Before them, the two armies stood arrayed in battle formation. The soldiers on both sides formed neat, orderly ranks, their helmets gleaming and armor shining, blades and spears drawn, morale soaring high. Their faces were those of vigorous, hot-blooded young men, full of vitality; their temples bulged, their jaws were clenched, and the veins stood out thick upon their foreheads. Gripping various weapons, they focused intensely, poised and ready for action.
The officers on horseback wore full armor with crested helmets, surcoats bound by sashes, and armored skirt-guards, presenting a commanding and heroic bearing. The commanders of the two forces exchanged no words; with a wave of their raised swords, hundreds of thousands of men across the battlefield roared as one voice. The cries of battle merged into a single sound that shook the earth and heavens—a truly murderous and awe-inspiring spectacle.
With a shrill whistle, the Xiyan Army parted its ranks as rows of crossbowmen deployed their array. Volleys of repeating crossbow bolts, accompanied by the distinct clicking sound of triggers being pulled, filled the air like a blinding blue sheet of rain, sweeping across the sky and earth. Soon, rows of charging New Army soldiers fell. Although the soldiers had been issued newly forged armor, they hurriedly pulled their bows to return fire. Yet the crossbow bolts flew with incredible speed; fashioned from blue iron, the arrows were sharp, dense, and possessed terrifying penetrati…
Chapter 267