Chapter 648 – Unification of Wanzhou (Part 1)
The flames of war spread, and dust swept through the air.
The war drums rolled like thunder, and the cries of battle echoed through the heavens.
The Red Lotus Sect faced several setbacks and, after splitting their forces, suffered multiple defeats outside of Jinmen County. Their morale was low and fighting spirit dwindled.
A group of enemies sprang out of nowhere, launching a surprise attack on the rear of the Red Lotus Sect. Qi Guanrang, within Jinmen County, ordered the gates to be opened and deployed troops to meet the Red Lotus Sect, distracting their main force and causing them to be caught off guard… Under Qi Guanrang’s command, the soldiers formed military formations, breaking apart the Red Lotus Sect’s ranks, surrounding and annihilating them. If the Red Lotus Sect retaliated, they would scatter and regroup, waiting for the enemy’s moment of hesitation to strike ferociously…
Under Qi Guanrang’s command, the Red Lotus Sect felt like their enemies were a sticky piece of candy, impossible to shake off.
Most of the Red Lotus Sect’s main forces were gathered at the front, while Qi Guanrang stuck to them like gum, making it difficult for them to turn back and assist their rear.
Compared to Qi Guanrang’s “indirect and gentle” tactics, Wei Ci appeared rather straightforward and decisive.
Thanks to Jiang Pengji’s strict oversight, the new recruits received orders on how to execute commands first, rather than focusing solely on physical training.
Consequently, even though Wei Ci’s troops were all newcomers, their execution of orders was commendable. While their physical capabilities and combat quality couldn’t be compared to seasoned veterans, they were far superior to the Red Lotus Sect members caught off guard by the surprise attack.
Wei Ci understood very well that Qi Guanrang was holding back the main force of the Red Lotus Sect, buying precious time for him.
The quicker Wei Ci eliminated enemies, the greater the losses for the Red Lotus Sect, which meant less pressure on Qi Guanrang.
Thus, to further expand the battlefield success, Wei Ci chose a very aggressive offensive formation.
He ordered the vanguard to be sharp and swift like a spear, breaking through and tearing apart the already chaotic rear of the Red Lotus Sect.
The arrangements of the soldiers on either flank were defensive, sturdy and strong, coordinating speed while protecting the center and expanding the gains, harvesting the lives of the Red Lotus Sect members. The archers and spear soldiers in the center supported the front and both wings, shooting down enemies and clearing obstacles.
The army led by Wei Ci was like a long pair of scissors, effortlessly tearing through the rear of the Red Lotus Sect, preventing their flanks from supporting one another.
Blades flashed and arrows rained down.
Body after body fell with a thud, and everywhere the eye could see was a scene of carnage.
The forces inside Jinmen County, combined with Wei Ci’s new recruits, numbered over ten thousand, yet the Red Lotus Sect still outnumbered them by three times.
However, in the battlefield, having more people doesn’t guarantee victory!
As Wei Ci advanced and Qi Guanrang held back the enemy, the Red Lotus Sect suffered heavy losses and their morale crumbled, falling into disarray.
They tried desperately to struggle and make a final effort to concentrate their forces and break through.
However, Wei Ci and Qi Guanrang’s cooperation was quite seamless. Qi Guanrang shifted from holding the enemy back to surrounding them, while Wei Ci transitioned from offense to “herding” the enemy. They were like seasoned fishermen, commanding their soldiers as if weaving a sturdy fishing net, without any communication yet truly understanding each other, driving the Red Lotus Sect—these panicking fish—into one spot, ultimately reeling them in! Captured!
Only until the sun set halfway, casting a red glow, did Qi Guanrang reluctantly order the retreat.
“I thought the one coming would be Zishi.”
Although Feng Zhen was a playboy and had a poor relationship with Feng Jin and Xu Ke, Qi Guanrang actually appreciated the guy.
Considering the other’s temperament and style, he was quite suitable to lead the new recruits to support Jinmen County.
Never would he have thought the one who arrived in the end was Wei Ci.
Now that he thought about Wei Ci’s usual demeanor, it differed greatly from his previous performance on the battlefield.
Qi Guanrang couldn’t help but reassess this gentle, seemingly weak colleague.
So concealed, big brother!
Wei Ci was still afraid of the cold, wearing several more layers than others, wrapped in a windproof rabbit fur cloak, looking from a distance like a snowball. Just like Yang Si felt cold looking at Qi Guanrang, Qi Guanrang felt a bit hot looking at Wei Ci.
Listening to Qi Guanrang’s words, Wei Ci chuckled and cleared his throat, “Zishi is busy and far away in Shangyang County, managing affairs with Huaiyu. The back and forth wastes time, fearing it would delay the main plan. Reluctantly, this idle person came to ease the lord’s worries.”
In truth, it was Feng Zhen who desperately wanted to come; who could resist the thrill of war compared to mundane political affairs?
However, Wei Ci’s snow-white face hid a heart more black than coal, always setting up his friends.
From Zhang Ping, Yang Si to Feng Zhen, when did he ever show “mercy”?
“…Where did the lord go now?”
Wei Ci was also on a night march here, having no spare time to gather intelligence.
Qi Guanrang briefly explained the current battlefield situation.
Jinmen County had already been secured, and it was likely they could soon take Red Lotus County as well. Just in time for Wei Ci’s arrival, they could have him lead troops to guard there.
The Red Lotus Sect was still battling in Qiuy County, and Jiang Pengji and Qi Guanrang planned to keep the news under wraps, so they wouldn’t find out about the changes here for the time being.
Jiang Pengji could use this time gap to shift and attack Fenghu County, and after stabilizing the three counties, they could turn back to deal with the remnants of the Red Lotus Sect.
Wei Ci maintained a calm expression and listened carefully.
In his former life, he moved with the Wei family from Langya County to Zhong Zhao Bianzhou quite early. As an invisible person, he wasn’t valued much at all, so he simply lived in seclusion, yet still cared about worldly affairs, though most of his information came from Zhong Zhao. He only had a rough idea about the news from Dongqing.
Perhaps it was the evildoers mentioned by Master Liaochen, stealing the national fortune and the people’s luck of Dongqing, causing many events to occur prematurely.
The emergence of the Red Lotus Sect in his former life happened much later than now.
The Red Lotus Sect had covertly spread their teachings in the north for several years, gathering countless loyal cultists. Their followers were widespread, and when the Red Lotus Sect leader rose in rebellion, they were supported by the northern populace, making it hard for the court to intervene, suffering several defeats. The Green Garment Army, which rose at the same time, could only avoid conflict with them.
Now, the Red Lotus Sect was still immature, and their doctrines hadn’t penetrated deeply into people’s hearts; otherwise, it would be tough to take Chengde County.
“…The lord went to Qiuy County?” Wei Ci asked.
Qi Guanrang replied, “By estimating the time, that should be the case. Zixiao, it’s fortunate you arrived, or else it would be quite overwhelming for Zhen. Although the Red Lotus Sect is a disorganized mob, their ability to incite the people is not to be underestimated. In these past few days defending the city, there have been numerous attempts by citizens trying to attack or bribe the city gate guards, with more than twenty cases caught on the surface, and many more that were secretly left unacted.”
Wei Ci rubbed his brows, “These stubborn cultists should not be left behind; otherwise, it could lead to major trouble.”
A single rat dropping can spoil a whole pot of porridge.
Keeping these brainwashed fools around, who knows when they might cause chaos?
The Red Lotus Sect truly needed to be eradicated to the root!
Thinking of his previous life, Wei Ci’s expression darkened, his eyes harboring a hint of killing intent, even his gentle face turned cold.
Qi Guanrang, sensing Wei Ci’s intentions, slightly furrowed his brow.
Is Wei Ci harboring murderous thoughts?
