Chapter 416: Directly Pointing at Wudu County
Chapter 416: Directly Pointing at Wudu County
September 25, 2017
As Lu Hai Kong organized and led his troops, they made their way to Xianyang, taking three days to finally arrive with their forces.
By this time, Xianyang had become a massive military base, with hardly any civilians left in the area.
Upon reaching Xianyang, Lu Hai Kong immediately handed over the command of his thirty thousand temporary troops to Gao Shun. These hastily assembled soldiers were not ready for immediate battle and were primarily tasked with logistical support.
However, Lu Hai Kong gathered all the Outsiders among the troops, as these individuals were valuable additions to the fighting force, and he saw no reason not to utilize them.
After a brief handover of the troops, Lu Hai Kong began to inquire about the current situation.
Inside the Xianyang County Government Office, several of Lu Hai Kong's trusted generals, were gathered: Dian Wei, the protector of Lu Hai Kong; Zhao Gang, leader of the Hei Feng Legion; Gao Shun, commander of the Formation Army; and Cheng Lian and Ma Han, Gao Shun's deputies.
"How are things?" Lu Hai Kong asked.
"Not good," Zhao Gang replied. "Jiuyuan County has been under attack for several days now, and military supplies are running low. We won't be able to hold out for much longer."
Zhao Gang, responsible for reconnaissance, stood up promptly after Lu Hai Kong's inquiry.
"Additionally, it seems the WuXian Tribes are facing issues with food supplies, or perhaps they set out with inadequate provisions. Up until now, they've been relying on the resources in Wuyuan Prefecture, but with nearly four hundred thousand troops, the food reserves in the counties of Wuyuan Prefecture will be depleted within the next ten days. Recently, they seem to have changed their strategy. On one hand, they're intensifying their assault on Jiuyuan County, and on the other, they appear to be splitting their forces, possibly aiming to capture a county for resupply."
Lu Hai Kong's brows furrowed at this news. "How many troops are they dividing, and what are their movements and targets?"
"The number of divided troops is unclear, but they're likely to act within the next day or two. Possible targets include Xianyang here, Shalong, or even Shuofang." Zhao Gang's ally, responded.
Lu Hai Kong was somewhat dissatisfied with the uncertainty. "Is there no way to confirm the intelligence?"
"I am at fault, my lord," Zhao Gang said, kneeling on one knee.
"Never mind that for now," Lu Hai Kong said. "Gao Shun, what's your assessment of their likely target?"
"Shalong!" Gao Shun replied without hesitation, then explained, "My lord, since our troops have been stationed here, the Hei Feng Legion has repeatedly thwarted the WuXian Wolf Tribes, slaying thousands of their soldiers. This time, their primary objective is food supplies. They won't deliberately seek out the tough target of Xianyang, and the same goes for Shuofang. The entire military might of Shuofang Prefecture has likely been mobilized there, making it equally challenging to conquer in a short time. Currently, Shalong is their most probable target."
"Possible?" Lu Hai Kong asked. "You mean there's a chance they won't target Shalong? I don't like the word 'possible,' Zhao Gang. Can you provide more precise intelligence on this matter?"
"I am at fault, my lord," Zhao Gang repeated.
"It's fine, I know the Hei Feng Legion isn't specialized in this area," Lu Hai Kong said. "Without the Shadow Guard and Flame Battalion, it's up to you. Don't blame yourself." He waved his hand, then fell into deep thought.
The WuXian Tribes' decision to divide their forces was something Lu Hai Kong had anticipated early on, and it was even later than he had expected.
(End of Chapter 416)
The issue lies with three of the opponent's targets, specifically, the problem is with Shaling.
If the opponent attacks either of the other two locations, Lu Hai Kong won't be too concerned, as both sides have well-prepared defenses, and it would take a significant amount of time to capture them. However, Shaling is different; at this moment, Shaling only has a full count of 10,000 county troops, and most of them are temporary recruits.
If the opponent attacks Shaling, they can easily capture it without much effort.
Shaling is also of great importance to Lu Hai Kong, as it is one of the key transit points for Strong Yin's supplies to Xianyang. If Shaling is captured, and the opponent advances southward, not only will Yunzhong, currently under Lu Hai Kong's control, be completely ruined, but Xianyang will also be completely cut off, becoming an isolated force.
This is why Gao Shun suggested Shaling right away, as he saw the terrifying consequences of its capture. Lu Hai Kong had just taken control of Yanmen and immediately rushed over, partly for this reason.
"No matter what, we cannot afford to lose Shaling!" Lu Hai Kong exclaimed, slamming the table.
Lu Hai Kong then stood up, pondered over a map in the military camp for a while, and pointed at a spot on the map, saying, "It seems we have to change our plans. We must act sooner. We can only capture Wudu County for now, block the opponent's path, and absolutely cannot let them use Shaling as a starting point!"
"What's the situation in Wudu County?" Lu Hai Kong asked, looking up.
"Reporting to the Lord, Wudu County was captured a few days ago, and most of the money and food supplies have been transported out. Many of the citizens of Wudu County have fled to the border of Dingxiang County, and there are only around 10,000 WuHuan people left in the county," Zhao Gang replied.
"Since Wudu County has been captured, what's the status of the city defense system? To what extent has it been damaged?"
"The city gate has been destroyed, but the city walls are mostly intact!" Zhao Gang did not disappoint Lu Hai Kong this time.
"Excellent! Immediately pass on my orders. Let all the counties in Dingxiang, except those left to maintain public order, transport their troops to Shaling. Also, prepare the craftsmen in Shaling. As soon as we capture Wudu County, send them over to me immediately!"
Lu Hai Kong slammed the table and stared intently at Wudu County, issuing orders one by one.
"Zhao Gang!"
"Yes, Lord!"
Zhao Gang knelt on one knee and replied.
"Cheng Lian!"
"This subordinate is here!"
"Organize 30,000 county troops and set out with the Black Wind Legion tonight."
"Yes, Lord!"
"Gao Shun!"
"This subordinate is here!"
"The Formation Army, the original 20,000 county troops from Xianyang, and the 30,000 new recruits I brought, will be left under your command. No matter what, ensure that Xianyang City does not fall. Can you do this?"
"As long as the city stands, I stand!"
"Excellent! Everyone, prepare. Tonight, I will use the blood of those 10,000 WuHuan people to declare that I, Lu Hai Kong, am officially joining this battle!" Lu Hai Kong said, his eyes shining with determination as he slammed the table.
Subsequently, those who received orders quickly left.
At the same time, Lu Hai Kong went to meet with the Outsiders. Over the past three days, Lu Hai Kong had taken the opportunity to learn a lot about these Outsiders...
Chapter end
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