C51. The Power of Black Gunpowder.

C51. The Power of Black Gunpowder.

As they walked outside the camp, they saw cavalry surrounding the vehicles, alert and vigilant.

These cavalry soldiers were strong and powerful, with majestic stature and robust horses. They surrounded the area so tightly that no one could see what was in the carriages.

Leading the group was Wu Kai, who remained on high alert even within the camp. He tightly gripped the broadsword at his waist, keeping a watchful eye on his surroundings. This made the surrounding soldiers hesitant to approach them.

Seeing the seriousness of the situation, He Lang and the others became genuinely curious. Even Yang Zhongfa mustered up some enthusiasm, asking, "With such a grand display, what exactly has Master Yuan sent?"

Curious as well, Chu Hechao walked over. Wu Kai only let down his guard when he saw Chu Hechao and respectfully saluted, "General, the Lord has sent something for you."

"What is it?" Chu Hechao inquired.

"Thundering cannon," Wu Kai replied.

Thundering cannon?

The group exchanged glances, and Mi Yang asked directly, "What is a thundering cannon?"

Wu Kai then said, "I suggest that the General find a deserted area, and I will show the General the usefulness of the thundering cannon."

Chu Hechao raised an eyebrow and decisively led them to a vacant, grassy area.

The other generals followed out of curiosity.

The cavalry finally moved aside after reaching the spot, revealing the carriages. Wu Kai cautiously opened a box, revealing short wooden and bamboo rods.

Mi Yang was immediately disappointed, "What is this, are you planning to set off firecrackers?"

What use could firecrackers have now, especially when it's not the New Year?

Unfazed, Wu Kai took out a thundering cannon from inside and placed it a short distance away, preparing to light the fuse.

The Centurion Gong Bin, who had escorted Wu Kai with the thundering cannon, reminded the commanders, "Good sirs, cover your ears and nose. This thing makes a loud noise and produces a lot of smoke."

Despite the warning, no one paid much attention to it.

Gong Bin sighed in resignation. When Wu Kai finally ignited the fuse, all five hundred cavalrymen turned their heads, covering their ears. Mi Yang and the others couldn't help but chuckle at their exaggerated reaction.

Was it really necessary to be so dramatic about a firecracker?

But in the next moment, a deafening explosion resounded with a loud "bang"!

Everyone was caught off guard, and some even staggered, nearly falling to the ground.

Thick smoke billowed and engulfed them, blowing in their faces. Yang Zhongfa, He Lang, and the others coughed and nervously watched the explosion, unable to believe the power of the thundering cannon, "Is this the power of those wooden rods?"

How could it be so mighty?!

"It's a thundering cannon," Wu Kai corrected, "The Lord sent this specifically for the General to deal with the Xiongnu."

Chu Hechao remained still, his dilated pupils and gradually brightening eyes unnoticed. He commanded in a deep voice, "Ignite another thundering cannon."

Complying with the orders, upon the thunderous roar of the cannon ringing out once more, the shock and fear of the commanders gradually transformed into jubilation.

"General," Yang Zhongfa's voice trembled as he stared at the thundering cannon, hands shaking with excitement, "With this weapon, we can avenge our fallen brothers!"

"Indeed."

Chu Hechao burst into a rare hearty laugh, calling Wu Kai over to inquire carefully about the usage of the thundering cannon.

Wu Kai explained, "Because this item cannot be exposed to open flames, and it must avoid rough handling which made the transportation process challenging due to their small size, causing some delays."

Upon hearing this, Yang Zhongfa couldn't help but feel a wave of sorrow. If only they had arrived a bit earlier, perhaps... He chuckled bitterly and touched his face, gazing at the numerous thundering cannons in the boxes before him. All his sadness transformed into a strong desire to seek vengeance against the Xiongnu.

Not only Yang Zhongfa, but everyone else was also swept up in excitement, their faces flushed with anticipation.

Chu Hechao immediately ordered strict surveillance of the thundering cannons and cautioned everyone present not to leak any information. He then instructed the five hundred cavalrymen who had escorted the cannons to take a well-deserved rest.

Wu Kai followed Chu Hechao as they left together.

The five hundred cavalrymen were taken into the camp by others, some of whom even encountered familiar faces. The familiar faces within the camp almost didn't recognize them and marveled at their appearance, teasing them, "You guys look really impressive."

The cavalrymen smiled awkwardly, puffing their chests out with pride.

Meanwhile, the excited commanders discussed their strategies for attacking the Xiongnu in the afternoon until they finally settled on a plan. Chu Hechao dismissed the others and asked Wu Kai, "Did your master have any message for me?"

Wu Kai dutifully conveyed the two sentences from the Lord Yuan. After listening patiently, Chu Hechao frowned and asked, "Is that all?"

Wu Kai nodded.

Chu Hechao's lips straightened, gesturing for him to leave.

Later that morning, Chu Hechao dispatched scouts to search for the enemy's whereabouts. Upon receiving the report, he led his troops out of the city to engage the Xiongnu in battle proactively.

When news spread that Chu Hechao personally led his troops out to confront them, the Xiongnu leader Huyan Wuju was greatly astonished. He put down his wine glass and confirmed repeatedly, "Chu Hechao really came out to battle us?"

The vanguard confirmed, "Chieftain, they are advancing towards us."

Huyan Wuju couldn't understand Chu Hechao's intentions. He was cautious, suspecting a trap, but couldn't decide whether to prepare to meet him or stay put.

However, Huyan Wuju thought again. Was Chu Hechao's move meant to instill fear and delay their progress?

The more he thought about it, the more convinced he became. They hadn't received news of Chu Hechao receiving reinforcements, but it was evident that he could still muster up thirty thousand soldiers.

It was indeed a strange situation - Chu Hechao had suffered a defeat yesterday, yet today, he had the nerve to confront them actively.

Despite achieving victory the previous day, Huyan Wuju's troops found themselves in a curious situation. Northern Zhou was having suffered significant losses in the battle, however, they now felt restricted in their movements, the aftertaste of victory tinged with unease.

He made a quick decision and immediately led his troops out again. As they approached, they could see Chu Hechao's troops ahead.

Chu Hechao was leading thirty thousand soldiers into battle, all arranged in neat formation just like the previous day. Strangely, there wasn't a single cavalryman among the thirty thousand soldiers - all of them were infantry.

This was clearly a suicidal move.

Facing twenty thousand Xiongnu cavalrymen, Huyan Wuzhu couldn't help but wonder if Chu Hechao had lost his mind.

Huyan Wuzhu chuckled, jesting with his subordinates, "Is he planning to counter our cavalry with such tactics?"

The soldiers, still thrilled by yesterday's victory, burst into laughter, eagerly anticipating another successful battle. "Chieftain, it seems we'll be collecting more enemy heads today."

Huyan Wuzhu laughed heartily, his demeanor shifting abruptly. He fixed his gaze on Chu Hechao and declared, "Attack! Today, we'll use Chu Hechao's skull as a drinking cup! If we kill Chu Hechao, we'll seize the border counties and capture their resources and wealth tonight. Brave warriors, charge!"

With the command given, the flags surged forward, and upon receiving the signal, the twenty thousand cavalrymen yelled ferociously and charged towards the enemy.

After their significant victory the previous day, the Xiongnu cavalry had gained confidence in battle and displayed even greater ferocity. When confronted with arrows from the Northern Zhou army, they advanced relentlessly.

The enemy, rushing forward like tigers and wolves, reminded the Northern Zhou army of the tragic events of the previous day, causing some to feel afraid. But Chu Hechao remained unfazed. His commanding presence instilled awe in his troops as they watched their leader stand his ground without flinching, motivating them to continue resisting.

Chu Hechao patiently waited for an opportunity, waiting for the moment when Huyan Wuzhu would come within range. They needed to demonstrate the power of the thundering cannons to more of the Xiongnu forces.

Finally, the Xiongnu drew closer.

The bows and arrows of the front archers were unable to withstand the advancing Xiongnu. The shield-bearers held up shields bristling with arrows while soldiers with spears tried to resist the approaching Xiongnu through the shields.

In the eyes of the Xiongnu, the Northern Zhou army seemed like helpless lambs waiting to be slaughtered, with no resistance. All the Xiongnu needed to do was advance to inflict bloody carnage.

Huyan Wuzhu's eyes shone with excitement as he envisioned the glory of killing Chu Hechao. He had not felt such excitement in a long time, his heart pounding in his chest.

They were eager to create a new historical achievement against the Han people.

Using just twenty thousand cavalry, they killed the Northern Zhou general, Chu Hechao, and penetrated the Great Wall on a new historical campaign southward.

Huyan Wuzhu seemed rejuvenated, his voice loud as he shouted, "Kill!"

The Xiongnu responded eagerly, "Kill, kill, kill!"

To prevent Chu Hechao from escaping, Huyan Wuzhu paid attention to every detail and dispatched three units of cavalry to block all possible escape routes.

Everyone believed they had won, including Huyan Wuzhu and his subordinates.

However, surrounded by enemies, Chu Hechao smiled strangely under the watchful gaze of Huyan Wuzhu.

Huyan Wuzhu's heart skipped a beat.

Moments later, Chu Hechao commanded, "Fire the thundering cannons!"

Led by Wu Kai, five hundred cavalrymen, dismounted and acting as bodyguards, released the thundering cannons prepared in advance.

Chu Hechao and others watched anxiously as the thundering cannons were fired into the Xiongnu ranks.

Not only he, but also Yang Zhongfa and Wu Kai, among others, watched the thundering cannons closely.

Their chests heaving, they held their breath in anticipation of the outcome.

As the sparks ignited the fuses, the arrows attached to the thundering cannons exploded into the ranks of the Xiongnu cavalry.

The Xiongnu, who were about to mock the futile resistance of the Northern Zhou army, were met with a deafening blast.

As the explosions rang out, a sense of victory washed over Chu Hechao, Yang Zhongfa, and the others, as they realized the Xiongnu were doomed.

The Xiongnu were truly finished.

The successive explosions roared like thunder, with thick smoke billowing, throwing the Xiongnu into panic and fear. The chaos ensued as the Xiongnu fled in all directions, their warhorses terrified and uncontrollable.

The warhorses, crazed with fear, ignored commands. They stampeded, abandoning their riders and scattering in all directions. Thick smoke obscured their vision, leading to collisions as panicked cavalrymen were thrown. Trampled by hooves or suffering broken necks, the soldiers lay fallen.

Huyan Wuzhu and the other generals, caught off guard by the sudden chaos, were paralyzed by fear. Confused and anxious, their questions echoed: "What is this sound?!"

"Is it thunder? Can it be thunder?"

"Chieftain, it's not thunder--"

Before anyone could answer, Huyan Wuzhu, overcome with terror, roared, "Then what in the world is it?!"

A deafening boom interrupted his speech as another thunder cannon roared to life on their flank. The shattered bamboo poles rained down like shrapnel, striking several generals with a sickening thud.

Panic seized the battlefield. Horses shrieked, rearing in terror, and bolted in all directions.

Huyan Wuzhu, with a timely assist from his men, dismounted just in time. He looked around to see a scene of utter chaos. Men, overwhelmed by fear, tumbled from their saddles and fell to their knees, pleading for divine mercy.

Even Huyan Wuzhu couldn't deny a tremor of fear in his own heart.

The 30,000-strong Northern Zhou army was shaken, but compared to the outright terror gripping the Xiongnu cavalry, they could at least take solace in the fact that the brunt of the thunder cannons' fury wasn't directed at them.

Seeing the Xiongnu's disarray after the thunder cannon's might, a tremor of anticipation ran through Yang Zhongfa and his five hundred cavalrymen, who had already witnessed its power.

The enemy's chaos presented a golden opportunity for attack. Chu Hechao seized the moment, barking out a single command: "Charge!"

Leading the way with unwavering courage, he and Wu Kai, along with others, plunged into the midst of the disoriented Xiongnu.

The Xiongnu, still reeling from the terrifying smoke and dust, were helpless to resist. This became a one-sided slaughter.

Wu Kai, fueled by the thrill of an easy victory and potential glory, hacked off a head with his blade. Witnessing their comrades' bravery, the Northern Zhou army behind them surged with excitement.

Under the command of Yang Zhongfa, He Lang, Mi Yang, and other generals, they charged towards the Xiongnu with unstoppable momentum. In the blink of an eye, the tide of battle had turned.

In a whirlwind of steel, Chu Hechao's knife carved a bloody path through the enemy ranks. The metallic tang of blood filled the air, fueling his growing frenzy. But then, amidst the carnage, his gaze snagged on Huyan Wuzhu.

Huyan Wuzhu, as if sensing a predator's scrutiny, snapped his head back to meet a pair of eyes blazing with feral savagery. The look was chillingly familiar.

In his youth, he'd seen countless eyes like that – eyes belonging to men who met their demise beneath the crushing weight of his cavalry's charge. This gaze held a chilling cocktail of murderous intent and raw greed – a predator eyeing a trophy.

A jolt of shock ran through Huyan Wuzhu. He bellowed orders, desperate to rally his faltering cavalry. But the deafening thunder had shattered their morale.

Still reeling from the terrifying spectacle, they were in no state to fight on. How could they continue to fight the Northern Zhou army?

Huyan Wuzhu mustered only a few thousand weary but combat-ready soldiers. In the heat of battle, he bolted under the protection of his personal guards.

Spotting a few unfazed horses, he snatched one and barked orders: "Find my eldest son, Huyan Ting, immediately! He commands 20,000 cavalry stationed just three hundred miles east. Tell him to bring them as reinforcements, quickly!"

Uneasy, Huyan Wuzhu dispatched another subordinate. He tasked Huyan Huntu, his second son, to lead his 10,000 cavalry back to their base camp in the grasslands. Huyan Wuzhu feared a complete defeat, leaving their base camp vulnerable to a direct attack by the victorious Northern Zhou army.

With these orders issued, Huyan Wuzhu and his remaining cavalry fled. Chu Hechao, recognizing their escape attempt, commanded his troops to unleash the thunder cannons.

Boom boom.

A cacophony of booms erupted.

The Xiongnu horses, startled anew, bucked off their riders and scattered in terror. Huyan Wuzhu, himself thrown off his horse, nearly succumbed to unconsciousness. His loyal subordinates helped him up and shielded him within the throng of soldiers, granting him a sliver of respite.

The Northern Zhou army relentlessly pursued the Xiongnu, encircling them in a tight grip. The remaining Xiongnu soldiers, though fierce and determined in their resistance, were ultimately overwhelmed.

This battle marked the most brutal massacre of the Xiongnu in years for the Northern Zhou army. The victors fought with a bloodthirsty fervor.

Meanwhile, stationed three hundred miles away, Huyan Ting received the urgent message. Alarmed, he immediately mobilized his forces to reinforce his father.

However, before he could draw near, a thunderous sound, like a violent earthquake, reached his ears. The thunder cannons continued to wreak havoc.

The terrifying sound of the thunder cannon sent shivers down the spines of the horses, rendering them immobile. Huyan Ting, mirroring their fear, turned pale and dared not lead his troops forward.

Despite his father's lieutenants urging him on, he remained rooted to the spot, paralyzed by cowardice.

Huyan Wuzhu's loyal subordinates, disgusted by his son's weakness, charged towards their leader with a mixture of grief and determination.

Spotting them from afar, Huyan Wuzhu's heart leapt with joy at the sight of reinforcements. "Has my son arrived?" he boomed.

Yet, the faces of his men betrayed their sorrow.

Hacked down repeatedly by the Northern Zhou army, they had fought their way through the siege, their bravery fueled by a desperate mission. Even on the precipice of death, they managed to inform Huyan Wuzhu of Huyan Ting's cowardice – how the young man, cowering before the thunder cannon, refused to advance.

The revelation slammed into Huyan Wuzhu. He appeared to age a decade in an instant, his grip slackening on his weapon. A desolate smile flickered across his lips.

He had three sons. The third, born of a daring concubine, was a fake child whom he had cruelly killed.

Huyan Ting, his eldest and most cherished son, was the one he envisioned as the next Xiongnu Chieftain. During their southern campaign, he had entrusted him with 20,000 cavalry – the same as his own force – and stationed him 300 miles behind.

Despite granting his second son only 10,000 cavalry and stationing them 400 miles away, He worried about Hu Yanting's safety. He wanted to be closer, ready to send reinforcements at a moment's notice.

Additionally, he envisioned himself quickly calling upon Hu Yanting to share the glory if success materialized. However, Hu Yanwuzhu's plan crumbled when his beloved son, gripped by fear, refused to come to his aid.

This revelation significantly weakened Hu Yanwuzhu's resistance.

As Chu Hechao, a whirlwind of blood and valor, battled his way through enemy lines and stood before him, Hu Yanwuzhu couldn't help but see a reflection of his own youthful bravery in the Northern Zhou war god. A surge of defiance arose within him; he wouldn't be defeated.

Chu Hechao glared down at the Xiongnu Chieftain. He raised his hand, the ring-handled knife glinting maliciously. Just as it was about to descend upon Hu Yanwuzhu's head, the condemned man rasped dejectedly, "I surrender! I offer peace with the Northern Zhou!"

But Chu Hechao remained impassive. Hu Yanwuzhu's desperate plea seemed to fall on deaf ears. With a swift, merciless swing of his blade, Chu Hechao severed the Xiongnu leader's head.

A look of utter disbelief contorted Huyan Wuzhu's face as his head tumbled to the dry ground, rolling several times before coming to a rest.

Chu Hechao sneered, wiping the blood from his weapon as he addressed the severed head. "Peace?" he scoffed. "Was this a ploy to buy time, to allow your forces to regroup and rise against us again?"

 "Chieftain!!!"

A deafening roar of rage erupted from the Xiongnu ranks. Their leader slain, their eyes burning with fury, they surged forward, desperate for vengeance. But Chu Hechao's personal soldiers, prepared for such an outburst, cut down the charging warriors before they could reach their intended target.

Huyan Wuzhu's head, held aloft on a pike, became a gruesome symbol of victory. The sight of their leader's demise shattered the Xiongnu's morale. Their resistance crumbled, and they were swiftly cut down by the relentless Northern Zhou army.

The battle was over. The battlefield fell silent, save for the chilling echoes of the final clash.