Chapter 97

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………………………………I am the pure dividing line……………………………………

"Everyone says that a grieving army is bound to win. The Mongol soldiers today are indeed much more spirited than they were half a month ago." Meng Gong said solemnly on the city wall.

His expression was not good.

By now, the sky was already bright, and Kublai had already ordered the attack.

The brutal war had already begun.

Meng Gong clearly felt that the Mongol soldiers appearing today were incomparable to those from half a month ago.

They had undergone significant changes.

"They have no way out, but neither do we," Zhao Hao said.

He had not yet taken action and was still observing.

Kublai had his own plans, and Zhao Hao had his own.

In Kublai's view, this was the last gamble. Success would be delightful, and failure would not be the end of the world; at worst, he could try again next year.

But Zhao Hao did not want to give him that chance.

His mind was constantly calculating how to deliver a fatal blow.

Compared to the current Mongol Khan, Mongke, Kublai's importance, in Zhao Hao's eyes, was even greater.

The strength of the Mongols was not just in their leadership, but losing Kublai would be a significant loss for the Mongols.

If there was an opportunity, Zhao Hao would not hesitate to slay him here.

Suddenly, Zhao Hao frowned slightly, his gaze drifting to the rear of the battlefield.

"Ling'er has made her move," Zhao Hao said.

Although Zhao Ling'er left the city in the middle of the night, she did not immediately take action.

Of course, they were waiting for Kublai to bring his army to the walls of Xiangyang before raiding the camp.

However, Kublai was well aware of this, and the number of troops left to guard the camp was certainly over five thousand, perhaps even ten thousand.

For Zhao Ling'er and her group to achieve their goal, they would have to endure an exceptionally brutal battle.

This was not a conspiracy; both Kublai and Zhao Hao were well aware of it.

It was a test of who had the greater strength.

Kublai clearly believed his plan was foolproof, so he left the camp confidently and came to the walls of Xiangyang.

What Zhao Hao needed to do was simply have faith in Zhao Ling'er and her group.

"Her Highness will surely return safely," Meng Gong consoled.

Zhao Hao did not comment, refocusing his gaze on the city below.

Although the Mongols had ladders, the soldiers and supplies in Xiangyang were abundant, and the morale was high. The Mongol army would find it difficult to break through the defenses and climb the walls of Xiangyang.

The battle was at a stalemate.

Both sides were testing each other's endurance.

This kind of battle was the ultimate test of comprehensive strength.

However, what reassured Zhao Hao was that they were the defenders, naturally holding the advantage.

The sturdy walls of Xiangyang were the best defense.

The number of Mongol casualties far exceeded that of the Song army.

With Xiangyang temporarily safe, Zhao Hao put his mind at ease and recalculated the possibility of killing Kublai.

If Kublai could be slain in this battle, the Mongol army would surely collapse without a fight.

Their plans to retreat would become a fantasy, and they might be completely annihilated under the walls of Xiangyang.

"Guo Daxia, did you notice the people around Kublai?" Zhao Hao suddenly asked.

Guo Jing focused his gaze, his expression gradually becoming serious.

"They are all experts. Even if I encountered them, it would be quite a challenge," Guo Jing said.

Today, Kublai was no longer accompanied by just Jinlun; there were four or five people in strange attire around him.

They surrounded Kublai, subtly protecting him.

"It seems that your arrow frightened Kublai quite a bit. He no longer dares to take his life lightly," Zhao Hao said.

"Unfortunately, that arrow didn't kill him," Guo Jing said.

"Half a month ago, we didn't kill him. Now, do you want to try again, Guo Daxia?" Zhao Hao's eyes flashed with determination.

"Your Highness, Kublai is already on guard. My archery skills may not be effective again," Guo Jing said.

Archery relies on surprise.

A person like Kublai, who had already been tricked once by Guo Jing, would not be tricked again.

He had already made preparations.

Xiao Xiangzi from Hunan, the Indian expert Nimo Xing, the Persian Yinkexi, and the strange figure Ma Guangzuo from Huijiang—information about the people around Kublai floated through Zhao Hao's mind.

These people were indeed experts. In a one-on-one fight, none of them could match Zhao Hao for ten moves, but if they all attacked at once, along with Jinlun watching from the side, Zhao Hao would find it difficult to gain an advantage.

Most importantly, in the midst of thousands of soldiers, once restrained, one would face the entire army.

That would truly be a step away from death.

However, great wealth comes with great risk.

If one cannot think and act in ways others cannot, how can one create miracles?

"Guo Daxia, what I need is not your archery skills, but your Eighteen Dragon Subduing Palms. Are you interested in accompanying me to break through this army?" Zhao Hao turned and asked.

Guo Jing's body trembled, and he said in a trembling voice, "Your Highness, you intend to?"

"I want to try and see if I can kill Kublai," Zhao Hao said.

"Your Highness, you are willing to risk your life. I am just a commoner; what do I have to lose? I will accompany Your Highness to break through this army," Guo Jing said, bowing.

His blood was boiling, and he had not used the Eighteen Dragon Subduing Palms in a long time.

"Mo Chou, Zhong Xin, Yang Guo, each of you lead two thousand Power Gang disciples to follow me out of the city to fight, protecting Guo Daxia and me. This time, we will go straight to the heart of the enemy, deep into their rear. We will not return until we succeed. Make it clear to the brothers that, with your high martial arts, you might have a chance to survive, but they will likely die in battle," Zhao Hao said solemnly.

"Yes."

"Your Highness, please wait a moment. I also need to prepare," Meng Gong wanted to stop Zhao Hao's actions but ultimately sighed helplessly.

"General Meng, I have already sent a letter to Lin'an, written by my own hand. If I die in battle, it will be my own decision, not your fault. Xiangyang will still need you to protect it. If I succeed, be prepared to annihilate them under the walls of Xiangyang," Zhao Hao said.

Zhao Hao's actions were not a spur of the moment decision; he had been preparing for this for a long time.

Meng Gong felt warmth in his heart, followed by a heavy weight. He was moved by Zhao Hao's actions and felt the immense responsibility on his shoulders.

"Your Highness, give me half an hour," Meng Gong said.

"Go, I also need to prepare," Zhao Hao said.

He did not have a hundred percent certainty, but some things had to be done.

Taking the head of a general in the midst of thousands of soldiers was something that only existed in folk tales, and very few people could actually achieve it.

Today, Zhao Hao was going to challenge this nearly impossible task.

The Flame Spreading Spear Technique grows stronger with the strength of the opponent.

This spear technique did not require high qualifications or physical strength; its true core was "unwavering determination."

Whether he could make the ultimate leap would depend on whether he could successfully slay the dragon today.

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