Starting with a Wei Wu soldier

"Bang—bang bang bang—!"

The rapid, muffled vibrations of the bowstrings formed a continuous sound, like the grim laughter of death, suddenly tearing apart the oppressive air above the battlefield.

At the high center of the Starfire Fortress army formation, nearly a hundred improved crossbows, powered by Starfire steel mechanisms, fired simultaneously upon receiving the command! Nearly a hundred specially crafted, three-edged, armor-piercing conical arrows, accompanied by a sharp whistling sound, traced almost straight, chilling gray-black trajectories in the air, like a swarm of bees emerging from their hive, instantly covering nearly five hundred paces and plunging fiercely into the dense ranks of the Black Mountain army's vanguard!

"Pfft!" "Ah—!" "My eyes!" "Shield! Raise the shield!"

The dull thud of arrows piercing flesh, the piercing screams, and the panicked roars erupted almost simultaneously!

The soldiers at the front of the Black Mountain Army were immersed in their triumphant shouts and the excitement of about to engage the enemy. They had no idea that the enemy would launch such a precise and powerful volley of crossbow bolts at such a distance! Most of their shields were still slung diagonally over their shoulders or casually carried. Their leather armor and cloth clothing were as fragile as paper in front of the specially made armor-piercing arrows!

The first volley caused astonishing casualties! Dozens of Black Mountain soldiers at the forefront were struck as if by an invisible hammer, instantly falling to the ground. Some were pierced through the chest and died on the spot; others were shot through the thigh or arm, screaming as they rolled to the ground; still others were shot in the face, collapsing backward without even a scream. Blood instantly stained the dry yellow earth, and the pungent stench of blood spread with the hot wind.

The sudden attack threw the Black Mountain army's front lines into brief chaos. The advance came to an abrupt halt, and the soldiers frantically tried to find cover or raise their shields, but their formation had already crumbled.

"Hold your ground! Don't retreat! Archers! Return fire! Return fire!" The officers at the front of the Black Mountain Army roared hoarsely, their whips lashing out loudly.

The scattered archers in the Black Mountain army hastily drew their bows and released their arrows, but their bows and arrows were not as long as the crossbows. Now that their formation was scattered, their accuracy was completely lost. Most of the scattered arrows landed weakly on the open ground in front of the Starfire Fortress army. A few flew into the formation, but they were easily blocked by the dense shield wall.

Han Meng saw it clearly from under the central command flag. The sneer on his face instantly froze, turning into a furious snarl. "How dare you! You dare to attack first! Your crossbow bolts are quite sharp... Give the order! The front line spread out, shields forward! Archers, gather together, press forward and fire! Those in the back, charge! Overwhelm them with sheer numbers!" He roared, slashing the air fiercely with his long-handled axe.

The Black Mountain army reacted relatively quickly. Under the pressure of officers and the shoving of the following troops, the remaining soldiers at the front barely managed to regroup. Shield bearers were pushed forward, forming a loose shield wall to protect the archers and the spearmen following behind. They began to advance slowly but steadily, braving the sporadic crossbow bolts. At the same time, two more infantry squares began to move forward from the center, clearly indicating that they were committing more troops and attempting to break through Starfire Fortress's defenses with overwhelming numbers.

However, after the first volley of crossbow bolts, the morale of the Black Mountain army's front-line soldiers had been dampened, their advance slowed significantly, and their formation was far less orderly than before. The shouts and curses had ceased, replaced by heavy breathing and suppressed fear.

Just as the Black Mountain army was adjusting its deployment and preparing to launch a full-scale offensive—

"Thump! Thump! Thump! Thump!"

Suddenly, a rapid and rhythmic drumbeat rang out from the direction of the Black Mountain Army's central command! This drumbeat was different from the dull drumbeats that had previously commanded the infantry's advance; it was higher-pitched, more impassioned, and carried a provocative tone.

Suddenly, the Black Mountain army's front ranks parted to the sides, and a rider emerged from the formation like a whirlwind! The rider was exceptionally burly, nearly a head taller than the average person, his muscular upper body bare except for a fur skirt around his lower body. His skin was dark and shiny, glistening with sweat in the sunlight. He had a ferocious face, a wide mouth, and a flat nose. His disheveled hair was tied back with a bone ring, and he carried a pair of enormous, short-handled battle axes, each the size of a cartwheel, their blades gleaming coldly, still stained with blood.

The giant spurred his horse to the center of the open space between the two armies and abruptly reined in his mount. The mighty steppe horse reared up, letting out a long neigh. The giant then brandished his double axes, drawing two fierce arcs in the air. The axe blades cut through the wind, emitting strange, whistling sounds, their power terrifying!

"Listen up, you rats of Starfire Fortress!" The giant's voice boomed like thunder, making eardrums ring even hundreds of steps away. "I am Baturu, the 'Mountain-Opening Warrior' under Commander Black Mountain! I have come by General Han's orders to take your heads! Who among you is not afraid of death? Come out and fight me! If no one dares to answer, it means you all admit to being spineless cowards. Kneel down and surrender now, and I might spare your corpses! Hahaha!"

Arrogant roars accompanied by wild laughter echoed across the battlefield. Occasionally, bursts of laughter and cheers erupted from the Black Mountain army ranks; their morale, previously dampened by the crossbow bolts, seemed to have been somewhat restored by this blatant challenge. This was a common tactic in chaotic times: duels before the battle could demonstrate military might, demoralize the enemy, and buy time for their own army to regroup and boost morale.

The Starfire Fortress army remained silent. The soldiers behind the shield wall coldly watched the swaggering giant, their eyes showing little fear, only icy killing intent. But they were all infantry, skilled in fighting in formation; such provocations of individual bravery were not their forte.

Chen Xing frowned slightly under the command flag. He knew the significance of the duel and could see that Han Meng wanted to use this method to gain an advantage and buy time. Sending out ordinary generals would likely be no match for this "Baturu," only damaging morale; ignoring it would play right into the opponent's hands and appear cowardly.

As he was pondering, a clear and firm voice rang out beside him:

"My lord, I volunteer to fight!"

Chen Xing turned his head and saw that Murong Mingyue had already ridden up to the command platform at some point. She was wearing an exquisite helmet with a face shield, which covered most of her face, revealing only a pair of clear and sharp eyes. In her hand was the "Armor-Piercing Type 1" saber with wolf head hilt decoration that Chen Xing had given her a few days ago. Although the blade was not drawn, it already exuded a chilling aura.

"General Murong..." Chen Xing looked at her, his heart stirred slightly. He knew that Murong Mingyue was highly skilled in martial arts and her archery skills were superb, but this Baturu was clearly a powerful and fierce general, strong and fearless, and dangerous on both horseback and foot.

"This arrogant scoundrel has dampened our spirits. This humble general is willing to go and slay him to honor our banner!" Murong Mingyue's tone was calm, yet it revealed an undeniable determination. "Moreover, he is an infantry general, while I will fight him on horseback, giving me the advantage of mobility. Rest assured, Lord."

Chen Xing looked at the familiar determination and confidence in her eyes, then glanced at the still-roaring and provocative Baturu on the front lines, his mind racing. If Murong Mingyue were to fight and win, it would greatly boost morale; even if she lost, her horsemanship should ensure her safety. Moreover, this was indeed an opportunity to showcase Starfire Fortress's top-tier combat strength to the entire army, especially to the newly recruited soldiers.

"Alright!" Chen Xing no longer hesitated and said in a deep voice, "General Murong, be careful! This man is strong; you cannot fight him head-on. You must use skill to overcome strength!"

"Understood, Your Excellency!" Murong Mingyue clasped his hands in a salute, then turned his horse around and gave a soft shout: "Giddy up!"

Her magnificent chestnut horse neighed loudly, its hooves flying as it charged out from the right flank of the Starfire Fortress cavalry formation like a blazing fire! Red clothes and a red horse stood out against the yellow earth and gray military formation, as striking as a bolt of lightning tearing through the dullness!

Seeing that someone from the Starfire Fortress formation had actually accepted the challenge, and such a conspicuous lone rider at that, exclamations and discussions erupted from both sides. The Black Mountain Army was surprised and disdainful—sending a woman out to die? On the Starfire Fortress side, tension and anticipation mingled, and many soldiers couldn't help but clench their fists.

When Baturu saw that his opponent was a lone rider, and judging from his appearance, he did not seem to be a burly man, he grinned even more savagely: "Coming to die? And a woman at that! Fine, I won't mind adding another head to your head under my axe!" He simply jumped off his horse, clashed his two axes together heavily, producing a piercing metallic clang, and strode forward to meet him.

Murong Mingyue galloped at breakneck speed, but when she was about fifty paces from Baturu, she suddenly pulled on the reins. The chestnut horse deftly veered to the side, not charging straight at her. At the same time, she nimbly turned on the horse, and her already drawn riding bow was instantly fully drawn!

"Whoosh!"

A wolf-tooth arrow, like a venomous snake spitting its tongue, shot swiftly towards Baturu's face!

Although Baturu appeared rough and uncouth, he was actually a seasoned warrior with extremely quick reflexes. Seeing the arrows approaching, he roared and swung his giant axe upwards with a fierce motion!

With a crisp clang, the arrow was knocked away by the giant axe, but the enormous impact also caused Baturu's arm to go numb slightly and his steps to falter.

In that split second of a pause, Murong Mingyue had already spurred her horse to his flank, and the second arrow flew almost seamlessly from the bowstring, aiming straight for Baturu's ribs, which were unprotected by the giant axe!

Baturu was shocked and furious. He hadn't expected his opponent's archery skills to be so tricky and swift. He hurriedly turned around and used his right hand to block with his giant axe.

"Swoosh!" The arrow grazed the edge of the axe blade, leaving a trail of sparks. Although it missed, it forced Baturu into a flustered state.

Murong Mingyue gave him no chance to breathe. Her horse kept moving, circling the Baturu, her bowstrings twanging, and deadly arrows came from different angles, targeting his blind spots and weak points in defense. She brought the mobility of cavalry and the precision of mounted archery to the extreme, like a nimble swift teasing a clumsy giant bear.

Despite his brute strength, Baturu was overwhelmed by the rapid and relentless ranged attacks, roaring incessantly as he swung his double axes like windmills, the clanging sounds filling the air. Yet, he couldn't even touch the hem of Murong Mingyue's clothes. Instead, he suffered several cuts from the arrows, which, though not fatal, left him in a sorry state and fueled his rage.

"You coward! All you can do is shoot arrows from the shadows?! Do you dare to fight your grandfather head-on?!" Baturu roared angrily, trying to pounce forward, but Murong Mingyue's warhorse was very intelligent and always kept just the right distance.

The laughter and jeers from the Black Mountain army had long since vanished, replaced by astonishment and increasingly loud boos and urging. On the Starfire Fortress side, however, there was suppressed cheering and ever-brighter eyes.

Seeing that Baturu's mind was in turmoil and his steps were becoming increasingly agitated, a cold glint flashed in Murong Mingyue's eyes. She suddenly reined in her horse and stopped, no longer pacing back and forth. Instead, she hung her riding bow back on the saddle and drew her "Armor-Piercing Type 1" saber. The blade was drawn, its dark blue edge gleaming like autumn water in the sunlight.

"As you wish." A cool voice came through the mask.

When Baturu saw that she had finally stopped, he was overjoyed. He roared and charged forward like a mad bull, brandishing his double axes! With each step, the ground seemed to tremble slightly, his momentum terrifying!

Murong Mingyue stood motionless on her horse, as if stunned by fear. Only when Baturu charged within ten paces, the wind from his axe already whipping around her, did she suddenly spur her horse!

The chestnut horse seemed to understand her intent, and instantly surged forward! It didn't charge straight at her, but rather cut diagonally into Baturu's charging path from the left at an extremely tricky angle!

Baturu charged forward with all his might, unable to turn around immediately, and watched helplessly as the red blur swept past his left flank. He roared and swung his left axe with all his might, trying to cleave the opponent and his horse to pieces!

However, Murong Mingyue leaned forward on her horse, almost level with the horse's neck, and narrowly dodged the powerful axe blow! At the same time, taking advantage of the gap created by the horse's forward charge and the opponent's swing of the axe, her saber slashed upwards with unparalleled precision, like a venomous dragon emerging from its lair!

The flash of the blade was like a fleeting glimpse of a startled bird!

"puff--!"

Blood splattered!

Baturu's massive body, which was charging forward, suddenly stiffened, then staggered and fell forward. A very thin and deep line of blood rapidly widened at his throat, and blood gushed out like a fountain! His huge eyes, which were filled with rage and resentment, quickly lost their luster, and the double axes in his hands fell to the ground with a "clang".

After galloping more than ten steps, the chestnut horse gracefully turned around. Murong Mingyue sat upright on the horse, her saber pointing diagonally at the ground, a trickle of blood slowly sliding down its blade. She didn't even glance back at the still convulsing, enormous corpse.

The battlefield was deathly silent.

Immediately, the Starfire Fortress army erupted in a thunderous cheer, like a volcano that had been suppressed for a long time!

"General Murong! Victory!"

"Spark Fortress! Victory!"

The cheers surged like a tidal wave, and morale instantly soared to its peak! Every soldier's eyes burned with fervent admiration and fighting spirit! Even Chen Wei's usually stern face revealed a rare, admiring smile.

Within the Black Mountain army ranks, a deathly silence and unbelievable horror filled the air. Han Meng's facial muscles twitched violently, and for the first time, a look of grave seriousness appeared in Shi Biao's eyes. Their morale-boosting warrior had been cleanly and decisively slain by a female general in just a few exchanges! This blow to morale was far more devastating than the volley of crossbow bolts they had just received!

Amidst deafening cheers, Murong Mingyue slowly rode back to her main force. As she passed the command platform, she slightly raised her head, and her gaze met Chen Xing's through her visor.

Chen Xing met her gaze, slowly raised his right hand, clenched his fist and placed it on his left chest—that was the highest tribute to a brave comrade-in-arms in the Xinghuobao army.

Murong Mingyue nodded slightly and spurred her horse back to the cavalry ranks. Sunlight shone on her blood-stained blade and straight back, making her appear awe-inspiring.

The duel was over, the sparks blazing. What followed was even more brutal: the clash of armies.