As an official, what's wrong with raising a few monsters?

Chapter 350 Reinforcements are Arriving, a Reward for the Brave
The setting sun was like blood, and fragmented sunlight pierced through the gaps in the flying snow, falling on the weary faces of each soldier.

The centuries-old city's sturdy gates were on the verge of being breached; blood and rubble mingled on the walls, and corpses blocked the passageways.

Another day of fierce fighting.

This time, the Northern Lie advanced further, and both sides suffered more casualties.

Night was about to fall, and the snow was getting increasingly fierce.

The broken snowflakes and icicles, in the biting wind, struck everyone's faces like pebbles.

Behind the Northern Fierce Army's formation, Tian Hong stared intently at the smoke-filled capital city.

Victory seems to be just around the corner.

But the wind and snow are very strong now, and the sun is about to set.

The soldiers suffered heavy casualties and were exhausted.

From a rational point of view, the troops should be withdrawn.

We will definitely capture Yueyang City by tomorrow, or at the latest the day after.

It's time for the soldiers to come back and rest.

Continuing the attack in the snowstorm would only increase casualties and would not guarantee combat efficiency.

If we capture the city at great cost, we may not be able to face the counterattack of the Qian Yuan people in the future.

only……

He had a strange feeling that if he didn't give it his all, he might never have another chance.

He unconsciously turned his head to look in another direction, where there was a mountain range that was neither too big nor too small.

The five cultivator brothers ignored his advice and went off to fight the enemy.

Thunder roared and strange noises continued, and the outcome remained unknown.

In the worst-case scenario, if all of these people perish there, and he has no means to counter the enemy cultivators, then his situation will be extremely passive.

The wind and snow howled, the soldiers roared, and the world was a vast expanse of white, but Tian Hong's heart grew increasingly heavy.

"Boom boom boom!"

"what is that?!"

Suddenly, a series of booming sounds came from the other side.

Amidst the shocked gazes and gasps of the crowd, a massive fireball fell from the sky.

It did not land on the battlefield and caused no casualties.

It landed on an open ground not far from the battlefield, where energy surged freely. The snowflakes that touched it turned into steam and disappeared, leaving a huge crater in the ground.

"..."

Upon seeing this scene, Tian Hong's expression turned rather grim.

He knew that Mingchen's birds were accustomed to using fire.

What kind of signal is this?

He lowered his eyes and said in a deep voice, "Sound the retreat!"

"Boom boom boom!"

"Woooooo~"

With the booming of war drums and the sounding of horns, the Northern Lie soldiers began to retreat like a tide.

On the city wall, the empress, bathed in blood, held a long spear to support her body.

She was also a little tired.

They waited another day.

However, the Northern forces were advancing rapidly, and countless soldiers in the city had been killed, bringing the city to the brink of collapse.

Can she really hold on until reinforcements arrive?

The enormous fireball, bright as the sun, adorned the desolate scene of the ruined city under the setting sun and amidst flying snow.

His figure flashed by, and before anyone knew it, he was behind His Majesty.

Mingchen didn't say anything more, but asked with concern, "Your Majesty, you've worked hard. Are you tired?"

His voice was reassuring; Xiao Xinyue felt as if all the dark clouds had dissipated, and she felt completely at ease.

She didn't turn her head to look at the person, but simply relaxed her body, leaned against him, and quietly watched the afterglow of the setting sun and the falling snow.

She looked down at the ruined city wall, shook her head, and shouted encouragement in a row, recklessly using her special power. Her voice was a little hoarse: "A little fatigue is nothing compared to the blood and sweat of the warriors who fought."

The high halls of power cannot bear to witness the bloodshed and fierce battles.

The Battle of Yueyang was the first time she had personally experienced such a brutal battlefield.

So real, so rigorous.

One moment the warriors were offering their loyalty to her, the next they were pierced through the chest by arrows.

She witnessed the cruelty of meat grinders reaping lives, the fearlessness of loyal ministers and righteous men, and the desolation of swords and blades that have no eyes and can kill in an instant...

This is yet another step in my growth.

She gained a new understanding of war; the cold numbers on the battle reports were not just numbers, but the heroic and tragic songs of countless blood-soaked souls.

Upon hearing this, Mingchen didn't say much, but simply patted His Majesty's shoulder gently: "Your Majesty is tired, please rest well."

……

"Didn't they come back?"

At night, Tian Hong sat in his tent, listening to the soldiers' reports, his face serious, and he gently pinched the bridge of his nose.

None of the extraordinary individuals who possessed special powers returned.

This is not good news.

Once you're caught in Mingchen's trap, it's practically impossible to escape.

These men ignored his advice and insisted on avenging their brother; they are probably doomed.

They're either dead, or these people fled because they were afraid of the powerful enemy.

Regardless of the source of the news, it was a significant blow to Tian Hong.

Perhaps the fireball that deliberately didn't land on the battlefield today was a form of defiance.

Mingchen was conveying a message to him: "You no longer have any cultivators on your side, but we still have power that transcends the rules."

Don't push me too far and I'll have to use my trump card.

This felt like a sword hanging over Tian Hong's head, making him somewhat irritable.

The wind was biting cold outside, and the snow was falling heavier and heavier.

The Beilie people are more resistant to the cold than the Qianyuan people.

However, such weather was clearly not a good thing for the attacking side.

"General!"

Just then, a figure braved the wind and snow and rushed in from outside the tent.

"Urgent report from the south: Several large ships are coming down the Ciyun River and have stopped at Ciyue Ferry, which is less than 200 li away from our army."

Upon hearing this, Tian Hong was struck dumb, his whole body trembling.

They marched two hundred li without regard for anything else, and even if they were hindered by wind and snow, they could reach the battlefield within two days.

Tian Hong was a lone force that had penetrated deep into the heart of Qian Yuan and was besieging the city. He was also afraid that enemy reinforcements would arrive and trap him here in a pincer attack.

Therefore, spies were carefully deployed along all routes to ensure that enemy intelligence was obtained as soon as possible and that firsthand information about enemy reinforcements was received so that he could react accordingly.

However, it was still too early to receive this news. He frowned and quickly walked to the table to examine the map carefully.

"Ciyun River...how is that possible?"

"How could it be so fast?!"

Based on his experience, the fastest should be the Qian Yuan army, which is currently engaged in a fierce battle with the remnants of the Blood Cloaked Army in the south.

It's winter now, and the wind direction is wrong.

Because the main channel of the Shenjiang River is slow-moving and some sections in the north are frozen, it is not a good time for boats to travel.

The Qian Yuan garrison stationed at the Southwest Headquarters could not have arrived so quickly.

Even with the relatively advanced shipbuilding technology of the Northern Lie, it would not be easy to conduct naval operations under such conditions.

How could Qian Yuan's reinforcements have arrived so quickly?

"Are you sure?!"

"Falsifying military intelligence is punishable by beheading!"

Tian Hong grabbed the messenger by the collar and questioned him in a low voice.

"General... Your subordinate, your subordinate dares not."

Tian Hong rarely loses his composure like this.

Under the gaze of their own god of war, the messenger swallowed hard, feeling somewhat apprehensive.

Bad news kept coming, and Tian Hong frowned deeply.

He released the soldier and let out a soft breath.

He is now the supreme commander, and he needs to be responsible for everyone.

No matter how bad the situation, he must remain calm.

"Summon General Cheng."

"Yes!"

A moment later, Cheng Xinqing arrived, walking through the snow.

His hand was severed by Xiao Xinyue the day before yesterday, and Tian Hong has been keeping him in charge of the rear for the past few days.

When Cheng Xinqing entered, he saw his general's unpleasant expression and asked repeatedly, "General, has something happened?"

Tian Hong stared intently at the map and said to the other party, "Qian Yuan warships have been spotted two hundred li away. Qian Yuan reinforcements will arrive in two days at the latest."

Upon hearing this, Cheng Xinqing's expression immediately changed.

"This is impossible."

Tian Hong simply said coldly, "Nothing is impossible; that's not something we need to consider right now."

"Tell me, what is the current situation in Chengjin City?"

Upon hearing this, Cheng Xinqing replied in a deep voice, "Lu Jiang's army has already established a firm foothold in Chengjin City, and there is no enemy interference."

This was the only good news Tian Hong had heard.

At least there's still a way out.

The enemy reinforcements are finally about to arrive.

Tian Hong now has very little time and few options left. Either he launches a full-scale attack on Yueyang City, regardless of casualties, and captures the city before reinforcements arrive.

They could either retreat immediately, hold Chengjin City, and wage a protracted war against Qian Yuan, while expanding outwards and waiting for an opportunity.

Tian Hong stared intently at the map, his gaze seemingly trying to see the words 'Yueyang City' on it to the point of burning.

This is the closest he and Bei Lie have ever been to Yueyang City.

Going a step further, we could bring this centuries-old capital under our control and revitalize the entire game.

The Northern Fierce Army will surely prevail.

but……

But the reality is that time is not on their side.

Mingchen, divine bird, demon, cultivator...

The emperor held firm on the city wall, while the enemy fought back fiercely, united in purpose.

How can a city like this be conquered in a short time?
In the end, the common people would pick up their farm tools and fight them to the death.

Those cultivators who secretly sabotage you are also difficult to deal with.

From the moment Xiao Xinyue chose to stay, everything began to head towards the worst possible outcome. Tian Hong's gaze lingered on the map for a long time, as if trying to find a glimmer of hope for breaking the deadlock.

How to do?
How to do?
Tian Hong had to make a decision.

He slowly closed his eyes, his fingers tapping lightly on the table, each tap like a war drum beating in his heart.

The roars and sounds of battle from the daytime soldiers still echoed in my ears.

Was he going to lead these brave young men of the Northern Fierce Army to charge towards a future they could not see?

Your Majesty, what should I do?

"General, why don't we send troops now?"

"Qian Yuan probably couldn't have predicted that we would brave the snow and launch an attack on them under the cover of night."

"Let's fight them to the death!"

Cheng Xinqing knew what Tian Hong was thinking.

There are only two choices left.

The fiercely loyal soldiers of the North were unwilling to return empty-handed; they preferred to risk their lives to seek that elusive opportunity.

He bluntly stated the truth to Tian Hong.

If you withdraw, you'll never have another chance.

only……

The lamplight flickered, and silence filled the military tent for a long time.

Tian Hong lowered his eyes slightly, sighed softly, raised his hand, and then gently lowered it again.

In that instant, he seemed to have aged ten years.

……

"Fellow citizens, my subjects of Qian Yuan!"

"I am Xiao Xinyue, please listen to me, please listen to me."

The continuous devastation of war has left the people of Yueyang City shrouded in fear.

The brave ones had already gone to volunteer for the front lines, their fates unknown.

Those who were afraid had already fled the city when the gates opened.

The remaining people are mostly ordinary folks who drift with the tide, unsure of what the future holds, and only seeking a peaceful life.

They have no power to control their destiny; they can only drift along, seeking the mercy of fate.

Meanwhile, the streets were brightly lit.

The most honored person in the dynasty did not rest. Instead, he stood on a high platform, wearing blood-stained armor, his voice hoarse as he looked down at the people below.

"Boom boom boom!"

War drums sounded in the cold night, and cloaks fluttered in the wind.

The esteemed emperor personally struck the war drum with the drumsticks, the sound of which was thunderous and awe-inspiring.

The situation has now reached a critical juncture.

Xiao Xinyue didn't know when the city would fall, so she needed to gather all the forces she could and fight to the death.

"As you all know, Yueyang City is currently facing a dire situation. A large army is pressing in, the enemy has been plotting for a long time, and our defenses are weak... This city is now at a critical juncture."

They didn't hide anything, and told the people not-so-good news.

She is not afraid of causing panic.

The panic has already lasted for several days, which is enough time for the people to accept the situation.

This buffer period is enough time for them to regain their senses and see the only way to survive.

Fear is also a force that can motivate people to struggle and strive to survive.

"Gentlemen, the Northern Fierce are brutal. They slaughter people wherever they occupy cities, leaving nothing but desolation and suffering wherever they go."

“If they are allowed to set foot in Yueyang, all my millions of Qian Yuan citizens will become slaves.”

"I do not wish for the people of my dynasty to become the prey of enemy nations."

Xiao Xinyue did not put on airs of an emperor. Instead, she adopted a very humble posture and bowed to the people with the demeanor of an emperor: "Therefore, I, Xiao Xinyue, humbly request that you all..."

"Don't give up! Fight with me to the very last moment! Pick up your machetes, your hoes, and everything else you can, and defend our homeland!"

"Hold on a little longer, reinforcements will arrive soon."

Xiao Xinyue has been shouting a lot these past few days, and her voice is already a little hoarse.

But it was still enough to spread and reach the entire street corner.

There's no way forward, we can't escape anymore, we can't hide and be cowards anymore.

Since that's the case, why not give it a shot!

Life requires learning to find your own way to survive.

The snowy night was cold, much like the current cruel situation.

The king's voice echoed in their ears, and in the darkness, crowds thronged, while the people remained silent.

Suddenly, someone raised a wooden stick in their hand and shouted, "Let's fight!"

"Your Majesty, I am willing to live and die with Your Majesty and with Yueyang!"

"Those lunatics from Bei Lie, I'm going to fight them to the death!"

"If you want to set foot in Yueyang City, you'll have to step over my dead body."

……

Even in this situation, His Majesty the Emperor has not yet fled.

They remained in the city, fighting the enemy on the front lines.

What reason do these ordinary people have to back down?
If you don't fight, you'll die!

Only by giving it our all can we find a way out.

In an instant, the streets erupted in a cacophony of sounds, with roars rising and falling like a stagnant pool being ignited by a raging fire, the flames illuminating pairs of resolute and determined eyes.

We don't know how they behaved when the city fell, but as things stand now, they are united and would rather die than live in dishonor.

Xiao Xinyue was exhausted. She felt soreness in her limbs, her throat was hoarse, and her mind felt completely drained.

But she still mustered her spirits and kept raising the drumsticks in her hand, shouting along with the people.

"Well, Lord Yun, do you still think that my humble abilities can surpass those of the emperor?"

On the other side, at the end of the street corner, shrouded in darkness...

Two figures stood to one side, quietly watching the scene before them.

It was Mingchen and Yunzheng.

This scene feels quite familiar.

When they first met, Xiao Xinyue was also in a sorry state. As a rebel, she had fled the capital and made a blood oath in a remote village, which caused the world to change.

Now, with the enemy army pressing in, she stands at the forefront, leading everyone and using her courage to overcome the military pressure that is ten times greater than her own.

Xiao Xinyue's figure appeared somewhat frail in the wind and snow, yet she resembled a flag.

If it were any other leader, morale might have collapsed before the campaign even began.

Yun Zheng remained silent for a moment, then gently shook his head: "It was I who underestimated the heroes of the world."

In this battle to defend Yueyang, Mingchen only contributed his name.

Not all difficult problems can be solved by taking shortcuts or using tricks and schemes.

Some problems can only be tackled head-on, a desperate, head-on confrontation.

Tian Hong is an extremely formidable opponent.

First make yourself invincible, then wait for the enemy to become vulnerable.

He took this to an extreme, making it very difficult to find an opportunity.

Aside from eliminating the enemy cultivators who were getting in the way, Mingchen did nothing else.

In terms of merit, the greatest and most outstanding one is actually the leader who shouted the call.

Even now, Xiao Xinyue remains the soul of this battle.

Although the initial brilliant night raid made a mistake.

But she did everything she could to get to the bottom of things.

During this war, Mingchen did not stop or advise Xiao Xinyue on anything.

He watched her fight to the death, watched her grow weary, watched her growl hoarsely... but he did not intervene.

To sit in such a high position, one always needs some experience, always needs some blood and tears.

Xiao Xinyue wanted to be a valiant queen, so she had to go through these things.

Otherwise, it wouldn't be worthy of the weight of that crown.

Grandpa Li peacefully seized power in the palace, but in the end, wasn't he still sidelined by his second son and invited to the palace for tea?

If this battle to defend Yueyang City succeeds, it will become a badge of honor for bravery, branded on Xiao Xinyue, letting the world know that Qian Yuan has a wise ruler who dares to lead from the front and is willing to live and die with the city.

This is fate's reward for the brave.

Yun Zheng hadn't slept much these past few days. With His Majesty, generals, and soldiers fighting on the front lines, and civil officials handling logistics in the rear, he looked at the desolate wind and snow and kept asking, "Lord Ming, can we win this battle?"

Mingchen simply turned and smiled at him: "Don't worry, we'll win."

(End of this chapter)