The October wind was filled with silence, and even the sun felt mildly cool. Thousands of Samurai marched silently through the scorched woods, their footsteps resounding with a crackling noise at every stop. When they lifted their feet again, their straw sandals were dyed black with wood ash. Along the way, they sporadically encountered charred human forms, but their identities were no longer discernible. The perilous wildfire had just passed, and the birds and beasts of the mountains, having fled far away, had yet to return. Along the path, only the godlike traces of destruction left a deep reverence in the hearts of mortals.
"Blessings of the Chief Divine! Praise to His Highness!..."
Fervent prayers rose from the ranks of the Samurai, drifting beneath the Royal Banner of Black Wolf.
The King halted his steps, pausing for a brief rest. He raised his head to watch the birds loitering in the sky and saw a high mountain rising to the northeast. As they progressed further, the mountain path did not narrow but grew increasingly steep. His gaze then shifted to the forest—the burnt landscape offered a clear view, extending far into the distance. The Guajili people had not launched an attack here, and the army’s passage went extremely smoothly.
"We set off in early August, and now it’s mid-October. The corn harvest is just about finished, and the Guajili people are no longer short of food. I hope they’re still lingering in the Valley, not scattered and fled into the vast Wilderness!"
Xiulote looked into the distance, lost in thought.
When they set off from the Otomi Mountain city, the three legions counted more than twenty-seven thousand strong, with several thousand Militia maintaining the supply lines. The great army marched north, annihilating Tribes along the way, then conquering the Red Fox Valley. They had suffered losses exceeding two thousand, with nearly thirty thousand prisoners captured. Afterward, one thousand five hundred Otomi Warriors and three thousand Militia were left behind to garrison the Valley and continue to secure the supply lines. Three thousand Canine Warriors were extracted and followed the main force to campaign to the East.
In the eastern mountain paths, the Ottopan Warriors and Guamare Samurai had faced the Canine Descendants in several encounters, suffering two thousand dead and hundreds wounded. The number of enemies the great army had killed was also roughly the same, around two thousand.
"This is the result with Mexica Samurai providing support. In fact, the battle strength of the Canine Descendants’ main force is clearly a notch above the Otomi legions. Their actions are swift, their tactics more flexible, and they have an advantage in the forest terrain... No wonder in the previous southern invasion, they pressed the Otomi Tribes so hard they could hardly raise their heads."
Xiulote shook his head. The Otomi Warriors from the three states were all conscripted vassal legions. They were composed of private armies from various Tribes and were not supported by the Kingdom, making it difficult to intervene and retrain them. Although these troops’ discipline was poor, their combat effectiveness on home ground was passable; they could fight a winning battle with the wind at their backs.
Now in his hands, there were over twenty-one thousand strong. Seven thousand Ottopan legions forged the way ahead, more than five thousand Imperial Guards provided support in the middle forces, and the remaining nearly ten thousand were in the rear forces. The width of the battlefield within the mountain paths was limited; even including the woodlands on both sides, at most just over ten thousand from each side could engage in battle at the same time.
The lengthy marching column of troops stretched for over ten miles. After half a day’s march, Xiulote had a Scout report back to him.
"Your Highness, about ten miles ahead we’ve encountered an enemy encampment! The banners of the Canine Descendants’ various Tribes are all there; they’ve encamped in a strategic spot and are prepared to defend it to the death!"
Hearing that the Canine Descendants were still there, the King breathed a sigh of relief. Then, leading his trusted aides, he hastened for more than ten miles and arrived at the new encampment of the obstructing Canine Descendants. After surveying the terrain, he inhaled sharply.
The long mountain path here took a sudden turn northward, and along with the mountains on both sides, rose tens of meters, forming a steep incline. The incline was flanked by rugged and steep rocks, difficult to scale. A brand-new encampment perched at the end of the incline. From its elevated position, it completely blocked the mountain road!
Upon closer examination, this encampment was actually quite rudimentary. Its perimeter had a wooden fence, followed by a sturdy low wall made of mixed wood and stone. On the low wall, thousands of Tribal Warriors moved about restlessly, their heads bobbing in the thousands. And the number of red-haired Hunters exceeded a thousand. Seeing the approaching Allied Forces, many Canine Warriors shouted curses and made various provocative gestures, seemingly high in morale.
Xiulote observed the enemy’s demeanor for a while, categorizing them clearly into two types: one chaotically shouting, the other silent and calm. He quickly made a judgment.
"Most are new troops, but they are not elite!"
Further back, the large banner of Red Dog stood tall, surrounded on all four sides by Tribes’ banners of various sizes, clearly delineating rank and importance. Beyond the banners, one could faintly make out a large area of disordered grass nests and a half-completed rear wall.
"Haha, the Canine Descendants have chosen a good location but built a turkey nest!"
Xiulote observed for a moment, then suddenly burst out laughing. Afterward, he turned to the Otomi generals.
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"It’s a pity my Black Wolf isn’t here. Who wishes to act as Vanguard and test them for me?"
Chief Mespa bowed his head, saying nothing. Chalki Great Chieftain’s expression flickered with indecision. Only Prince Jiowar narrowed his eyes, stepped forward, and responded loudly.
"Your Highness, the Ottopan Warriors can serve as Vanguard!"
Xiulote took in the reactions of all the generals. Then, he nodded to Jiowar and smiled.
"Good! Prince Jiowar, send two thousand Warriors out, carry more Great Shields and test the mettle of the Canine Descendants. I will send you a thousand Crossbowmen to reinforce!"
"Thank you, Your Highness!"
With Copper Armor adorning his body, Jiowar bowed and departed.
"Thud thud thud!"
Soon, the low rumble of war drums began to sound, and scores of grey-blue clad Warriors formed a battle line in front of the encampment. Jiowar started to rally morale. Thousands of Crossbowmen took up position behind, ready to provide covering fire.
Above, on the high encampment, the Canine Descendants also began to separate, bustling about like ants. The red-haired Hunters claimed the best shooting spots, readying their bows and arrows. Some Tribal Warriors held up wooden boards to shield the Hunters. Meanwhile, others stood by piled-up rocks, poised to throw them at a moment’s notice.