However, as the battle intensified, I found my worries to be somewhat excessive. If they were to actively charge the enemy, it would be difficult, as the rebel forces were too strong. But if they could form a defensive circle, that was easily achievable. About ten minutes after engagement, two small circles and an outer, larger circle of rebels were formed successively. My banner and Li Yuanhao's banner became the centers of the reinforcement circles. The commanders around could estimate the distance to the center by simply turning their heads, determining the position of their outermost defense line.
Zheng Baobao’s side didn't need a banner, because their circle’s center was designed around a large tree outside the city, which was even more convenient for reference than a banner.
The battlefield, the cruel battlefield, people were bleeding and sacrificing every second. Bingbing watched with anxiety, constantly urging me to give orders, but I couldn't yet, because the circles weren't complete enough. Some positions were still lacking. If I fired then, dozens of my men would be lost in vain.
After about three more minutes of fighting, I looked at the circles on the design and the live feed, and they finally overlapped. Only then did I turn around and raise the black triangular flag at the artillery formations within the city. That was their special command flag for artillery, triangular in shape with three connected stars.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
The artillery, hidden in various positions within the city, began to fire. Cannonballs flew over the city walls in different directions, seemingly chaotic, landing on the battlefield outside.
Of the fifty seemingly chaotic cannonballs, not a single one landed on our troops. All of them struck the positions marked with an "x," which were the rebel positions. Moreover, they almost completely covered the battlefield, with the outermost shells even landing on empty ground.
Xiao Nu stood on the roof of a two-story building, watching me. After observing the impact points, I raised the black flag and waved it up and down at her, indicating that no adjustment was needed and we could continue firing like this!
Boom! Boom! Boom!
The artillery began firing continuously. After ten volleys, the enemy hadn't even reacted. After all, they were on a flat terrain and could only see what was close by. In any case, all they could see was billowing smoke and dust. I figured Wang Lun probably didn't know the extent of his casualties. However, some rebels were smart enough to evade artillery fire and chose to lie flat on the ground.
But it was useless. Dai Lu's cannons fired shells similar to modern mortars. Not only did shrapnel fly, but the shockwave alone could kill enemies. Whether they were lying down or standing, they would be hit, unless they could burrow underground.
If the enemy didn't retreat, we would continue firing. After thirty volleys, I couldn't even tell what the situation was with the enemy anymore. The vast majority were lying on the ground, and I couldn't tell if they were alive or dead.
To be safe, I waved the flag again. After another ten volleys, I finally threw the black flag into the city, signaling to cease fire.
Immediately, I picked up another white flag – white is a lucky color in the underworld, not a color for surrender. I climbed the tower and waved the white flag towards the outside of the city, signaling them to attack. However, the imperial troops in the two circles seemed stunned by the massive artillery bombardment and were slow to act!
We couldn't wait. The rebels would recover soon and counterattack!
At this critical moment, Bingbing stepped forward and ordered the remaining soldiers on the city walls to repeat after her: Attack! Attack! Attack!
The horn of attack reawakened the fighting spirit of the imperial army. They charged into the still lingering smoke, beginning the "mopping-up operation."
The tide had turned. I actually disliked watching such a bloody scene. I had to watch it before to observe the battlefield situation.
I stretched, lit a cigarette, and walked down the city wall against the flow of curious city dwellers who were coming to watch. I found a secluded spot, took out the half bottle of Nescafé I brought from the mortal world, and drank it all in one gulp.
Xiao Nu came to find me, her face even darker from the gunpowder smoke.
"You're a talent. I'll request a commendation for you from His Majesty later," I said with a smile.
Xiao Nu shook her head. "I'm just a Kunlun slave, master. I don't want rewards, I want to be with you."
"With me… do you know I'm a living person?" I asked.
"I've heard a little."
"Therefore, I can't take you back to the mortal world," I said regretfully. In reality, there wasn't a complete lack of ways. Zheng Baobao was an example. Barring any accidents, this would be Baobao's last battle in the underworld, and after this, she would have to fight with me in the mortal world. Xiao Nu was good at artillery and drawing, but she wasn't much use to me. It was better to leave her for Dai Lu. When Dai Lu becomes the commander of artillery, Xiao Nu could at least be a chief of staff.
"Is that so… then… alright," Xiao Nu said, very disappointed, tears welling up in her eyes.
"If you were a master, it would be easier," I muttered. The quota for underworld officials is limited, I can't give it to just anyone.
"Master, do you mean… combat power?" Xiao Nu asked, her eyes filled with surprise and delight.