Ying Xiaohui personally led the campaign, directing the battle from a high platform in the rear. He gazed out at the majestic, fierce, and life-or-death slaughter, his expression cold and resolute. The commander's banner fluttered beside him, proclaiming the mighty majesty of an emperor's wrath that could make the four seas tremble, determined to use this thunderous force to crush Qi Zhou's rebellious ambitions and restore peace to the realm.
On the city walls, Qi Zhou's rebellious troops put up a desperate resistance. They frantically hurled stones and poured boiling oil down upon the attackers. The scalding oil splashed onto the soldiers climbing the scaling ladders, instantly stripping away skin and drawing endless shrieks of agony. Yet the heroic soldiers did not retreat in the slightest; wave after wave surged forward, pressing the fierce assault over the warm blood of their fallen comrades.
Amidst the formation, messengers on fast horses wove through the various units amidst swirling dust, conveying verbal commands and adjusting tactics. Bare-chested drummers beat their instruments with bulging veins on their arms, their sweat mingling with blood as it splashed onto the battle drums. Every beat sounded as if it might shatter the firmament, instilling endless strength into the charging warriors.
Chapter 365