The casualties on both sides show that Huo Qubing's army was powerful, with more than 300,000 men, and could have easily annexed an army of 100,000 without paying a heavy price.
In the vast land of the West, it was impossible for Frostwest to hold onto one place and abandon other places from the beginning, which gave Huo Qubing an opportunity!
One hundred thousand perished!
Another 100,000 perished!
After a few such attacks, even a large army couldn't withstand it.
He couldn't help but say bitterly, "If we had sent a million-strong army to intercept Huo Qubing from the beginning, even if the enemy could fly, they wouldn't have been able to break in so quickly."
"In this situation, Frostwest has been tricked, and we're in big trouble."
This was a clever strategy. Because the territory of Frostwest was too large and the troops were scattered, it gave Huo Qubing a good opportunity, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
If Huo Qubing were to directly confront the million-strong army of Frostwest, it would take at least several months, if not several years, to win the battle.
However, his 300,000-strong army formed a sharp arrowhead, tightly packed together, easily piercing through the western defenses of Frostwest.
The principle is simple: just like ten chopsticks put together, they are not easily broken.
However, if you break ten chopsticks apart, it's much simpler, practically the easiest thing in the world.
Huo Qubing was just like that; he caught Frostwest off guard with lightning speed, achieving a classic victory by breaking through a small area and defeating a large number of enemies with a small one!
By the time Frostwest realized what was happening, it was too late, because Huo Qubing had already exhausted Frostwest's western forces, and the remaining men could no longer stop him.
"Ah, who would have thought Huo Qubing would be so audacious!" Aili sighed bitterly.
Huo Qubing's surprise attack was remarkable because no one believed he would do such a thing, but he did it anyway, catching Frostwest completely off guard.
Although the exact extent of the Western losses is unknown, the number of casualties is certainly not low; otherwise, there wouldn't be so many refugees and routed soldiers.
He took a deep breath, just about to speak, when he suddenly heard a sound like muffled thunder in the distance, which immediately changed his expression.
"Oh no, the enemy is here!"
Although he was inland, he knew that the sound was the thunder of warhorses, which meant the enemy was attacking.
enemy?
The surrounding soldiers' expressions changed drastically, and they couldn't help but panic.
Compared to the border regions, they have never experienced much war, let alone encountered such a scene of thousands of horses galloping, especially such a ferocious force.
"Don't panic!"
At the critical moment, Aili stepped up and stabilized the situation.
He gritted his teeth and said, "Quickly send someone to inform His Majesty. The rest of you, follow me to hold off the enemy. We must not let them advance unimpeded. His Majesty must do everything in his power!"
Frostwest cannot afford to suffer another major loss, allowing the enemy to break through one by one. If we are to fight, we must go all out to annihilate them.
After saying this, he led his troops of less than five thousand men to block the way, quietly waiting for Huo Qubing's arrival.
As Huo Qubing drew closer, his expression grew increasingly grim.
Wow!
Upon seeing the name on the enemy's flag, Aili's heart sank; it was indeed Huo Qubing who had arrived.
He glanced at the enemy's formation and his heart sank. He knew that even if he had 30,000 men, he couldn't withstand such a force, let alone his own 3,000.
Huh?
Huo Qubing fought his way through the enemy lines, and those who initially resisted eventually fled at the mere sight of him.
Seeing that someone had actually stepped forward, he couldn't help but be somewhat surprised. This guy, with over three thousand men, actually dared to stop him; that was truly commendable courage.
This person is blocking the way; he's prepared to die for his country!
"I am Huo Qubing of the Great Han!"
I've heard that a Frostwest is in power in Frostwest lives miserable. He even killed his own father, making him worse than a beast.
This time, I, Huo, only wish to kill this beast. If you know what's good for you, disperse immediately! Considering your loyalty, I, the general, will spare your lives.
Otherwise, kill without mercy!
Although the two sides were enemies, he had some appreciation for such a loyal and virtuous person, so he didn't mind giving him a chance.
"Thank you for your kind offer, General Huo, but we are each serving our own masters. You should make the move!" Aili smiled wryly, but was not moved and directly declined Huo Qubing's offer.
As a soldier, he wasn't afraid of death. If he was going to die fighting for the people, then so be it.
Even if he couldn't defeat the opponent, he wanted to buy some time for them to find a way to stop Huo Qubing. He considered himself to have done his best.
Why!
Huo Qubing shook his head, a hint of regret flashing in his eyes, and sighed, "Commendable courage, but alas, it's like a mantis trying to stop a chariot—utterly overestimating one's own strength!"
The next moment, he gripped the reins and charged forward, heading straight for the other party.
With a mere blink, he blocked the opponent's attack with his spear, then with a twist of the spear, he severed the opponent's throat.
He sighed, "You might have been a valiant general, but you are too young; your fate is sealed!"
"You..."
The latter clutched at the gushing blood, staring at Huo Qubing in disbelief, before finally collapsing from his horse and dying instantly.
He felt incredibly bitter; you don't seem to be any older than me.
Unfortunately, he could no longer speak. Even the thousands of men behind him were annihilated by the Feathered Forest Army. Not a single one chose to surrender, leaving behind a field of corpses that bore witness to their loyalty and bravery.
Huo Qubing glanced at him and sighed, "Let him be given a proper burial. A general who fought for his country is a man worthy of respect!"
"Yes!"
A Si stepped forward and decided to personally make the arrangements to give this man some dignity.
The fact that the other side dared to stand up when the odds were so stacked against them is truly admirable; they are a true warrior. Even as an enemy, one has great respect for such a loyal and courageous person.
The surrounding villagers, seeing the corpses scattered on the ground, were filled with despair.
Even the army couldn't do anything to Huo Qubing, let alone them. They didn't even have the right to stop him; the gap between the two sides was simply too great, and they could only watch Huo Qubing advance.
Their only consolation was that Huo Qubing hadn't attacked them.
However, looking at Huo Qubing's large army, these people were filled with confusion. What should they do?
Huo Qubing stormed deep into enemy territory!
The news spread quickly, reaching Tiele City at an astonishing speed, which infuriated Ashina Tiandu, who was in the palace.
"What? Huo Qubing has already attacked? What about Aksu's million-strong army?" Ashina Tiandu felt it was all absurd and found it hard to accept.
The entire West has an army of over a million. Even if Huo Qubing is incredibly powerful, Aksu should be able to hold them off.