Chapter 1398: Chapter 50: Is Wang Shouzhe a Major Villain?_2 Chapter 1398: Chapter 50: Is Wang Shouzhe a Major Villain?_2 Murong Kaifeng, however, was not as optimistic.

He always felt that things might not be so simple.

Although South Qin and East Qian hadn’t engaged in national wars for nearly a thousand years, minor skirmishes had never ceased. Having dealt with the generals from East Qian, he understood their military strategies to some extent. But the situation at hand did not align with their known styles.

Although the possibility that they might have changed their tactics couldn’t be ruled out, it was more likely that the opposing side’s chief commander had been replaced. Or if not the chief, then the person in charge of the campaign had changed.

But if that were the case, the possibilities behind it multiplied.

The probability of this very situation being a trap couldn’t be disregarded…

It would be safer to gather more intel.

Just as Murong Kaifeng was weighing his options and preparing to discuss with the Ning Commandery Prince, a vast and majestic pressure suddenly appeared on the distant horizon, rushing towards their encampment at high speed.

Murong Kaifeng and the Ning Commandery Prince’s expressions changed simultaneously, and they almost instantly vanished from their spot.

The next moment.

The two reappeared in the sky, their formidable presence spreading out and enveloping the entire army.

Below, soldiers who had been resting were awakened by this aura and swiftly donned their armor and grabbed their weapons, readying themselves for battle.

Meanwhile, that terrifying pressure on the horizon was rapidly approaching.

A ferocious breath, loaded with dense Evil Qi and explosive fire, assaulted the are, the frightening presence permeating the air and painting the silent starry night with a red-black hue of firelight.

Within the fierce firelight, a vague silhouette could be seen, its aura surging with Evil Qi under the glow.

“Duke Gou?”

Murong Kaifeng recognized the familiar presence within the firelight and frowned slightly. This presence was unmistakably that of the Divine Power Territory head eunuch by the Emperor’s side, Gou Chang’an.

But Gou Chang’an being here instead of in Kyoto was not a good sign.

“Grand Marshal, no harm in seeing you well~”
A shrill, duck-like voice came from the flames, its grating tone giving anyone listening a headache.

And as the voice fell, the firelight quickly closed in. Then, as it dispersed, a thin, white-bearded elder appeared before Murong Kaifeng and the Ning Commandery Prince.

Clearly, this elder was the head eunuch, Gou Chang’an.

“By the Emperor’s command, I am here to deliver an edict to Marshal Murong.” Gou Chang’an seemed to be in a rather bad mood, flicking his feather duster as his beady eyes glanced at Murong Kaifeng with a hint of impatience, “Marshal Murong, prepare to receive the edict~”
Sensing a premonition, both Murong Kaifeng and the Ning Commandery Prince reluctantly proceeded to prepare for the edict, as per protocol.

“An edict from the Emperor.” Duke Gou unfolded a scroll of dark fabric and began to read word by word, “I hereby order the Grand Marshal of the three armies, Murong Kaifeng, to launch an immediate attack. Head eunuch Gou Chang’an shall accompany the army to supervise and assist, and seize Jianling Pass with the utmost expedition. This is to be religiously obeyed.”

“Your servant accepts the decree. Thanks to His Majesty’s grace.”

Murong Kaifeng, along with the Ning Commandery Prince, accepted the decree, though their expressions were grave.

“Grand Marshal, don’t be so glum. His Majesty had no other choice,” Gou Chang’an looked at him sideways, speaking in a sharp, piercing tone, “If it weren’t for His Majesty’s repeated verbal orders urging you to attack, with you showing no movement, why else would he specifically send me?”

“You know, that person is waiting right there in the Imperial Palace, and this matter can’t be delayed.”

“I understand. Duke Gou can rest assured.”

Murong Kaifeng took a deep breath, well aware that with the edict handed down, he could no longer proceed as slowly as he had intended.

The only course of action now was to play it by ear.

He announced in a deep voice: “Send the order down, the entire army moves out at dawn tomorrow. Prepare the Corpse Puppet Legion to lead the assault.”

After giving orders, he summoned the logistics manager to make room for Gou Chang’an’s Elephant house, and then returned to his own, resuming the study of military strategy.

The next morning, the army encamped in the valley once again set out, advancing majestically towards Jianling Pass.

Out of caution, Murong Kaifeng chose not to attempt to overpower East Qian Country’s three battalions, ordering the Puppet army to lead the charge, with other troops following behind, progressing steadily towards Jianling Pass.

Where beasts blocked, they would strike down beasts; where men blocked, they would strike down men.

…

Almost simultaneously.

Deep within Jianling Pass, the camp of the Azure Dragon Third Regiment.

In one of the many ordinary tents, a group of high-ranking officials was meeting.

Because of his wealth, although Wang Shouzhe had only recently advanced to the Divine Power Territory, he had equipped himself with a set of grand Divine Spirit Treasure Armor capable of speech.

Dressed in his full armor, looking majestic, he sat at the head of the table, laughing heartily, “Hahaha, just as Shi Zhao predicted, Murong Kaifeng really couldn’t hold back and has advanced his army towards Jianling Pass.”

Ning Commandery Prince, with disbelief written all over his face, said, “This does not match Murong Kaifeng’s usual style of warfare. Such an advance is too rash.”

“It’s not exactly rash.” Wang Shizhao calmly stated, “Murong Kaifeng has his reasons to advance. It is not out of rash ambition or desire to overpower our three elite battalions; his patience is commendable. Regrettably, even as Grand Marshal, he is not in full control of the battlefield situation and there are times when he has to act against his will.”