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Chapter 162:
Chapter 162:
Chapter 162:
At Tang Army Camp, a group of generals stood on an improvised watchtower, silently observing the colossal Tibetan army crumbling like a mountain. Not a word was exchanged among them.
In this battle, both sides had over four hundred thousand troops combined. However, there were no intricate maneuvers or probing attacks. They went head-to-head right from the start.
These generals had all seen their fair share of battles, but none had ever witnessed such an immense clash that could determine the outcome of a single battle. Furthermore, a force of ten thousand had defeated an enemy with a staggering forty times their numbers.
The entire process lasted less than three hours. Throughout these three hours, everyones faces were frozen in numb shock, devoid of expressions. Li Daozong and Su Dingfang had previously witnessed Su Lis extraordinary performance, similar to a god descending to earth. Still, at this moment, Su Lis ferocity again shattered their understanding.
For the first time, watching Su Lis solo feat of breaking through tens of thousands of enemy troops left figures like Cheng Yaojin, Weichi Gong, and Hou Junji in awe.
After a while, Cheng Yaojin sighed and remarked, Since I first laid eyes on Su Li, I sensed his extraordinary nature. He will undoubtedly become the cornerstone of the Great Tang.
Hes more than just the linchpin of the Great Tang. After this battle, he stands as a true unrivaled war deity, unmatched by anyone before or after!
Wei Chi Gongs stern countenance contorted briefly but ultimately remained silent. On the contrary, Hou Junjis eyes held a mysterious mix of fear.
He took a deep breath, his expression somewhat dazed, and said, We simply make our livelihood through war, but he was born for it. The disparity is beyond imagination. I, Hou Junji, concede!
These words surprised the others. Hou Junjis reputation among the Tang generals wasnt particularly good. Apart from Li Er, he was known for his defiance and discontent.
However, no matter how proud he was, after witnessing Su Lis godlike performance, he dared no longer speak rashly. Perhaps, in his heart, he was secretly relieved not to be adversaries of Su Li.
After all, who would want to be an opponent to such a formidable general?
At night, at the foot of the Great Snow Mountain on the backside of the plateau, Bayegu Zhang led dozens of followers, urging their horses into a frenzy as they charged into the heart of the Bayegu tribes main camp.
Maintaining their speed, they rode directly into the tribal leaders tent.
My son, do we have news about the battle between Tubo and the Great Tang?
Upon entering, Bayegu Zhangs father, the chieftain of the Bayegu tribe, Bayegu Hele, welcomed him.
Subsequently, Bayegu Hele noticed the expression on his sons facedistorted and filled with terror.
Bayegu Zhang didnt say a word, instead downing a gulp of barley wine and then taking several deep breaths before regaining his composure.
Father, Tubo has lost! Bayegu Zhangs first words caused Bayegu Heles complexion to drastically change.
The Nine Tribes of the Iron Leagues were situated adjacent to Tubo. Their understanding of Tubo was naturally much more profound than their knowledge of the Great Tang.
Tubo alone could gather an army of over four hundred thousand capable warriors. Although they had been in a state of fragmentation and disarray before, with a less prominent reputation, the rise of Songtsan Gampo had propelled Tubo into rapid growth.
On the western and northern borders of the Great Tang, Tubos territory was already the largest among the neighboring countries, with a sizable population.
With this foundation, they naturally possessed inherent advantages. When Tubo previously dispatched troops to Song Prefecture, it sent shockwaves throughout the various states in the northwest.
Everyone had been observing closely. After all, the invasion of a massive Tubo army was the most significant move by a foreign power against the Great Tang since the Treaty of Wei River.
Everyone had been anticipating the Great Tangs response, with many secretly hoping for another opportunity for a daring advance.
Due to these circumstances, when Tubo sought alliances with these smaller nations, they readily agreed without hesitation. Little did they know, they had just sent troops and were still observing the situation.
Tubos General Lu Dongzan suffered a heavy defeat right under the walls of Song Zhou. After the battle, not only did Lu Dongzan lose his life, but Tubo also suffered a loss of one hundred and fifty thousand soldiers.
These smaller nations would have naturally chosen to retreat and mind their own business if it had been just this.
Who could have anticipated that the Tang army would swell in numbers and consider attacking Tubos heartland?
Fifty thousand Tang soldiers facing off against four hundred thousand Tubo troops might still have a fighting chance on a plain.
However, the plateau where Tubo was situated was practically a cursed land. Just by being there, one could be affected by the miasma, which would drastically reduce their combat strength.
(ED Note: Miasma is a term for noxious or unhealthy air that was once believed to be the cause of diseases in the past)
Reciprocally, the smaller nations still believed that Tubo had some fight remaining. Therefore, they decided to embrace a wait-and-see strategy. The Tang armys invasion of Tubo undoubtedly intended to obliterate the nation. Large-scale conflicts typically require at least a year or two to yield noteworthy outcomes.
Who could have anticipated that just a few days later, Bayegu Zhang would return? Furthermore, from his appearance, it seemed like something had startled him. This left Bayegu Hele even more bewildered. The men of the Bayegu tribe were all descendants of the Great Snow Mountain and were never lacking in courage. What could have frightened him to such an extent? Simply because Tubo was defeated?
Bayegu Zhang took another sip of wine, and his face turned an unusual shade of red. Father, the Tang army had only ten thousand soldiers, and within noon, they defeated Tubos four hundred thousand troops! No, to be exact, it was a single individual who routed Tubos army!
Bayegu Hele blinked a hint of anger in his eyes. Zhang, even if the deities of the snow mountain were to descend to the mortal realm, Im afraid they wouldnt possess such power!
Father, its not just me who witnessed that battle. I swear, even the snow mountain gods wouldnt equal the supernatural prowess of that Tang general!
Bayegu Zhangs expression was filled with a lingering sense of fear. He alone carved through four hundred thousand soldiers and then slew Songtsan Gampo!
Songtsan Gampo is deceased? Bayegu Hele widened his eyes.
Bayegu Zhang let out a sigh, his face filled with sorrow. Father, the ambitions of the Great Tang go beyond our reach. Even if we were to entertain our usual thoughts of gaining some advantage, we shouldnt have them this time.
That Tang generals objective isnt solely Tubo. Our envoy in Changan has sent wordthe Emperor of the Great Tang is furious this time and intends to subdue the surrounding small nations like us
Bayegu Hele sneered, If the Great Tang pushes too far, we smaller nations will certainly unite. No matter how formidable the Tang army is, facing the million-strong armies of the Western Regions, they wont find it easy to appease us!
Bayegu Zhang looked at his father with a hint of sympathy. He had held the same view before witnessing Su Lis extraordinary performance. However, confronted with the Tang army now, Bayegu Zhang couldnt summon the slightest hint of resistance.
In that massive battle on the plateau, most of the tribal envoys who had aligned with Tubo successfully escaped. They also discussed forming a coalition to oppose the Great Tang. But Bayegu Zhang didnt share their perspective. Su Li alone could carve through four hundred thousand soldiers and, after the battle, still converse with other Tang generals carefreely, displaying no signs of exhaustion. Who knew if he could replicate the same against a million soldiers?
The only prudent choice was to retreat rather than confront the challenges head-on. What advantage was there in sacrificing themselves and their clans for their pride? Songtsan Gampos blood on their necks had not even dried yet. Had these people already forgotten?
Bayegu Zhang hurried back through the night to ensure that the Bayegu tribe made early preparations. Other smaller nations might talk about forming alliances, which was acceptable. However, the Bayegu tribe couldnt afford to be obstinate. The aftermath had to be arranged appropriately. What was wrong with opting for a more cautious approach when confronted with life-and-death decisions?