Volume Two: The Outlaws Here Chapter 107: Both Perish, Both Embrace Death

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Kui Sheng’s head had been spinning for a long time, refusing to nod in agreement despite Lin Changtian’s beating and scolding.

“I really can’t do this.”

“What’s so difficult? Tell me, and I’ll definitely help you solve it,” Lin Changtian said, beating his chest with firm confidence.

A flicker of hope appeared in Kui Sheng’s eyes as he cautiously said, “I think this task might not be suitable for me. It’s better to find someone else.”

“Changing generals at the last moment is truly a bad omen.”

“The Lord of Sishan is personally going to launch a surprise attack on Anma City, and you’re still worried about this? Changtian, what you’re doing... trading one for one at the limit is really playing with fire..."

Kui Sheng was very frustrated; no one could understand. On a beautiful morning, he opened his eyes, expecting the familiar morning light to brush his face. The sunlight came as expected, truly beautiful, but unfortunately, Lin Changtian was standing beside him.

Thus, this beautiful morning was no longer beautiful; it even felt somewhat ominous.

He knew Lin Changtian’s visit was not good news, but he never imagined this nightmare would come so suddenly.

Unable to care for his naked body, he perked up his ears, replaying Lin Changtian’s words over and over: “Kui Sheng, I’ve kept some things from you; I’m ashamed to face you.”

“What is it? Could it be that the two ‘eggs’ I secretly hid back then ended up in your stomach?” Kui Sheng squinted with a fierce look.

“Not at all,” Lin Changtian waved his hand, then suddenly snapped back, glaring fiercely at him. “When have you ever eaten alone? But I don’t have much time now, and I won’t be able to care about you in the future. Eat as much as you want, but don’t leave any at the end!”

“What’s wrong with you? Saying such gloomy things early in the morning—who hurt your fragile, innocent heart?”

The Lord of Sishan waved his hand at Kui Sheng, then tried hard to squeeze a few tears from his eyes, crying out in grief: “It’s a pity that all the generals worked so diligently, spending so much effort to calculate the enemy’s feint and deception, and yet, what was the result? Only to survive miserably within the mountain pass!”

As soon as he finished speaking, he wiped his eyes with his sleeve and leaned close to Kui Sheng, looking at him earnestly.

“That’s nonsense. Man proposes, Heaven disposes. The army, which hasn’t seen the year’s end, facing the elite hidden cavalry of the northern border—if we could beat them, that would be a miracle.”

Kui Sheng scratched his head; he felt this kind of argument sounded very familiar.

“But the hard-earned resources can’t just be wasted like this. Besides, continuing like this will only mean an uncertain fate and a bleak future.”

“Then fight! Bring out the troops and face his so-called hidden cavalry, and fight to the last! Ma Hui’s cavalry isn’t good; those early fighters in the northern region are just all bark and no bite. Besides, the terrain at Weinan Mountain Pass is narrow. No matter how fierce he is, he’ll have to shrink back!”

Kui Sheng shouted with a fierce face, as if trying to use this to bolster his courage.

“Hmm, you really think that? If his cavalry isn’t good, then who led the troops that broke through the pass under Gongsun Twelve? This is clearly an old fox spreading false information to fool us. How many beatings do you need before you understand?”

“I’m just trying to ease your mind,” Kui Sheng said with a foolish smile, trying to make himself seem less awkward.

Lin Changtian looked outside, hearing a few crows cawing chaotically.

“This will only add to the worries. Promise me one thing; that’s better than anything else.”

He leaned close to Kui Sheng’s ear and explained the plans he and Xu Yong had devised...

So Kui Sheng’s head kept spinning until now, never ceasing.

A thought came to him: if only he could knock himself unconscious and not wake up, even if it was a nightmare, it would be better than hearing this news.

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Not to mention the northern region, even in the Central Plains, no general would undertake such a risky task.

“March west along Weinan Mountain Pass, circle around to the back of Luoyou Mountain, then charge straight to the foot of Anma City. Are you... telling a fairy tale?”

“No one expected Chu Ji to win with eight thousand against a hundred thousand. They were a forsaken group, but they did it.”

Kui Sheng’s face flushed; he couldn’t argue with Lin Changtian. After gesturing wildly in the air, his hands nearly buzzing like wild bees, he finally managed to say, “A gentleman does not stand at a dangerous wall.”

“Who here looks like a gentleman? Besides, in these times, do you still want to learn from the original owners of Anma City? A bunch of survivors clinging to life, arrogant and narrow-minded, few have ever left the northern region, yet all dare to act as if they command the world with their words. They are all deceivers without exception—these broken-backed dogs deserve to die.”

Lin Changtian turned his back, unwilling to let Kui Sheng see the ruthlessness on his face.

“Even if you’re not a gentleman, you have to be careful! Anyone can go on this mission, but not you. If you agree to go, then it’s settled. It’s just right to show the northern region our might!”

Kui Sheng patted Lin Changtian’s shoulder, smiling as if this was a glorious mission to make a name for oneself, letting their debate overshadow life and death, forgetting all else.

“Going solo, you’re not ready. This time, it’s me and Xu Yong—more people, we can’t even get past Mangyang Mountain!”

Lin Changtian frowned, coldly looking at Kui Sheng, pursing his lips but ultimately not saying more, trying to look a bit more heartless with his calmness.

“Aren’t you bringing Chen Ziliang?” Kui Sheng didn’t look at Lin Changtian, his face filled with anger, slapping his own cheeks hard, powerless and even resentful of himself.

“If I take him away, who will guard the pass? Don’t you get it? There isn’t much time left for us to part! Hesitation is a death sentence left for the soul to ponder after the fact. Give me a clear answer: can you fight or not? If not, I’ll find someone else. With your current state, even Lin Zhao suits better!”

He lifted his head, youth staring at youth, like looking into a mirror, a cliff so close yet unreachable.

After a long pause—

“I will fight. May I ask how many days the commander needs?”

Kui Sheng tried to keep his tone calm; he knew what to do now—be calm, even if it was just an act.

“If luck is good, just over a month. If bad... about ten days.”

“Defend the pass for eighty days. After eighty days, no one will survive at Weinan Mountain Pass!”

That night, two riders cloaked in the dawn stepped into the breaking daylight.

...

Chu Ji hummed a tune, feeling at ease, no longer worried about the war, only waiting patiently for a letter from Anma City.

“This game, even if Du Zhaolin is foolish, he can play it,” Chu Ji said to himself. Qi Liao thought he was speaking to him and hurried forward, replying anxiously, “What the general says is right. Mr. Du must be a clever man, not foolish.”

“I’m not afraid of his foolishness, only that he’s too greedy, forgetting the basics, wanting us to hurry and take Weinan Mountain Pass to then attack the three western towns. That’s too rushed.”

Qiu Shaoan frowned, taking over the conversation: “We intend to wear down Weinan Pass slowly. It can be broken in half a year. By then, not just the three western towns, even a trip to Luoyou Mountain will be possible. If we force an assault, it can be taken in a month, but we can’t swallow the three western towns at once.”

“That’s why I say I fear Du’s foolishness. But his layout has been guessed once already; he probably won’t act recklessly again.”

The group laughed together. A young soldier entered the tent, holding a sealed letter without breaking the wax.

“Look, Du’s summons arrived fast.”

Chu Ji laughed as he opened the letter. The words were scolding, blaming him for poor battle results and waste of funds.

He frowned, anger burning inside.

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As he reached the end of the letter, seeing Du Zhaolin’s note promising to take the pass in ten days, Chu Ji sneered repeatedly, calm on the surface but imagining tearing Du Zhaolin apart alive.

“Seems everyone overestimated Mr. Du. He’s reckless and glory-hungry, not caring for his life. Pity that life isn’t his own, but ours.”

He put on a look of regret, unsure whom he pitied. The tent filled with curses, even the officers of the hidden cavalry looked displeased.

Mangyang Mountain’s hidden cavalry had lost men; if not for Du Zhaolin’s stupidity, their sons wouldn’t have fallen to a ragtag group.

The noise went on for a long time—from laughter to curses. After venting their grievances, they began spinning tales of Du Zhaolin’s mother’s scandalous affairs.

This was a common way to relieve stress in the army, until Chu Ji glanced at the signature: “From your dog, personally.”

“Silence! Shut your mouths!” Chu Ji knelt down in terror, staring northward, trembling uncontrollably.

“General...” Qi Liao tried to support him but was fiercely pushed aside, like a lone wolf being disciplined like a dog.

Soon, he became a thorough lackey.

“Commander above, your dog is willing to die a thousand deaths. I didn’t realize this letter was written by you,” Chu Ji murmured, bowing his head.

The generals exchanged glances. Qiu Shaoan, bolder, wanted to ask, “Is this really Commander Ma Hui’s handwriting?” but was driven back at knife point by Chu Ji.

Qi Liao scowled; the answer was obvious.

“General Chu’s loyalty to the commander is well known. Seeing him today proves it. We are ashamed, not even half as good as General Chu. Yes, we should learn from you!” the hidden cavalry leader said with a bow. If not for the slight mocking tone on his face, his earnest words might have been believed.

“No need for sarcasm, kid. You’re too green, never crossed Luoyou Mountain or been to Beitang River, don’t know my skills, nor the commander’s abilities!”

Chu Ji turned around like a fierce wolf, his killing intent freezing the hidden cavalry in place.

In an instant, he lay back down, returning to his loyal dog’s posture.

“Tomorrow, assault the city. Any objections?”

No one dared speak, fearing the wolf would turn and devour them.

The tent fell silent until a soldier rushed in.

The young soldier barely steady on his feet, panicked and trembling, said, “General! The men at the pass are coming down!”

“What’s the hurry? Another challenge? I will personally lead the charge!”

Chu Ji ignored the soldier, still focused on the letter.

“This... this time it’s the great army of Sishan forming up and charging through!”

“What!” Chu Ji raised his head, eyes wide with shock.

Kui Sheng played a tune on the city wall, bidding farewell to old friends and sending himself off...

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