CHAPTER 1449: CHAPTER 1397: FORCED BY CIRCUMSTANCES

"However, your soldiers are incredibly quick at killing." Yu Jin frowned as he watched Chen Dao’s unit already beginning to clean up the battlefield.

Yu Jin glanced around and then realized that Chen Dao’s troops hadn’t lost a single person. Although a few were quite injured, within the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, they managed to defeat enemies twice their number, and not losing a single one of their own—it seemed rather unusual.

"These are elite troops I’ve trained for years, and they’re no less formidable than others." Chen Dao stated proudly. Even though the Legion Talent hadn’t been activated to show the essence of the Military Spirit Legion, their combat awareness and coordination still crushed most of the trusted aides.

"Indeed, impressive." Yu Jin didn’t mock Chen Dao. Since awakening his Legion Talent, he had become much more cheerful and less cold, but joking was still somewhat difficult for him.

"Report back to the camp on military affairs." Chen Dao shouldered his long spear. Although he had powerful weapons, he wasn’t prepared to reveal them just yet; good steel should be used for the blade.

When Chen Dao and Yu Jin returned, Liu Ye’s army, which had been marching, had already camped and set up a banquet. It was evident that Liu Ye was not in a hurry regarding this war, at least not as urgent as previously.

"How was it, gentlemen?" Liu Ye inquired.

"Just as the Military Advisor Liu expected, Chenliu did send troops to ambush, but we’ve already defeated them. Apart from over forty who escaped, the rest have been captured." Chen Dao reported with a salute.

"No prisoners?" Liu Ye asked, surprised.

"Except for over forty who escaped, everyone else was killed." Chen Dao paused before speaking. His soldiers inherited part of his fighting will, hence their precise strikes. Without orders to capture, no one would hold back.

"..." Liu Ye frowned slightly, "Shuzhi, aim for capture in the Central Plains; if possible, avoid killing, especially when we have the upper hand."

"I’ll pay attention to that." Chen Dao nodded. This was their first battlefield experience since achieving the Military Spirit status, so he didn’t foresee them being so ruthless.

"Did you capture the opposing commander?" Liu Ye thought, given how quickly the troops were slaughtered, the chief general was likely taken down too.

Ever since understanding the world’s vastness, Liu Ye’s view of the Central Plains had transformed from a city-centric perspective to one considering its people as the Empire’s potential combat power.

From this viewpoint, Liu Ye began to despise civil wars, realizing the Han Empire’s own people were dying not at the nation’s borders but in internal strife—it was truly a disgrace.

"No, Cai Yang was far stronger than I anticipated." Chen Dao’s expression became heavy.

"Huh?" Liu Ye found it hard to believe. "Cai Yang came to ambush with troops? That’s unexpected. With his Inner Qi Manifestation capability, he should be stationed somewhere securely, not leading an ambush."

"It was him personally who came, and we sparred; his strength is formidable, but it seems he lacks a Legion Talent." Chen Dao nodded and pondered before speaking.

"So, it appears someone in Chenliu City is highly skilled in commanding troops, capable of impressing even a master like Cai Yang." Liu Ye stroked his chin, "This might be challenging to deal with."

"Shuzhi, when the time comes, leave Cai Yang to deal with you. Wen Ze will rely on you for the tactics against their commander, who’s skilled in commanding troops. We’ll need your ability when they test us." Liu Ye thought for a moment and arranged.

"Leave it to me." Yu Jin said confidently. He wasn’t concerned about his strength; Legion Talent was his sole ambition, and he had already pushed open the previously ajar door after Li Jue.

Similarly, Zang Ba under Liu Bei also opened that door. It’s possible they already had the capability to do so but were hindered by a mental barrier preventing them from reaching it.

"When the moment comes, wipe out the opposition, and let your Legion Talent shine for the first time. Don’t let me down, and seize the opportunity amid chaos." Liu Ye laughed, knowing those unaware of Yu Jin would be stunned facing him now.

"It’ll be entrusted to me." Yu Jin rarely displayed such pride.

"Leave Cai Yang to me. My trusted aides won’t interfere; if involved, it’ll only be disruptive." Chen Dao sighed.

Interestingly, Zhuge Liang knew about Chen Dao possessing a Legion Talent, yet even utilizing it yielded no apparent effect.

Later, when Chen Dao’s Legion Talent evolved into Military Spirit, its essence remained an expression of will, regardless of Zhuge Liang’s efforts. Despite having similar abilities, achieving the results seemed unattainable, though Zhuge Liang harnessed Lub Su’s capabilities better than Lub Su himself.

Liu Ye felt slightly puzzled but didn’t ask much, simply nodding, "Let’s go; the banquet is prepared. From now, we need to proceed steadily, not rush. Let them have time to consider."

Liu Ye understood clearly that if they rushed to Chenliu, the recently defeated Cao Cao’s army wouldn’t venture out to face them. Siege attempts would likely fail due to their current strength, prolonged lack of progress would lead to a sharp morale decline.

Conversely, if they advance slowly from now, by the time they reach Chenliu, the Cao Army will have likely reorganized. Post-defeat, they may plan another battle to raise their morale.

Thinking from the perspective of Cai Yang leading troops for an ambush, Liu Ye guessed there’s an excellent commander skilled in troop management within the city. A commander capable of subduing a mighty Inner Qi Manifestation general would be confident in field battles.

As long as a field battle occurs, even a minor defeat, avoiding a significant loss, those soldiers retreating to Chenliu City would be highly confident. After all, it was just a minor defeat in the field; with the city walls’ defense, they wouldn’t fear Liu Bei’s forces.

Furthermore, if they draw or narrowly win a battle, the Cao Army’s morale would definitely surge, making defense easier. Such a clearly foreseeable situation, a calm opponent would inevitably choose that path.

While Chen Dao is held up by Cai Yang, Yu Jin, an ordinary Qi Refining to Gang, may seem easily beatable in the eyes of others, though commanding troops effectively. When the situation becomes deadlocked, Yu Jin will unexpectedly activate his Legion Talent, certainly causing immediate results.