Jiujun and Yuzhao, both counties located west of the Prefectural City, provided a retreat route for the Shen Clan if they directly attacked from the east—even if Xiong Yun Gang couldn't hold the Prefectural City, there were still the counties of Jiujun and Yuzhao.
Crucially, Jiujun and Yuzhao were also the link to Jianye Prefecture, if they were really taken by the Shen Clan, then their route to seek help from Jianye Prefecture at Pingtian Gate would be cut off...
"Big brother, I will take the troops and go to rescue Jiujun and Yuzhao counties!"
Clearly, realizing the severe consequences wasn't limited to Wan Renjue alone—Wan Renshan couldn't help but volunteer as well, though his face turned somewhat pale after speaking.
It had taken five hours for 180,000 soldiers to enter the city, and they had foolishly waited for almost half a day. Now it was Zishi, and if the Shen Clan truly bypassed the Prefectural City to attack Jiujun and Yuzhao, given the defense capability and fortifications of these two counties, they would likely have already fallen. By the time he brought troops there, it might all be over.
"No need—if the great army of the Shen Clan has really gone to attack those counties, it's already too late to rush over now. If they haven't attacked, our movement here would only endanger the Prefectural City itself. Just stay in the Prefectural City and see what they are actually up to!"
Wan Renjue turned to look in the direction of the west, a hint of anger rising on his face. He had waited with the army at the east gate for so long, and now looking back, it was clear he had been played by Shen Gufan—a naturally embarrassing realization.
Shen Gufan was worried that we might seek help from Jianye Prefecture, so he struck Yuzhao and Jiujun first. He seems to think the Shen Clan will surely win this battle, and we are sure to lose. I want to see just how capable Shen Gufan is, daring to underestimate me !"
At this, he paused, his gaze piercing through those around him, his eyes carrying a hint of dominance as he continued, "I refuse to believe that with 180,000 well-prepared troops, we can't defend Xingnan Prefecture City against Shen Clan's 120,000-strong army. Now that Rakshasa Holy Sect has left, Xingnan Prefecture City can only belong to Xiong Yun Gang. Whoever dares to contest it will be turned back without return."
"The Gang Leader is right, the Prefectural City can only belong to Xiong Yun Gang!"
"What of the Shen Clan? A mere second-rate power from Jinling, how strong can they be?"
"Whoever dares to contest it, we will ensure they do not return!"
Wan Renfeng, Wan Renshan, Wan Xingyun, and other fiercely loyal senior members of Xiong Yun Gang were instantly roused.
Although it was due to the departure of the Rakshasa Holy Sect that they had taken control of Xingnan Prefecture City, over the past years, as the only first-class power in Xingnan Prefecture besides the Rakshasa Holy Sect, they had always considered themselves the second in command of the city.
Besides, over the past five months, despite frequent chaos within the city, this was, after all, a major city with a population of over five million. Being members of Xiong Yun Gang, the benefits they reaped and the treatment they enjoyed were countless, so naturally, they would not easily hand over the city to anyone else.
As the senior members' emotions surged, their voices quickly spread below to the many soldiers guarding the city, among whom were Xiong Yun Gang's die-hards. They began to stir the emotions of those around them, shouting "Swear to defend the Prefectural City" and increasingly infecting more and more soldiers to join in the chant.
"Swear to defend the Prefectural City!"
"Swear to defend the Prefectural City!"
"Swear to defend the Prefectural City!"
Soon, this outcry grew into a tidal wave, one after another, the combined fervor enveloping the area near the east gate in an intimidating atmosphere.
Wan Renjue looked at this scene, a hint of satisfaction flashing across his eyes...