It all started with one person becoming a shaman, but the Stand user...

"But if anyone bravely steps forward and achieves great deeds, I will be right beside you!"

Qinghe Miao's voice resonated powerfully:

"Anyone who kills a monster will be rewarded according to their merit! Gold, silver, and other valuables will not be spared!"

After a brief silence, someone shouted first:

"Kill the enemy and achieve merit! Victory is assured!"

Immediately afterwards, hundreds of people shouted and roared at the same time, creating a turbulent atmosphere:

"Kill the enemy and achieve merit! Victory is assured!"

"Victory is certain! Victory is certain!!"

It was during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period.

Most people, through constant exposure, quickly accept these ideas.

A twisted fighting spirit, mingled with the desire for promotion and wealth, was formed.

With the mobilization complete, all that's left is to wait for the opponent's reaction.

At the end of the mountain road in the distance, a few small black dots finally appeared, and we quickly approached them.

Those were the vanguard scouts sent out by Liang Junwu's team.

They were clearly well-trained; they noticed the unusual open space ahead from afar, quickly reined in their horses, and cautiously surveyed the array of troops waiting in the distance.

The scouts did not retreat rashly, but instead sent out men to carefully ride their horses into the edge of the woods on both sides.

Chapter 79 Eighty catties lifted by a single wooden stick

The location where Qinghe Miao and his group are now is advantageous for ambush.

However, the mountains on both sides are steep and the forests are dense but have limited depth, so there are not many terrains that are truly suitable for large-scale ambushes.

The scouts quickly confirmed it.

Apart from the several hundred men in front, there were no other organized ambushes nearby.

After exchanging information, the scouts turned their horses around and galloped back to report to the main force.

In the central army of Liang Junwu's Z team, a general clad in iron armor is standing on his horse listening to the scout captain's urgent report.

"What? Enemy troops are blocking our path ahead?"

His brows furrowed suddenly, and he asked in a deep voice.

"Reporting to the General, it is absolutely true! About three miles ahead, in an open area, there are about four or five hundred enemy soldiers, most of whom are cavalry. I did not see any guards or laborers accompanying them!"

The scout captain answered clearly and logically.

In conventional military organization, there are always reserve personnel responsible for logistics and miscellaneous tasks during operations.

However, Qinghe Miao's "alliance" was originally a patchwork of various groups.

They brought their own dry feed and horses, and were active in the Taihang Mountains, a region they were familiar with.

With extremely short supply lines, there is naturally no need for redundant auxiliary troops, which actually makes them more mobile.

In fact, it's more like the tactics of local bandits.

"What is the enemy's armor like? What flags are they flying? Which unit are they from?"

General Liang pressed for an answer.

These are key factors in determining the enemy's identity and combat capability before engaging in battle.

"Most soldiers wore armor, mostly leather and cotton armor, with mixed styles. But some of the armor styles... resembled those of the Jin Dynasty."

The scout captain recalled carefully:

"The leader was carrying a large banner with the words 'Taihang' written on it. In my humble opinion, they are very likely the Shupeng tribe from the Taihang Mountains, recently recruited and incorporated into the Jin state!"

Regarding their banner, this unit could have been called the "Qing Family Army".

But Qinghe Miao felt that waving a flag with the character "Qing" in it was too unlucky.

So they simply chose the region as the representative name for the "Taihang Army" and ordered a large banner to be made.

"Look closely. Are there any other ambushes around? What's the terrain like?"

The general, still uneasy, checked again.

As the person in charge of the grain supply, his biggest fear was falling into an ambush and losing the grain.

“General, we have thoroughly investigated! Although the terrain there is relatively open, the mountains on both sides are steep and the forests are dense, making it difficult to conceal a large army. Within our field of vision, we can only see the troop in front of us.”

The scout captain answered affirmatively:

"The road was narrow, and it was already difficult for them to line up there. There was absolutely no possibility that there were more ambushes hidden nearby."

A seasoned scout like him is highly experienced in judging terrain and is almost never wrong.

"...Understood. You may all step back and rest, but remain on guard."

The general's expression changed slightly, and he waved for the scouts to retreat.

The sudden turn of events made his heart tighten and a sense of fear arise.

The responsibility of the chief is immense; any mistake could have unimaginable consequences.

But as a veteran who had fought for more than a decade, he knew he must not show weakness in front of his subordinates at this time, so he forced himself to remain calm.

"General, this is no friendly visitor."

After the scout captain withdrew, the deputy general, who had been standing by without speaking, immediately stepped forward and said in a low voice:

"How many of them are there compared to us? Should we take a detour? Or should we immediately send someone to request reinforcements?"

Liang Jun led a force of five or six hundred men, of whom about three hundred were soldiers, and the rest were cart drivers and laborers. In terms of numbers, they seemed to have the upper hand.

But if a real fight breaks out, it won't be calculated that way.

The conditions for victory are different.

Even if the enemy is completely annihilated without losing a single soldier, it is still a serious crime if their supplies are burned.

"It's easier said than done! If we want to take the detour, it will take at least two or three more days to travel through the mountains than originally planned, and the route is just as treacherous and difficult to traverse, making it difficult for vehicles and horses to pass."

Upon hearing this, the general's face showed a bitter helplessness, and he shook his head and sighed:

"As for asking for help, the same applies. I'm afraid that by the time they arrive, the food and fodder won't be delivered in time. You and I will be punished; at best, we'll be dismissed from our posts, and at worst... we'll lose our lives."

He preferred to take a leisurely detour.

But military law is not a sham.

General Wang Yanzhang was extremely strict in disciplining his troops, and his military orders were absolute.

The soldiers on the front lines need to eat; missing even one meal would be a problem.

This batch of military equipment and supplies must be delivered on time; any delay will be punishable by death!

Upon hearing this, the lieutenant simply clasped his hands in a fist salute and said:

"General, you are absolutely right. It was my oversight that I failed to consider this matter. In your opinion, what should we do now? Please make the decision!"

That's exactly what he was waiting for, and he passed the ball directly to them.

The Liang general cast his gaze into the distance, his eyes flashing with struggle and deliberation, which was ultimately replaced by a bloodthirsty ferocity.

"Although the enemy has the advantage of terrain, they are ultimately nothing more than a motley crew hastily assembled from the mountains! Their armor is incomplete, their commands are inconsistent, what real fighting power can they possibly possess?"

He gripped the hilt of the knife at his waist and said in a deep voice:

"Our army is the royal army of Liang, well-armed and well-trained! If we are intimidated by mere bandits, wouldn't we become a laughing stock? All generals, listen to my command!"

"All troops form ranks! Archers in front, swordsmen and shieldmen guarding the supply wagons, cavalry on the flanks! We'll break them head-on! Let these arrogant Taihang bandits taste the might of the Daliang Iron Cavalry!"

This is the helplessness of being a soldier; there are not always options available.

In situations like this, it would be more effective to push out the grain carts and use them as temporary fortifications.

Perhaps this is the difference between a famous general and an ordinary general.

Although he can be considered a seasoned veteran, he really doesn't dare to do it.

To put it bluntly, these provisions and weapons were, in some ways, more valuable than their lives.

If the supply wagons are damaged due to the defensive formation, even if the battle is won, he will still be held severely responsible.

Taking the initiative at least makes one appear "brave and daring," and even if defeated, it reduces the burden of blame.

"Yes!"

His generals responded in unison and immediately began shouting commands to direct their troops to change formation.

Shields stood erect, and spears stood like a forest.

On the distant hillside, Qinghemiao patiently observed and waited.

Seeing that the enemy's formation had changed and instead of choosing a more prudent approach, they began to advance, attempting a head-on confrontation, he finally breathed a sigh of relief.

It's not bad……

If this were the first battle, and the other side turned around and left without saying a word, or was determined to hold their ground, based on his experience, there really wasn't much he could do.

Chase after them?

Losing the advantage of terrain, with morale unstable, the risks are too great.

"Kill them—!!!"

Just then, a loud and orderly shout erupted from Liang's army in the distance, attempting to overwhelm their opponents in terms of momentum.

Squads of Liang soldiers, under the supervision of their officers, began to march in relatively orderly steps toward the "Taihang Army" formation.

With a shield in front, a spear emerged from the gap in the shield, slowly approaching and bringing a heavy sense of oppression.

"Gentlemen."

Qinghe Miao withdrew his gaze from the distance and turned to the various family leaders and his personal guards who were gathered around him:

"The outcome of this battle now rests on your shoulders."

After saying that, he put on the iron helmet with a neck guard, picked up the double-headed, carved, eyebrow-length staff, and twirled it.

This stick was selected from various military supplies; it was made of hardwood and was quite heavy.

Of course, you should also wear a helmet; safety comes first.

His personal guards and various leaders surrounded him.

Regardless of their expressions, they all carried the solemnity unique to the battlefield and an unconsciously revealed chilling killing intent.

They answered in unison:

"Yes!"

Chapter 80 Awe-inspiring and Powerful Ruler

Qinghe Miao composed himself, his eyes indifferent as he calmly gazed at the approaching Liang army formation.

The guards brought from the Wind Spirit Moon Shadow Temple stood guard on either side of him, holding long swords or lances, standing silently and waiting for his command.

These are the core forces that he can truly command in this battle.

As for the troops brought by the other families, they certainly have their own agendas.

When there are casualties, there will inevitably be discontent.

So they simply left it to the leaders to command themselves, only dividing up the combat zones and general tasks.

In such small-scale operations, the greatest combat power can be brought into play.