My Cultivation Starting from Archery

"Boom!"

The earth shook beneath them.

The massive Kunyang City was besieged from three sides.

The Imperial Army didn't continue their assault but instead hid behind thick earth barriers, launching a barrage of attacks, engaging in a pure "financial" competition.

"This is bad."

Qian Qiren frowned and said, "Once they close the Great Formation, the entire Kunyang City will become a prison, trapping us inside while the enemy can attack or retreat at will. If we can't hold on, we won't even have room to withdraw."

"Catching a turtle in a jar!"

Minister of Revenue Shangguan Haichang arrived at the city wall, shouting, "It truly is a strategy to catch a turtle in a jar!"

"Yes!"

"Your Majesty, look!"

"Lord Shangguan was right indeed!"

"No wonder this battle proceeds so methodically, like in the Spring and Autumn period."

"The rebels from Chang'an are just waiting for us to gather inside Kunyang City so they can catch us all in one swoop!"

"What should we do?"

"..."

"Listen, rebels inside Kunyang City!"

Minister of War Zhu Ming once again rode out, arriving beneath the city walls, and shouted loudly, "After several clashes, you rebels have suffered great losses!

"You should know very well what the outcome will be if you continue to resist stubbornly!

"But His Highness Prince Qin is benevolent and knows that continuing to fight drains the Great Sheng Dynasty's own resources, so he's giving you one last chance!

"Within ten days!

"As long as you hand over Chen Sansi or abandon the defense!

"The court will permit you to retreat north of the Fei River, and we can negotiate again in the future!

"But if you insist on your course, ten days later, Immortal Master Dan Liangcheng will seal the Great Formation completely!

"At that time, no one will be able to escape!"

This situation has become dire.

Even if the court declares it will accept the rebels' surrender, the people inside Kunyang City certainly wouldn't dare leave.

Because the family clans and sect disciples know very well what awaits them at the hands of the court.

But if the conditions are loosened, just allowing them to retreat from Kunyang City, the situation would be very different.

"You should think this over carefully!"

After throwing down those words, Zhu Ming reined in his horse and returned.

"This..."

Inside Kunyang City, civil and military officials began to discuss fervently.

At the same time.

In the coming days, the Imperial Army continued to deplete the Xuan Armor Wind Formation, attacking day and night and sporadically scaling the walls to assault, possibly at dawn or at midnight.

The city defenders were exhausted from rushing back and forth, unable to find peace.

The Battle of Fei River.

Entered a dull stalemate stage.

War.

Is inherently cruel and tedious.

The larger the battle, the longer the grueling attrition may last, whether for two months, two years, or even eight years. Yet victory is often decided in a heart-stopping instant!

During this time, both sides must hold their breath and bide their time, waiting for the fleeting opportunity to appear, then grip it tightly.

But at this moment...

The defenders in Kunyang City clearly began to grow restless.

With the daily depletion.

The spirit stone reserves inside Kunyang City kept declining.

The fear in the hearts of family clans and city officials grew day by day.

Handing over the White Robe is naturally impossible.

Inside Kunyang City, probably no one has the capability.

So there's only...

Retreat as the only option.

Especially for people like Shangguan Haichang, whose accumulated wealth diminishes daily, causing their hearts to bleed; it's impossible for them to stay here and fight desperately.

"Your Majesty!"

Inside the tower, after confirming the absence of the White Robe, he cautiously said, "Your Majesty should retreat first!"

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

"We should send a force to escort Your Majesty out of here."

"If we don't leave now, there will be no chance to escape!"

"..."

"Esteemed ministers, let's wait a little longer."

Emperor Cao Huan stood with his hands behind his back, gazing out at the barren land, his voice tinged with melancholy.

He knew very well the situation was extremely pressing.

But if they retreat now after expending countless resources, coming back would be retried in the distant future.

Seven days passed swiftly.

The morale inside the city shook but still held firm.

"Young Daoist Dan."

Ling Kui urged, "We've done as you suggested, why haven't we seen any changes after several days? We might as well continue the assault without delay."

"Is it possible that Senior Ling is so eager for revenge that he overlooks something important?"

Dan Liangcheng said calmly, "The river of time always stands on our side, not the rebels'. Admittedly, Chen Sansi could break through at any time.

"But don't forget.

"The Emperor Longqing of the Great Sheng Dynasty could also leave the pass at any time.

"Even if Chen Sansi breaks through, what difference would it make with the Emperor present?

"Moreover.

"I am not deliberately delaying.

"The second step is about to begin.

"This second step is called—discord."

...

February 25.

The original 200,000 defenders inside Kunyang City had dwindled to 170,000!

And only five days left until the court's final ultimatum to seal Kunyang City.

Inside the city.

Temporary palace.

"I said, wait a bit longer; Chen Aiqing might have a strategy to defeat the enemy, he's just waiting for the opportunity."

Faced with the ministers' suggestion to retreat, Emperor Cao Huan hesitated but chose to refuse.

"Your Majesty."

Shangguan Haichang lowered his voice and said, "I have received a secret letter; it would be better for Your Majesty to decide after reading it."

"Secret letter?"

Clad in the Dragon Robe, Cao Huan received the secret letter from a eunuch, and as he read the words on it, his expression gradually became increasingly peculiar.