Female soldiers on the inside, holding crossbows or gripping flash grenades.
Whether male or female soldiers, all wore solemn expressions, standing in strict formation.
The surrounding temperature seemed to drop several degrees in an instant.
The atmosphere became heavy and oppressive.
The Iron Tiger Camp soldiers were elites after all. They did not panic excessively.
But the grain transport soldiers were frightened out of their wits, too scared to make any sound.
Chen Fengzhi also hurried to Zhang Liang’s side, awaiting orders.
“Captain Chen, your timing is perfect. I…”
Zhang Liang’s words were only half spoken when two streaks of light, one white and one red, rose from the northeast direction as well.
“Where are enemies coming from over there?”
Chen Fengzhi now understood the signal meanings, but he could not fathom where enemies in the northeast had come from.
“They must be the Tubo soldiers blockading the north city gate, trying to pincers us with the forces from the south!”
Zhang Liang made his judgement instantly, then said quickly, “Captain Chen, your Iron Tiger Camp must immediately escort the grain convoy to Laoya Gorge. Remember, do not light torches, lest you be spotted!”
Laoya Gorge lay northwest of Xichuan City.
In fact, after proceeding a bit further, the black-armoured unit and Iron Tiger Camp were supposed to part ways anyway.
The Iron Tiger Camp would escort the grain northward, while Zhang Liang would lead the black-armoured unit eastward to attack the north city gate.
Unexpectedly, before they could separate, enemies had been detected.
This was perhaps for the best. If the enemy appeared only after separation, they might follow the Iron Tiger Camp and discover Laoya Gorge.
Since the Tubo soldiers had intended to approach the black-armoured unit stealthily but had now been discovered, they simply abandoned the sneak attack.
They lit torches and quickened their pace.
Thousands of torches ignited at once, dyeing the skies to the east and south a sheet of red.
“How can there be so many?”
Chen Fengzhi’s face changed.
Yet Zhang Liang remained calm. “While the enemy is still some distance away, hurry and go. Remember, no torches!”
“Brother Zhang, the enemy numbers in the thousands. Let our Iron Tiger Camp stay and help you!” Chen Fengzhi said.
Leaving now made him feel like a deserter.
“Captain Chen, your task is to deliver the grain and guard Laoya Gorge, not to fight!”
Zhang Liang’s voice grew stern. “If you delay any longer and the enemy follows you to Laoya Gorge, when Her Highness chops off your head, do not blame me for not pleading on your behalf!”
With that, he kicked Chen Fengzhi directly. “Get lost right now. Watch your rear. Do not let anyone follow without noticing!”
“Yes!”
Chen Fengzhi thumped his chest toward Jin Feng, turned, and ran back to the Iron Tiger Camp.
“All hands, plant your torches in the ground! Hunters, take the lead up front!”
