Chapter 116: Flanking Maneuver: Yu Wenrong’s Decision

The snowfall grew heavier by the minute. What started as delicate flakes now danced wildly like willow catkins in the storm.

A few dozen miles outside Yingchun City, two figures trudged through the blizzard, leaning on each other for support. Their clothes were stained with blood, their faces smeared with mud and crimson streaks, hair disheveled and wild.

Their eyes were bloodshot, faces etched with panic. Lips pale and trembling, these two were none other than Moran and Muyan, fleeing in desperation.

They exchanged a glance and forced a bitter smile, a mix of resignation and helplessness. Both knew their bodies were pushed beyond endurance, each step a defiance of death itself.

Suddenly, they stopped. Tilting their heads back, they let out a long, anguished howl into the snowy sky.

Moran’s voice broke with anguish. “Hahaha, to fall in the same trap twice! It’s my fault our warriors are gone.”

“My foolish decision led them to their eternal rest here. I’m a sinner, unworthy of the king’s trust!”

Muyan managed a weak, bitter laugh. “No, Moran, we did all we could. Our king will understand. Hahaha…”

As the words left his lips, their bodies swayed dangerously. The light in their eyes seemed to flicker out.

Their legs turned to jelly, limbs splaying as they slowly collapsed backward, as if bidding a final farewell to this cruel world.

They fell into the thick, pristine snow, gazing one last time at the oppressive gray sky. A faint smile tugged at their lips before their eyes shut heavily.

Snowflakes quickly blanketed their forms, erasing their footprints and swallowing them into the endless white expanse.

………………

Meanwhile, in Yingchun City.

The blizzard raged on, burying the bodies of fallen citizens and soldiers under a thick layer of snow.

Bruce stood with a furrowed brow, staring out at the storm. He paced restlessly, slapping his hands together in frustration.

“Ugh, it’s been days! How can there be no word from Marshal Moran or Muyan? Even if they couldn’t take the city, we should’ve heard something by now!”

Gritting his teeth, Bruce’s expression darkened. He spun around and grabbed the sharp axe resting nearby. “Someone, gather the troops! We’re leaving Yingchun City!”

A guard entered, saluting before looking at Bruce with alarm. “General Bruce, didn’t the marshals order us to hold Yingchun City? Why are we abandoning it?”

Bruce barked angrily. “Don’t waste my time with nonsense! I know the orders! But with both marshals leading our forces to Vast Sea City and no news since, I fear the worst. We can’t delay any longer—move!”

A murderous aura radiated from Bruce as he stepped forward, slinging the axe across his back.

The guard’s face paled in shock. “Understood, General Bruce! I’ll arrange it immediately!”

The guard scrambled out, quickly organizing the disarrayed Demon Race army into orderly ranks.

Defying orders, Bruce led the remaining hundred thousand elite troops, abandoning the city to reinforce Moran and his forces. This formidable Demon Race army marched boldly into the blizzard.

………………

Elsewhere, in Heavenfire City.

The snowfall had eased, shifting from sparse flakes to a fine drizzle of icy rain.

Thin as cow hair, sharp as flower needles, the rain wove diagonally through the air, bringing a unique freshness and calm to the city.

People on the streets unfurled colorful umbrellas, their vibrant hues standing out against the snowy backdrop like blooming flowers.

Snowflakes pattered softly on the umbrellas, creating a gentle ‘shh’ sound, as if composing a beautiful melody for the city.

The post-snow air felt crisp and cool, refreshing the spirit with every breath, as if it could seep into every corner of the body, bringing comfort and ease.

A deep inhale of that clean air seemed to wash away all weariness, leaving behind a sense of pure relaxation.

The melting snow made the roads slick, and a careless step could send someone tumbling.

Yet this didn’t dampen anyone’s mood. Instead, people walked with extra caution, savoring the serene beauty of the snow-draped city.

Inside the meeting hall of the City Lord’s Mansion, the room was packed. As one report after another came in, sighs and downcast expressions filled the space.

Learning of Yingchun City’s devastating loss struck everyone hard, a bitter pain they could do nothing about.

Thankfully, Vast Sea City and Sky Sword City had suffered only minor damages and remained secure, offering a sliver of solace.

But when spies returned with news of Bruce abandoning Yingchun City, brows furrowed in mixed emotions.

There was joy in reclaiming a city without losing a single soldier or wasting time on a siege.

Yet worry gnawed at them. They had no clue about Bruce’s next move. Would he retreat to the Demon Domain?

Or would he push deeper into their territory, perhaps even launching a direct assault on the last two cities?

Fan Pei let out a heavy sigh. “Alas, we have no idea where these Demon Race forces are headed after leaving. The cost of their actions could be something our Human Race cannot bear.”

Yu Wenrong stood abruptly, slamming a hand on the table before him. His voice boomed like thunder. “Why dwell on doubts? We’ll strike to advance and defend by retreating. Send three hundred thousand troops to Yingchun City to block any Demon Race counterattack.”

“As for Sky Sword City, its distance and treacherous terrain make it an unlikely retreat path for them. We can ignore it for now.”

“Next, dispatch six hundred thousand vanguard troops to Vast Sea City for a flanking maneuver, cutting off the Demon Race’s escape route!”

“And here in Heavenfire City, we’ll station a hundred thousand to hold the fort. No more delays—move out now!”

Under Yu Wenrong’s command, nine hundred thousand ironclad cavalry decisively departed Heavenfire City, splitting into two forces bound for Vast Sea City and Yingchun City.

As the heavy city gates groaned open, a wave of overwhelming momentum swept outward.

Nine hundred thousand cavalry stood in perfect formation at the gate, awaiting Yu Wenrong’s orders.

Clad in black armor, they gripped long spears with unwavering resolve. Their stern faces and piercing gazes radiated an unbreakable strength.

With a resounding horn blast from Yu Wenrong, the nine hundred thousand cavalry charged out like tigers descending a mountain, galloping fiercely forward.

The thunder of hooves echoed through the heavens, the ground trembling beneath their might.

Their speed was staggering, sweeping past like a gust of wind, kicking up clouds of dust in their wake.

Flanking the cavalry, countless banners and drums roared in the wind, their vibrant clamor boosting the morale of the massive army.

Soldiers belted out war songs, their voices bold and stirring, as if shaking the very earth and sky.

Behind the nine hundred thousand cavalry loomed the towering silhouette of Heavenfire City, its high walls and sealed gates a steadfast sentinel.

Led by Yu Wenrong, Fan Pei, and other Human Race commanders, the army split into two paths, resembling twin black dragons snaking across the land.

Their destination lay on distant battlefields, where countless enemies awaited. They feared no death.

With the spears in their hands, they would crush the Demon Race invaders, defend their nation’s honor, and safeguard their people’s safety.

This was a monumental war, the first clash between two races. Its outcome would shape the future of humanity.