Cultivation Begins with Caring for Sister-in-law-Chapter 457:

Feeling the sound of the wind breaking behind him, Hu Shu immediately felt an icy chill run down his spine, and as he looked up, a wave of fear shot from his feet straight to the top of his head.

It was a figure descending from the sky.

"Stop, you scoundrel." A sudden shout exploded from the left front, it was Yelv Nuku leading a band of cavalry.

"Help... help..."

Before he could utter the word, a flame-imbued blade light fell upon his head.

Hu Shu, along with his horse, was split from top to bottom, blood and intestines spilled everywhere, accompanied by a faint burnt smell.

Not far away, Yelv Nuku galloped by and witnessed the scene, his pupils slightly contracted. Though he looked down on Hu Shu, the man was still a Fifth-Grade Martial Artist and now had been so recklessly cut down by a single blow.

"Come, meet your end." After a brief thought, Yelv Nuku rode straight toward Chang En.

Chang En intended to sever Hu Shu’s head to present to Chen Mo. He realized this person was the leader of the "Puppet Army" and could be used to honor Chen Mo, albeit not enough to repay everything, but it was a start.

Suddenly, he felt the earth faintly tremble, and as he looked up, he saw a band of cavalry charging toward him.

The leader was stout and robust, with the bearing of a tiger and the waist of a bear, carrying an aura that made Chang En feel stronger than the commander he had just slain.

Chang En’s heart stirred, in that moment, blessed with Spirit Burning Profound Skill, he faced the charge without retreating, instead proactively advancing.

"Archers, cover the General!"

The Centurion among the Xianzhen Guards saw Chang En charging ahead even as the cavalry approached, surprise flickered in his eyes. Yet, the regular training prompted him to immediately issue the next step of command to his subordinates.

The archers under his command instantly halted, drew bows, and shot toward the cavalry charging at Chang En.

The front-line infantry promptly planted heavy shields on site, and long spears protruded through the gaps in these shields, while the Xianzhen Guard soldiers stood firm behind the heavy shields.

This was the Obstacle Array set up to counter cavalry.

"Arrogant Song People."

Yelv Nuku, seeing Chang En not escaping but charging toward him, laughed angrily.

He wielded the horse spear, blocking the arrow rain from the Chen Army, then swung his spear down upon reaching Chang En.

"Clang..."

After the crisp and forceful sound, Yelv Nuku’s horse spear was unexpectedly blocked firmly by Chang En, who didn’t even take a step back, and the horse-slashing blade in his hand wasn’t knocked loose.

Both Chang En and Yelv Nuku were stunned simultaneously.

Especially Yelv Nuku, in Jin Xia, he was known as the best below the Divine Power Realm; during the campaign against Gao Liao, he even used military formations to execute a Divine Power Realm Martial Artist from Gao Liao.

But now, his strike was blocked by this Song person before him.

He even felt his wrist was somewhat numb, and had he not tightened his grip on his weapon, his horse spear might have been shaken out during the clash.

Chang En’s wrist also felt slightly numb, yet he didn’t show it, instead turning to counterattack.

Another exchange resulted in the two being evenly matched.

However, one was mounted, the other unmounted.

Chang En was somewhat disadvantaged.

While both thought of having a proper battle,

the sound of copper gongs rang from behind Chang En.

The copper gongs within the Jin Xia Army became more urgent, urging Yelv Nuku to retreat swiftly.

Both sides were withdrawing with the sound of the gongs.

Yelv Nuku turned his horse’s head while pointing his spear at Chang En, saying: "I am Yelv Nuku, the personal general under Tie Muer, Grand General of the Eastern Expedition of Jin Xia. Who are you, quickly state your name."

His expression was arrogant as he spoke, pointing cursorily with his spear, full of disdain.

Chang En was straightforward, saying: "I am Chang En, Divine Brave Guard Minister under Chen Mo, Marquis of Pingting County."

"Chang En?" Yelv Nuku muttered before saying: "This Grand General will remember, next time I shall take your life."

Without further ado, Yelv Nuku led his men to cover the retreat of the other Puppet Army soldiers.

...

"Chang En, well fought earlier, unwavering, slaying the enemy general beneath the horse. The name of Divine Courage suits you well." Chen Mo, watching Chang En return, praised as he descended from the watchtower.

"Marquis, you have overpraised."

Despite saying so, receiving compliments from someone he admired elated Chang En. He promptly took the severed enemy’s head from his subordinates, presenting it to Chen Mo, saying earnestly: "Marquis, this is the enemy general’s head, I am fortunate not to fail my duty."

Chen Mo did not take it, merely glanced at it, then said: "Someone, box this traitor’s head and send it to Luonan. With this initial victory, I intend to ask the Emperor for military merits for Chang En."

"Thank you, Marquis." Chang En exclaimed with joy.

...

On the other side.

Within the central army tent of the Jin Xia camp.

The initial defeat to Chen Mo did not greatly affect the morale of the Jin Xia army, because it was clear that today’s battle was merely a probing effort.

Moreover, those troops were defectors, not part of Jin Xia’s army, so losing was understandable.

Had it been Jin Xia’s main forces battling today, the outcome would certainly have been different.

Thus, the defeat today was not heavily dwelled upon.

"General, it has been found out, the leading general just now was Chang En, Divine Brave Guard Minister under Chen Mo."

Jin Xia learns from Song, Yelv Nuku also knew what rank the Minister was, saying: "This person managed to withstand my two moves without any pressure, his strength isn’t weak. However, just now it was because of your urging to withdraw; otherwise, I would definitely have slain him."

Yelv Nuku was very confident.

"Divine Brave Guard Minister?" Tie Muer squinted slightly, seemingly pondering, then said: "That means it was indeed the Divine Brave Guard that was sent to battle."

"General, it’s heard that under Chen Mo’s command, the troops are divided into Divine Brave, Divine Martial, and Xianzhen Guards, with the Divine Brave Guard being the most elite among his subordinates." A Jin Xia general said.

Although they weren’t deeply acquainted with Chen Mo, they did know which troops were under his command.

"Thus seems the opposing side’s strength is only so." Yelv Nuku became more conceited.

Although from prior observations, the opposing military formation was orderly, coordinated harmoniously, and commanded with proficiency, speed, there were still several flaws. In Yelv Nuku’s eyes, this was merely a decent army, not elite soldiers.

Under their cavalry, it’s negligible.

"Let’s not be careless." Tie Muer said: "Although Chen Mo’s army is inferior to our Royal Army, they still deserve our serious consideration, not like when we assaulted Youzhou previously."

From the earlier observations, Tie Muer already had ideas on how to counter Chen Mo. After summarizing the combat experience, he immediately began to draft the next offensive plan.

ps: Thanks to everyone for the monthly pass!