Chapter 522 266: True Dragon

Time flies by quickly, and in the blink of an eye, several years have passed.

Along both banks of the Qinhuai River, military forces confront each other, tensions escalating further.

Inside the military camp, in front of the sand table, the generals gather to simulate war tactics.

Song Yu is among them, clad in Bright Armor, appearing heroic and full of military prowess.

Years have passed, and he has come of age. After graduating smoothly from Huangshan Academy, he chose to enlist in the army. Due to his excellent performance at Huangshan Academy and his outstanding display at the Bright Spirit Grand Ceremony, he started as a military officer and is now an Assistant General of a battalion.

He's not alone; most of the leaders in this battalion are also young.

The reason is no secret. Since the 'Divine Phenomenon' in the Southern Lands years ago, everyone knew that the stalemate between the north and south would soon change or even reach a conclusion.

Thus, each family made moves to send their young members into the army, seizing the last chance to build their reputations.

The Song Clan is no exception. Although being a royal family, they still need achievements to win over the masses. Hence, Song Yu and other promising talents, on whom great hopes are pinned, are all serving as generals in the army, secretly competing against other families.

Yes, competition!

Wherever there are people, there's Jianghu, factions, and competition; it's human nature.

The Zhou Dynasty is no exception. Whether it's the three major royal families of Song, Li, and Ye, or the Duke and Marquis Families like Lu, Huang, and Zhu, or even some rising stars from the Four Southern States, they all compete fiercely with each other.

There's no way around it. People's aspirations and gods' desires are complicated by earthly achievements, affecting development in the Underworld and involving important matters like Divine Position and power, with interests intertwined on all fronts. How could the families not contest?

But despite the competition, with the Deities above and laws as boundaries, they can't cross the line, so the families must vie for merits, unable to factionally fight against each other, and the competition remains largely healthy, without devolving into a harmful party rivalry.

Though there are many young talents, Song Yu stands out among them, combining the innate nobility and military authority into an extraordinary presence that commands respect and admiration with every gesture.

Thus, at this moment, he is the focal point in the tent, with numerous young leaders surrounding him like the stars encircling the moon, including tribe members from the Song Clan, academy classmates, and offspring from various noble families, forming a vibrant and harmonious group centered around him.

At this moment...

"The general commands!"

A messenger enters the camp, and everyone's eyes sharpen before leaving the sand table.

The messenger wastes no words: "Seventh Grade and above officers, proceed to the great camp for a meeting!"

With this order given, everyone exchanged glances, seeing the fire in each other's eyes.

Is it finally happening?

...

Days later, at Bailong Pass.

The north-south standoff has lasted a century, with numerous fortresses and camps built along the Qinhuai River, and Bailong Pass is one of them.

Now inside the pass, the military is in strict order, and a middle-aged general stands at the high platform: "Today is the day we sacrifice ourselves for the nation, accomplish great deeds, and attack north against the Pseudo-dynasty!"

"Victory, victory!!!"

The troops shout loudly, shaking the earth and causing the entire Bailong Pass to tremble.

Song Yu is among them, his expression unchanged, but deep in his eyes, a spark flickers.

The young officers crave merit.

He is no different. Although he is a direct descendant of the Song Clan, with a bright future ahead and high positions even without military achievements, for some reason, he still has a strong yearning for military affairs, an indescribable desire.

A man born in chaotic times should wield a sword and achieve unparalleled feats!

Today is the day for him to make a name for himself.

Northward campaign, northward campaign!

The army exits the pass, boards ships to advance north, heading straight to the enemy camp on the northern shore.

The enemy, noticing the change, immediately ignites the beacon fires, preparing for defense.

Subsequently, the two armies clash, the sounds of battle echoing to the heavens.

Bailong is like this, and the other passes are much the same.

Great Zhou moves its troops, launching a comprehensive northward campaign, setting the Qinhuai, initially a boundary between two countries, ablaze with warfare, making every city, pass, camp, and fortress along the Qinhuai battle line enter a sharp conflict.

And so, after days...

Along the northern banks of the Qinhuai River, in Baisha County.

Amidst a dense forest, Song Yu spreads out a map, accompanied by only a few young leaders and dozens of personal troops from the same camp.

"That Huo Wei has been building up for a century, though it can't compare to our Great Zhou, they've invested heavily, and the Baisha Pass ahead is a fortified city. A frontal assault would be too costly, requiring a cunning strategy to break the pass."

"Although we've infiltrated behind enemy lines, cutting off supply routes, we still cannot capture Baisha Pass."

"Baisha Pass has been constructed for years, and there is considerable stored grain within, enough to sustain for at least three months!"

"How can we break the pass?"

Several deputies speak, yet all are helpless.

Days ago, the main army at Bailong Pass advanced north to attack Baisha Pass, but this pass, built over many years, has high walls and solid defenses, and even though Great Zhou's military prowess is sharp, it has been difficult to conquer immediately.

At that time, Song Yu volunteered, leading over a hundred personal troops to cross mountains and infiltrate Baisha County behind Baisha Pass to seek an opportunity to breach it.

Now, although they've successfully infiltrated, they haven't made much progress, only managing to harass and cut off the rear supplies.

Supplies are the lifeblood of an army, but Baisha Pass has stockpiled provisions over time, which can support several months, even if future supplies are cut off.

In several months, with Great Zhou's military prowess, can Baisha Pass hold for several months?

For fear that before the depletion of supplies, the pass might already be breached.

By then, what place can this surprise force find itself in? It's likely to become a laughingstock in the army.

Thinking of this, the generals are helpless and can only turn to Song Yu.

Song Yu remains silent for a long time before finally speaking: "We will disguise ourselves as a supply convoy, infiltrate the pass, and then coordinate inside and out."