the Blood-Clad Army, resembling a black torrent, had already swept through two major cities on the border of the Wei State, arriving directly outside the walls of Ye County.

To the west, Ye County bordered the foothills of the Taihang Mountains, while to the east, it connected to the plains, serving as the southern gateway to Handan.

The ferry crossing on the south bank of the Zhang River, which the city controlled, was the only point on the southern bank capable of supporting a large army's crossing, making it the core of the Zhao State's southern defense.

The Zhao army had operated here for decades; the city walls were tall and thick, protected by three outer trenches, and the garrison was maintained at thirty to fifty thousand men year-round. In these times of war, the number of troops would only be higher, never lower.

If the Qin Army were to bypass Ye County, they would need to cross the river further east at Guantao.

But the Zhang River channel there was narrow with swift currents, and the Zhao army had signal towers on the north bank; once the Qin Army was halfway across, the Zhao army could sortie from Ye County to strike their flank.

The Zhang River was a natural barrier. Even with an elite force like the Blood-Clad Army, attempting a forced crossing via pontoon bridges while under a surprise attack would be extremely perilous.

Therefore, Zhao Cheng led his troops in a direct charge toward the south gate of Ye County.

Outside the south gate of Ye County, the sound of hooves thundered like rolling tremors.

Seeing the twenty thousand Blood-Clad Army soldiers appear abruptly outside the city, the guards atop the walls showed no signs of panic, instead acting with disciplined, orderly speed.