Cangwu Desert, at the First Defense Line.
"How are things? How far away is the beast tide?"
At that, the scout in charge of reconnaissance reported, "Reporting to the marshal: the beast tide is about three kilometers from the defense line. It's expected to arrive within the time it takes an incense stick to burn!"
Murong Huai was satisfied with that distance. Then he beckoned to the others and said:
"Bring out my Italian—no, the Red Barbarian Cannons! And the mortars, too. Aim them all in the direction the beast tide is coming from. We'll start with three volleys to warm things up!"
"Yes, sir!"
At the command, the Black Flame Army soldiers began adjusting the Red Barbarian Cannons and mortars. Soon, they were ready.
Within Spirit Hall, only the veterans of the Black Flame Army had received training in firearms. The vast majority of soldiers in the other armies had never even seen them.
Murong Huai flew up to a high ridge nearby. His black cloak snapped in the biting wind. His hawk-sharp gaze cut through the night and settled on the churning "black sea" three kilometers away.
It was a beast tide made up of tens of thousands of Sand Wolves and Rock Rhinos. Their scarlet eyes formed a flowing river of stars in the darkness. Their low growls rolled over the dunes, making even the grains of sand beneath their feet tremble.
"Black Flame Army, heed my command!" Murong Huai's voice was not loud, yet it rang out like metal striking stone, cutting through the howling wind and roaring beasts. He swung the command flag.
"Set the Red Barbarian Cannons' aim. Mortars, lock onto the middle and rear of the beast tide!"
Below the ridge, the Black Flame Army's armor gleamed coldly in the moonlight. Fifty Red