Chapter 564: The Charge
Chapter 564: The Charge
Chen Bitong recalled Chen Chuan's unique Jin method, which seemed to mimic various forces, and his extraordinary resilience to strikes. Even with his ability to channel external spiritual powers, he couldn't repel Chen Chuan, making him the ideal choice for the main offensive role.
He glanced at Chen Chuan, the young man with his spirited and determined demeanor, unwavering and fearless—much like himself in his youth.
A hint of sentimentality crossed his mind, and he asked, "Captain Chen, you must have expended a lot of energy just now. Can you hold on?"
Energy aside, altered tissues did experience fatigue. Before arriving here, Chen Chuan had likely engaged in combat, and then fought against him, causing considerable depletion. Despite his remaining combat-ready, his peak condition from the start was no longer attainable.
Indeed, Chen Chuan had exhausted a significant amount of energy. Although his second self was present, his stamina didn't deplete entirely. However, after two direct confrontations with that force, his second self retained only two-fifths of its original endurance.
The upcoming battles might involve similar forces, necessitating extra caution.
The medicine he had taken before the fight with Chen Bitong had also worn off by now.
He pondered for a moment and took out the recovery potion that Liang, the Specialist, had entrusted to him. Opening it, he tilted his head back and drank it.
Soon, a warm current spread throughout his body, making every part of him feel invigorated.
Within a short time, power surged from his limbs and bones, activating his altered tissues. It wasn't just his body that felt this way; even his spiritual senses became remarkably sharper at that moment.
He assessed the potion's effects and realized it was the most potent he had ever encountered. It seemed to instantly restore him to peak condition, and he felt a continuous supply of abundant energy for a while.
The medicine sent by the Defense Department was indeed extraordinary.
However, along with the power came side effects. He noticed that his second self also exhibited large areas of phantom shadows, indicating the medicine's strong corrosive nature on the physical body.
But even without considering his ability to transfer damage to his second self, any ordinary third-limit fighter would willingly use such highly damaging medicines if they helped restore their combat prowess.
This was because, at this level, as long as their energy and essence blood reserves remained, they could repair any damage afterward using their essence blood without much concern.
Chen Bitong watched as Chen Chuan recovered from the medicine, and he closed his eyes slightly, adjusting his state by releasing essence blood.
After a while, when he opened his eyes again, the light in them intensified.
"The cavalry general who arrived earlier didn't have his own banner, indicating he's an unranked deputy general. Therefore, the commander is most likely an auxiliary general."
"Unlike the iron demon you encountered, Chen Captain, these duty samurai won't undergo a transformation process. They have fully adapted to the parasitic lifeforms, becoming one with them."
"Moreover, like me, they possess the ability to manipulate external forces. Although they rely on this power, their combat behavior is also more predictable."
"In critical situations, they will undoubtedly use this power without hesitation, but it requires intense mental concentration. Thus, when they activate this force, their attention to internal and external stimuli significantly diminishes, providing the best opportunity for us."
Chen Chuan replied earnestly, "I'll create an opportunity for Xue Laoshi."
"The situation is unpredictable, and we'll need to adapt on the spot," said Chen Bitong. "Don't be fixated on who delivers the final blow. Seize the chance when you see it, and I have an idea. We can do this..."
He took a spear and drew a few lines on the ground, finally nodding in approval. "Although this approach is slightly more challenging, it will achieve the element of surprise."
Chen Chuan examined it and pondered for a moment, finding it feasible. At least, in the event of a sudden ambush, the other side wouldn't be able to react immediately.
"Xue Laoshi's plan is highly viable," Chen Chuan agreed. "Let's go with this."
However, Chen Bitong knew that plans ultimately depended on people for execution. No matter how good the opportunity, it was useless if the person couldn't deliver. This plan, in particular, was based on the abilities of two individuals, and it was their respective capabilities that made more possibilities feasible.
At that moment, he reminded Chen Chuan solemnly, "I don't doubt your ability to reach those two individuals, but remember to be cautious. If it feels impossible, retreat."
After all, charging head-on meant confronting all the defensive forces of the enemy, putting immense pressure on Chen Chuan. Even disregarding others, facing the two main and deputy generals alone was more perilous than dealing with Nie Guanshan and Yang Can.
Chen Chuan nodded in understanding.
"We'll make our move after the flames subside a bit," Chen Bitong instructed.
The deputy general, who had returned to the foot of the mountain, had dense white altered tissues growing from the split in his armor, quickly sealing the wound, and gradually repairing the armor.
These armors possessed their own living tissues, capable of healing alongside their bodies.
After arriving under the large banner, he engaged in a conversation with the commander, expressing that the two individuals on the other side were incredibly powerful and posed a significant challenge. He went on to describe their specific styles and characteristics.
The commander was unbothered by the unsuccessful attack, suggesting they could simply organize another attempt. However, considering the formidable martial prowess of the two individuals, he planned to adjust the tactics for the next engagement.
A councilor offered a suggestion at this point, proposing they start by bombarding with artillery fire to disrupt the enemy's movements. Once the airships from the rear arrived, they could fully suppress the two individuals inside.
The commander rejected this proposal, explaining that martial artists approaching the Transcendent Realm were impervious to conventional artillery and machine guns. Furthermore, the presence of the two individuals on this side was an opportunity to confront them directly.
If they were forced to retreat back through the rift, it would make breaking through even more challenging.
The best approach, he believed, was to deal with them on this side. Initially, they had been cautious, unsure of the enemy's layout and true strength. But now, they had a certain grasp of the situation.
The commander immediately began organizing his forces, intending to personally join the deputy general in eliminating the obstacles above.
Upon receiving the order, the soldiers below started to assemble. Each of the attendant samurai moved towards the banner, ready to serve.
Within the rift, as the flames in front diminished, the two individuals were almost ready. Chen Bitong nodded to Chen Chuan, and before the latter could react, he stepped out of the rift, his figure quickly blending into the mist.
Chen Chuan arrived at the entrance, gazing down below. The mist still enveloped the mountain path, making it difficult to discern the situation clearly. Yet, the commander's banner faintly appeared through the haze.
The former imperial court strictly emphasized etiquette, and military discipline was stringent. As the commander, he would never stray far from the banner. Chen Chuan decided to use this as a reference point.
Apart from the pursuit, they had shown no initiative to leave the rift, and hiding inside was undoubtedly safer. At this moment, the enemy would never anticipate them emerging from the mountain.
(A version of the book with no errors can be found in the 1619 edition!)
However, they only had one chance.
Chen Chuan glanced at the Snow Lady Saber, extending his spirit into the blade. When dealing with the split bodies, he had proven that when truly necessary, he could temporarily awaken its power.
He wouldn't need long. When the moment for action arrived, he might only have the opportunity to unleash a single strike.
As his spirit focused, the Snow Lady Saber began to tremble slightly, clearly sensing and responding to his will.
Chen Chuan knew that once he initiated the charge, the commotion would be impossible to conceal. The soldiers below would undoubtedly react.
But he didn't intend to hide; he wanted to draw everyone's attention, creating an opportunity for Chen Bitong to strike.
After a while, he noticed the flames at the entrance had almost extinguished. Taking a deep breath, he stepped forward.
In that instant, everything around him seemed to slow down. As he advanced, a booming sound reverberated through the surroundings.
On the mountain path, a few scattered soldiers responsible for observing the outpost heard a loud noise, followed by a powerful torrent rushing past them.
Some were lightly grazed, their muscles and bones tearing instantly, and a mighty airflow swept them away.
Chen Chuan remained unaffected, maintaining his momentum. With the second self's support, his speed increased further.
In that moment, his spirit and energy soared to greater heights, stimulating the Snow Lady Saber, which began to vibrate with a hum, emitting a faint mist-like radiance.
Within a short distance of several kilometers, he covered the ground in just a few breaths, reaching his target.
Under the large banner, the commander sat atop his horse, showing no intention of retreating. The attendant samurai and guards by his side, upon realizing the unusual situation, rushed forward, forming a defensive formation in front and raising their spears.
The deputy general also moved towards the commander.
They hadn't anticipated the audacity of the opposing side to charge down, especially since they had cleared and leveled the ground in front to facilitate their own attack, inadvertently making it easier for the enemy.
Chen Chuan advanced along the straight line between the banner and himself, gazing at the obstacles and dense array of spears ahead. Without hesitation, he charged forward, colliding with the front line!
At the moment of contact, the foremost spear pierced his body, only to explode violently. Wood chips and metal fragments sprayed in all directions, some carrying such force that they flew towards the rear, eliciting a chorus of agonizing screams.
As the entire front line, including the guards and attendant samurai, felt the impact akin to being struck by a high-speed train, a gap was torn in their formation. Broken bodies and weapons flew backward along the direction of the impact.
Amidst this collision, Chen Chuan's military overcoat burst open, his eyes fixed on the military general ahead. After breaking through the formation, he took a light step, propelling himself into the air with tremendous force, both hands holding the long saber, and with a single slash, he struck down upon his target!
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(End of Chapter)
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