The barbarian army repeatedly assaulted the Saint Roman army's encampment for five consecutive days, hurling insults and challenging them to battle. However, no matter how harsh their taunts, the Saint Roman army remained unresponsive, steadfastly holding their ground within the camp and refusing to sally forth.
Accompanied by Zu An, a leader of the Lycans, and several generals, Sai En visited the front lines multiple times to observe the enemy's movements.
The Lycans acted with extreme impunity before the Saint Roman army's stockade, sparring and clashing brazenly in the no-man's-land between the two armies. Coupled with the barbarian soldiers' insults, this display greatly satisfied Sai En. When had he ever experienced such unbridled triumph, having endured the Saint Roman army's humiliation for days?
He watched the Lycans curse in their dialect. Although the Saint Roman army couldn't understand their words, their facial expressions clearly indicated they were not uttering pleasantries.
The iron-blooded soldiers within the army, those resolute Saint Roman warriors brimming with valor, how could they tolerate such indignity? Despite knowing the barbarians' ferocity, they too pleaded to fight to the death.
However, Xiao Xun suppressed all their requests, knowing that to defeat the barbarian army, the opportune moment was crucial.
The barbarian soldiers, initially high-spirited and engaged in incessant challenges for days, enjoyed peak morale. Yet, with the Saint Roman army refusing to engage, they were powerless. The barbarians lacked the formidable siege weaponry possessed by the Saint Roman soldiers. Having fought primarily in the wilderness, they had no need for attacking fortified positions. Against the Saint Roman army, adept at utilizing such equipment, they held no advantage.
After another five days of taunting, the Lycans had lost all hope of provoking the Saint Roman army into battle. They were inherently arrogant, considering themselves a noble race. They were determined to achieve victory in this invitation from Zu An, and the current signs confirmed their assumptions. Once such a fierce people were idle, their savage nature surfaced. They became increasingly brazen on Sai En's territory, frequently bullying the members of Sai En's tribe.
However, Sai En, owing a debt to the Lycans, turned a blind eye and did not pursue the matter, though his heart was filled with suppressed frustration after years of navigating the barbarian territories. Initially, only a portion of the Lycans behaved this way, but later, even the Lycan leader, Bika'er, believing himself to have earned merit, became arrogant and paid little heed to Zu An's earnest entreaties.
To appease Bika'er, Sai En could only host him daily with feasts to keep him content. Yet, Sai En grew increasingly displeased. As a supreme overlord of a region, when had he ever endured such treatment? Now, he had to curry favor daily, living a life of profound unhappiness. He simply wished for Xiao Xun to deploy his troops swiftly, so they could resolve the conflict quickly and send these Lycans on their way.
"Report! Great King, the Saint Roman army is retreating!"
"What?"
Sai En's face contorted with surprise. After exchanging glances with his entourage, he let out a loud laugh, "Let's go! Come with me and see!"
Sai En and the various leaders emerged from the stockade, only to find the Saint Roman army's encampment still standing. Sai En, enraged, slapped the barbarian soldier twice: "Are your eyes blind? Where the hell are they retreating from?"
The barbarian soldier, clutching his swollen cheeks, said timidly, "Great King, the Saint Romans abandoned their camp and left..."
Upon hearing this, Sai En looked towards the Saint Roman army's encampment. Indeed, he saw only the stockade, but no figures. He was greatly puzzled, "What is the meaning of Svi'en's actions?"
Zu An thoughtfully instructed, "First, let's scout their camp!"
To guard against Xiao Xun's potential stratagems, Sai En first dispatched a contingent of scouts into the Saint Roman army's camp before leisurely leading his troops and the other leaders towards it. Shortly thereafter, the scouts reported that not a single person was in the Saint Roman tents. The tents themselves remained, and a considerable amount of supplies had been left behind. The leaders exchanged bewildered glances, utterly perplexed.
Sipotan voiced his concern, "Elder Brother, Svi'en is cunning and treacherous. I fear there is a scheme at play. We should..."
"Why do you, the leader, boost the enemy's morale while diminishing our own?" Zu An shrugged from his horse. "I believe this is due to a change within the Saint Roman Empire. Svi'en retreated in haste to prevent our pursuit, creating a feigned withdrawal. The leaders may not be aware of the situation in Atlantis. The Atlantis continent is currently home to three powerful nations: the Winter Kingdom, the Saint Roman Empire, and the Myriad Beast Kingdom. The Saint Roman Empire is merely the weakest of the three, and they frequently engage in conflict. Therefore, I strongly advised the Barbarian King to invade, seize the Saint Roman territories, and then conquer the world. Judging by the current circumstances, something significant must have happened in the Saint Roman Empire."
"Then, according to Zu An's view..." Sai En's fear of Xiao Xun was profound. He hesitated to make a decision and quickly sought Zu An's counsel.
"Great King, in my humble opinion, such a golden opportunity must not be missed! We should seize this chance to pursue the Saint Roman army and prevent their main force from returning to Saint Roman!"
Sipotan worried, "Elder Brother! I fear there is a trap!"
"Great King! To achieve great things, one must dare to take risks!" Zu An declared with passionate fervor.
As everyone was engaged in a heated debate, Bika'er let out a cold snort from the side. "Hasn't the Barbarian King been intimidated by the Saint Roman army? If not, I will lead men to scout ahead for the Barbarian King!"
Sai En's subordinate leaders were enraged by this remark. Their faces flushed crimson, and they were about to respond when Sai En let out a hearty laugh, "Since Brother Bika'er has such ambition, I shall accompany you on this venture to capture the enemy!"
With that, Sai En immediately mustered his troops and, along with Bika'er, set off towards the Qianduo River.
Sai En and his forces arrived at the banks of the Qianduo River. On the opposite bank, banners fluttered, an array of long spears and swords gleamed, and the troops were impeccably organized. An immense killing aura spread from the left of the river, making it impossible to ascertain their numbers.
Upon witnessing the formidable presence of the Saint Roman army, Bika'er was astonished. He had not expected the Saint Roman army, which had consistently avoided battle with them, to possess such morale. Moreover, neither Sai En nor Bika'er were skilled in naval warfare. Furthermore, the Qianduo River was the Weak Water, and they dared not advance rashly. Coupled with the Saint Roman army's evident military might, which was not a force easily scattered but exuded a palpable ferocity from within, Bika'er was hesitant to provoke them further.
For a time, Sai En and Bika'er gazed at the sky-obscuring opposite bank, rendered speechless.
"Svi'en is a master of warfare and likely has a plan for a rear-guard action. However, the art of war, though varied, remains rooted in fundamental principles. If Svi'en intends to leave, as long as we relentlessly pursue his main force, we can heavily cripple this fellow!" While they were in a predicament, Zu An calmly stated from his horse behind them.
Sai En and Bika'er, seasoned veterans who had emerged from countless life-or-death battles, knew Zu An's words were true. They immediately set up camp by the riverbank, facing the Saint Roman army across the water. To gain the advantage, Sai En's personal guard was positioned at the forefront of the formation, followed by Bika'er's shield-and-spear Lycans, with the remaining units falling in behind.
With all preparations complete, they awaited the Saint Roman army's retreat. Once the Saint Roman army moved, the barbarian forces would pursue Xiao Xun at all costs, aiming to annihilate the Saint Roman army's main strength.
The barbarian army remained in a standoff with the Saint Roman army across the river for nearly an entire night. By the early hours of the next morning, the Saint Roman army still showed no sign of movement, nor any intention of retreating. However, the sight of the Saint Roman army's banners and armor on the opposite bank of the Qianduo River, with their long spears and swords stretching for miles along the riverbank, and an immeasurable number of soldiers emanating a solemn aura, deterred the barbarian army from acting rashly.
Observing the enemy's formation, Zu An sighed faintly, "The fiercest wolf packs on the plains never fight to the death. When they are outmatched, the old and weak wolves will stay behind to cover the retreat, preserving those truly capable of combat." Zu An's somber voice echoed in the wind. Sai En nodded, realizing that one night was sufficient for the Saint Roman army's main force to retreat safely. However, the rearguard had shown no movement, indicating that Svi'en had decided to abandon this contingent.
Recalling the indignities he had suffered for days, Sai En's usually placid face was suddenly contorted with ferocity. He snarled, "We still cannot let these sons of dogs escape so easily!"
Bika'er suddenly perked up his ears, "What sound is that?"
Sai En blinked, having heard no sound himself, and appeared slightly taken aback. The other barbarian leaders exchanged bewildered glances.
Zu An's expression shifted slightly, "Cavalry!" His voice, initially hesitant, now conveyed certainty. At the same time, Sai En also heard the sound, seemingly the thunderous roar of hooves trampling the grassland from all directions. "Not good! We are surrounded!"