Night had deepened. Muggy moisture filled the air like a veil of mist. Apart from a faint glimmer of starlight, only the torches lit by the soldiers above and below the pass provided any light.
Cries of battle rose. The Zhou Army's generals, who had retreated to Sishui Pass after their failed raid on the camp, stood ready for battle.
"How many troops are there?"
On the pass wall, Ji Fa stood in full armor, watching the proud, imposing ranks of the Shang Army below. There was some worry on his face, but far more composure.
Although the failed night raid had allowed the Shang Army to rally, they had made preparations well in advance. Holding Sishui Pass should not have been particularly difficult.
Nangong Shi swept his gaze around and frowned. "Your Majesty, Your Humble Servant believes the Shang Army has emptied its nest this time and committed every soldier. Even Yin Pobai has come with the Royal Guards."
Far more Shang troops had come to assault the pass than expected, as though victory or defeat would be decided in this single battle. He could not understand what had the Shang Army in such a hurry.
Ji Fa pondered aloud, "The Royal Guards... the Three Hundred Royal Guards protect King Zhou at his side, never leaving him for a moment. Yet Lu Xiong is commanding the battle below, which means King Zhou is still in camp, and the camp is lightly defended. If we were to act now..."
Nangong Shi's expression shifted. News had already returned that the second night raid had failed and the entire force had been wiped out. He had spent a long time blaming himself, but now it seemed that if he had held troops in readiness and waited until the Shang Army counterattacked before