"Rebel leader Liu Xiuer, your Muwang City has been captured by my royal army! Come down quickly and surrender!"
Cao Ang was indeed a "natural-born general."
Instead of launching a direct assault, he addressed the "Heze Stronghold."
He intended to demoralize the "Righteous Army" with this tactic.
Normally, this would be highly effective.
Any army, upon learning their rear was compromised and their homeland overrun, would surely falter, their morale collapsing.
However, the "Righteous Army" led by "Liu Xiuer" was no ordinary army.
Cao Ang's words had absolutely no effect on their morale.
Many of the "Righteous Army soldiers" defending the city walls even cast contemptuous glances at Cao Ang.
"Do you really expect us to believe this lie?"
"Muwang City" would absolutely never be breached!
Don't ask why!
The reason is simple: the territory of "Great General Liu Xiuer" could never be conquered by the enemy!
Yes, it was that kind of blind devotion!
"This enemy leader does possess some skill!"
A young man standing beside Cao Ang spoke, his eyes deep and his expression grave.
The young man was named "Ji Chong," ranked second among the "Ten Great Dragon-Tiger Junior Heavenly Masters."
"Ji Chong" was known for his strategic mind, possessing a calm demeanor and abundant wisdom despite his youth, a rare "talent for strategy" in ten thousand years!
Following his usual habit, Cao Ang turned to "Ji Chong" and asked:
"Ji Chong, what do you think?"
"Ji Chong" replied in a deep voice:
"Enemy leader Liu Xiuer is skilled at winning hearts. We must be cautious!"
Winning hearts?
Cao Ang nodded. Before he could speak, an anxious voice sounded beside him.
"Yes, yes! Enemy leader Liu Xiuer is most adept at manipulating people. It's easy to fall into his trap! So, let's stop fighting. While we still have a chance, let's retreat quickly!"
Retreating from the battlefield!
This was an act of "shaking the army's morale"!
Anyone else would have been executed by Cao Ang dozens of times!
This was no joke; speaking such words on the eve of a major battle, who wouldn't be executed?
Yet, Cao Ang dared not lay a hand on the speaker this time. He could only offer a helpless, wry smile.
"Father, although this battle presents minor troubles, our win rate is still ninety-nine percent!"
Cao Ang said helplessly to the "Most Beautiful County Magistrate of Da Xin," Cao Man, the County Magistrate of Cao County.
Cao Ang now truly regretted agreeing to let Cao Man accompany him.
All the way, Cao Man had tried every means to persuade Cao Ang to withdraw and not attack the "Righteous Army."
How could he possibly agree to such a thing?
He, Cao Ang, was a "Da Xin official army" and was destined to "slay bandits" and ensure peace for the realm!
"Father, you don't need to worry about my two younger brothers..."
Cao Ang fell into his "usual misunderstanding" again.
He always assumed Cao Man was worried about the safety of his two younger brothers, Cao Zhi and Cao Pi, which was why he kept urging him to retreat.
Cao Ang once again assured Cao Man:
"Father, please rest assured, as long as Cao Zhi and Cao Pi sincerely repent, I can represent the imperial court in forgiving them. They will not suffer too much!"
Cao Ang's words were sincere.
However, Cao Man heard none of it.
Foolish child!
Who is worried about your two brothers?
I am worried about you!
Following the pace of your two brothers, you will soon be rebelling and defecting to the "Righteous Army" yourself!
Cao Man was extremely anxious, pondering how to persuade his foolish son. Suddenly, he heard two extremely familiar voices from the direction of "Heze Stronghold."
"Big Brother, Father!"
"Big Brother, Father!"
These voices were too familiar!
Cao Ang and Cao Man trembled, looking in the direction of the sound.
They saw the gates of "Heze Stronghold" wide open.
Cao Zhi led his "Purple Gold Dao Soldiers" out.
Cao Pi also led his "Tiger Leopard Dao Soldiers" out.
Both were full of spirit, radiating a halo as if they were dazzling.
Seeing his two sons, Cao Man was overcome with emotion and choked up.
On the other side, after initial excitement, Cao Ang quickly calmed down.
He assumed the "majesty of an elder brother," looking down from above, and sternly glared at Cao Pi and Cao Zhi.
"Do you two know your mistakes?"
Cao Pi and Cao Pi exchanged glances and smiled.
Then, they looked at Cao Ang and said in unison:
"Big Brother, we know our mistakes!"
Oh, their attitude of admitting fault was so good!
Cao Ang was surprised by Cao Pi and Cao Zhi's sincere demeanor and was momentarily at a loss for words. However, what Cao Pi and Cao Zhi said next almost made Cao Ang explode with anger!
"Big Brother, we shouldn't have abandoned you alone in the wicked imperial court!"
"Yes, we should have found a way to recruit you, so you could join us and serve our wise and great lord together!"
Tch, tch, tch!
Is this your admission of "mistakes"?
You are clearly unrepentant and still have no idea of your wrongdoing!
Cao Pi, furious, was about to erupt.
At this moment, a sudden change occurred!
"Rebel traitor, die!"
A roar echoed across the battlefield.
A troop emerged from the flank, catching Cao Pi and Cao Zhi completely off guard, and ferociously attacked them.
"Chen Long Daoist!"
Yes, this troop that had ambushed them and suddenly appeared was none other than "Chen Long Daoist," along with his "Chen Long Dao Soldiers."
Among the "Twelve Zodiac Daoists," "Chen Long Daoist" possessed the strongest combat power and the most fiery, impulsive, and reckless personality.
Since "Si Snake Daoist" was killed by the "Righteous Army," "Chen Long Daoist" had harbored a deep hatred for the "Righteous Army," vowing to kill them all to avenge "Si Snake Daoist."
Finally, "Chen Long Daoist" found an opportunity.
This morning, when "Zi Rat Daoist" ordered the general offensive on "Heze Stronghold," "Chen Long Daoist" was rubbing his hands together, eager to fight.
He planned to lead his "Chen Long Dao Soldiers" to be the first to charge into "Heze Stronghold," slaughtering the "Righteous Army" and avenging "Si Snake Daoist."
Unfortunately, he soon received "bad news."
"Zi Rat Daoist" had given the opportunity to attack "Heze Stronghold" to Cao Ang and others.
Unable to comprehend "Zi Rat Daoist's" intention to conserve strength, "Chen Long Daoist" flew into a rage and decided to act on his own!
His method was to lie in ambush and launch an attack before the "Righteous Army" and Cao Ang's forces engaged in battle!
"Chen Long Daoist" succeeded!
He launched his assault on Cao Pi and Cao Zhi immediately.
The great battle officially commenced at this moment!