No matter what, let’s set it up first. Duke Li smiled inwardly, still crafty like a fox. He and the generals and staff analyzed the current situation, stating that with Li Zhaowen’s and Anxi City’s feigned troops plan, the opposing army’s morale was already disturbed. Coupled with today’s events, within a few days, this chaos would likely lead to desertion. Generally speaking, once a siege reaches this point, it’s equivalent to concluding. Although the army isn’t completely defeated into a chaotic army, it lacks the courage and resolve to besiege a large city and engage in a bloody battle. In such circumstances, a competent commander would choose to retreat. They could still maintain a certain level of morale and military strength. Otherwise, with the chaos in the army’s morale at this moment, it could easily collapse if a surprise force appeared, as they would be facing an opponent weighed down by long-standing pressure, fear, and uncertainty. Especially this so-called 100,000-strong army cobbled together from seven tribes. Lacking a great general capable of complete leadership. Once partial desertion occurs, it would become a trend, and the army would fall apart. Li Zhaowen said, "Then, we just wait for the time to come." Duke Li felt at ease and said, "Such peace of mind relies on your bravery in the charge, igniting a fire in their hearts, but we still must be cautious..." Li Zhaowen nodded, offering several suggestions, all of which Duke Li agreed to. He planned to take advantage of the enemy’s wavering morale to distribute part of the provisions for the coming ten days as rewards for the troops, further weighing down the enemy’s uncertainty. Thᴇ link to the origɪn of this information rᴇsts ɪn n͟o͟v͟e͟l͟f͟i͟r͟e͟.net Thus, a rare grand feast was held in the city, utilizing the remaining meat, mixing it with grain and vegetables to cook meat porridge, providing it to the soldiers. The smoke from cooking, along with the laughter and relaxed atmosphere in the city, drifted outside. After a charge, the atmosphere of the Western Regions’ army became somewhat oppressive. In terms of actual casualties, compared to the 100,000 army, it was nothing, but the impact on morale was tremendous. Helian Jieshan listened to the rumors from outside, feeling increasingly restless and resentful, realizing his strategic miscalculation this time. Although most of the army was preserved, the strategic objective wasn’t achieved. "Who exactly is that person?!" "When did such a fierce warrior appear, with at least the cultivation of the Sixth Layer Heaven, and a Dharma Form of the Green Bird? Where did this monster come from?" Li Guanyi sat on the city wall, still dressed in armor. This set of Treasure Armor was one of the thirteen prototype armors from the Duke Mansion, forged from various precious materials, reaching the level of a mystical weapon. Sword slashes and saber cuts could hardly leave a mark, even stronger than the [Iron Futu General Armor] he had obtained before. It was even stronger than the armor he wore during battles in Jiangnan. Li Zhaowen asked, "What is Mr. Li thinking about?" Li Guanyi turned to look, seeing Li Zhaowen in his Ming Guang Armor, appearing much more composed. Every time he saw Li Zhaowen, Li Guanyi felt amazed. This person seemed born for the chaotic world. His speed of growth, martial prowess, and tactical acumen were extremely formidable. Li Guanyi had experienced more than two years of campaigns east and west, having experienced battles at the scale of 100,000, which allowed him to maneuver freely on the battlefield. But it seemed like Li Zhaowen became familiar with a 100,000-level battlefield with just one battle. Li Zhaowen smiled and said, "Thinking about this great army again? Their morale is already in disarray. If we attack forcefully, deserters and a defeated army are bound to emerge. Helian Jieshan is not an unknown figure; he will surely choose to retreat..." Li Guanyi patted the stone beside him and replied, "Yes, but why did they suddenly do such a thing? Retreat for today only; we neither defeated them nor subdued them. Helian Jieshan will preserve his military strength intact, and this campaign achieved no significant victories." Li Zhaowen said, "So..." She sat beside Li Guanyi and said, "Visibly, the Western Regions’ army is demoralized. If my guess is right, this elite of the Western Regions should be linked to the Wolf King besieging the Dangxiang Kingdom’s capital and Xiao Wuliang guarding Heroic Pass." "Who can ultimately gain the benefits of the Dangxiang Kingdom’s remains, become the overlord of the Western Regions, and occupy it to dominate the world?" "This is the thinking of us people from the Central Plains; the people of the Western Regions might not be so willing." Li Guanyi said, "After this faction retreats, they will join the remaining allied forces and the Wolf King’s elite, Xiao Wuliang, in a battle at Heroic Pass to decide the dominance of the Western Regions. In my view, if we can strike this military force." "To completely subdue them." "That would truly affect the situation in the Western Regions." "Only then can the overall trend of the world change." Li Zhaowen said, "Does Mr. Li have any ideas?" Li Guanyi looked into the distance, momentarily silent, as the atmosphere and energy of Yemen Pass City surged once more. The jubilation inside the city contrasted with the hesitancy and uncertainty of the allied forces outside, like Yin Yang Reincarnation. Li Guanyi’s eyes slightly opened, observing the central point of the coalition forces where the Military Evil Qi converged, forming layer upon layer of clouds. Li Guanyi replied, "It’s just that, in this chaotic world, one must seize every step forward. If this force cannot be defeated, it must be dismantled." "If this military force is allowed to re-enter the competition in the Western Regions, the battle will have no benefit for you or me." Within the enemy’s battle formation, Helian Jieshan was struggling, staring intently at the city he bet everything on. He had surrounded the Duke there, aiming to cut off Ying Country’s power in the Western Regions, but failed because of that charging individual. Should he risk a final charge? But what if there was indeed reinforcement... Ultimately, is there reinforcement? At this point, it no longer determines the battle’s outcome. The presence of reinforcements merely decides whether the Western Regions’ coalition can retreat in full or not. And at this time, Duke Li regained his grace, personally inviting Li Guanyi to the city. He spoke of ’attending a banquet.’ He mentioned it was a family feast. Li Zhaowen accompanied.