The Golden Crow hung in the sky, the sunlight bathed the earth, yet there was little heat felt, as the temperature began to drop, and winter was approaching.
Chen Mo and Nalan Yiren led a team of Wei army along a mountain trail, climbing to the top to observe the surrounding terrain.
Nalan Yiren glanced at the stern-faced young man beside her and said, "I heard that Wanyan Xiaji is a once-in-a-century talent of the Jin Xia, entering the Divine Power realm before thirty. Some tribes within Jin Xia that did not submit to the Tuoba Clan’s rule were all conquered and pacified by him. Now, twenty years have passed, and no one knows what level his cultivation has reached. In my opinion, he might have stepped into the Divine Transformation realm as well."
"Jin Xia is not some tiny nation; the Spiritual Qi is abundant, producing a martial artist of the Divine Transformation realm is not surprising. I’ve already prepared myself for the fact that he could be such a martial artist." Chen Mo stopped, turned to look at Nalan Yiren, and smiled, "Besides, it’s not like I haven’t killed a martial artist of the Divine Transformation realm before."
Moreover, he possesses the Divine Burning Technique, which allows a large-scale power boost in a short time. He wasn’t being arrogant; he had this confidence—below First Grade, he was invincible.
As for whether Jin Xia has a First-Grade martial artist?
Chen Mo believed they shouldn’t have.
Over four hundred years ago, Song Taizu stepped into the First Grade realm and relied on his strength to defeat Jin Xia, causing them to be unable to stand tall for centuries, showing the might of a First-Grade martial artist.
If Jin Xia truly had a First Grade realm, they wouldn’t have been defeated in the last invasion of Central State.
First Grade—such that one individual can become an army and overturn the entire battle.
This time, there was no need to resort to morally depraved actions like spreading plagues; it was entirely possible to march and fight directly.
"I am not worried about whether you are his match; rather, I am concerned that Jin Xia might have more than just Wanyan Xiaji as a Divine Transformation realm martial artist.
Take the once-historical Great Song for example, where the monarch was weak while the ministers were strong, leading to the loss of power and eventually causing the chaos of the Central State. Later, Lu Sheng refused to be under someone else and assassinated Xu Guozhong, and then came you," Nalan Yiren said.
"What you mean is that the Jin Xia Khan is also not simple, otherwise how could he command Wanyan Xiaji," Chen Mo, hands behind his back, continued walking towards the mountain top.
Nalan Yiren quickly followed, "You’re right. No strong individual would willingly bow down to a weak person. This Jin Xia Khan must either have greater strength than Wanyan Xiaji or possess something to constrain him.
Moreover, Wanyan Xiaji destroyed Gao Liao and held military power, enjoying great prestige in Jin Xia. If the Jin Xia Khan had no way to control him, he would have already taken precautions against him and wouldn’t dare to use him."
Chen Mo followed up on Nalan Yiren’s statement and said, "Yet not only has the Jin Xia Khan used him, but he has also used him with great trust. Previously, the Beidi Tribe rebellion was quelled by Wanyan Xiaji, which 100% confirms that the Jin Xia Khan must possess or control a power that can constrain Wanyan Xiaji.
So if both of them appear on the battlefield facing our army, a variable might emerge."
"You’ve already thought of that." Seeing Chen Mo speak so clearly, Nalan Yiren was surprised.
Chen Mo nodded, "I’ve considered all aspects of the situation; otherwise, how could I dare to lead this campaign personally? If I were to encounter any mishap in Jin Xia, Great Wei would face trouble as well."
Chen Mo had already planned on dealing with two, or even three, or four Divine Transformation realm martial artists alone.
Below First Grade, he was confident he could instantly defeat anyone.
Even if multiple Divine Transformation realm martial artists were to charge at him, he wasn’t afraid.
His only concern was that Jin Xia might have a Divine Transformation realm martial artist lead an attack on Longyou, which would result in significant casualties for Longyou.
This is why he captured three cities overnight —he was racing against time, to overthrow Jin Xia’s regime before the situation in Longyou became uncontrollable.
Seeing the confidence conveyed in Chen Mo’s words, Nalan Yiren breathed a sigh of relief and tilted her head, asking, "So what’s your next move?"
"Choose a wide-open battlefield. Isn’t Jin Xia’s reinforcements here? Directly challenge them."
"Why choose an open field?"
"To ensure both sides are assured. An open view makes it clear if either side has ambushes, so Jin Xia can confidently engage in battle."
"But what if Jin Xia refuses?"
"Then the cost will be a bit higher, that’s all."
As they spoke, Chen Mo had already reached the hilltop and looked down, finding a broad field.
"Let’s go and check it out."
Without a detailed Jin Xia map, Chen Mo could only conduct a field investigation.
...
October 22nd, The Second Year of Zhenghe, weather cloudy.
Jinshuang City.
A gust of Qingfeng blew across the city wall with a hint of chill, as Jin Xia garrison on the wall stood vigilant and solemn.
Suddenly, a member of the Jin Xia garrison noticed something, pointing outside the city and said to the nearby centurion, "Boss, something’s wrong."
The centurion followed his subordinate’s gesture and looked outside the city.
Only to see a black war horse galloping towards them, ridden by a man in armor.
Due to the distance, the centurion couldn’t discern the man’s features, but the style of his armor indicated it was Wei armor.
"It’s the enemy army."
Shocked, the centurion quickly ordered to beat the drums and inform the Grand General.
Just then, a subordinate said, "Boss, he stopped."
The centurion looked and indeed he had.
But in the next second, a piercing sound of breaking wind came from the front, the centurion’s pupils dilated as he barely managed to duck his head in the nick of time, and the feathered arrow narrowly missed the plume on his helmet, embedding itself into the column of the tower behind him.