The Deer Park's Ruined Camp, Blood Still Wet; Qin's Scheme Secretly Laid to Lure the Hu Saddle

Above White Deer Horse Ranch, the towering smoke that had blasted Deer Terrace Dome Tent into the air had long since completely dispersed.

The air was laced with the faint scent of blood, the scorched reek of gunpowder, and the grassland's distinctive fragrance of fresh green grass. The three smells tangled together—pungent, yet real—and every breath seemed to recount the harrowing slaughter that had taken place not long ago.

The horse ranch, once flat and open with lush grass and plentiful water, was now a scene of utter devastation.

Shattered dome tents lay scattered everywhere. Some had been blown to pieces by cannon fire, their canvas blackened and curled; others leaned crookedly or had collapsed, exposing the clutter within.

Broken wooden poles, scattered arrows, and weapons carpeted the ground. Dried blood still stained the flashing blades, while bloodstains not yet cleaned away had congealed into dark brown patches beneath the sun, forming a glaring contrast against the emerald grass and silently etching the cruelty of war into the earth.

Throughout the ranch, Qin Army soldiers carried out their respective duties, moving busily yet methodically through the ruined battlefield as they handled the aftermath.

Some soldiers still had mud and flecks of blood on their armor. Holding axes, halberds, ropes, and other tools, they carefully repaired the defensive line of Deer Terrace Dome Tent that had been overturned by cannon fire.

Working in groups, they joined forces to raise the broken wooden pillars, carefully wiping away the dust and blood on them before pulling the tough canvas taut once more. Bit by bit, they smoothed out the wrinkles, attempting to restore the dome tents to their former state as temporary encampments and command posts for the Qin Army.

Another group of soldiers bent over to meticulously collect the spoils of war