Endless Winter: My Camp Upgrades Infinitely

Chapter 1704: Chapter 539: Jinyang’s Choice, Cai Qiuning’s Horror (Part 2)

The Bone-Eroding Path is actually a naturally formed narrow passage connecting the southern slope and the Moao River, located within the body of Moao Mountain, which is the chief culprit blocking Moao River from the southern slope.

If a decisive battle takes place at the Bone-Eroding Path and is lost, the soldiers would only have the option to retreat into the path. The path is less than fifty meters wide—how can an army of fifty thousand fit through?

In other words, if a decisive battle with the Xia Army takes place near the Bone-Eroding Path and is lost, it would be a total disaster. The fifty thousand soldiers from the two towns wouldn’t be able to survive.

Moreover, due to the terrain limitations, should the situation spiral out of control, if Xia Hong were to deploy all his puppets, even those at the Xianyang Level and Tribulation Body Realm might face the risk of death.

“Qiuhu, what do you mean?”

Seeing his elder brother Cai Qiuyang somewhat impatient, Cai Qiuhu stopped beating around the bush and said in a serious tone: “Two options: one is to launch a direct assault on the city. In half an hour, if we successfully capture Jinyang considering the city’s fortifications, defending against the Xia Army for two days isn’t too difficult;

The other is to retreat directly into the Bone-Eroding Path to conserve strength. Wait for our main army to arrive, then both forces can team up to break through the path.”

After laying out the two options, Cai Qiuhu’s complexion turned even gloomier.

Neither choice seems promising.

The former: breaking through the city in half an hour doesn’t look feasible. If delayed until Xia Army arrives, fifty thousand will be wiped out, forcing Cai Qiu’s group to retreat via the Bone-Eroding Path;

The latter: retreating fifty thousand into the path, the Xia Army will instantly seal it tight, making breaking through as hard as climbing the sky.

Cai Qiuyang, Zhu Huorong, and the other six from the Tribulation Body Realm contemplated for a moment after hearing this, their expressions turning grim.

Cai Qiuhu could think of it; naturally, so could they.

“The Bone-Eroding Path is so narrow; if Cai Qiu’s army can’t break through, how can they with fifty thousand? Attack the city! It’s a gamble. If we capture Jinyang, we’ll focus on holding the city, blocking the Xia Army for two days won’t be a big problem. If Xia Army splits forces to block the path’s exit, we can exit the city to strike their back, assisting my vassal army moving south.”

The usually silent Cai Qiuhong finally spoke.

“There’s no other way; the Xia Army will arrive in half an hour!”

Cai Qiuhu quickly made the decision, sharing a glance with his two elder brothers, then with a flicker of different emotion in his eyes, he turned and spoke to Qin Feng and Shangguan Yang: “You two, order the assault! We’ll all take action. As long as Xia Hong doesn’t show up, breaking the city in half an hour won’t be a problem.”

Will Xia Hong not show up? Clearly, Cai Qiu’s group considers the fifty thousand allied troops as expendables, using them to wear down the Xia Army, setting the stage for Cai Qiu’s army moving south.

Shameless!

At this moment, Qin Feng wished he could shout out “shameless”. Having been a lord for decades, the flicker of different emotion in the eyes of Cai Qiuhu and his brothers during their silent exchange couldn’t escape his notice.

Breaking the city in half an hour is absolutely unrealistically ambitious;

Retreating into the Bone-Eroding Path, saving these fifty thousand, waiting for Cai Qiu’s army to move south, joining forces to continue maneuvering against Great Xia is clearly the better choice.

Yet Cai Qiuhu’s group obviously doesn’t value the fifty thousand allied troops, dismissively sacrificing them.

Forcing him and Shangguan Yang to order the assault?

Fury surged within Qin Feng, feeling utterly relieved for previously hinting at his two sons to lead the troops in revolt and fleeing.

If the over-four-thousand from Wuchuan truly came along with Cai Qiu, likely none would be spared.

He didn’t respond immediately to Cai Qiuhu, instead, he looked at Shangguan Yang nearby and noticed a hint of hidden anger on his face, instantly realizing this longtime acquaintance couldn’t tolerate it either.

“My Lord, this is fifty thousand troops! Better to secure them; it will surely benefit your vassal army. Why let them fall here?”

Shangguan Yang couldn’t hold back anymore, yet despite this, he still spoke in a gentle tone, hoping Cai Qiuhu might change his decision.

Seeing this, Qin Feng promptly nodded in agreement: “Lord Shangguan speaks rightly, my lord. These fifty thousand soldiers just didn’t leave after the last mutiny, showing their loyalty. If preserved, when your vassal engages Xia Army, they’ll be extremely powerful reinforcements. No need to have them fall here.”

Upon hearing the two’s words, Cai Qiuhu’s face slightly darkened.

“After the last mutiny, you two lords pledged to heed Cai Qiu’s orders without question. Has hardly any time passed, and you’re already changing stance? Order the assault; I won’t repeat myself!”

As Cai Qiuhu’s slightly threatening words spilled forth, Cai Qiuyang, Zhu Huorong, and the others immediately stepped forward, positioning themselves close to Qin Feng and Shangguan Yang.

Qin Feng’s expression subtly shifted, quickly cupping his hands: “I’ll pass down the orders right away; please wait a moment, my lords!”

“Shangguan Yang will issue the orders now!”

Shangguan Yang also lost his temper, promptly cupping his hands and nodding.

The two dared not drag it out, swiftly flying towards the army below.

Of course, Zhu Huorong and Cai Qiuyang each followed closely, inseparable from the two.

Just after the four left, a shadow swiftly dashed from behind.

“Thud…”

The figure moved quickly, but his breath was in utter chaos. Though still a hundred meters away, he violently spewed a mouthful of fresh blood; when approaching, his form staggered and nearly collapsed to the ground.

“Second Brother!”