CHAPTER 1119: CHAPTER 1075: MA CHAO’S CHARGE

Cao Cao will win—though it’s something Xun Yu doesn’t want to say outright. The biggest difference between him and Chen Xi in changing celestial phenomena is that he does so actively, while Chen Xi does it passively. The most terrifying aspect of the Northern Desert is its storms and blizzards, but Xun Yu’s ability is sufficient to alter even the celestial phenomena of the Northern Desert!

Although he can only change the distant celestial phenomena for a short time, it’s enough for maneuvers around the Northern Desert. Five hours of respite in such harsh conditions is sufficient.

Ma Chao originally intended to lead his troops through the Northern Desert. To understand this, one must realize that during a time when the roads are blocked by snow, it’s entirely different from when Huo Qubing traversed the Northern Desert in autumn years ago. At that time, if survival was one chance in ten, now it’s practically none, at least for those soldiers of the past.

The biggest difference now compared to three hundred years ago is that current soldiers can rely on Cloud Qi to resist more forces of nature. In the era three hundred years ago, everything was in its infancy without historical sediment. They relied mostly on the leadership of commanders and the faith of the soldiers. Now, at least, there is some protection.

Even so, Ma Chao’s decision to march through the Northern Desert during this period is extremely reckless. The blizzard and fierce wind might lead to the total demise of all soldiers except Ma Chao!

One could say that if this situation occurs, Ma Chao would be ruined—leading a mighty army without ever facing the enemy, all perishing aside from the chief general. Such a shadow would follow a commander for a lifetime. This is completely different from dying in battle; the battleground can be seen as a place of rest, whereas dying in the winter winds is a disgrace!

If there’s any difference between Ma Chao now and a few months ago, the greatest difference is that Ma Chao has now taken up responsibilities—whether towards the Qiang and Hu or the Han Dynasty—transforming him from a youthful figure facing danger only with courage.

The proposal to journey through the Northern Desert was Ma Chao’s—a bold proposal that left Cheng Yu, Xun Youi, Du Xi, and Chen Qun astounded when Ma Chao spoke it. Cao Cao’s gaze towards Ma Chao was no longer the one looking at a junior; Ma Chao’s proposal shocked everyone.

At the time, Xun Youi, Cheng Yu, and Du Xi listed a heap of unsolvable problems, leaving Ma Chao speechless. Yet Xun Yu resolutely chose to support Ma Chao, defeating everyone with just one sentence, "It was beyond our expectations. Can they anticipate it?"

Catching the enemy off guard is indeed an intimidating tactic, but Ma Chao’s method contains an inherent flaw, which is the possibility of bringing ruin upon himself. The difficulties Xun Youi and others mentioned are virtually unavoidable.

Xun Yu detailed the support he could provide to Ma Chao and also outlined all the difficulties to him, leaving it to Ma Chao to make the decision.

Ultimately, Ma Chao chose to embark on the journey, taking along just eight thousand Qiang people. Cao Cao had no way to support Ma Chao in terms of troops, nor did he wish to waste his few elite soldiers on accidental losses.

Hence, Ma Chao chose to lead the Qiang and Hu in an expedition, stirring the pride within the hearts of over eight thousand young Qiang soldiers who chose to follow Ma Chao on his campaign.

"The reason you aren’t as mighty as the Han Dynasty’s army is you have lost your glory and miracles. I can’t promise victory in this battle; even Huo Piaoqi was unsure if the path he chose would succeed or whether they would win. Yet they fought for the Empire’s future!" Ma Chao declared, promising only that he wouldn’t perish on that path.

"I can’t provide you with a stable and prosperous life now; I can’t let you put down your arms to enjoy life. But I can join you in reclaiming those lost miracles, accompaniying you with honor in facing death!" Ma Chao said before the alliance of several dozen tribes of the Qiang Clan, his voice echoing for tens of miles.

Every young person of every tribe possesses an indomitable spirit. King Ma Chao was willing to lead them in reclaiming lost miracles, willing to accompany them in facing death. Why should they, as subjects, fear anything?

Not yet like the elders of the tribes who had lost their spirit, the youthful Qiang and Hu picked up their weapons, mounted their warhorses, and followed Ma Chao to the deadly terrain of the Northern Desert. The Qiang Clan needed miracles; they needed someone with the courage to face death.

"From this moment forth, you are my Imperial Guards. I don’t need tens of thousands of worthless individuals; I need a force that, under my leadership, fights invincibly!" Ma Chao said while distributing weapons and equipment to the eight thousand Qiang people from Xun Yu, "You may die, but those who survive will be honored!"

"As Ma Chao, King of the Qiang Clan, and Divine Might General of the Han, until death arrives, you will share in the victor’s glory alongside me!" Ma Chao proudly proclaimed before departure, confident his forces, be they Qiang or Han, were a mighty army unrivaled by others.

Ice shards, blizzards, and fierce winds—that’s what Ma Chao felt over three days. Even his near-divine power seemed insignificant beneath the fierce winds of the Northern Desert. In such frenzied weather, every ounce of power useful for cold was squeezed out, with Cloud Qi, Inner Qi, and Will subjected to relentless testing.

Much like the storm encountered by Gan Ning and Taishi Ci at sea, everyone’s potential was fully tapped. Yet this was even more terrifying than a maritime storm—the blizzard here hadn’t ceased for a moment. Either fall behind and freeze to death or grit your teeth and keep moving on; this was the feeling among those following Ma Chao.

Dozens, close to a hundred people, disappeared each day. Ma Chao gave up looking for them; pausing for too long would lead to being buried by the blizzard.

Everyone felt an indescribable chill as Inner Qi was entirely squeezed out in such an environment, and only a thin layer of Cloud Qi remained to maintain basic life functions.

Taking a gulp of wine, Ma Chao estimated the direction, feeling the snow lightened a bit, and shouted an order, "Continue marching; we must reach the first resting place today!"

The youths of the Qiang Clan following Ma Chao had no way to regret; sticking with the main force might still offer a chance for survival, but stopping surely meant turning into ice!

So after a brief fritter, all the Qiang people packed up and resumed their march.

They were unaware that in these moments they brushed shoulders with death—their method of marching through the snow and wind endlessly tempered their will. They couldn’t fall, they had to keep going, they believed they could make it. They barely had the energy to think about anything; the winter wind forced them to move forward just to survive!

One could say, in such close-to-hell marching conditions, the King of Qiang’s Guard, made up of these youthful tribesmen, was continuously refined and tempered, their will and solidarity ever-increasing. They didn’t want to lie in ice like their friends; they wanted to survive! (To be continued. If you like this work, you are welcome to vote at Qidian (qidian.com) for recommendation and monthly tickets, your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com to read.)