The Demon Lords-Chapter 686 - 134 Breaking Through The Barrier_2

Since even Liang Cheng was certain this battle would pose no issue, Zheng Fan felt reassured.

As for speeches, to people from later eras accustomed to listening to long-winded, nonsensical reports, they are a form of torture. However, in this age, they are still extremely effective.

Most importantly, it could help Zheng Fan burnish his prestige within the army while further solidifying his presence.

Thanks to the efforts of his demon commanders in shaping his image, General Zheng had already become a spiritual totem in the hearts of the Shengle military and populace. When others have done ninety-nine percent of the work for you, you shouldn't find it too burdensome to take that final step.

Zheng Fan swung himself onto his horse and voluntarily rode into the military formation.

Upon seeing General Zheng's figure, looks of excitement appeared on all the soldiers' faces.

However, because the military order was to sit and rest, no one dared to stand up or move without authorization.

The Sword Saint, somewhat curious, looked at Xue Three and asked, "What is he about to do?"

"A pre-battle pep talk to boost morale."

The Sword Saint responded with an "Oh," indicating he understood.

However, the Sword Saint still glanced northward. Snow Sea Pass lay in that direction. Wouldn't giving a pre-battle speech now lead to oversights or accidents? Wasn't he afraid that delays might invite trouble?

But the Sword Saint was indeed different from before. Previously, he had involved himself in politics and military affairs. After his efforts in both crumbled, he had calmed down and come to recognize a stark reality: aside from the sword in his hand, he truly excelled at nothing else.

Zheng Fan began to shout, "Soldiers of Shengle! Before you stands a pass. I believe you all know its name!

Half of the barbarian soldiers on this expedition were sent out as the vanguard and have not yet returned. Therefore, the majority of the troops here are surrendered soldiers from Jin land.

"That is Snow Sea Pass! It is the great pass the Jin people used to resist the wild people! It is the pride of the lands of the Three Jin and the nightmare of the wild people for centuries!

I, Zheng Fan, am not a Jin person. But I have been to the snowfields, and I have fought the wild people. Those uncivilized, savage curs, they know no shame, understand no etiquette! They are, in truth, just beasts in human form!"

Regional discrimination is wrong.

But in this era, when facing such a group of soldiers, arguing about the strict distinction between the Xia and foreign states, or about righteousness that endures through time—that would truly be like playing a lute to a cow. Only by wielding the most primitive cudgel of regional discrimination could these soldiers of Jin origin be made to empathize. 𝒻𝑟ℯℯ𝑤𝑒𝑏𝑛𝘰𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝒸𝑜𝘮

"But now, they have taken Snow Sea Pass! They are sleeping with your Jin women, plundering your Jin food, and seizing your Jin children!

I may be a Yan person, but even I am furious seeing this!

Ultimately, eight hundred years ago, we were all one family!

The Yan people fend off the barbarians, while the Jin people engage in Chasing the Wild. When we fight amongst ourselves, it's like brothers squabbling behind closed doors over inheritance and dividing family property. What business is it of the wild people? They want to stick their hands in and take a piece too? Direct Thief! Do they even deserve to?!"

Hearing this, the Sword Saint subconsciously exclaimed, "Makes sense."

Xue Three chuckled. This is what you call a united front against the wild people.

But A Ming said, "This style of speech sounds familiar."

Xue Three nodded. "My lord is imitating the little mustache's speech in Chaplin's movies."

"Oh, I see."

...

"Most of you here are of Jin origin. I want to say, this battle isn't just about us Yan people fighting the wild people; it's about us Yan people helping you Jin people fight the wild people!

Snow Sea Pass was lost by you, the Jin people!

The wild people were let in by you, the Jin people!

In the Battle of Wang River, tens of thousands of us Yan people died, our bodies strewn across the river!

But we Yan people do not concede defeat! If we lose, so what? We'll stage a comeback and fight again!

So, what about you Jin people? Is this place truly your home? Do the ancestral temples and shrines on this land truly honor your ancestors? When a hundred years have passed, how will you explain to your ancestors in the netherworld that you failed to protect your own land, that you allowed it to become a pasture for the wild people?

Take up your blades! Mount your warhorses!

Ahead of you is Snow Sea Pass!

Take it!

Go and prove that the blood of the Jin people still runs hot, that their martial valor endures, and that the men of Jin still have balls!"

The moment was ripe.

The faces of the soldiers from Jin land were already contorted with rage.

Even the Sword Saint's breathing had grown much heavier.

General Zheng exhaled a long breath. It seemed his ability to stir up emotions was improving nicely.

Zheng Fan drew his saber and shouted, "Shengle Army!"

"Here!"

"Here!"

"Here!"

"Follow me and fight to the death!"

"To the death!"

"To the death!"

"To the death!"

The charge began.

In an instant, ten thousand horses surged forward, their killing intent palpable.

If the king of the wild people were here now, listening to Zheng Fan's pre-battle mobilization, he would probably quickly recognize Zheng Fan as a kindred spirit. Both understood the subtleties of "speechmaking" and "rousing fervor," knowing how to stir the soldiers' emotions and make them face death without flinching.

After such a moment of mutual appreciation, they would likely draw their blades and try to kill each other without hesitation. For both would understand in their hearts just how terrifying such an adversary could be.

Since ancient times, capable individuals skilled in stratagems have been numerous, but true masters excel at manipulating human hearts.

In short, the morale of the Shengle Army was completely ignited by Zheng Fan. Even if a mountain of swords and a sea of fire lay before them, these men would charge forward with their eyes wide open.

The Sword Saint was also on horseback, also gripping his sword.