The Self-Defense Army guarding Firmament City numbered fifty thousand-not a vast force, but hardly a small one. Even under the frenzied attacks of Ouyang Mingyue's hundred and fifty thousand troops, they defended in good order, neither panicking nor faltering. As the fighting wore on, however, the Cangling Army's vanguard repeatedly showed signs of retreating, only to be forced back by the Discipline Squad.
Only after four that afternoon, following one plea after another, did Ouyang Mingyue finally have to order a withdrawal.
The Cangling Army retreated like the tide. The sun gradually sank beneath the horizon, and in its dying light, the battered walls were stained red, countless bodies piled beneath them.
When they failed to take the city on the first day, they returned on the second.
On the second day, they were still held at the battlements and the breaches.
Ouyang Mingyue did not give up. On the third day, she attacked again. The Cangling Army nearly broke into the city, but in the end, they were driven out once more. Only after five straight days of such tireless assaults did they have to stop temporarily to rest and regroup.
Thus, the Cangling Army's main force entered a standoff with the Self-Defense Army at Firmament City. Throughout this, Situ Long remained unaware and even sent men to urge Ouyang Mingyue to deploy her troops.
As for the result...
When Military Strategist Wang hurried to the site of Ouyang Mingyue's original camp, he discovered that it was gone!
Gone?
Exactly. That was what Military Strategist Wang told Situ Long and Han Wei when he hurried back.
An enraged Situ Long entered Han Wei's tent to see him, accompanied by Military Strategist Wang. Han Wei dismissed his attendants. The Personal Guard Army stood watch outside; not even a fly could