At 100 years old, he joined the army in place of his granddaughter, and became a national war god.

Can Duanyun Pass hold out?

This is precisely the key to the battle situation that Su Mu is currently most concerned about.

Xiao Yunchuan's smile faded, his expression turning solemn and serious. He carefully recalled the scene he had witnessed years ago, and said clearly, "Master, Duan Yun Pass is undoubtedly the most formidable pass in the Southern Frontier, far surpassing any ordinary fortress!"

"This pass was built against the mountain and beside the valley, guarding the important north-south road. Both sides are cliffs and natural barriers of mountains, and there is only one passage in front to conquer it."

"The city walls are built with millennia-old bluestone, layer upon layer, making them thick and sturdy. Perched high above, they are easy to defend and difficult to attack, truly an impregnable fortress, a place where one man can hold off ten thousand!"

"Furthermore, Third Brother Yun Che is calm, wise, and resourceful, with excellent skills in city defense and layout. He is also brave and skilled in battle, and deeply respected by the army."

"Now he is stationed at the city gate, rallying the morale of the entire army and firmly defending the line."

"Although the Yan army has a large and formidable force, it will be impossible for them to break through Duanyun Pass in a short time by brute force alone!"

"As long as our main force arrives in time, we can surely launch a pincer attack from both inside and outside, and crush the main force of the Yan army!"

After hearing this detailed description, Su Mu's anxiety eased slightly, the gravity between his brows lessened, and he nodded slowly, a look of relief appearing on his lips.

"Excellent! What a formidable and impregnable pass! Excellent, Xiao Yunche!"

"I hope he can lead his army to successfully defend Duanyun Pass and wait for my army to arrive."

The atmosphere inside the tent eased slightly, and the pressure of the tense battle situation was relieved considerably.

At this moment, Xiao Yichun hesitated for a moment, then stepped forward, cupped his hands, and expressed his concerns and doubts: "Elder Su, I still have some questions in my mind, and I humbly request your clarification."

"Now that Duanyun Pass is a natural fortress and difficult to breach, and His Highness Xiao has held it firmly, the Yan army may not be able to break through the pass."

"If the Yan army fails to break through after a prolonged siege and loses its momentum, ultimately choosing to retreat back to Yan and cease its invasion of our Great Qian border, then what should we do with our army's recent reinforcements? Should we remain to guard Duan Yun Pass, or should we make other arrangements?"

These words, seemingly inquiring about the matter of stationing troops, actually conceal a deeper meaning.

Everyone knew perfectly well that what Xiao Yichun really wanted to ask was: if the Yan army voluntarily withdrew and the war was temporarily suspended, would the Great Qian just give up and let it go? Would they no longer actively pursue them or send troops to punish them?

The tent fell silent instantly, and the atmosphere became heavy once again.

Upon hearing this, Su Mu's gentle gaze vanished, replaced by a chilling sharpness and raging fury.

He suddenly raised his eyes, his gaze sharp and intense, and the imposing aura of a general burst forth. His words were powerful and resounding, echoing throughout the entire military tent!

"Give up? Don't even think about it!"

"Remember this! The root of this battle has never been whether the Yan army invaded Duanyun Pass, nor has it been whether the Yan invaders retreated!"

"From the moment the Yan Kingdom harbored its wolfish ambitions, set a despicable trap, detained my Great Qian Emperor, and humiliated my Great Qian court, Great Qian and the Yan Kingdom have been irreconcilable enemies, destined to fight to the death!"

"The people of Yan have disregarded diplomatic relations, betrayed their promises, detained our monarch, and humiliated our great nation. This is a blood feud and an unbearable disgrace! How can the people and soldiers of our Great Qian Dynasty tolerate such humiliation!"

Su Mu's voice grew increasingly impassioned, his tone resolute, carrying the iron will of a seasoned warrior and a fervent patriotism:

"I hereby make this clear to you all! This southward journey to reinforce and defend Duanyun Pass is merely a matter of maintaining our basic defenses, not the final outcome!"

"Even if the Yan army retreats in fear of battle and withdraws across the board, daring not to invade another inch of my Great Qian territory, I will never let this go!"

"Once we have stabilized the southern border defenses and lifted the siege of Duanyun Pass, I will personally lead a large army out of Duanyun Pass, march south, strike directly into the heart of Yan, and aim for the Yan capital!"

"Months ago, my Great Qian army was able to crush the Eastern Barbarians and quell border troubles. Today, I will once again personally lead my iron army to crush the traitors of Yan and overthrow the Yan court!"

"Let all petty villains know that those who offend the majesty of my Great Qian Dynasty and insult my Great Qian Emperor will be punished, no matter how far away they are, and will surely die without a burial place!"

The resounding oath echoed throughout the camp, each word filled with anger and each sentence brimming with iron will!

Upon hearing this, the brothers Xiao Yichun and Xiao Yidong trembled slightly, their eyes instantly igniting with fierce fire, and their faces revealing undisguised extreme excitement and burning fighting spirit.

Deep within the hearts of the Xiao brothers lies a blood feud that is etched into their very being.

The two men's biological mother was secretly framed and murdered by the Yan state in her early years, and died tragically in a foreign land.

For many years, the two brothers practiced martial arts diligently and served in the army to guard the border, hoping day and night that one day they could lead an army to conquer Yan and avenge their grievances!

General Su's words today have completely ignited the hatred and fighting spirit that have been building up in their hearts for many years!

We will raze the Yan Kingdom to the ground and avenge our defeat!

This is what they have sought all their lives!

Su Mu took in the fighting spirit and restraint in the eyes of the two brothers and understood their intentions.

The Yan Kingdom has always been ambitious, treacherous, and cunning. It has been lying in wait on the southern border for many years, secretly accumulating strength, eyeing the vast land of Daqian, and repeatedly stirring up border disputes and creating friction.

If we tolerate such enemy countries for even a day, we will create more hidden dangers.

If we don't eliminate it today, it will surely become a major threat to the Great Qian Dynasty in the future!

National enmity, personal grudges, border troubles, humiliation—all these factors combined mean there is absolutely no room for compromise in this war!

With his mind settled, Su Mu concealed his arrogance and ordered in a deep voice, "It's late. Everyone, return to your tents to rest and recuperate. At dawn tomorrow, the entire army will set off at full speed to reinforce Duanyun Pass!"

"Yes, sir!" Everyone bowed and accepted the order, then left the central command tent in turn to rest and recharge.

Nothing happened that night; the military camp was peaceful and quiet, except for the soldiers on night patrol, their steps firm and resolute, keeping watch on all sides.

……

The next day, just as dawn was breaking...

The entire military camp had awakened, cooking smoke rose again, bugles sounded softly, and the whole army was fully equipped and ready to go. Their armor was neat and their warhorses neighed, waiting only for the general's order to set off immediately.

Su Mu, Xiao Yunchuan, Xiao Yichun, Xiao Yidong, Su Qingxue and others gathered early in the central command tent to discuss the marching arrangements for the day. After they were fully prepared, they were ready to issue an order for the entire army to break camp.

Just then, a series of hurried footsteps came from outside the tent, accompanied by the scouts' urgent shouts, breaking the tranquility of the morning!

"Urgent report!!"

A scout dressed in black, shrouded in morning mist, covered in dust, and breathing heavily, rushed into the main tent. He knelt down, his expression urgent and flustered, and shouted an urgent report:

"Reporting to General Su! Urgent battle report from the front! The Yan army launched an attack on Duanyun Pass yesterday, and it seems they will launch a second full-scale assault on Duanyun Pass early this morning! The battle at Duanyun Pass has reignited, and the situation is critical!!"

Upon hearing this, the expressions of everyone in the tent changed simultaneously!

Everyone felt a chill run down their spines, and their eyes instantly filled with seriousness!

Xiao Yunchuan frowned, his face full of worry. His third brother was holding the city gate so firmly that the pressure on him must have increased dramatically!

The Xiao brothers looked solemn, their fighting spirit instantly surging, and they couldn't wait to rush to the battlefield!

Only Su Mu remained calm and composed. Although he was anxious, he was still unfazed by the danger and exuded a powerful aura, instantly entering a state of combat readiness!

His eyes suddenly sharpened, and his voice became piercing as he immediately issued the order: "The enemy is launching a relentless attack; Duan Yun Pass is in imminent danger. The opportunity to strike cannot be delayed!"

"Xiao Yunchuan, Xiao Yichun, Xiao Yidong, heed my command!"

Upon hearing this, the three men immediately stepped forward, stood tall and straight, knelt on one knee in unison, cupped their hands, and said in deep voices, "Your subordinates are here!!"

"I order the three of you to immediately lead ten thousand elite cavalry, abandoning infantry supplies, and gallop lightly equipped! All horses must accelerate, speeding south day and night, to swiftly reinforce Duan Yun Pass!" Su Mu's gaze was sharp, his military orders as firm as mountains, each word urgent and forceful: "You must reach the battlefield at the fastest speed, enter the pass to help Xiao Yunche stabilize the defenses, relieve the pressure on the city's defenders, and defeat the Yan army's offensive!"

"The main infantry force will follow at full speed; you cavalry must break through first! No delays allowed!!"

"Your subordinate obeys!!" The three men answered in unison, their voices resounding and unwavering.

As soon as the order was given, the three immediately turned around and rushed out of the tent, their steps quick as they headed towards the iron cavalry formation of the military camp!

As dawn breaks, a myriad of rays of light pierce through the morning mist and spill across the vast earth.

In the military camp, ten thousand elite cavalry of the Great Qian Dynasty were assembled!

The black warhorse raised its head and neighed, its iron hooves pounding the ground, its imposing presence shaking the heavens.

Each of the armored knights had a sharp blade at their waist and a longbow on their back, their eyes gleaming coldly, their gazes resolute, and their fighting spirit boundless!

Ten thousand iron cavalrymen, arrayed in perfect formation, exuding a chilling aura, were fully prepared for battle!

Xiao Yunchuan, Xiao Yichun, and Xiao Yidong mounted their horses, their gazes resolute. With a wave of their hands, they shouted sharply, "All troops, proceed! Rush to the aid of Duanyun Pass! Full speed ahead!!"

In the next instant, ten thousand horses galloped, their iron hooves thundering!

Ten thousand elite cavalrymen, like a surging black torrent, broke through the morning mist and sped along the official road in southern Xinjiang!

The sound of horses' hooves echoed through the mountains and fields, and dust filled the sky. With the force of thunder, they rushed towards the war-torn Duanyun Pass at lightning speed!