Chapter 4: Chen Ping Leads the Army

  Three days later, Chen Feihu ascended the stage amidst the gaze of tens of thousands to bid farewell to the general, leading a million-strong army out of the capital city and towards the front lines. Chen Pan followed in the ranks as part of his personal bodyguard.

  The northern wilderness is mainly composed of grasslands, although there are also trees, but not many, plus a desert area that is not small, which indeed lives up to the two words "wilderness" in her name.

  Chen Pan carried a large axe with a long handle and rode the fire unicorn behind Chen Feihu. The long-handled axe was chosen by Chen Feihu for Chen Pan, he thought that on the one hand, the barbarians could exert their strength well with the axe, and on the other hand, Chen Pan had a predestined relationship with the axe, and the stone axe mark was imprinted on his chest. Chen Pan didn't care anyway, he tried other weapons, but they didn't seem to be very handy, since the old man liked it, he agreed.

  Huǒ Lǐn was a birthday gift given to Chen Pán by Chen Fēi Hǔ on his 20th birthday. It is said to be an extraordinary fine steed, with unparalleled speed and agility. When galloping at full strength, it's as fast as lightning. At first, Chen Pán studied this gift for a long time, wondering why a horse could run at speeds comparable to F1 racing cars without any impact on its body. The result was just as inexplicable as the existence of life on the ancient continent.

  It has been more than two months since leaving the capital, although the army's morale is high, but Chen P'an found that Chen Feihu seems to have worries, often frowning and thinking alone, just like now, riding a horse alone in front.

  Chen Pan added some firewood and hurried up.

  "Marshal, is there something on your mind?" Chen P'an asked aloud. In the army, there are no fathers and sons, only subordinates, so this time Chen Feihu went out to lead with the title of Grand Marshal, so Chen P'an called him that way.

  Chen Feihu turned his head and took a look, it was Chen Pan. After a long while, he nodded: "Yes, I have a bad premonition in my heart."

  "Is there a problem?" Chen Pán asked strangely. In his impression, Chen Fei Hu was always a heroic and chivalrous person, except when facing his own mother.

  Chen Feihu nodded slightly: "I know An Qi's skills, although I often scold him as a mediocre person, but his ability is not inferior to mine. This time he lost so quickly, it's a bit suspicious. Before I set out, I asked someone and found that in An Qi's confession, it seemed that the superior of Liao Cang country participated in the war. If that's true, then this trip will be troublesome."

  Chen Pan was shocked: "The Upper World is going to war? How is that possible, aren't they not allowed to interfere with our mortal affairs?" All the countries in this world were under the protection of the Xiu Men Pai sect, but it was also clearly stipulated that cultivators were not allowed to participate in mortal wars.

  "I also asked Wang Shang, he said it's impossible, just An Qi making up an excuse to escape punishment. But I'm afraid this isn't a groundless worry, An Qi wouldn't be foolish enough to use such an excuse to clear himself." Chen Feihu said worriedly.

  "Does General have any countermeasures?" Chen Pan asked again.

  Chen Feihu shook his head: "No, but I'll let Jun'er quickly pass the message to his master, hoping that his master can come and take a look. The other side's troops may be numerous, but I'm not afraid; however, if there are superior forces joining the battle, I won't have any confidence. Not to mention distant ones, just talking about Jun'er's master, if he wants to take my life in the midst of the army, it would be as easy as turning his hand over, and when that time comes, even with a thousand or ten thousand troops, they'll still be like sheep led to slaughter."

  After hearing Chen Feihu's words, Chen Pan was also very worried. His father's concerns were quite reasonable. The enemy was a formidable force that ordinary people could not cope with. Even if they had more soldiers and horses, if the beheading plan was implemented, it would undoubtedly be a fatal blow.

  "Never mind, don't think about it anymore. The frontline defense has retreated over a thousand miles, and in a few days we will arrive, then we will know the situation. I hope Master Jun's teacher can arrive on time. You go down first, let me think carefully about how to arrange things." Chen Feihu didn't want Chen Pan to worry about this with him, so he told him to withdraw. Chen Pan obeyed, but in his heart, a stone was still hanging there.

  Three days later.

  "Report!" A scout rushed over: "Reporting to the General, enemy military signs were found at Eagle's Mouth Rock 200 miles northwest, with a number of around 1,000."

  "Northwest? Eagle's Beak Rock?" Chen Feihu took a look at the map and his face showed a strange expression: "How can there be enemies here? Has Giant Sand City been breached? Chahar, what's going on with Giant Sand City?"

  A staff officer-like man next to him immediately replied, "Report to the commander-in-chief, yesterday we received intelligence that Báilù City is still confronting the enemy. If Báilù City is still in our hands, Jùshā City will naturally not be breached."

  Hearing the advisor's words, Chen Feihu became even more puzzled: "If Jusa Castle is still standing, where did these soldiers come from? A thousand troops advancing so deeply into enemy territory, isn't that just asking to be killed? What are you thinking?"

  Everyone shook their heads. Chen Pan thought for a moment and hesitated, saying: "Could it be that they are hiding to rob our army's logistics?" If the grain is not sufficient, the three armies will disperse on their own.

  Chen Feihu shook his head: "It shouldn't be, Yingjiao Rock is not a good place to hide troops. The surrounding area is all desert, and as soon as you move, your tracks will be completely exposed. Even water sources are a problem. Our first batch of logistics has already arrived at Jusha City, and the second batch won't arrive until half a month later. If they stay at Yingjiao Rock all the time, it's just asking for death. Do you have any other ideas?"

  "Although the subordinate is also unclear about the purpose of this unit, it must have a mission to be so deeply infiltrated. The subordinate thinks that it's better to take advantage of the long night and dream more, and send someone to lead 5,000 troops to annihilate them." Chahar suggested.

  Chen Feihu nodded: "En, that makes sense! Let's do it!" Then he swept his gaze around the camp and finally landed on Chen Pan.

  "General Chen obeys orders!"

  "I'll go last!" Chen Pan immediately stood up.

  "Lead five thousand light cavalry to Eagle's Beak Rock and annihilate them. Set out immediately, and meet me at Giant Sand City by tomorrow evening. Can it be done?" Chen Feihu ordered, then asked one more question.

  Chen Pan immediately replied loudly with his right hand on his chest: "I will obey your orders, if I fail, I will come to see you with my head in my hands."

  "Alright, the meeting is adjourned. Everyone get ready, we'll set off immediately. Chaha'er, you go and gather the 5,000 light cavalry first. Chen Pan, stay behind." Chen Feihu nodded, then let everyone retreat, leaving only the two of them.

  Chen Pan didn't say anything and waited for Chen Feihu's instructions.

  "Chen Pán, this battle must be fought beautifully, I know your tactics have matured, that's why I let you go. The front line of Jinwu country has suffered a great defeat, now we need a victory to boost morale." Chen Feihu said to Chen Pan.

  "Don't worry, Father!" Chen Pan nodded.

  "Alright, you can go now, be careful!" Chen Feihu patted Chen Pan's shoulder.

  "Yes, Father, wait for my good news." Chen Pan bowed and turned around to walk out of the camp.

  Chahar handled things quickly, and in a short while, the 5,000 light cavalry were all accounted for, all of whom were seasoned veterans. Chen Feihu naturally still had the idea of letting his son make a name for himself this time, with 1,000 out of the 5,000 being elite veteran soldiers. As long as nothing unexpected happened, this merit would definitely not be escaped. As Chen Feihu's trusted subordinate, Chahar handled things very properly.

  "Depart!" Chen Pan swung his long-handled great axe and the 5,000 light cavalry galloped northwest.