Chapter 232

Chapter 232: Seven Stratagems of Warfare

Qi Shu Xian desperately needed a military triumph to steady his heart.

Over the next two days, he studied strategies with Governor Xu while secretly investigating the likely locations where Governor Xu’s family might be held captive.

Since the Northern Di aimed to threaten Governor Xu, his family would undoubtedly be safe for now.

Currently, the Northern Di forces were led by General Pu Ergu and First Prince Lu Yang.

Governor Xu remained inside the city, unwilling to venture out.

General Pu Ergu was ruthless and cruel. Often, he led troops to parade wounded Sheng Kingdom commoners like dogs right in front of Wudu Pass. Unable to fight back, the morale of the soldiers defending Wudu Pass steadily dropped day by day.

As for First Prince Lu Yang, his royal status guaranteed heavy protection by elite soldiers. Perhaps Governor Xu’s family was being kept alongside him.

Thinking this, Qi Shu Xian suddenly recalled the book he had read in Cangnan—Seven Stratagems of Warfare.

One of its tactics perfectly fit their current situation.

After careful thought, an idea formed in his mind. Immediately, he summoned Governor Xu and several other Northern Desert generals to the sand table, clearly laying out his strategic plan.

As soon as he finished, everyone’s eyes sparkled in admiration.

“Is this Bluster?”

“Feign East but Strike West?”

“No, no… Deputy General Qi cleverly combined these strategies, making them even more cunning. Even seasoned generals wouldn’t see through it. One misstep, and the Northern Di will tumble right into Deputy General Qi’s trap.”

“If this plan succeeds, it’ll repay them for burning our provisions in their night raid.”

“And most importantly, there’s hope we can rescue Governor Xu’s family!”

“Deputy General Qi commands troops like a goddess of war! I, Kong Song Feng, swear to follow you this time and cut down those damned Northern Di barbarians!” Kong Song Feng stood and shouted.

The other officers enthusiastically agreed. Governor Xu, deeply moved, bowed respectfully to Qi Shu Xian.

Seeing their morale rising, Qi Shu Xian finally allowed himself a slight smile of relief.

Yet, what a pity… the copy of Seven Stratagems of Warfare he’d read was only the first half. If only he had the second half, perhaps he could devise even more brilliant strategies.

[Just where did Sheng Zhi Wan obtain such a precious military book?]

With the strategy decided, all that remained was distributing troops and preparing for battle.

Hearing that they could finally engage the enemy head-on, the long-restrained Northern Desert troops rallied fiercely.

The next night, the gates of Wudu Pass swung open.

Northern Di scouts waiting miles away quickly pressed their ears to the ground. Hearing the heavy footsteps, they rushed back to report.

The Sheng Kingdom army advanced under the cover of darkness.

In response, the Northern Di swiftly marshaled their forces.

Yet in the dark, those heavy-footed soldiers had weights strapped to their legs, each carrying a long spear and a short blade. Every step they took, their spears struck the earth, creating an illusion that two thousand men marched as a mighty host of tens of thousands.

Meanwhile, the true main forces, hidden by this diversion, quietly slipped out, swiftly moving in smaller groups around the Northern Di’s camp toward two targets.

One was the encampment of Northern Di’s First Prince Lu Chuo; the other, their provisions storehouse.

The Northern Di had burnt their provisions. Now Qi Shu Xian would repay them in kind.

Once Northern Di’s supplies were destroyed, their army would be forced into haste and desperation, creating weaknesses that Qi Shu Xian could exploit.

Above all, Qi Shu Xian personally led the most elite soldiers, tasked with rescuing Governor Xu’s family.

As both Sheng Kingdom teams neared the Northern Di camp perimeter, the fierce sounds of fighting echoed from the front lines.

Without hesitation, Qi Shu Xian gave the signal to charge.

With most Northern Di soldiers already committed to the frontline, the rear was thinly defended. Qi Shu Xian quickly pierced through their defenses.

His soldiers swiftly set fires throughout the Northern Di barracks. Yet strangely, whether from caution or foresight, the Northern Di had left neither food nor hostages here.

Not even Governor Xu’s family was found.

“Deputy General Qi! What now? Our brothers at the front won’t hold much longer!” Li Ming An asked urgently, finishing off another enemy soldier.

Qi Shu Xian’s expression darkened.

About a fifth of the barracks remained unsearched. If he regrouped immediately and attacked from behind, they might cut down many Northern Di soldiers.

Otherwise, their efforts here would seem pointless.

Since neither supplies nor hostages had been found, killing more Northern Di soldiers would at least secure a minor victory.

Moreover, the unsearched barracks were mostly on the outskirts—unlikely locations for hostages or essential provisions.

Clearly, Northern Di had hidden their valuable captives and supplies even further back, perhaps in some distant mountain hollow.

[Clever indeed!]

“No need to search further! Set the fires quickly and reinforce our brothers at the front!” he commanded decisively.

A horn blew sharply, signaling the scattered units to regroup swiftly.

Qi Shu Xian’s troops quickly spread out, igniting the remaining barracks. In moments, the Northern Di encampment blazed fiercely.

Hearing the horn, Sheng Kingdom soldiers who had been faltering at the frontline regained their courage.

Caught between flames behind and renewed attacks ahead, even the bravest Northern Di soldiers began to suffer heavy losses.

Amidst the chaos, Qi Shu Xian suddenly noticed a squad of unusually armored Northern Di elites rushing toward one of the burning tents.