Chapter Sixty-Six: This Is War-Divine Treasures Across the Realms(Kapok Tree 2016)

After Long Wenzhang finished speaking, he immediately arranged for the construction of defensive fortifications.

Yang Xin promptly intervened, signaling the soldiers to rest and conserve their strength; the defensive works would be built by the Huaxia Ninja Corps. If you need a trench dug, Earth Release has it covered; if you need bunkers constructed, Earth Release handles it. There’s no defensive structure that Earth Release can’t resolve—if one isn’t enough, then use two.

The defensive system laid out by Long Wenzhang was the classic type seen in World War II. First, he buried a large number of landmines at the enemy’s inevitable approach, then set up barbed wire—not just one layer, but over ten. The trenches were deep and wide, allowing for easy troop maneuvering, and the trenches interconnected with both visible and hidden bunkers, forming an intricate and sprawling network.

At the center stood the Black Panther statue of Wakanda, around which the defenses were layered, each linked to the next, so that troops could be directed swiftly and easily to any node, to any position. Every trap was meticulously designed by Long Wenzhang, brimming with malicious ingenuity, all aimed at maximizing enemy casualties. He had essentially recreated the layout of the Takeuchi Regiment at the Southern Gate and then adapted it to the terrain, making it even more insidious.

T’Challa, the Black Panther, observed Long Wenzhang’s fortifications from a god’s-eye view, his face dark as iron. Suddenly, he turned to his chief attendant and asked, “If we launched an attack without knowing all this, what do you think would happen?”

The attendant’s face was equally grim. He glared at Long Wenzhang, who flitted about, and bit out bitterly, “He’s a despicable man, and his men are a pack of pus-filled scoundrels. They are not true warriors!”

“I asked you what would happen,” T’Challa pressed, his voice cold.

“If it’s ground combat, except for you, we would likely be wiped out completely,” the attendant admitted, voicing the harsh reality.

“Perhaps this is true war—no trick left unused! Yang Xin is right. Our past battles were not wars at all; compared to them, we are like children playing in the mud. Even with their outdated weapons, we are no match for them,” T’Challa said, closing his eyes in pain.

“They disgrace the name of warriors!” the attendant protested.

“No, they are the true warriors,” Yang Xin suddenly appeared beside them in a flash, saying, “War is the most vital affair of a nation, the ground of life and death, the path to survival or extinction—it cannot be ignored!”

“If you truly fight according to your battle plans, Wakanda is doomed,” Yang Xin said coldly.

“We Wakandans are not afraid of defeat!” the attendant retorted, his neck stiff with pride.

“Defeat itself isn’t frightening—but if you lose this battle, you will face the annihilation of your nation and people,” Yang Xin responded bluntly.

T’Challa stared wide-eyed at Yang Xin, waiting for his explanation.

“A man is not guilty, but possessing treasure brings guilt! Wakanda is too rich—vibranium is inexhaustible. Do you know how much a fingernail-sized piece is worth?” Yang Xin asked, his tone icy.

“In the past, when no one knew the truth, those coveting vibranium might have respected Wakanda’s military strength. But when this war breaks out, if you fight according to your plan, outsiders will mock you, tear off their masks of hypocrisy, and send armies to seize your vibranium!”

“Your vibranium technology may be advanced, but with such outdated battle systems and primitive tactics, even a small nation could destroy Wakanda, let alone a superpower!”

“You!” The attendant was furious, raising his spear and pointing it at Yang Xin.

“You’re not here to ridicule us—so what should we do?” T’Challa suddenly asked.

“Establish diplomatic relations with Huaxia. Send large numbers of students to study Huaxia’s advanced battle systems, tactical thought, and the art of war. At the same time, borrow Huaxia’s officers to modernize Wakanda’s battle systems and tactical thinking.”

“Why must it be Huaxia? Why not America or Europe? Is it just because you’re Chinese?” T’Challa asked.

“The very fact you ask this shows how negligent you are as king! I won’t waste words. Go read history books from the Age of Exploration to the present. With history as your mirror, you’ll see the rise and fall of nations. The answer is in the books. I can tell you clearly: Huaxia is your best choice, your only choice. Otherwise, prepare for destruction,” Yang Xin said, rolling his eyes.

T’Challa took a deep breath, closed his eyes for a long moment, then slowly opened them.

“Suri, immediately go to Huaxia as Wakanda’s princess, fully representing me. Do as Yang Xin says. Establish diplomatic ties with Huaxia and use their strength to resist other nations. Go now!” T’Challa commanded coldly.

“We are at war,” the attendant reminded.

“Precisely because we are at war—if we win, everyone rejoices; if we lose, Suri can use Huaxia’s power to restore our kingdom. There’s no need to debate. Suri leaves now,” T’Challa decided.

Suri knew she could not help now, so she quickly formed a diplomatic mission, issued a communiqué, and boarded a advanced aircraft bound for Huaxia.

No sooner had Princess Suri left, than a fleet descended from outer space. The Vanguard Guard’s ship began landing.

“The war has begun!”

“Raise the battle flag!” At the highest point of the position, the Huaxia Expeditionary Army’s war flag rose slowly. As it ascended, a stirring battle song rang out:

“Do you not see, Han Zhongjun, at twenty, binding the barbarians and seeking the long tassel;
Do you not see, Ban Dingyuan, riding lightly beyond the frontier, urging the clouds of war!
A man should value perilous deeds, not let scholarly robes ruin his life.
Now the nation totters like stacked eggs, urgent messages race without pause!
I abandon my old pen, don my wartime uniform,
A single call gathers over a hundred thousand comrades, singing the battle song, all joining the army.

All join the army, cleanse the dust of the barbarians, swear to sweep away the invaders without regard for life!”

The battle song played, vowing to fight to the death!

On the other side, beasts were unleashed—the four-armed Vanguard Guards charged like mad dogs, ferociously and fearlessly attacking Wakanda’s shield.

“Open the shield.”

A small gap appeared in Wakanda’s shield. The Vanguard Guards charged into the breach, only to meet a minefield.

“Boom!”

Severed limbs and blood sprayed everywhere. Even the fearless Vanguard Guards were stunned—the scene before them was too brutal and bloody. All who rushed in were blown into pulp.

“Roar!” The Vanguard Guards howled and surged forward again.

“Krupp!” Long Wenzhang shouted into the radio.

“Set the coordinates, fire!” Far in the rear, the artillery positions thundered.

“Boom!”

The artillery rained down, the barrage sweeping the ground!

The Vanguard Guards suffered heavy casualties, yet they still charged onward, using their overwhelming numbers and speed. During the intervals between artillery fire, some broke through the barrage zone, pushing forward, forward, ever forward!