Chapter 68: Warfare Is the Art of Deception

Chen Mu led the Invincible Flying Army, the Wudang Flying Army, and the Dongyue Army to set up camp, awaiting news from the reserve forces. Previously, Chen Mu had given orders for the reserves to hold off the enemy for half a day; then, regardless of the outcome, they were to retreat and rejoin the main force.

By noon the following day, the reserves had returned.

What surprised Chen Mu, however, was that they had not encountered reinforcements from the Sea God Sect.

Zhang Chong reported, "Your Highness, our scouts did spot enemy troops, but quickly lost track of them. Unfamiliar with the terrain, we dared not pursue rashly and could only hold the main route."

Chen Mu nodded. "No matter. As long as you held your position, if they want to circle around us, it will take at least a day. For now, let us deal with the remnants of the Haikang Tribe."

Chen Mu could see clearly that General Golden Blade had started with over ten thousand troops, but only a few thousand managed to escape into the Haikang Tribe.

The Haikang Tribe itself could not field many soldiers, at most a few thousand, and their fighting strength would surely fall short of General Golden Blade’s men.

Moreover, lacking city fortifications, the Haikang Tribe would be easy prey for Chen Mu’s allied forces. Even if reinforcements from the Sea God Sect arrived, there was no cause for fear.

Chen Mu ordered the army to rest for a day, and to begin the assault on the Haikang Tribe the following day.

Yet that very night, a shadowy figure silently infiltrated the allied camp, heading straight for the Dongyue Army’s sector—to the central tent of Blue Phoenix.

He produced two throwing darts and struck down the two guards at the entrance, who fell without a sound.

Blue Phoenix, alerted by the commotion, immediately seized a pair of steel forks.

The figure lifted the tent flap, smiling. "Blue Phoenix, your skills have truly improved."

Steel forks in hand, Blue Phoenix frowned. "Silver Wolf, what are you doing here? I know I’m no match for you, but if I hold you off long enough, you’ll be surrounded by the army."

Silver Wolf smiled faintly. "I’ve come for the future of the Dongyue people."

Blue Phoenix sneered, "Since when has the Sea God Sect been so benevolent?"

Silver Wolf shook his head. "Whether Sea God Sect or Mountain God Sect, we are all Dongyue. In the eyes of the Great Xia, we remain outsiders. Do you really think now that Chen Mu has subdued Dongyue, we will fare well?"

Blue Phoenix said, "You’re here to persuade me to rebel."

Silver Wolf shook his head again. "No, no, you are already the most outstanding leader of Dongyue. How can it be called rebellion? My ten thousand men are just to the south, half a day’s march away. General Golden Blade may have lost a battle, but within the Haikang Tribe, he can still muster another ten thousand."

Seeing Blue Phoenix remain silent, Silver Wolf pressed on. "Add your fifteen thousand troops; that’s thirty-five thousand in all, while Chen Mu has only fifteen thousand—he is no match for us. Once we defeat the Xia army and capture Prince Chen Mu, we can demand wealth from Great Xia and further strengthen our Dongyue forces."

"I have already negotiated with the Sea God Sect’s leader; together, we will crown you king. When it comes time to retake Great Xia, you can even become empress."

"Isn’t that a hundred times better than being a slave to Great Xia?"

Blue Phoenix put down her steel forks and smiled. "Silver Wolf, I never knew you were such an orator. All these years as a leader, have you forgotten your martial skills?"

Silver Wolf laughed. "No matter how great one’s martial prowess, it cannot compare to the power of united tribes."

At that moment, someone outside noticed the fallen guards and called out, "General Blue Phoenix, are you all right?"

Blue Phoenix shouted back, "I’m fine! The assassin has fled! Just make sure the gates of every camp are secure!"

"Yes, ma’am!"

The patrolling soldier withdrew.

Silver Wolf’s smile deepened. "A wise decision."

Blue Phoenix offered a gentle smile in return. "Very well, tell me your plan."

...

The next day, Chen Mu ordered the attack on the Haikang Tribe.

This time, siege engines were unnecessary, but a headlong assault would be unwise. Urban combat could lead to heavy casualties.

Chen Mu first sent in the Invincible Flying Army and the Wudang Flying Army, using repeating crossbows to suppress the enemy’s outer defenses, then hurled torches at the frontal buildings.

As the Haikang Tribe’s defenders fell back, the two flying armies split into two groups, attacking from both flanks. This ensured their sides were free from enemies and simplified the battlefield.

As the fighting commenced, Chen Mu dispatched four thousand reserves, divided into two groups to encircle the Haikang Tribe from both sides—encircling but not attacking, to prevent the enemy from flanking and trapping the flying armies.

This left Chen Mu with only six thousand Great Xia troops by his side, comprised mainly of the less battle-hardened reserves.

Blue Phoenix, seeing the moment had come, drew a signal device from her robes and fired it into the sky.

With a shrill whistle, the signal arrow soared into the heavens.

From afar, Silver Wolf saw the signal and immediately ordered his troops forward.

Chen Mu spotted the signal arrow but showed no reaction, keeping his gaze fixed on the battle at the Haikang Tribe.

Silver Wolf’s ten thousand troops burst from the forest, causing a stir among Blue Phoenix’s men.

Suddenly, Blue Phoenix ordered her entire force to turn and encircle Chen Mu’s troops.

Seeing the chaos ahead, the shouts in both Xia and Dongyue dialects, Silver Wolf’s blood surged with excitement.

"Kill!"

"Slay the Xia troops first! Then the Mountain God Sect!"

"After this battle, the world shall belong to our Sea Wolf Tribe!"

"Charge!"

Silver Wolf’s troops, their morale stoked to the utmost, roared forward.

Blue Phoenix immediately ordered her soldiers to open a gap, allowing Silver Wolf’s army to enter.

Silver Wolf, leading from the front, was delighted by Blue Phoenix’s perfect coordination and plunged in without hesitation.

But once Blue Phoenix’s troops had all moved aside, Silver Wolf realized something was wrong.

Standing before him was none other than Chen Mu!

And Chen Mu’s troops stood in perfect order, showing no sign of inner turmoil.

A trap!

Silver Wolf hastily ordered a full retreat. At his shout, the vanguard halted, but the soldiers behind, unable to hear him, collided with the reversing troops ahead.

Confusion reigned as soldiers argued, blamed, and cursed, creating utter chaos.

As Silver Wolf attempted to withdraw, Blue Phoenix had already commanded her soldiers to split into two wings, encircling Silver Wolf’s ten thousand men.

The rear of Silver Wolf’s force, seeing the Mountain God Sect closing in, could only stand their ground and resist.

At this, Silver Wolf was caught fast, unable to move.

Meanwhile, Chen Mu ordered his entire army to charge Silver Wolf’s troops.

The sudden change in orders and the dramatic reversal of fortune crushed the morale of Silver Wolf’s men.

But the successful ruse of Chen Mu and Blue Phoenix had the allied army’s spirits soaring.

In contrast, Silver Wolf’s forces collapsed like a breached dam.