Novel Full Chapter 338: Vanguard
“Tomorrow, which of you two is willing to serve as the vanguard?”
Xiao Shi looked toward Xiao Mo and Xiao Yishe.
Xiao Yishe’s expression carried a hint of hesitation.
Although City Lord Xiahou Nan’s realm was only Golden Core, rumors said that even Nascent Soul realm martial generals could do nothing against him.
If he went as the vanguard, should something happen, he would truly lose his life!
“But…”
Xiao Yishe glanced at Xiao Mo beside him, then at his father. He felt that if he retreated at this moment, his image in his father’s heart would plummet.
“I am willing to serve as the vanguard.”
Just as Xiao Yishe could not make up his mind, Xiao Mo cupped his fists and said.
“Left General, judging from the spiritual power emanating from you, you should only be at the Dragon Gate realm, right?” asked General Huang, who wore an eyepatch.
“Dragon Gate realm perfection,” Xiao Mo answered.
“Ha ha ha? But that’s still Dragon Gate realm, isn’t it?” General Huang said with a laugh, “Left General, it’s not that this old man is saying anything, but young people can be spirited, but you must act within your capabilities. That Xiahou Nan is a martial arts prodigy of the Zhei Kingdom, an existence that can tear apart Nascent Soul realm cultivators across realms. If you go, Left General, isn’t that just seeking death?”
“This subordinate also believes it’s inappropriate,” said the general named Liu Xing, shaking his head. “The vanguard is too important. It affects the morale of the entire army in battle. It’s good that the Left General has courage, but this concerns the army, not an individual.”
“I say, Your Highness, you should still let me do it. Just have these two boys who haven’t even grown their hair yet stand aside,” said a general with a dark complexion and burly build.
Facing everyone’s doubts, Xiao Mo said nothing. His expression remained as calm as before, only waiting for Xiao Shi’s decision.
Xiao Shi waved his hand, and the generals gradually stopped their discussion.
Xiao Shi stared into Xiao Mo’s eyes, “Regarding Xiahou Nan’s situation, you know the general details. Do you still dare to serve as the vanguard?”
“This subordinate requests the order!” Xiao Mo said in a deep voice, his tone without the slightest waver.
“Good!” Xiao Shi nodded, “It’s decided then. Tomorrow, Left General Xiao Mo will serve as the vanguard. All generals, go rest well. Tomorrow we fight and flatten Bichui City!”
When Xiao Shi finished his last sentence, his gaze swept toward Xiao Yishe.
Xiao Yishe’s hair instantly stood on end, and cold sweat involuntarily appeared on his forehead.
“Yes!”
All the generals cupped their fists and responded.
Although in General Huang and the others’ eyes, they felt Xiao Mo was just going to his death but since the Prince had already decided, they just needed to follow military orders. There was no need to say anything more.
Xiao Mo and the others walked out of the command tent.
“Showing off, aren’t you? Trying to perform in front of Father, aren’t you? This man wants to see how you die at the city wall tomorrow!”
Xiao Yishe looked at Xiao Mo’s departing back, clenched his fists, snorted coldly, and turned to leave.
Returning to his own tent, Xiao Mo saw an unfamiliar yet familiar soldier wiping down the table.
“Xiao Gui?”
Xiao Mo called out tentatively.
The young soldier raised his head and looked at Xiao Mo. He was stunned for a moment, then his eyes gradually brightened as he said joyfully, “Brother Mo!”
“So it really is you,” Xiao Mo said with a smile as he walked forward. “I thought you looked so familiar. By the way, what are you doing here?”
“I don’t know either,” Xiao Gui also said with a smile. “Not long ago, the Thousand-Man Commander told me to become the deputy of a newly arrived general. I was wondering who it was, but it turned out to be you, Brother Mo!”
The more he spoke, the more excited Xiao Gui became, “Brother Mo, you’re quite famous now. Even I, in the Snow-Treading Dragon Cavalry, can hear about your reputation.”
“Reputation from a single song, what kind of proper reputation is that?”
Xiao Mo shook his head helplessly. However, regarding Xiao Gui becoming his deputy general, Xiao Mo was quite satisfied.
At least he was an acquaintance, which would make things easier for him.
Xiao Mo guessed this was probably his cheap father’s idea.
After chatting with Xiao Gui for a while, Xiao Mo learned that Xiao Gui was now a Hundred-Man Commander.
Becoming a Hundred-Man Commander in seven years in the army didn’t seem like much, but in the Snow-Treading Dragon Cavalry, it was different. It proved this kid was truly capable in his daily duties.
What pleased Xiao Mo most was that this kid got along well in the Snow-Treading Dragon Cavalry and knew quite a bit of military information.
For example, some deeds and personalities of General Huang and the others.
He even remembered the names of all the Thousand-Man Commanders clearly.
“Don’t you need to train normally, kid? How do you know everything about the army?” Xiao Mo asked.
“Heh heh heh,” Xiao Gui rubbed his nose. “My mother said that no matter where you are, there are always social relationships. So when I have nothing to do, I like to gather information about my superiors, like their preferences and such. What if it comes in handy someday?”
Xiao Mo patted his shoulder, “Don’t say, it really has come in handy. Go organize all the generals with the rank of Thousand-Man Commander and above into a document for me. No problem, right?”
“No problem, Brother Mo!” Xiao Gui nodded. “Oh right, Brother Mo, when will we march on the Zhei Kingdom?”
“Tomorrow,” Xiao Mo sat down in a chair, wiping his long spear.
“So it really is these next few days,” Xiao Gui poured Xiao Mo a cup of wine. “Then which general will serve as the vanguard tomorrow?”
Xiao Mo looked at Xiao Gui and said with a smile, “Me.”
The next morning, as the horn sounded, aside from the soldiers guarding the seven border cities of the Northern Frontier, the Northern Frontier army, totaling twenty-five thousand Snow-Treading Dragon Cavalry and six hundred thousand infantry, were ready to depart.
Below the city, whether horses or soldiers, all wore white armor.
The only difference was that the Snow-Treading Dragon Cavalry’s armor was mixed with dark iron.
All the soldiers stood motionless like sculptures, the military formation filled with blood qi.
On each of their faces was a pride unique to the Northern Frontier.
The kingdoms once said, “Of Qin Kingdom’s military strength totaling one dan, the Northern Frontier’ three provinces alone possess eight dou.”
Though this statement was not without the intention to sow discord but now, in Xiao Mo’s view, even if not eight dou, it was at least five or six.
And this expedition against the Zhei Kingdom could be said to be Qin Kingdom staking everything, a battle gambling on the nation’s fate.
Xiao Shi stood atop the city wall, surveying the entire army. His voice, amplified by spiritual power, spread across the wilderness, “My Northern Frontier army never slays nameless individuals and has never looked properly at small nations!
If we fight, we fight hard battles!
If we destroy, we destroy great nations!
The Zhei Kingdom has disturbed our borders and invaded our people. It has contended with our Qin Kingdom for hundreds of years.
Starting today, it should end!
As the sharp blade of our Qin Kingdom, what should you do!”
“Kill!”
“Kill!”
“Kill!”
The million-strong army shouted in unison, their voices shaking heaven and earth.
After three shouts, the million-strong army returned to silence once more, only those killing cries echoing between heaven and earth.
“Northern Frontier army! March forth!”
As Xiao Shi’s voice fell, the million-strong army moved in perfect unison, like a long spear pointing straight at Bichui City!
When the million-strong army arrived beneath Bichui City.
Bichui City Lord Xiahou Nan also led a seven-hundred-thousand-strong army, arrayed and waiting.
The two armies faced each other, the clash seemingly about to happen in an instant.
Xiahou Nan rode forward on his horse, holding two giant axes. He spat out a grass root and looked at Xiao Shi and the others, his eyes full of contempt.
On either side of Xiahou Nan stood two Immortal realm cultivators, and in the center of the army sat an Ascension realm cultivator overseeing everything!
Although Xiahou Nan was the city lord, his realm was not the highest.
This was common in the armies of various kingdoms. After all, most cultivators having high realms didn’t mean they could lead troops in battle.
Not to mention, the higher the military position, the more matters one had to handle, and for cultivators, that meant less time for cultivation.
Therefore, the realms of generals in various kingdoms generally weren’t too high, while high-realm cultivators were usually honored guests of kingdoms who would also accompany military expeditions. However, there were exceptions to everything.
For example, the realm of Northern Pacification Prince Xiao Shi was at Jade Simplicity realm perfection.
And for another example, this Xiahou Nan, though only about fifty years old, had already reached Golden Core realm perfection. Moreover, he was both brave and strategic, highly valued by the Zhei Kingdom’s court. His future ascension to the Upper Three Realms was almost a certainty.
“The Northern Pacification Prince comes with such imposing momentum, bringing a great army to attack. It’s truly frightening.”
Xiahou Nan looked at Xiao Shi. Not only was there no trace of fear in his expression, he even wanted to capture Xiao Shi alive and bring him back to court.
“Xiahou Nan, the Zhei Kingdom’s court is now corrupt, treacherous officials hold power, the people suffer unspeakably, and its fate is exhausted. Why must you risk your life for them? This Prince recognizes you as a talented commander. If you surrender to our Qin Kingdom, the Zhei Kingdom’s territory will be your fief in the future.”
Xiao Shi tried to persuade Xiahou Nan to surrender, his tone quite sincere.
“Ha ha ha, the Prince speaks well,” Xiahou Nan stepped one foot on his horse’s back and took a sip of wine. “How about this instead? If the Prince submits to my Zhei Kingdom, with the Prince commanding heavy troops and our Zhei Kingdom’s support, the future Qin Kingdom’s ruler could be the Prince! Wouldn’t that be wonderful?”
Xiao Shi shook his head, “It seems there’s nothing to discuss then.”
“If there were something to discuss, would our two armies’ million soldiers be here playing house?” Xiahou Nan sneered. “The Prince is over a hundred years old. How can you still be as childish as a little boy?”
Facing the other’s mockery, Xiao Shi didn’t take it to heart. Instead, he said to those around him, “Since General Xiahou doesn’t appreciate the offer, which general will go meet General Xiahou?”
Xiao Mo held his spear and saluted, “This subordinate wishes to experience General Xiahou’s twin axes!”
Xiao Shi smiled, “Good. Then you must let General Xiahou have his fill of excitement.”
“Yes!”
Xiao Mo held a snow-white long spear, wore silver-white dragon armor, and rode forward on his snow-treading horse toward the front lines.
“Tsk tsk tsk,” Xiahou Nan looked at Xiao Mo and clicked his tongue a few times. “You pretty boy are weak and feeble like a scholar, but you do look quite good. State your name.”
“Left General, Xiao Mo.”
“Xiao Mo? So you’re that Frost Prince. But your realm is too low. This lord won’t even enjoy killing you. Get lost and send someone else!”
Xiahou Nan shook his head disappointedly.
“No need to change. Killing you is sufficient,” Xiao Mo’s voice spread throughout the military formation.
“Interesting. After destroying one Zhei Kingdom, you really think you’re invincible?” Xiahou Nan asked those around him, “But since the Frost Prince has said so, which general will go meet him?”
“This subordinate is willing to go,” a bearded brute rode forward and licked his lips. “This Frost Prince really is good-looking. After this subordinate captures him alive, I’ll take good care of him in my tent.”
“That’s fine, but don’t break him. The noblewomen in Zhei Kingdom’s imperial capital are all quite fond of Xiao Mo. Later we’ll have to send him for those noblewomen to play with.”
“City Lord, rest assured.” The bearded brute spurred his horse forward, holding a long blade as he charged, “I am Li Heilong of Shanhe County. Xiao Mo, stick out your ass!”
“It seems I’ll have to wear a mask from now on.”
Xiao Mo shook his head and sighed, speaking to himself then, Xiao Mo gripped his long spear tightly and galloped forward to kill.
The moment Xiao Mo thrust his spear, Li Heilong instantly sensed something was wrong.
This person’s spear technique was definitely not simple.
In less than three exchanges, Xiao Mo pierced Li Heilong’s throat with one spear thrust.
Xiao Mo casually slashed, severing his head, impaled it on his long spear, and flung it before Xiahou Nan. He slowly said, “Next.”
“Boy, don’t be so arrogant! This old man will meet you!”
The next moment, a general wielding a meteor hammer charged forward.
Xiao Mo engaged in battle once more.
After five exchanges, Xiao Mo pierced his heart with one spear thrust.
“Excellent!”
After Xiao Mo consecutively killed two of the enemy’s Dragon Gate realm perfection generals, the generals of the Snow-Treading Dragon Cavalry cheered.
At first, they were worried Xiao Mo was all show and no substance, just a façade but who knew, Xiao Mo slaughtered those of the same realm like chickens and dogs!
“Does the Zhei Kingdom truly have no one left? Can someone give me a proper fight?” Xiao Mo mocked.
“I’ll go!”
A Golden Core realm sword cultivator charged forward and fought Xiao Mo but after thirty exchanges, this sword cultivator was also slain beneath his horse by Xiao Mo.
Moreover, Xiao Mo held his long spear and, single-handedly, charged directly toward the enemy’s million-strong army!
“Good courage! Come, come, come!”
Xiahou Nan no longer underestimated Xiao Mo. Holding his giant axes, he engaged Xiao Mo in combat.
The cultivation method Xiahou Nan practiced was called “Mountain-Splitting Axe.” It emphasized wide, sweeping strikes, each blow carrying force like a mountain, forcefully trying to smash Xiao Mo into meat paste.
He originally thought Xiao Mo would avoid his momentum but instead, Xiao Mo neither dodged nor evaded, taking all attacks head-on. Moreover, the long spear in his hand changed unpredictably, mixed with violent thunder that rumbled continuously.
“God-Slaying Spear? You’re that senior’s disciple?” After fifty exchanges, Xiahou Nan finally recognized the opponent’s spear technique.
Xiao Mo didn’t answer. He leaped into the air, and a bolt of thunder struck down from above, condensing into the long spear in Xiao Mo’s hand.
The long spear’s brilliance intensified, extending several zhang from both ends.
Xiao Mo hurled the spear. The long spear transformed into a thunderous beam of light, pointing straight at Xiahou Nan.
Xiahou Nan knew he couldn’t dodge in time. He mobilized all his spiritual power and struck with one axe.
“Boom!”
A tremendous sound erupted from between the two army formations, raising dust several zhang high.
As the dust settled, the long spear flew back and landed in Xiao Mo’s hand.
Xiahou Nan coughed up blood and fell from his horse.
Xiao Mo reversed his long spear and thrust downward like a thunder dragon plunging into the sea, pointing straight at his brow.
At this critical moment, a Zhei Kingdom Immortal realm cultivator threw out a Mountain-Flipping Seal, covering Xiao Mo, wanting to kill this young genius!
Otherwise, once he grew up, he would become a great threat!
“The older you get, the more shameless you become indeed!”
Xiao Shi, who had been prepared all along, snorted coldly. He flew out and blocked in front of Xiao Mo, pointing his spear straight at the Mountain-Flipping Seal and heavily slammed it to the ground.
“Kill!”
With Xiao Shi’s command and a forward point.
The Snow-Treading Dragon Cavalry charged forth, and the Northern Frontier million-strong army, with soaring morale, surged forward to kill.
The two armies’ blades met.