The Demon Lords

"They're starting to lift the siege on the other side."

Zheng Fan nodded and said to Liang Cheng, "Let's get out of here first."

At this point, there was no need to speculate whether the Qian army was setting a trap. To be precise, when this Jingnan Army of 10,000 appeared, the situation had already become overwhelmingly favorable. Unless a meteorite fell from the sky, how could we possibly lose?

Of course, the Qian army and the Qian State clearly didn't have destiny on their side. Otherwise, it would imply the gods of this world had truly peculiar tastes.

The barbarian soldiers began to march under Liang Cheng's command. The Qian army was also on the move, though they were more focused on preparing for battle. Regardless of how dilapidated the nearby Beacon Fort was internally, its ramparts were now manned and on alert.

This made Zheng Fan curious about the identity of the Qian State's commanding general. After all, under such circumstances, who else but the emperor would dare to be so utterly cowardly? An ordinary person certainly couldn't bring themselves to act this way.

It was clear as day to anyone that in disputes between nations, whoever on the front lines dared to show cowardice would face a reckoning upon their return.

However, witnessing the Yan cavalry—whom they had pursued for two days—depart so brazenly, the Qian army's morale plummeted. They drooped like frost-bitten eggplants. Yet, due to the very real threat from the Jingnan Army, they forced themselves to rally under their respective generals' commands and began to form up.

The Jingnan Army opened a gap in its flank, allowing Zheng Fan's cavalry to enter. Subsequently, the Jingnan Army began to transition, its vanguard becoming the rearguard, executing an orderly and well-covered withdrawal.

"Powerful but not arrogant, vigorous but not overbearing. If it is indeed Lord Jingnan leading them, this Jingnan Army is truly elite, and this Lord Jingnan is even more remarkable."

This was Liang Cheng's assessment. For anyone, especially a military commander in a high position with an army at their disposal, certain personality traits tend to become magnified and inflated.

For instance, if Zheng Fan were leading the army, he would undoubtedly depart with a more arrogant and domineering posture. Before leaving, he would even make a point of showing off in front of the Qian soldiers once more. After all, everyone could see that the Qian had backed down. At this point, no matter how ostentatiously one behaved, the Qian wouldn't dare to retaliate.

But Lord Jingnan did not do so. He seemed to still regard the Qian army as equals, remaining vigilant against a potential pursuit during their withdrawal.

It is human nature to be deferential when in a weaker position; to remain humble and cautious when in a position of strength is truly exceptional.

However, after hearing Liang Cheng's words, Zheng Fan spoke up:

"If you have something to say, then say more."

"Hmm?" Liang Cheng was a little confused, as anyone hearing such words would typically first assume the speaker was being sarcastic.

"Speak, don't stop. Tell me about formations, about warfare, and your views on attacking the Qian State. Quickly, tell me more. There's a test coming up soon."

"Very well, my lord. But, do you need me to tend to the wound on your back first?"

"No, just keep talking. Don't worry about this wound; leave it be."

Liang Cheng began to speak. This was a formidable Zombie who had led soldiers in battle since ancient times; his insights and experience were truly unique. Most importantly, he was adept at self-learning. For example, during the breakout the previous night, Liang Cheng had genuinely admitted his error to Mo Wan.

A demon king isn't terrifying; what's terrifying is a demon king capable of introspection.

As Liang Cheng spoke, Zheng Fan listened intently, silently committing it all to memory. It was like staying up all night in a dorm before a college exam, frantically making cheat sheets with wax paper and tape, he mused.

Before long, a captain from the Jingnan Army rode up and delivered the order: "The Lord has summoned Chief Zheng."

「Soon after.」

Because the army was on the move, the messenger captain led Zheng Fan, still on horseback, to a carriage.

"Come in."

A woman's voice came from inside.

The captain looked at Zheng Fan and gestured for him to enter.

"Huh? Ah?"

Zheng Fan hesitated. Seeing that the carriage showed no signs of stopping, he took a deep breath, maneuvered his horse into a suitable position, and placed both hands on his saddle.

He wanted to jump, but his legs felt weak—a consequence of the physical toll from Mo Wan's possession the previous night.

He tried to channel his blood and Qi several times, but it felt utterly lacking. Finally, Zheng Fan had to turn to the captain and say, somewhat sheepishly,

"Brother, could you give me a hand?"

It wasn't that Zheng Fan was being dramatic; he genuinely couldn't make the jump. If he misjudged it, fell, and if his luck was truly awful, getting run over by such a large carriage...

HISS! The sheer agony...

The captain showed no disdain, but rather a hint of admiration. He rode closer, reached out, grabbed Zheng Fan's shoulder, and gave him a lift.

Zheng Fan used this assistance to leap up, finally landing on the carriage's platform.

"Thanks, brother."

After steadying himself, Zheng Fan cupped his fist to the captain.

The captain returned the salute, also cupping his fist.

Zheng Fan looked ahead, reached out, and lifted the carriage curtain. He wasn't actually too worried that Lord Jingnan would punish him. Great figures like Lord Jingnan rarely let personal feelings cloud their judgment on important matters. Even if his Lordship knew he was 'scheming' or 'had ulterior motives,' he would likely hold his nose and acknowledge that Zheng Fan's actions in deliberately instigating border friction served the Yan State's strategic interests. To sway public opinion, Lord Jingnan would have to reward him.