The earth seemed to tremble without cease. Watching the tide closing in around them like an ocean, the Zhou Army's soldiers wore expressions of utter shock. "The Shang Army? How could the Shang Army-"
Ji Fa's expression was grave as well. According to the intelligence Ji Gao had brought out, King Zhou's plan should have been to draw their attention with Lu Xiong's main Western Expedition force, then catch them off guard with armies advancing from the north and south. But he had already wiped out the northern Shang Army and taken countless prisoners, while the southern force had most likely been intercepted and slaughtered. Where, then, had this unexpected army come from?
Ji Fa had considered the Four Generals of the Mo Family at Jiameng Pass, but Jiang Ziya had previously told him not to worry about those four. That left him even more at a loss. Still, since they were here, he would face them calmly. The two armies had already met; all that remained was to fight.
The Shang Army drew closer and closer, unfurling its banners. Soldiers in all manner of armor packed the slopes in dense layers, encircling the mountain who knew how many times.
Directly below Ji Fa stood several enormous Dark Phoenix banners. Beneath one of them, Zhang Guifang sat astride the Silver-Maned Horse, wearing a silver helmet with phoenix-wing ornaments and linked armor. Coiled dragons showed faintly along the edging of his white robe, and a belt inlaid with eight treasures and mutton-fat jade girded his waist. With the Pestle Spear in hand, he cut a truly imposing figure.
Beside him stood Fang Xiang and Fang Bi, towering like two door gods. Every armored soldier behind them wore excellent equipment and looked full of vigor.
Ji Fa had keen eyesight. Even from