We Agreed On Experiencing Life, So Why Did You Immortals Become Real? Chapter 388: A Thread of Hope

Inside Xiao Mo's army camp, Crown Prince Qin Jingsu, Xiao Yang, and the others felt deeply conflicted upon hearing the news from the Zhao Kingdom.

The passing of Bai Qi marked a tremendous setback for the Qin Kingdom.

Even had Bai Qi made amends later with battlefield merits, that would have surpassed his pointless suicide. Yet Bai Qi's sharpness stood out too much—he was overly youthful and arrogant.

They could grasp the turmoil in Bai Qi's mind, for just like the Frost Prince, he had remained undefeated in every clash across years of relentless warfare.

This loss struck Bai Qi with devastating force.

Above all, Bai Qi's nature was unyielding, obsessive from one angle. His command style reflected this trait.

Under Bai Qi's leadership, military discipline reigned supreme and fair, showing no favoritism.

This stemmed partly from the oath Bai Qi had sworn. He held that with the city's capture, military code demanded his life in atonement.

Deep down, Bai Qi might have pondered "atoning to Heaven with death."

He likely saw his failed scheme as retribution from the Heavenly Dao's karmic cycle.

Bai Qi wished to shield the troops from disaster tied to his slaughter karma.

Coincidence or true mercy from the Heavenly Dao—after Bai Qi's suicide, the Ghost Separation Fire raging across miles finally ceased.

Hundreds of thousands of Qin soldiers were thus saved. Still, Shuihou City's fall sowed grave future perils.

Learning of Shuihou's loss, Xiao Shi realized his supply lines were severed and enemies would pinch him from both flanks. He boldly withdrew his forces.

Ultimately, Xiao Shi rallied the surviving three hundred thousand from Bai Qi's command and fortified Wei'e City, steadying things for now. Yet the direst issue was Xiao Shi's mishap in that fierce clash.

He suffered grave injuries, his state appearing dire.

"What do you all think?"

Xiao Mo questioned the Crown Prince and fellow commanders.

Zhao Guang shook his head, saying, "Qin fights on three fronts. Key factors: General Xiahou pins down Qi Kingdom, while our forces and Northern Pacification Prince's gain the upper hand.

But now, with disaster hitting the Northern Pacification Prince's army, Zhao's troops surge in spirit and free up strength. Our position turns highly precarious."

"Exactly." Li Jing agreed with a nod. "If trends persist, the Northern Pacification Prince's woes will drag us down. We must score quick wins here. Without seizing Jin Kingdom, in this war, Qin's chances look bleak."

"Trouble is, how do we hasten the siege?"

Hei Daniu scratched his head.

"I may be rough, but I've studied some tactics. Jin isn't open plains for easy advances. Sieges demand time, especially now—Jin troops, hearing of Zhao's triumph, will fight fiercer."

"Maybe mimic the Northern Pacification Prince's approach."

Suddenly, Crown Prince Qin Jingsu rubbed his chin and suggested.

"What do you mean, Your Highness?" Xiao Mo eyed Qin Jingsu, sensing his intent.

"Look here, everyone."

Qin Jingsu indicated the sand table, explaining deliberately.

"Jin's capital lies close by. We've held back only to secure rear cities against threats.

Push via Yaoqin City, Cangmang City, Mingyue City, cross Three-Foot Path—straight to Jin's heart!

Topple Jin, and we reverse the tide!"

Xiao Yang cautioned, "Your Highness, that requires someone to guard Caiyun City desperately, as General Bai Qi did Shuihou, shielding our rear.

Worse, we'd face assaults from every direction! Holding it won't be simple!"

"But if we can just hold it, won't that suffice?" Qin Jingsu spun around and bowed deeply toward Xiao Mo. "Should the general place trust in Jingsu, then Jingsu will guard Caiyun City. Not a single wild goose will get past!"

"..."

Xiao Mo's eyebrows knitted together as he listened to the officers' suggestions.

In the end, Xiao Mo shook his head. "This issue carries great weight. Allow me some time to ponder it deeply. Everyone, please leave for the moment."

"Yes, General!"

The generals cupped their fists respectfully before exiting the command tent.

Seated alone within the command tent, Xiao Mo sipped his tea while staring fixedly at the sand table in front of him. Once he had emptied half the teapot, he placed it aside and let out a sigh. "I figured His Highness the Crown Prince would surely return to see me."

Standing rigidly at the tent's entrance, Qin Jingsu gazed at Xiao Mo with a grin. "Brother-in-law, you already know what I'm here to discuss."

Xiao Mo shook his head once more. "The risk here is far too great. Should anything go awry and Caiyun City fall, our forces would be in peril. Then, the Qin Kingdom would face utter ruin..."

"That means Caiyun City must be defended by me alone!"

As he approached Xiao Mo's side, Qin Jingsu's smile slowly vanished, replaced by utmost gravity in his tone.

"The war has dragged on to this point, making General Xiahou's stand ever harder. Our Qin Kingdom's edge on the Zhao Kingdom front has vanished entirely, with the Northern Pacification Prince suffering grave injuries to boot.

Should this trend persist, the situation for our Qin Kingdom will worsen relentlessly.

Instead of that fate, a desperate gamble is our sole path forward! It offers the slimmest chance of survival!

I serve as the Qin Kingdom's Crown Prince. By firmly holding Caiyun City, I can rally the troops' spirits and lift their fighting will more effectively.