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The news of Ziad's assassination triggered a devastating chain reaction in the Arab military camp.

After the initial shock came uncontrollable chaos and panic. With the loss of their commander, known for his iron fist and bravery, the massive army immediately fell into a power vacuum.

After the initial shock, several generals who were originally second only to Ziad were quickly overcome by ambition and survival instinct, which overwhelmed their piety toward God and desire for revenge.

They each commanded a portion of the military force, some from the core tribes of the Arabian Peninsula, and others from Persian generals who had surrendered during the conquest of Khorasan. Factions and conflicts of interest already existed between them.

When Ziad was alive, he was able to barely unite the people with his prestige and ruthless methods. Now that the tree has fallen, the monkeys have not scattered. Instead, they have started a fierce infighting for the remaining power and the chance to survive.

The central command tent with its golden roof was now in ruins, the embers still warm. Several important supply depots were still burning, black smoke billowing into the dawn sky.

The soldiers were in a panic, while the officers huddled around the generals they served, and arguments, shouts, and even the drawing of swords echoed throughout the camp.

Should we continue the siege? Or retreat back to the heart of Khorasan? Or split our forces and seek our own way out?
There was no unified command, and no one could command respect. The casualties and chaos caused by the attack by the Xuanwu Guards last night had amplified this disorder. The camp's defenses were practically nonexistent, the sentries were bewildered, and the patrols had vanished without a trace.

After their initial euphoria, the defenders at the top of Mulu Castle quickly became vigilant.

Xue Rengui strictly ordered all units to remain vigilant and strengthen their defenses. He also dispatched several elite scouts to closely investigate the enemy camp's strength and weaknesses. Only after confirming that the Arabs were indeed embroiled in internal strife and showed no immediate signs of attacking the city did he breathe a slight sigh of relief. However, he knew that this chaos was temporary. Once the Arabs elected a new leader or realized that the Mulu garrison was also exhausted, they could very well launch a counterattack. Moreover, although the main camp was in disarray, its troop strength remained substantial, making it particularly dangerous, like a cornered beast fighting desperately.

"We must seize this opportunity to completely crush them, or at least drive them far enough away to buy His Highness time and space."

Xue Rengui gazed at the chaotic enemy camp outside the city, pondering the situation. However, his forces were limited, and he had suffered new injuries in yesterday's fierce battle, making a proactive attack extremely risky.

It was as if it were a response to the anxiety in his heart.

Just as the sun was about to fully rise above the horizon.

At the edge of the eastern horizon, beneath the sky dyed golden red by the morning light, a deep, resonant rumble, as if from the depths of the earth, faintly drifted through the air.

Soon, the sound became clearer and closer, no longer a single muffled thud, but a deep and rhythmic roar!

Boom!Boom!Boom!Boom!
Like the beating of war drums by giants, or the footsteps of a primordial beast shattering mountains and rivers! The ground began to tremble slightly, and dust fell from the crenellations on the city walls.

"That is……"

Xue Rengui suddenly grabbed the battlements and gazed into the distance.

As dust began to rise on the eastern horizon, it started as a thin line and quickly spread into a vast expanse of yellow clouds that stretched to the horizon! Beneath the yellow clouds, an endless "wave" of metallic gleam was sweeping toward Mulu City at an unstoppable speed!

Close, closer!

That was an imperial army of such immense size that it was suffocating!
The first thing that catches the eye is the elite vanguard cavalry. They are all riding tall horses, nearly a head taller than ordinary warhorses, with bulging muscles, and wearing finely crafted half-body horse armor that gleams with a cold, hard black light in the morning sun.

The knights on horseback all wore simplified combat versions of black mountain-patterned armor or bright armor, covered with red battle robes, carrying powerful bows and crossbows on their backs, horizontal swords at their waists, and holding long spears or halberds.

The riders did not gallop at full speed, but maintained a tight formation. Their horsemanship was extremely skillful, and the thousands of riders moved as one. Only the thunderous sound of their hooves hitting the ground could be heard, which was awe-inspiring.

The knights' faces were resolute. Despite the long journey, they showed little sign of weariness; instead, their blood and energy surged, seemingly coalescing into a single, powerful aura, honed by countless battles. Even more striking was the fact that these cavalrymen were clearly highly skilled. While not all of them possessed the internal strength of Xue Rengui, each was full of vitality, their temples slightly bulging, indicating they had all undergone systematic internal and external training—a true army of martial artists.

Following the cavalry was a vast infantry formation, resembling a moving forest. Swordsmen, spearmen, archers, and other troop types were arranged in neat square formations, marching silently with unified steps.

The soldiers were generally tall and robust, with an average height far exceeding that of ordinary people. They had broad shoulders, thick backs, and strong arms, clearly the result of excellent nutrition and rigorous training. Their absolute discipline and the power contained in their silence were more intimidating than any shout.

However, the most striking sight was a few vehicles pulled by mules or specially made four-wheeled carriages, covered with waterproof tarpaulins. In the corners lifted by the wind, strangely shaped tubular objects gleamed with a cold metallic gleam—cannons!
Although it was still a muzzle-loading smoothbore cannon, the barrel was longer, the casting process was obviously more refined, and the gun carriage structure was more stable and flexible. The gunners wore dark blue uniforms, different from those of ordinary infantry, and their expressions were focused, clearly indicating that they were a professional unit.

In some infantry formations, some soldiers could be seen carrying, in addition to their regular swords and spears, a relatively compact "firearm" with a long barrel and wooden stock. This was no longer the cumbersome early matchlock gun, but a modified "flintlock gun" that used flint to fire, with improved range and accuracy. Although loading was still cumbersome and far from replacing bows and crossbows, it had already become a new and powerful force on the battlefield.

What is even more striking is that in some elite squads, soldiers can be seen carrying several fist-sized, dark, smooth iron-shelled objects hanging from their waists.

Thunderclap! This is a product of the Hua Empire's Institute of Geology and Crafts, combining improved gunpowder formulas with precision casting technology. Filled with gunpowder and fragments, it detonates via a fuse or pull-trigger mechanism, possessing considerable power, especially suitable for attacking fortified positions, breaking through enemy lines, or creating chaos. After more than twenty years of continuous improvement, its reliability, power, and portability are far superior to what they once were.

Within the vast army, banners fluttered like a forest.

Besides the flags representing the sun, moon, stars, mountains, rivers, and the state, the most common banner was a large black banner with a red border, bearing the Chinese character "华" (Hua) in a flamboyant style, which was the banner of the commander-in-chief.

Under his command, a general sat atop a magnificent Akhal-Teke horse, surrounded by numerous heavily armored and imposing guards.

This man appeared to be around forty years old, in the prime of his life. He stood eight feet tall, his physique as imposing as a mountain; even seated on horseback, one could sense the explosive power hidden beneath his armor. He wore a phoenix-winged helmet with a crimson plume, and a specially crafted, gleaming purple-gold armor. The armor plates shimmered with a restrained yet luxurious dark gold luster in the morning light, clearly indicating it was no ordinary piece. His face was square, his skin a weathered bronze, and he sported a short, neatly trimmed beard. His thick eyebrows were like knives, and his eyes flashed with a sharp light, exuding an air of authority while simultaneously carrying the ruggedness and fierce aura unique to veteran border generals.

Though not deliberately ostentatious, a faint, fiery, masculine energy emanated from his body, subtly connecting with the energy of the steed beneath him. It was as if the man and the horse had become one, forming a unique aura. This was clearly a perfect fusion of extremely profound internal energy cultivation with battlefield ferocity and an iron will; his cultivation level was likely even higher than Xue Rengui's!

This man was none other than Hua Jinxing, the commander-in-chief of the Imperial Western Expeditionary Army that had rushed to the aid of Mulu!

Hua Jinxing was a native of Changping in Youzhou. His father was Tudiqi, the chieftain of the Sumo Mohe tribe and the Duke of Shiguo in the Hua Empire. At the beginning of Yi Huawei's establishment of the dynasty, Tudiqi assessed the situation and led his people to submit. Because of his tribe's bravery and skill in battle, and their repeated military achievements, he was granted the imperial surname "Hua" as a sign of honor and assimilation.

Hua Jinxing, as the most outstanding son of Tudiji, was a quintessential "tiger cub from a military family." He entered officialdom through family connections, starting as a captain in the Left Guard of the Emperor's personal army, but he was by no means a spoiled brat. Relying on his own bravery and resourcefulness, as well as his family's influence in the affairs of the Northeast and the grasslands, he gradually accumulated military merits, successively holding important positions such as Governor of Yingzhou, General of the Right Imperial Guard, and Grand Commissioner of Jishi Road, pacifying the frontier and employing both suppression and appeasement tactics, gaining rich experience.

This time, the empire was determined to look westward and intervene in the Persian situation. Emperor Hua appointed Hua Jinxing as the commander-in-chief of one route, leading 50,000 elite troops to travel day and night, because Hua Jinxing was familiar with the affairs of the grasslands and the Western Regions and was loyal and reliable.

Hua Jinxing reined in his warhorse and raised his right hand, which was clad in a metal arm guard. The forest of banners behind him relayed the command in layers, and the massive, noisy marching column, in an astonishingly short time, came to a complete stop. They halted at a wide-open hill about five miles from Mulu City.

Hua Jinxing's gaze swept across the chaotic Arab camp in the distance, a cold contempt flashing in his eyes. His gaze then fell on the ruined city of Mulu, where the flags still stood tall, especially lingering for a moment on the banner bearing the character "Xue" and the banner that read "Xuanwei Zhenfu," before he nodded slightly.

"Pass on the order!"

Hua Jinxing's voice was loud and clear, with a metallic quality: "The vanguard is on alert, crossbows are cocked, artillery is positioned forward, and the bombardment team is on standby! The central army is to set up camp, erect palisades and dig trenches without slackening! The rearguard is to support the supplies, and the medical battalion is to prepare to receive the wounded!"

"Send another fast horse, carrying my seal of command and the imperial insignia bestowed by His Majesty, to Mulu City to inform Commander Xue and... inquire about the Crown Prince's well-being!"

"As for those Arab barbarians..."

Hua Jinxing glanced at the chaotic Abbasid camp again, a cold smile curving his lips: "Let them run wild for a while. After I've settled the camp and consulted His Highness, I'll go... deal with them."

The orders were swiftly relayed and executed. The massive army, like a sophisticated machine, began operating efficiently once more. A portion of the elite troops advanced to establish defenses; another began constructing fortified camps on the spot; while the logistics units unloaded supplies in an orderly fashion. The entire process was busy yet orderly.

On the city wall of Mulu, Xue Rengui looked at the imposing, well-equipped, and murderous imperial army outside the city. In particular, when he saw the large banner with the character "Hua" and the majestic figure under it, his tense heart finally relaxed completely.

Reinforcements have arrived, and the siege of Mulro has been lifted!
...............

Upon arrival, the western expeditionary army completed the initial setup and defenses with astonishing efficiency.

The forward-deployed troops' perimeter acted like an iron clamp, completely separating the previously chaotic Arab camp from the city of Merv, creating a new standoff. The gates, palisades, and trenches of the central camp took shape at a visible speed.

Hua Jinxing temporarily handed over the camp affairs to the deputy commander, while he himself, along with several core generals, rode towards Mulu City under the guidance of a guide sent by Xue Rengui.

The city gates were already wide open, and the drawbridge was lowered. The Xuanwei Imperial Guards and some of Hua Jinxing's elite vanguard stood solemnly on both sides, their armor gleaming, their spears and halberds like a forest, creating a solemn and austere atmosphere.

Passing through the city wall gates, still bearing the marks of fierce battle, and entering the city, the streets have been initially cleaned up, but the charred walls, the bloodstains on the ground, and the lingering smoke and stench of gunpowder in the air all serve as reminders of the brutality that has just taken place here.

Hua Jinxing's expression was solemn as he scanned the scenery along the way, gaining a more direct understanding of the fierce fighting of Xue Rengui's troops. The generals behind him—including his cousin, General Hua Jinzhong, and two trusted and beloved generals who had risen through the ranks to become Lieutenant Generals—remained silent.

The Xuanwei headquarters soon came into view. At the gate, Xue Rengui was already waiting with his main subordinates and generals.

The two generals met and sized each other up. Xue Rengui stepped forward, clasped his hands in a salute, and said, "This humble general, Xue Rengui, respectfully welcomes Commander Hua! Commander Hua led his army to our aid overnight, relieving Mulu from its perilous situation. This humble general and all the soldiers in the city are deeply grateful!"

Hua Jinxing dismounted with clean, swift movements, his armor clattering. He returned the salute with clasped hands, his voice booming: "Commander Xue has held fast to the isolated city, resisting the powerful enemy and protecting the western gateway of our empire. His merit is invaluable! I have come here on imperial orders, it is my duty, and there is no need for thanks!"

His gaze fell on Xue Rengui's face, noticing the undisguised exhaustion and bloodshot eyes, as well as the more composed demeanor forged in the crucible of war. He nodded inwardly. This young man is indeed a capable general, worthy of His Majesty's trust.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Xue Rengui stepped aside to lead the way: "Commander Hua, His Highness the Crown Prince is already waiting in the main hall. Please follow me."

Upon hearing this, Hua Jinxing's expression turned solemn, and the generals behind him immediately straightened their backs, abandoning all their casual expressions. After tidying their not-so-disheveled armor and appearance, they followed Xue Rengui through the front training ground and towards the main hall with its flying eaves and bracket sets.

The closer one gets to the main hall, the more solemn and serene the atmosphere becomes. Standing guard in the corridors and before the steps are no longer the Imperial Guards, but the Imperial City Cavalry, dressed in dark, close-fitting uniforms, their aura more restrained and sharp. Like lifeless statues, their occasional glances carry a cold, scrutinizing quality, making even seasoned generals like Hua Jinxing feel an invisible pressure.

The main hall doors were wide open, and the interior was dimly lit. Xue Rengui stopped outside the door, turned to Hua Jinxing and said, "Commander Hua, His Highness is inside. This subordinate will inform him first."

"Thank you for your trouble, Commander Xue." Hua Jinxing nodded.

After Xue Rengui entered for a short while, a clear and calm voice came from inside: "Summon." (End of this chapter)