Chapter 222

Chapter 222

The reports continued to pour in as Tongzu watched the Coalition mercenaries assemble their catapults. Small and easily carried by four soldiers, yet capable of delivering a 100 kilogram payload up to a kilometre away, these weapons were of limited use on the open field, but here, inside Sanshu? He could only imagine the havoc they would wreak. With a spotter to Send coordinates, he could bombard the enemy from out of sight, firing over walls and buildings and easily re-positioning before they respond. These were weapons designed for inner-city warfare and he had to wonder what the Coalition planned to use them for. Was the Council so close to shedding blood in the streets without his knowledge? Did the Alliance and the Union have similar weapons ready? Where were they now? He shuddered at the thought of unemployed, well-armed mercenaries unable to find work once the Coalition took power, a new wave of bandits in the making before the old ones were even taken care of.

A problem for another day, better to focus on one calamity at a time. With any luck, he might not even live to worry about it, dying in a blaze of glory to save Sanshu. Much better than the alternative, falling at the hands of shadowy assassins or even worse, ousted from his Office, either option easily within the Coalitions power without the Council to keep them in check. A bitter pill to swallow, but all Tongzu could do was move with the wind and pray for deliverance.

Two reports arrived almost simultaneously, each one leaving him wallowing in despair. First, the elements of Defiled outside Sanshu were moving against Yuzhens army, giving the exhausted elites no time to rest. They would need to hold on their own, he had no soldiers to spare. The second report informed him the Butchers were on the move, headed towards the northern bridge in force. To make matters worse, the Corsair representative Jariad refused to pull back to bridge or even meet with him in person, going so far as threatening his life should he attempt to force his way in. Jariad didn't trust him of all things. The bandit unable to trust the Magistrate, how ridiculous.

Damned arrogant bandits, trying to stand alone. Where was Bastard Liu? No, better to call him by name lest he slip up in conversation. Ignoring Gerels mysterious veiled Mentor, still sitting next to him sipping tea and eating sweet cakes without a care in the world, and Lei Gong of the Azure Ascendants, Liu Shi was the only other candidate capable of matching Yo Ling in single combat. So irksome to rely on bandits and outsiders to save his city, but somehow, he preferred it to the alternative, letting one of Chief Councilman Xiaobos underlings reap the honour and glory of killing the legendary Bandit King of Butcher Bay.

Tongzu. As if summoned by the mere thought of his name, Xiaobo arrived with a flourish, the reek of sweat and body odour heavy upon his garish silken robes. The lack of respect was infuriating, but again, there was little Tongzu could do aside from snapping the fat toads neck, but there was time for that yet. Ive been informed the bandits are massing around the northern bridge. Is this information correct?

It is.

Then why are you not taking action? Shouldn't you be encircling them or some other military maneuver?nove(l)bi(n.)com

Holding his temper, Tongzu grit his teeth and smiled. Oh? I wasnt aware of Chief Councilman Xiaobos expertise in warfare. Perhaps youd like to take command?

No need to be snide, it doesnt suit you. Picking his nose, Xiaobo flicked a green globule from his fat finger, though it stubbornly clung on. Im merely curious why you arent seizing this perfect opportunity. I thought youd like a taste of glory for yourself, but Ill be happy to send a force of mercenaries in your stead.

No. Keep your mercenaries here. Unable to hide his disgust, Tongzu turned to his maps, pretending to study them instead of looking at Xiaobo. We can hold as we are. At worst, Guard Captain Sovanna can destroy the bridge. Id prefer the Corsairs fall back before then, but theyve ignored my warnings. He gave them enough chances, let them die butting heads with Yo Ling. All the better for Sanshu in the long run. If Yo Ling attacks here or to the south, well throw them back with the help of your mercenaries. The longer we wait, the better our position. My soldiers and guards are exhausted, Ive little faith in our bandit friends, and Major Yuzhen is under attack, unable to seal off the Defiled retreat.

So cowardly. Still digging through his nose, Xiaobo rolled his eyes. Werent you supposed to be some war hero? No matter, Ill put an end to this fuss. You cant imagine the amount of money Im losing every minute the gates remain closed.

Patting Tongzu on the arm with his filthy hand, Xiabo turned to leave. Madness, if those mercenaries charged in and died then hed be no better off than an hour ago. Would it be better to let the mercenaries die and fail, or risk his soldiers for a chance of victory?

Ill not allow Gerels prey to be stolen. The veiled expert spoke aloud, sipping the rest of her tea. Standing up, she brushed away the crumbs and strode off. Thank you for the tea and snacks, but I tire of sitting around. Come, gather your soldiers, let us end this farce.

Your concern is noted, but unwarranted. We will be victorious.

Unconvinced, Jianghong continued to pestering for details, and Yo Ling merely smiled in silence, listening to the Spirits whisper of telling Jianghong the truth, that Yo Ling was responsible for the downfall of the Mao Family. Imagining the reaction, his smile widened though he held his tongue. Jianghong wasnt the only one capable of self-discipline.

After realizing no further explanation was forthcoming, Jianghong tried a different tack. You must understand how your sudden appearance unnerves your soldiers. Theyre unused to you leading from the front. Youve cultivated an air of mystery over the years, the infallible strategist and spymaster commanding from the shadows. Why throw it all away? Youd be better served using me as your figurehead and leading from the rear.

And so it began, Jianghongs attempts to make himself indispensable, worming his way into Yo Lings inner circle and earning his trust. Were he a loyal man, Jianghongs suggestion was undoubtedly worth considering, but Yo Ling had no intention of letting this traitorous wretch be the hero of this narrative. No need. After today, my Butchers will see I am more than capable of being both commander and warrior.

With that, Jianghong abandoned his attempts, sensing Yo Lings annoyance and worried of taking things too far. Such was the fate of the weak, with no choice but to swallow their pride, but Yo Ling needed to be cautious. If he took serious injury in the battle ahead, Jianghong would undoubtedly turn on him, forcing him to reveal his hand early or possibly even request aid from the Venerated Ones. Best to leave them hidden for as long as possible, as their presence brought too many complications.

Calling his Butchers to a halt, he stood tall and studied his enemies, the Corsairs lined in the streets at what used to be a market, a single long avenue lined with shops and stalls. Arranged behind makeshift barricades in a wedge formation, the Corsairs stretched from wall to wall, barring his path to the plaza and bridge behind them. An unwashed mob of ruffians, these were no true soldiers, the perfect sacrifice needed to raise his Butchers morale. Though this position was suitable for defence, they were here alone, the Militia and guardsmen unwilling to abandon the Bridge. Fools.

Still, the Corsairs were well prepared, the buildings and rooftops bristling with bows and spears, ready to shower them in a hail of projectiles. Planks laid out between the buildings allowed for easy retreat and removing them even easier, forcing him to clear the defenders out building by building. Who knew how many traps and ambushes awaited him inside? Even heavily armoured as his Butchers were, a head on attack would be cost him dearly.

Too bad he didnt intend to attack head on.

Jariads antlers stood out from the crowd, moving to the forefront to speak with him, but Yo Ling ignored him. Unless it was Bastard Liu across the way, he had nothing to say. Turning to his strongest Transcendent, he took a moment to appreciate its elegance, power given form. A hulking creature with the head of a stag and the arms of a gorilla, it towered above him on two hooved feet, its taut muscles and dense fur near impossible to pierce. With no preamble, he ordered it to charge and off it went, roaring in bestial rage as stone and dirt rose in its wake, moving on hoof and hand with head lowered, its barbed antlers a sight to behold, gleaming white and soon-to-be dripping with blood.

Ignoring all the buildings, it ran headlong towards the barricades with reckless abandon, shrugging off arrows and stones as it picked up speed, shaking the ground with every step. As it closed the distance, Yo Ling watched Jariad give a signal, and in response, a piddling few Spiritual Weapons shot out to strike the Transcendent, each one caught by the bramble of antlers. Bounding over the last few meters, it struck the barricade head-first with a resounding boom, crashing through wood, bone, and flesh in an explosion of blood and gore.

Amidst the confusion, his other five Transcendents joined the fray, three trailing the first while the others dealt with the buildings, clearing them out with ease as the defenders were petrified by Transcendent Auras. Screams rang out as bodies rained down from above, Corsairs jumping from the rooftops to escape the creatures killing and devouring all before them. Chuckling at the sight, Yo Ling raised his voice above it all. Forward my Butchers. End these pitiful pretenders and let all the Empire know, Butcher Bay is unrivalled beneath the heavens.

Screaming in fury, his Butchers set upon the scattered Corsairs with unholy fervour, exerting all their frustrations over years and years of rivalry. Though most of them werent present during the schism, his Butchers hated the Corsairs for everything they represented. If not for them, then Butcher Bay would have dominated Sanshu, with no room for smaller bandit groups to be had. Hands clasped behind his back, Yo Ling strolled through the battlefield, watching a wave of Butchers crash into the ruined barricades and hack apart the disorganized defenders, enjoying the carnage and bloodshed. There was no need to lift a finger unless Bastard Liu showed his face, then they would settle their score once and for all. Until such a time, he could sit back and let his Butchers enjoy themselves. After all, once this battle was over, it was possible they wouldnt have another chance for bloodshed, Sanshu already well within his grasp.

Breathing deep to take in the scent of death, he exhaled slowly, sighing. A damn shame his Butchers didnt live up to expectations. To forever be surrounded by your inferiors, such was the burden of genius.

Chapter Meme