Chapter 757: A Clash of Words

Zhuge Liang quietly activated his spiritual talent. With his intelligence now surpassing 100, he began to analyze from the Yizhou army’s perspective, incorporating Fa Zheng’s understanding of human nature and Jia Xu’s skills in deduction.

As Zhang Song continued his narration, Zhuge Liang’s understanding of the Yizhou army became increasingly accurate. When Zhang Song mentioned that Pang Tong had once foolishly planned to set the mountain on fire, Zhuge Liang instantly realized that Pang Tong had his own schemes in play.

Zhuge Liang silently analyzed the situation. He was now almost certain that Sun Ce's defeat was genuine, but he also knew that Pang Tong had carefully laid plans. Knowing Pang Tong as well as he did, Zhuge Liang was sure that if Pang Tong were to act, it would be in a stunning and decisive manner.

Zhuge Liang’s familiarity with Pang Tong was deep enough that even with just a few clues, he could guess at Pang Tong’s true intentions.

Zhuge Liang couldn’t help but smile bitterly to himself. When it came to Zhang Song, Zheng Du, and Liu Ba, he found it difficult to say anything. These men had pinned all their hopes on a string of victories, but all it would take was one small mistake to turn all their triumphs into illusions—beautiful yet fragile like reflections in the water or flowers in the mirror.

"Zhang Biejia, I fear the situation may not be as simple as it appears. Pang Shiyuan is known for his bold and dangerous strategies," Zhuge Liang hinted, not wanting to outright say that Zhang Song and his comrades had fallen right into Pang Tong’s trap. Instead, he subtly tried to caution Zhang Song.

"Hahaha, no need for concern, Kongming! Just speak plainly," Zhang Song laughed off Zhuge Liang’s concerns, completely disregarding his subtle warning.

Zhuge Liang’s eyes narrowed slightly, feeling a wave of irritation. If Pang Tong were just a mere novice, then what did that make him, Zhuge Liang?

"Since you already have a plan in mind, I’ll say no more," Zhuge Liang replied coldly, his face expressionless. Zhang Song’s dismissive response had left him quite displeased.

"Haha," Zhang Song chuckled, completely unconcerned with Zhuge Liang’s advice, and continued chatting idly. Seeing that his words were falling on deaf ears, Zhuge Liang decided not to press the matter further.

It became clear to Zhuge Liang that Zhang Song harbored a deep resentment towards him, likely due to his rapid rise to high office at such a young age. Knowing that any further suggestions would be futile and unable to argue convincingly with Zhang Song based on mere speculation, Zhuge Liang opted to maintain a surface-level cordiality.

After their conversation, Zhang Song, too, felt a growing disinterest. His original intention of visiting Mount Tai to meet Liu Bei began to wane. Zhuge Liang was simply too young—and too powerful.

That was Zhang Song’s impression: Zhuge Liang’s strength wasn’t limited to just one aspect. He was strong in every way—astronomy, geography, culture, military strategy, governance. In every field, Zhuge Liang was a force to be reckoned with, which left Zhang Song feeling helpless, as though he had no advantage over him aside from age and experience.

This overwhelming sense of defeat left Zhang Song feeling disheartened, as if all his years of effort had amounted to nothing.

With these thoughts weighing on him, Zhang Song’s interest in going to Mount Tai diminished further. He needed a powerful lord who could fully utilize his talents, but after seeing Zhuge Liang, he abandoned that hope.

Zhang Song was the kind of man who preferred to be a big fish in a small pond rather than a small fish in a big ocean. If his prospects in Mount Tai were no better than where he currently was, then what was the point?

"Ziyi, take 5,000 troops and head to Yiling. Do your best, but by the time you arrive, the Yizhou army may already be defeated. Help them if you can; if not, retreat," Zhuge Liang instructed Taishi Ci after Zhang Song’s carriage had departed.

"Has it really come to that?" Taishi Ci asked, looking at Zhuge Liang. He wasn’t very familiar with Zhuge Liang yet.

"I fear it’s even worse. The Yizhou army has been infiltrated by too many of Shiyuan’s schemes, and the root of their force is already compromised. If my calculations are correct, Shiyuan will soon deliver a crushing blow," Zhuge Liang said calmly, gazing toward the south as if the battle had already begun.

After sending off Zhang Song, Taishi Ci led his 5,000 fully armored infantrymen on their march. Meanwhile, Zhuge Liang continued his steady advance, maintaining a formation that exuded no hostility as they moved toward Nan Commandery.

"Report, General! Our scouts have spotted campfires from Sun Ce’s army three miles ahead!" a scout reported to Yan Yan.

"Good! Full pursuit!" Yan Yan roared, charging ahead, followed closely by his personal guards. The rest of his troops, stretching for miles, surged forward in response.

"They’re coming!" Jiang Qin muttered to himself, a mocking smile on his face. "Marching all the way from Yizhou to Yiling in a month—quite impressive. Let’s see if we can drive you back to Jiangzhou in the same time."

Yan Yan, leading the charge, entered the valley of Yiling, only to be greeted by a rain of arrows. Instead of fear, Yan Yan’s face lit up with joy, and he laughed, "Sun Ce, you finally have the guts to face me!"

Clang! A flash of blue light struck Yan Yan’s spear, forcing him back. Then, a large group of soldiers rushed down the hillside, shouting their battle cries as they charged. Seeing the well-armed soldiers and their determined expressions, Yan Yan’s heart sank.

"Yan Yan! I, Jiang Qin of Jiujiang, have waited a long time for this!" Jiang Qin shouted as he forced Yan Yan back with a sword strike. "Now, everyone, if not now, then when?"

"Now!" came the thunderous reply from the surrounding valley, the echoes bouncing off the mountainsides. Soldiers hidden within a ten-mile radius sprang from their positions almost simultaneously. In an instant, the cries of battle filled the air, and the Yizhou army, caught off guard, descended into chaos.

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