Chapter 21: City Defense Battle (Two) (1/2)

Chapter 21: City Defense Battle (Two)

The next day, as the sky began to lighten, the two armies resumed their archery duel. Below, laborers continued to brave arrows and stones, pushing unicycles to fill the trenches. After two hours, several trenches had already been leveled by the Qin Army.

At this point, the Qin Army deployed dozens of siege Cloud Ladders. These ladders, about three zhang high, had large iron hooks at the top to latch onto the city walls. They were approximately one zhang wide and could accommodate five or six soldiers side by side, charging together at a 45-degree angle. The soldiers on the Cloud Ladder walked as if on level ground. The bottom was equipped with four rows of wheels, which could be manually pushed forward. The pushers were also shielded to protect against arrows.

Dozens of Cloud Ladders formed a line, slowly approaching the city walls. The soldiers on the Cloud Ladders were ready, wielding swords and shields. Once they got close, they could charge up the walls and become the first wave of wall-climbing warriors.

Participating in the first wave of a city assault was a great honor, despite the high mortality rate. Many soldiers eagerly sought this opportunity.

If one could be the first to climb the wall, they could at least be promoted by two noble ranks. Many struggled their whole lives without achieving such a promotion.

With fame, fortune, and rank at stake, everyone was eager to be at the forefront.

Following the cloud carriages, the Qin Army advanced toward the city walls, enduring the rain of arrows, flying stones, and spears from the Chu Army. Soldiers fell, but their comrades paid them little attention, pressing forward with determination.

At this point, the main targets on the city walls were the Cloud Ladders. Arrows, spears, and stones were all directed at the ladders.

Wang Hong, defending a small section of the wall, aimed at the fierce-looking soldiers on a Cloud Ladder. A short spear with a whistling sound flew toward the front line. The soldier at the forefront, clearly experienced in battle, did not dodge. He protected his chest with a shield and held a single-edged sword horizontally.

The short spear instantly arrived, first with a "ding" sound as the sword broke in two. Then, with a "puchi" sound, the short spear pierced through the shield and into the soldier's chest, extending a foot-long spearhead from his back.

The soldier never understood who this person was or how they possessed such great strength. Seeing the soldier fall from the Cloud Ladder, Wang Hong shook his head, unsatisfied with piercing only one person. Adding more force to his arm, he threw another spear. This time, it was betterthree Qin soldiers were pierced together like a candied string, falling from the Cloud Ladder. Wang Hong continued to string together this "candied string," while the Qin Army behind continuously replenished the soldiers on the Cloud Ladder.

Wang Hong showed no mercy in killing these Qin soldiers. If he didn't kill them now, once they climbed the wall, they would turn on his comrades. Moreover, the Qin Army had a habit of massacring the captured cities. If Tiger's Lair City fell, its people would either be killed or enslaved.

When the Cloud Ladder was only three zhang away from the wall, the soldiers pushing it had been shot by spear throwers for two rounds. The soldiers on the Cloud Ladder were like targets, with casualties exceeding half. Several Cloud Ladders were directly demolished by catapults, and the soldiers on them were thrown off with broken bones.

At this point, the Chu Army launched jars filled with oil onto the Cloud Ladder, spreading oil everywhere. Then, a barrage of rockets set the Cloud Ladder ablaze. Many soldiers were on fire, and even the most valiant among them cried out in pain.

In response, the Qin Army sent out a large number of soldiers. Some carried wet cotton quilts, smothering the fires. Others continued to push the Cloud Ladder, speeding up their advance. In just a few breaths, they reached a distance of less than one zhang, but a large wooden fork extended from the city wall, catching the Cloud Ladder and preventing it from moving forward.