Phi-Fic Chapter 768 The Phantom of the Misty Swamp
Chapter 768 The Phantom of the Misty Swamp
Unlike Lin Ping's imposing Northern Route Army, Lin Shu's Southern Route Army made much slower and more covert progress.
The Misty Swamp truly lived up to its name. Even before truly entering the core area, just on the edge, the ever-present moisture and gases emitted by the humus formed a thin layer of mist, severely reducing visibility. The air was filled with a damp, fishy stench, and the ground beneath our feet had become soft and muddy, making every step exceptionally difficult.
"General, how do we get around this godforsaken place? The visibility is terrible, and there are traps and poisonous insects everywhere!" A naval soldier couldn't help but complain. His trousers were covered in mud, and his face was covered in mosquito bites.
Lin Shu frowned slightly. This was only the edge, and it was already this troublesome. The true heart of the Misty Swamp was probably even more fraught with danger. The Crossing Dragon had indeed chosen this place as its lair because of its easily defensible and difficult-to-attack terrain.
"Everyone, slow down and stay alert!" Lin Shu ordered. "Send out scouts to explore ahead and carefully check for traps. The rest of you, form small teams and support each other. Watch your step and be aware of your surroundings!"
She knew all too well that in this environment, chaos could easily erupt, leading to infighting or an enemy ambush. Maintaining formation and morale was more important than speed.
The team cautiously made their way forward along the edge of the swamp. Lin Shu took the lead, walking at the very front of the group, carefully observing the surroundings. Her perception was far beyond that of ordinary people, allowing her to detect even the slightest movements.
Suddenly, she stopped and raised her hand to signal the group to pause.
"What's wrong, General?" the captain of the personal guards beside him asked in a low voice.
Lin Shu didn't speak, but listened intently, her sharp gaze sweeping towards a dense reed bed to her right. There, the fog seemed thicker, and the silence was unusual.
"An ambush!" Lin Shu shouted. "Pass down the order: the left flank troops, immediately flank to the right and take up advantageous terrain! Archers, prepare!"
As soon as she finished speaking, a splashing sound suddenly came from the reeds on the right. Immediately afterwards, dozens of crossbow bolts coated with deadly poison, like the fangs of venomous snakes, shot out from the mist and headed straight for Lin Shu's central army!
"Release the arrows!" Lin Shu shouted sharply.
The archers, who were prepared, immediately began firing in the direction from which the arrows were coming.
"Puff puff!"
The sounds of arrows piercing flesh and screams echoed through the mist.
"Kill!" From the reeds, hundreds of members of the Water Snake Gang, wielding short knives and possessing excellent swimming skills, rushed out. Like eels, they darted quickly through the mud and shallow water, pouncing towards Lin Shu's group.
"Form ranks! Prepare for battle!" Lin Shu remained calm and composed. She drew her "Frostflow" sword, and with a flash of cold light, she killed one of the bandits charging at the forefront.
The two thousand elite government troops she brought were indeed battle-hardened veterans. Although somewhat unaccustomed to the swampy terrain, under Lin Shu's command, they quickly formed small circular formations, wielding swords and spears, effectively repelling the first wave of attacks from the Water Serpent Gang. The naval soldiers, though initially somewhat panicked, found courage in the calm demeanor of the main government force and Lin Shu's leading from the front, drawing their weapons and joining the battle.
This was a chaotic and brutal skirmish. Fog obscured visibility, and mud hampered movement. Soldiers on both sides often had to get so close they could almost see the pores on each other's faces to launch an effective attack. The Water Serpent Gang members, familiar with the terrain and fearless in their fighting, inflicted heavy casualties on the government troops!