Chaotic World Book

This world is not a complete remake of the current world map that Zhao Changhe knows. For example, there are differences in places like Beimang and Ancient Sword Lake, but most of it remains the same.

Different oceans and monsoons, different mountains and rivers, different plateaus and valleys can cause completely different climate distributions, greatly affecting species and culture. Given such similarities to ancient China, the geography must be very similar.

The geography beyond the Northern Border to the north is also like this. There may be small differences, such as the rocky mountains of Xuanwu Secret Realm and Xuanwu Lake at Yellow Sand Market, but the overall distribution remains unchanged.

If one leaves the Northern Border from Yanmen and crosses the Yin Mountain range, one first encounters a vast grassland, known as the Southern Desert and Northern Border region, where the Ba Tu Tribe roams. It is essentially present-day Inner Mongolia, a favorable environment with ample farmland and mineral resources, although Ba Tu and his predecessors never developed the farmland.

Further north is the Gobi Desert—this is not just a descriptor; the name is exactly Gobi Desert. The desert stretches from west to east, serving as the boundary between the Southern Desert and Northern Desert, beyond which lies the Golden Horde of the Northern Desert, mostly within today's Outer Mongolia.

If the troops of Huangfu Yongxian cross the desert to the north, they would head directly to the royal court, somewhat similar to the route taken by Wei Qing.

This royal road strategy cannot solely depend on the original Yanmen guard force, which is not enough in numbers. In fact, after the Capital City declared war, only half followed the Vermilion Bird and Zhao Changhe, while the rest went to Yanmen, such as Cui Yuanyong's Hebei army. Vermilion Bird didn't like them much and easily sent them to her father's side. The Imperial Realm expert stationed there was San Niang.

The Gobi Desert did not split the entire Mongolian Plateau; it ends in the east. Thus, a grassland belt runs from north to south on the east side, serving as a corridor connecting the Southern and Northern Desert.

On the east side, Huangfu Qing and Zhao Changhe crossed the Yan Mountain range northward into this grassland belt, going northeast to bypass it, enabling them to drive deep inside, smashing countless grassland tribes along the way, reaching a renowned mountain on the east side of the royal court.

That mountain is Langjuxu Mountain, the current site of the Longevity Heaven Temple.

Further north lies a famous large lake, called Lake Baikal in the present world, known as Hanhai in this world.

Both routes can divert midway, agreeing to rendezvous at a selected point, not necessarily fighting separately.

There are a few major challenges in conducting military campaigns in such areas.

First is in this environment lacking clear landmarks like mountains and roads, without GPS navigation, the march can liken to sea voyage, making it extremely easy to get lost. Judging direction by sun, moon, and stars can only ascertain heading north without more specifics; even minor deviation might result in going completely astray.

Secondly is water supply. While rations can be carried, it's hard to bring enough water. Being without a source for days might lead to catastrophic consequences.

Due to the comprehensive attachment of the Ba Tu Tribe, the two Great Han forces now have many experienced Ba Tu herdsmen with them—how to reach the Holy Mountain, the royal court, and which routes to take are all familiar, especially since the Holy Mountain is visited several times annually, they are well-acquainted. They know where water sources are, where tribes gather, eliminating these basic problems even without the Storage Box. Today's Storage Box is a backup anyway, no fear even if lost.

The third problem is the enemy forces move like the wind, not like in the Central Plains where they await in a city. It often happens that your army moves forward, yet the enemy passes behind. There can be unexpected encounters where neither side is prepared, engaging in chaotic skirmishes. This isn't avoidable only by robust reconnaissance; Sisi's deployment of Hawk Taming Masters perfectly resolved this issue.

The last issue is that the royal court is not fixed; nomadic tribes rarely have such a defined target. Where Tie Muer is, there is the Golden Horde. It often happens that large troops march toward what was believed to be the royal court only to find no trace, wasting military funds and supplies. The same goes for the Divine Hall; the so-called Divine Mountain is a mountain range, and if people hide within, dismantling a temple wouldn't matter much. The Longevity Heaven God's location is likely entirely a Secret Realm, making it hard to find.

Yet this time, Tie Muer also intends for a decisive battle.

At night, Vermilion Bird's army camped, Zhao Changhe entered the Commander's Tent holding a roasted eagle leg, chuckling: "Come, come, eat a bit; this is Tie Muer's eagle, and the meat is delicious."

A large group of officers and generals were surrounding the sand table map in the camp, turning their heads as Zhao Changhe came in holding the roast.

Vermilion Bird, donned in soft armor and cloak, sat behind the command table, glaring at her man with no good humor: "We're in a military meeting, what are you doing?"

"I don't understand warfare, just bringing some food for you all."

"But coming in with just an eagle leg, what does that look like? Doesn't everyone want to eat?"

"Look at you, didn't everyone just eat? This is a snack." Without hesitation, Zhao Changhe stuffed the eagle leg into Vermilion Bird's hand and leaned over to look at the sand table: "What's being studied here?"

Vermilion Bird, holding the bird leg awkwardly, felt her image was unseemly. Yet seeing the generals' expressions, akin to an aunt's smile, she wondered what happened to today's generals, none of them were serious?

She grumbled and took a bite: "What we are discussing is another matter, but Weiyang just came to lodge a complaint; do you want to hear it?"