bookrandom Chapter 2082 Fierce Fire Attack
Chapter 2082 Fierce Fire Attack
The next hour became the ultimate test of Han Xing's command ability and the resilience of the Chu army.
Under Guo Ziyi's strict orders, the Tang army launched wave after wave of attacks, like ocean waves.
They once used their numerical advantage to open several small gaps in the eastern wall of the camp, and some fierce soldiers even rushed into the camp.
However, what awaited them was a pre-prepared antler barrier and axemen who suddenly attacked from both sides, as well as a hail of arrows. The Tang army that charged in was quickly divided and annihilated.
To the west, the Tang army indeed focused its attacks on the damaged sections of the stockade wall.
But the Chu army was prepared. They poured out oil and followed with rockets, instantly turning the damaged area into a sea of fire, burning the Tang army so badly they cried out for their mothers and could not get close.
The fire attack from the south also had a remarkable effect, setting fire to several Tang army battering rams and ladders, thus slowing down their offensive.
Han Xing remained on the observation platform, calmly observing the battle situation and making minor adjustments to the deployment from time to time based on the actual circumstances.
He would sometimes order concentrated crossbow bolts to suppress a section of enemy troops that was too prominent, and at other times he would mobilize reserves to block any emerging dangers.
His presence was like a stabilizing force, keeping the entire Chu army camp unmoved despite the relentless attacks.
After an hour of bloody fighting, the Tang army left behind thousands of corpses, and the land surrounding the camp was soaked in blood.
However, the Chu army's camp still stood tall!
The enormous "Chu" banner and "Han" banner still fluttered proudly in the firelight!
The Tang army's offensive, under the Chu army's tenacious resistance and tight defense, was like waves crashing against reefs.
Despite the great fanfare, no substantial progress was ultimately made.
The soldiers' morale began to inevitably decline amidst heavy casualties and futile attacks.
Guo Ziyi, standing atop the rear watchtower, looked at the Chu army camp that he had been unable to conquer for a long time, and at his own forces' gradually weakening offensive, his face grim and terrifying.
He knew that Han Xing, his old rival, was far more difficult to deal with than he had imagined.
His strategy of "besieging Wei to rescue Zhao" does not seem to have worked.
Meanwhile, Ma Chao's sharp sword is probably in the darkness, hurtling towards Marshal Li Jing's heart!
The passage of time became an unbearable ordeal for him.
Despite a full-scale attack lasting over an hour, the Chu army camp remained as immovable as a rock.
The morale of their own soldiers was gradually being eroded by heavy casualties and fierce resistance. Guo Ziyi, standing on the watchtower at the rear, had a face so gloomy it was almost dripping with water.
His fingers gripped the railing so tightly that his knuckles turned white. The anxiety in his heart and his worry for Marshal Li Jing's safety were intertwined, almost threatening to devour him.
It can't go on like this!
We must exert greater pressure, even at great cost, to throw the Chu army into disarray and force Ma Chao to return to their aid!
His gaze was fixed on the imposing figure on the front lines of the battlefield, still roaring and urging his soldiers to attack—Xue Kehu!
"Pass the order to Xue Kehu!"
Guo Ziyi's voice was hoarse, carrying a ruthless determination:
"Let him personally lead the team, select the bravest and most valiant warriors, and send them to attack the eastern gate of the Chu army's camp at any cost!"
"Tell him not to be afraid of casualties. Even if you have to pile up corpses, you must build a wall of Chu troops for me!"
He paused briefly, a glint of malice flashing in his eyes, and added:
"Also, tell him to use more fire attacks! Rockets, oil, whatever you have! Burn them for me!"
"Burn their stockade walls, burn their tents, burn everything they own!"
"I'd like to see if that old man Han Xing can hold his ground amidst the raging fire!"
The order, like a sparking arrow, swiftly reached the front lines.
Xue Kehu, who was already furious from the prolonged siege, was not afraid when he received this order, which was full of the meaning of life and death. Instead, it aroused the ferocity in his bones.
He ripped open the already tattered breastplate, revealing a hairy chest covered with a mix of old and new scars.
He raised the blood-stained axe and roared to the sky like a wounded beast:
"My men! The General has given the order! I'll personally lead you into battle! Those who aren't afraid to die, follow me!"
"Archers! Switch to fire arrows! Shoot them like crazy! Oil canisters, aim at their palisades, and throw them at them!"
"First to storm the elite suicide squad! Charge with me! The first to step into the Chu camp will be rewarded with a thousand gold pieces and promoted three ranks! Those who retreat will be killed without mercy!"
Under Xue Kehu's bloodthirsty encouragement and harsh military orders, the eyes of his Tang soldiers, especially those selected outlaws, instantly turned red.
A generous reward will surely attract brave men, especially when the commander-in-chief is personally leading the charge!
In an instant, the Tang army's offensive style changed abruptly!
The originally dense array of ordinary arrows was replaced by countless arrowheads blazing with flames.
Thousands upon thousands of rockets, like a meteor shower flying backwards, pierced the dark night sky, carrying the whispers of death, and swept towards the Chu army's camp!
Many rockets struck the wooden stockade walls, arrow towers, and tents, and flames quickly began to spread, crackling and popping.
Meanwhile, dozens of strongmen braved the arrows and stones raining down from the stockade walls and struggled to throw earthenware jars filled with kerosene at the camp's fence.
The earthenware pot shattered, and black oil flowed everywhere, only to be ignited by the incoming rockets!
With a loud "boom," a large section of the stockade wall near the eastern gate instantly transformed into a raging wall of fire, and the scorching heat wave rushed out, illuminating the ferocious faces of the soldiers on both sides.
"Kill!"
Xue Kehu took the lead, like a mad bear, wielding a mountain-splitting axe, and charged directly towards the burning camp gate!
The assassins behind him also roared wildly, charging forward recklessly through flames and smoke, stepping over the corpses of their comrades.
Some people were on fire, yet they still howled and lunged forward until they were pierced by spears and fell down.
The entire eastern defense line was instantly plunged into an extremely tragic and chaotic situation.
Flames raged at the edge of the camp, thick smoke billowed, and the scorching air distorted the atmosphere.
The Chu soldiers had to fend off the Tang army's suicide soldiers who were surging like a tide, while also having to put out the flames around them, which suddenly increased the pressure on the defensive line!
From time to time, Chu soldiers were hit by rockets, screaming as they fell from the stockade walls, or were engulfed by the spreading flames.
On the observation deck, Han Xing's brows were furrowed tightly.
The firelight reflected off his aged yet composed face, flickering erratically.
He could clearly feel the immense pressure and chaos emanating from the eastern defense line.
Guo Ziyi's fire attack was indeed ruthless, not only causing great physical difficulties for the defense, but also attempting to psychologically break the will of the defenders.
If this continues, the east will definitely fall!