Chapter 71 – The First Strike
Before the sun rose, the stillness of dawn was shattered by a distant thunder—the rumble of thousands of feet marching, the clash of armor, and the eerie chant of dark sorcery weaving through the morning mist.
At the frontlines of Fort Yingshan, Empress Yanyue stood tall, clad in armor that gleamed faintly under the gray sky. Her eyes were sharp, reflecting both the weight of command and unyielding resolve. Beside her, General Zhao adjusted his helm, ready to face the storm.
The Veiled Commander's forces surged forward like a living shadow, waves of black-clad warriors and twisted beasts pouring over the hills. Their war cries echoed, a terrifying chorus meant to break the defenders' spirit.
Jinhai's siege engine unleashed its first volley, bolts of crackling energy streaking through the enemy ranks. Explosions erupted, scattering foes and buying precious moments.
Sorcerers led by Lady Siran called forth barriers of flame and wind, turning the tide where steel alone could not hold. The air was alive with magic and fire, light battling shadow in a deadly dance.
Lin Xue moved with lethal grace amid the chaos, rallying troops and cutting down enemies with precise strikes. Her voice rang out, steady and commanding.
"Hold the line! Protect the siege engine at all costs!"
Despite their fierce defense, the Veiled Commander revealed new horrors. Sorcerers cloaked in shadow summoned twisted beasts from the abyss, creatures that lunged and tore with unnatural ferocity.
The allied forces faltered but did not break. Empress Yanyue's presence was a beacon of hope, her rallying cry inspiring soldiers to stand firm against the darkness.
Amidst the battle, the Veiled Commander himself appeared, his eyes glowing with dark power. He raised his hands, and a wave of shadow surged forward, threatening to engulf the defenders.
Lady Siran stepped forward, chanting in an ancient tongue. A shield of radiant light blossomed, meeting the shadow head-on.
The collision of magic sent shockwaves through the battlefield, momentarily halting the enemy advance.
General Zhao seized the moment. "Push forward! We must exploit this opening!"
The allied forces surged, reclaiming lost ground and driving the enemy back into the forests. The battle was far from over, but the defenders had shown their strength—and their unbreakable will.
As the dust settled on the first day of battle, Empress Yanyue and her commanders gathered to assess their losses and prepare for what was to come.
"We have won this day," Yanyue said, voice steady despite the weariness in her eyes. "But the Veiled Commander will return, stronger and more desperate. We must be ready."
In the shadows beyond the camp, the Veiled Commander's lips curled into a sinister smile. "Let them taste victory… it will only make their fall sweeter."