Following Luzi and Xiao Yu'er in the Guard, he laughed and chatted, showing no trace of the danger they had just faced. He didn't want anyone to worry about him, as this was the experience of life and death on the battlefield.
Those who were fortunate enough to survive did not feel any relief, for they still had to face the bloody slaughter that could end at any moment. Perhaps in just a turn of the head, one could be separated from life forever.
Some might say that one should talk more while they can. Once that moment comes, there may be no chance to speak at all. However, that is not entirely true; those who have truly experienced the trials of life and death and survived the battlefield will tell you that from the moment you decide to step onto the battlefield, you have already died!
Whether it is a death of the heart or living like a walking corpse is now uncertain. His heart has been destined to be sealed there since then, never to leave...
Facing the reassembled Qin Army's Arrow Formation, courage and faith faced their greatest test. As blood stained the earth, the Zhao Army continued their relentless plan to capture Tiger Back Ridge.
When Zhao Kuo hurriedly ordered the entire army to retreat from the battlefield, the generals who had made great sacrifices could not help but burst into tears. So many familiar faces would never be seen again, and there would be no opportunity for revenge!
Zhao Kuo told the generals that this was only the beginning of the Shangdang Campaign. A temporary retreat was necessary to gain a greater victory; they not only had to avenge their fallen brothers but also completely annihilate the Qin Army within Shangdang. The Zhao and Qin armies would eventually determine victory or defeat, but now was not the time.
As the main force of the besieging Zhao Army retreated, the Qin Garrison felt an immediate reduction in pressure, even lacking the strength to pursue. Under repeated assaults from the undaunted Zhao Army, the Qin Army paid a considerable price just to maintain their formation without collapsing entirely.
Wang Jian had previously told all defending troops while inspecting various battalions that if any position was captured by the Zhao Army, it would lead to total annihilation. How could one prove their existence? By being like a wedge that secures a wheel, ensuring that this Chariot can continue moving forward until victory day arrives. And you are that wedge! Let us achieve our most advantageous fulcrum!
What is a wedge? It is, of course, the courage fixed on an axle that will never leave!
Upon hearing news of the Zhao Army's retreat, Wang Jian secretly rejoiced as he led his generals up Tiger Back Ridge to survey the entire battlefield. A chilling atmosphere made everything appear desolate, leaving no sense of vitality in sight. If it weren't for the thick smoke rising from their positions recounting past events, one might not even feel that just moments ago over a hundred thousand people were fighting fiercely in this place.
"General! Look over there!"
Following the direction pointed by Fang Tianhua, Wang Jian focused his gaze. He saw a contingent of Qin Army troops slowly winding out from the valley, their black armor forming a line that resembled a giant black serpent suddenly emerging. The gleaming weapons reflected light like the scales of the serpent.
As the flag-waving troops approached Tiger Back Ridge along the mountain path, the observing soldiers suddenly erupted into cheers. This was because on the Great Banner of the approaching formation, there was a large character for "White" embroidered.
Wang Jian hurriedly led the generals down the mountain to greet the Defensive Formation, and they all jumped off their horses and knelt to welcome the tardy Commander Wuan Jun. "This subordinate, Wang Jian, along with Fang Tianhua, Yang Guang, Zhang Youde, Jiang Tai... respectfully welcomes Grand Commander back to camp!"
The vanguard of the halted troops parted to allow Bai Qi, the Commander of the Qin Army, who was riding a white horse, to pass through. Bai Qi did not respond but instead looked up at the battlefield engulfed in flames. The drifting ashes carried a heavy scent of blood, as if spring had long been forgotten on this repeatedly plowed ground.
Bai Qi intentionally or unintentionally glanced at Xiao Yu'er and then at Luzi, who was slightly behind him. "General Lu! This is the battlefield! The best place to measure courage and determination! Any slight hesitation will lead to failure. It never considers how much you have sacrificed for it; in its eyes, such sacrifices are utterly insignificant!"
Luzi turned to look at Xiao Yu'er in full battle gear and then smiled and nodded at Bai Qi. "What Grand Commander says is absolutely correct! Just as Grand Commander mentioned earlier, how to achieve victory is what truly matters. Nothing more!"
Bai Qi did not wish to dwell on this topic any longer and smiled noncommittally. He rode out of the troops and then jumped down from his horse to help Wang Jian up. He then signaled for the generals not to be overly courteous and to rise, though he sighed for some unknown reason.
"Thank you for your hard work, generals! Alas! You risk your lives on the front lines while I enjoy peace in the rear. I truly feel sorry for everyone!"
Upon hearing their Commander speak this way, all the surrounding generals and soldiers knelt on the ground. They responded loudly: "Even if we die in battle, we cannot repay Your Majesty's kindness! We only follow Your Majesty's lead; our hearts are as clear as heaven and earth!"
Wang Jian had been in the army longer than Luzi, so he recited this phrase without missing a word. Luzi reached out and pulled Xiao Yu'er, who stood there lost in thought, down to kneel beside him. The two of them followed the generals in echoing their words.
The saying "A person's name brings forth their shadow" holds true here. Sitting atop the Warring States military ranking is Bai Qi, who was not someone who gained fame through money or flattery. Whether in Qin State or among various Feudal States, once his name was mentioned, one could feel a chill down their spine. Moreover, it was only safe to speak of him during the day; mentioning him at night was forbidden. His name was well-known in Han State and could even cure children’s nighttime crying.
If one were to say that the previous Qin Army Commander was Wang He, then in the minds of the soldiers it was merely about obeying Royal Decree. However, with Bai Qi entering the war zone and officially raising the Great Banner now, it undoubtedly served as a stabilizing force for both armies involved in this conflict against Qin Zhao.
For the Qin Army, he is the embodiment of victory. For the Zhao Army and Commander Zhao Kuo, he is a hellish messenger sent from the Underworld to the mortal realm.
Luzi truly understands what it means for morale to be directed; he can deeply feel it from the atmosphere surrounding him. This is not something that can be easily inspired by mere words. Having led over a hundred thousand troops of the Qin Army, he knows this all too well. Perhaps aside from Bai Qi, there is no one else in the world today.
Looking at Bai Qi's somewhat lonely figure, Luzi suddenly comprehends something that has troubled him for many years.
Why does Fan Ju in the court hold such disdain for Bai Qi, while King Zhao of Qin insists on retaining Wuan Jun's military position? Even if temporarily sidelined, Bai Qi's position has always been preserved for him. This is because King Zhao of Qin recognizes talent and knows that when the Qin State needs it most, Bai Qi will always step up to save the day!
With this answer emerging, Luzi feels as if a sharp needle has pierced his heart.
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