RBCT Chapter 1966 The Heavenly General with "the bearing of a dragon and phoenix, the countenance of
Chapter 1966 The Heavenly General with "the bearing of a dragon and phoenix, the countenance of
Chapter 1966 The Heavenly General with "the bearing of a dragon and phoenix, the countenance of the sun and the moon"; Prince Qin, Li Shimin!
Liu Hongxuan is very clear about his strengths and weaknesses.
After the spiritual energy revival, individual power reached its peak. The strong could turn the tide of the world with their own strength, and it was not impossible for one person to protect a country or even destroy a planet or galaxy.
The nature of warfare has thus undergone a dramatic change.
In many cases, battles between civilizations are also duels and intimidations between the strongest individuals.
But this does not mean that "strategy" has lost its value in this era.
On the contrary, in extraordinary wars where the power levels are similar or not overwhelming, intelligence, strategy, timing, and the understanding and application of military tactics can often play a crucial role in achieving great results with minimal effort, or even in determining the outcome.
Especially when it involves extraordinary individuals of different races, forces, and with all sorts of strange abilities, the importance of ingenious calculations and meticulous planning sometimes surpasses that of a simple contest of strength.
Moreover, with the leap in life level, the brain is deeply developed, and the thinking speed, information processing ability, and logical reasoning ability of top superhumans far exceed those of ordinary humans before the spiritual revival.
Those who are already skilled in this art are naturally even more formidable in their profound wisdom and ingenious planning.
However, whether one is good at it or not ultimately depends on talent and dedication.
The Liu family, or rather the lineage of Qilin ability inheritors represented by Liu Hongxuan, possesses unparalleled talent and grows in strength rapidly. The family tradition and personal energy are mostly devoted to honing their own abilities, refining their combat skills, and pursuing higher realms.
Using tactics, planning, and strategic thinking are not their strengths; in fact, they could be considered their weakness.
Liu Hongxuan was by no means a reckless man. He had a keen combat instinct and made decisive tactical choices. However, when it came to deep thinking, strategic maneuvering, and the ability to formulate and execute ingenious strategic plans in complex situations, he was far inferior to the top strategists and commanders in history.
Compared to Bai Qi, the Lord of Wu'an, who was known as the "Butcher of Men" and whose life was full of infallible strategies, they were worlds apart.
He would naturally take Bai Qi's opinion into consideration.
Bai Qi listened quietly to Liu Hongxuan's statement and analysis, without responding immediately, seemingly digesting the information in Liu Hongxuan's words.
A moment later, just as Liu Hongxuan thought this god of war would propose a series of complex strategies such as spying, sowing discord, luring the enemy, and setting ambushes, Bai Qi uttered a single word that made Liu Hongxuan slightly taken aback:
"Wait for the right time."
"Wait for the right time?"
Liu Hongxuan repeated it subconsciously, a hint of doubt flashing in his eyes.
Waiting for the right opportunity? Is it really that simple? Aren't you going to take any initiative?
Bai Qi seemed to see through his momentary doubt and continued to explain in his straightforward tone:
"The enemy's situation is unclear, and our situation is not fully understood. They are numerous while we are few, and they are in the dark while we are in the light."
"Since you are the target of everyone's attacks, they will definitely make the first move."
"If you move, your form will be revealed, and a gap will appear."
"We only need to observe quietly, gather our eyes and ears, discern their true intentions and falsehoods, observe their movements and understand their intentions, and examine the strength and weaknesses of their connections; when they move and create gaps, or when they rush into chaos or fight for profit, the time will come naturally."
Upon hearing this, the doubt in Liu Hongxuan's eyes quickly vanished, replaced by deep thought and understanding.
He wasn't stupid; he just preferred straightforward combat to intricate and complex strategic planning.
With Bai Qi's guidance, he instantly grasped the key to the matter.
The so-called alliance is nothing more than the resentment that Su Yunqing, Qin Hongtian and others felt towards their own arrogance after the last Holy Grail War, which has been transformed into a consensus in this war to prioritize eliminating themselves.
But can this "resentment" really form an unbreakable alliance?
I'm afraid not.
Ultimately, their fundamental purpose in participating in the Holy Grail War was to achieve victory and fulfill their own desires.
Their "anger" at themselves was merely a trigger and excuse that led them to temporarily unite.
Even among them, there was a degree of their apprehension towards him.
When the ownership of the Holy Grail is laid out before us, how long can this alliance last?
As long as this alliance is not monolithic, there will inevitably be flaws to be found; and these "flaws" are precisely what strategists like Bai Qi are best at discovering.
Yes, that would normally be the case, but would their pursuit of victory in the Holy Grail War really outweigh their pursuit of eliminating him first?
It's a bit hard to explain.
He showed off in front of them back then, and his mockery after beating them up shouldn't have left them with that much resentment, right?
The capital city, the Chen family.
The light from the summoning circle slowly faded, revealing a tall, imposing figure within it.
At this moment, Chen Hanlin's face had lost its usual composure and elegance, replaced by an overwhelming excitement.
He gazed intently at the descending heroic spirit before him, then couldn't help but burst into laughter.
"Hahaha! Good! Good! That's great!"
"Last time, Liu Hongxuan summoned Xiang Yu, and destiny was on his side. But this time, destiny is on my side!"
"The true destiny lies with me!"
The spirit before him was clad in armor, but without a helmet, revealing a handsome and valiant face with striking eyebrows and bright eyes.
He looked to be around twenty-seven or twenty-eight years old, in the prime of his youth. His brows showed both the composure and decisiveness of someone who had been through many battles, as well as the calm demeanor of someone who had long held a position of power and was in control of the world. What was even more remarkable was that there was a hint of sharpness and arrogance hidden deep in his eyes.
Judging by his attire and demeanor alone, one can sense his extraordinary nature, but one might guess that he is a renowned young commander. However, it is not necessarily easy to understand why Chen Hanlin lost his composure and even shouted "Heaven's mandate is in my hands."
However, if anyone knew his real name, they would instantly understand the source of Chen Hanlin's ecstasy.
Li Shimin!
Emperor Taizong of Tang, Li Shimin, the Heavenly Khan!
The achievements and prestige of this emperor, who was a figure of unparalleled fame, need no further elaboration.
He joined the army at a young age and offered advice to relieve the siege of Yanmen Pass by Emperor Yang of Sui; he raised an army in Jinyang and assisted his father Li Yuan in establishing the Tang Dynasty; in the Battle of Hulao Pass, three thousand elite cavalrymen defeated Dou Jiande's army of one hundred thousand and established the Tang Dynasty in one battle.
Although the Xuanwu Gate Incident was brutal, it ushered in the Zhenguan Era of Prosperity, which appointed virtuous and capable officials, humbly accepted advice, practiced frugality, encouraged agriculture and sericulture, and allowed the people to recuperate and the country to live in peace and prosperity.
He expanded the territory, conquered DTZ and Xueyantuo, subjugated Gaochang, Kucha and Tuyuhun, severely damaged Goguryeo, established the Four Garrisons of Anxi, and was revered by people of all ethnic groups as "Heavenly Khan"!
His civil and military achievements were brilliant and outstanding, making him a model emperor. His "Reign of Zhenguan" is a model of a prosperous era that countless rulers in later generations have longed for.
His personal charisma, military talent, political vision, and ability to employ people are all top-notch.
The one who descended upon this place at this moment was not the emperor of a prosperous era who sat in the Mingtang Hall and ruled with ease, but rather the one who possessed the most illustrious martial arts skills, the sharpest edge, and the most pioneering and enterprising spirit in his life.
General of Heavenly Strategy, Prince Qin, Li Shimin!
"Arriving as the General of the Heavenly Strategy? I really didn't expect that."
"However, I do miss this time of year."
Li Shimin lowered his head, looked at the armor he was wearing, and said with a hint of sigh.
His gaze seemed to pierce through time, reaching that era of war and conquest.
At that time, he was still the spirited King of Qin, with his Tian Ce Mansion filled with strategists and fierce generals, and his iron cavalry could move mountains and make heroes bow down.
With lofty ambitions to purify the world and create unparalleled achievements, they faced an infinitely vast world and future.
The bloodshed at Xuanwu Gate, the aloofness on the throne, and even the joy and exhaustion after creating a prosperous era are all future events yet to be written.
At this moment, he embodies the spirit of a young commander who is ambitious, sharp, confident, and full of vigor.
"Oh."
Li Shimin suddenly chuckled, shook his head, dispelling the momentary sentimentality, and his eyes regained their brightness and sharpness, filled with keen interest in the present and the future.
"The past is like smoke and clouds."
"It was one thing to reminisce occasionally when I was emperor, but now that I have returned as the General of Heavenly Strategy, how can I indulge in the past?"
"Only when I take up my sword and ride my horse, and meet the heroes of the world again, will I have lived a worthwhile life!"
He raised his head and looked at his master, Chen Hanlin, who was unable to hide his excitement. A smile appeared on his face that was highly infectious and made people unconsciously believe in and feel close to him.
"With the power of the Holy Grail, heroes from all dynasties are summoned to gather together and fight for the object that grants their wishes..."
"It was even more interesting than the battles against Dou Jiande and Wang Shichong back then."
"After all, this time my opponents are all historical figures I am familiar with."
“Master, now that I have answered your call and descended to this world to participate in this grand event, I will lead you to victory.”
There were no resounding vows, no flowery words, just a calm and matter-of-fact statement.
It was as if victory was not a goal to be strived for, but something that was destined to happen.
But that's for sure.
Anyone who sees Li Shimin's brilliant and dazzling life trajectory will understand where this confidence comes from.
He raised an army in Jinyang and swept through Guanzhong; he defeated Xue Ju in the Battle of Qianshuiyuan, destroyed Liu Wuzhou in the Battle of Baibi, and his three thousand iron cavalrymen crushed Dou Jiande's army of 100,000 at Hulao Pass, thus establishing his rule in the Central Plains in one battle.
Then he marched his troops to Luoyang, forced Wang Shichong to surrender, and unified the country.
Although the Xuanwu Gate Incident was brutal, it was also a decisive victory in the power struggle.
Throughout his career, victory seemed not to be a goal to be pursued, but rather a natural outcome that blossomed as he walked.
As the King of Qin and the General of the Heavenly Strategy, he imprinted this belief and sharpness of "inevitable victory" into his very bones, which also inspired everyone around him.
Are the opponents in the Holy Grail War the wise men of past dynasties? Are they the emperors, generals, heroes, and valiant figures who have also left a profound mark on history?
so what?
Could Li Shimin be any worse than them?
Standing here at this moment is not the later Zhenguan Emperor who ruled with ease and had the world in his heart, but the young commander who was the most outstanding, the most vigorous, who emerged out of nowhere in the chaos at the end of the Sui Dynasty and laid the foundation for the Tang Dynasty with his unparalleled military achievements and charisma!
He was Li Shimin, the king who struck fear into the hearts of his enemies, commanded the loyalty of his subordinates to the death, and won the admiration of heroes throughout the land!
He is a brave and skilled general, whose merits are so great that they threaten the emperor's position, and who has no other title to bestow. He is a man of dragon and phoenix bearing, and whose appearance is as bright as the sun and the moon!
Even disregarding his later imperial achievements that ushered in a golden age, just considering his role as a general, commander, and commander-in-chief in battles and decisive victories, who was he inferior to?
In terms of bravery, he charged into battle and led from the front; in terms of strategy, he planned meticulously and made no mistakes; in terms of personnel management, he had a multitude of fierce generals and strategists under his command; in terms of demeanor, he could subdue his enemies and win over the hearts of the people.
He truly deserves this pride and qualification that belongs to the "General of Heavenly Strategy".
A smile played on Li Shimin's lips, as if he could already see the scene of clashing with those rivals who would go down in history. The fighting spirit and heroic passion that had been dormant in his blood began to heat up slightly.
Meanwhile, Chen Hanlin, standing to the side, couldn't help but smile.
Just as Li Shimin had an almost instinctive confidence in himself, Chen Hanlin was also filled with an unwavering belief in victory in the upcoming Holy Grail War.
In his view, this was almost self-evident.
After all, his spirit is Li Shimin.
Could the heroic spirits they summon be stronger than Li Shimin?
Summon Xiang Yu here! I'll let you summon Xiang Yu here!
The capital city, the Lu family.
The light of the summoning circle was slowly dimming, and a desolate, tragic, and bone-chilling cold, like that of the Yi River, emanated from the air.
A figure, seemingly formed from countless subtle killing intents and regrets, flashed by, holding a short sword. The assassination intent that burst forth in that instant also carried the endless desolation of failure.
As the strange phenomenon dissipated, a slightly thin figure, standing as straight as a pine tree, appeared in the center of the magic array.
He was dressed in a dark, close-fitting outfit that allowed for easy movement, with a simple cloak covering most of his face, revealing only a pair of calm, almost indifferent eyes.
He held nothing in his hands, but just by standing there, he gave the impression that his entire body could become a deadly weapon at any moment.
Lu Ming quietly looked at the Servant he had successfully summoned, and the Spirit Origin Panel information that appeared in his mind, which only he could see.
He pursed his lips slightly, a hint of helplessness flashing in his eyes.
Although he didn't know what heroic spirits Su Yunqing, Liu Hongxuan, and Qin Hongtian had summoned in this Holy Grail War, he felt that he was unlikely to be able to compare with them.
Of course, it's not that the heroic spirits he summoned were bad. After all, they were people who had left their names in history, and some even had quite prestigious titles. Their stats weren't bad either.
If the heroic spirits summoned by Su Yunqing and the others aren't very good either, they might have a chance to win.
However, this is only true if there is a real "what if".
"A hero who became famous for a failed assassination attempt, an assassin who concentrated all his brilliance in a single moment."
"Assassin, Jing Ke".
"Although it's a bit of a pity, Assassin also has its own uses."
"However, this time we really can't fight head-on; we can only outsmart them and look for that one 'last chance' to win."
Lu Ming turned his gaze to Jing Ke, who stood quietly, seemingly blending into the shadows, and muttered to himself.
Although the summoned Heroic Spirit was not what he expected, that's how the Holy Grail War is; not every Heroic Spirit possesses the power to charge recklessly.
Some heroic spirits are destined to search for that one glimmer of hope in the shadows.