Chapter 484: Chapter 32: Battle of Juyan Sea, Sword Pointed at the Western Regions

This time the Western Turkic Khaganate has clearly risked everything, determined to take Juyan Sea and the Holy Mountain.

The Quyuan Sea needs no further words, as it is not only a fertile grassland but also a strategic location, a key place for Gu Quan’s western expedition.

As for Mount Yuduyin—

It’s about restoring morale!

Lies will eventually be shattered, and only by reclaiming the Holy Mountain can they completely revive their subordinates.

This is what they must take back.

But in the end, they underestimated Gu Quan, having already seen Li Shimin’s readiness to act, how could he not strengthen the defenses of Juyan Sea?

No, since the occupation of Juyan Sea, he has defended this place with utmost vigilance.

There’s absolutely no chance given to the enemy!

Battles upon battles!

Defending this place, Gu Mo, wielded his weapon, leading his men in combat on the battlefield.

"Dare to display your meager skills in front of the Gu Clan?"

"When it comes to surprise attacks—"

"Who in the world dares to underestimate the Gu Clan?"

As the youngest of the nineteenth generation of the Gu Clan, Gu Mo was in the peak of his youthful vigor.

He held great disdain for the Western Turkic tribes coming for a surprise raid.

He remained completely unfazed.

His Martial Force attribute stood impressively at 78 points, which, while not matching those top generals, still made him a formidable warrior.

On such a battlefield, he moved like a fish in water.

The most crucial thing is—

His surname gave him numerous advantages, whether it be intimidating the enemy or stabilizing the troops’ morale.

The surname "Gu" carried an inherent advantage.

"Hmph!"

The Turkic fierce general, enraged by Gu Mo’s boast, shouted and led a charge with his blade: "You insolent brat, how dare you spout such arrogance!"

Clang!!!

Clang!!!

In an instant, the sound of clashing metal echoed to the heavens.

Gu Mo smirked coldly, his weapon casting a chilly glow in all directions, each parry precise and powerful.

He agilely maneuvered while taunting loudly: "You brat? Do you think you’re worthy of calling me that?"

"Hmph—" Gu Mo forcefully knocked away the enemy’s blade, his eyes shining sharply, he shouted, "In the past, General Huo Qubing at twenty-one conquered Lang Juxu, flattening the frontiers;"

"My Gu Clan ancestors were even more illustrious young heroes, their might known far and wide!"

"You Barbarians, mere frogs in a well, dare to mock my youth?"

He suddenly feinted a move, forcing back the crowd, with his sword pointed skyward, his voice resonated across the battlefield like a bell: "Do you still remember the Tang banners flying on the mountain?"

"That is where you will meet your end!"

Gu Mo’s unrestrained words, coupled with his fierce assault, fully displayed the heroism of a youthful hero.

He continued to lead his men in relentless assaults on the battlefield, applying pressure to the enemy forces.

Gu Quan stationed only elite troops here, choosing him to guard this place also because of his bold character.

—This battle must be an unprecedented victory.

Only by doing so can they completely shatter their illusions and induce internal division among them.

Gu Quan is the commander.

Fighting is not in his desire; like Li Shimin, his concern is how to obtain the greatest benefit for Kyushu and the Great Tang with minimal cost!

The entire battle became increasingly fierce.

Juyan Sea comprises three main parts, including Juyan Pass, Juyan Oasis, and Black City Ruins.

And these three locations are precisely the main battlefields of this great battle!

No stratagems were needed, just pure battle.

News spread continuously.

Although the surprise attack failed, at this point, the Western Turkic forces had no intention of retreating and continued to dispatch troops towards Juyan Sea.

Gu Quan, too, led the army towards Juyan Sea.

Although the war had just begun, its intensity was not weak at all.

The Western Turkic Khaganate will not retreat.

If they manage to retake Juyan Sea, they could effectively cut off Gu Quan’s advance, which is crucial for them to hold the Western Regions.

Meanwhile, at Bei Ting.

With the Tang Army’s continuous advancement, Li Jing likewise faced enemy forces.

But compared to the brutal battle at Juyan Sea, the enemies he encountered were far inferior.

Everyone understood well.

It must be that the Gu Clan had drawn the main enemy forces away from them.

That much is certain.

Regarding this, the soldiers were somewhat reluctant.

"The abilities of the Grand Tutor are indeed unmatched by us, but as generals, it is our duty to kill on the battlefield and establish our careers through combat."

"Are you all willing to serve as mere aides?"

In the military camp, Li Jing looked seriously at the generals present and said firmly.

"No!!!"

In an instant, thunderous shouts echoed around.

The Great Tang’s civil and military configuration is currently at its peak.

Even when facing the Gu Clan, no one is willing to become mere supporting roles.

"Good!" Li Jing nodded with satisfaction, his eyes growing brighter, "Now the enemy has dispatched all their elite troops to confront the Grand Tutor."

"This is underestimating us!"

"But—"

"This is also our opportunity. As long as we seize every chance in battle, why can’t we sweep across all sides??"

Under the influence of his words, the fighting spirit of the generals reached a peak.

Then—

Li Jing immediately proceeded to formulate a plan in front of the map!

He must advance all the way forward!!!

Even if he can’t defeat all foreign enemies, he must at least make the Western Turks take them seriously, alleviating pressure on Gu Yan.

He was well aware of the number of troops Gu Yan had under his command.

As a commander, he was ultimately different from generals who only thought about fighting; this was something he had to consider.

.....

Juyan Sea.

——The battle grew increasingly intense.

With both sides continuously sending troops to Juyan Sea, the current situation can no longer be summed up as a mere surprise attack.

It was impossible for the Western Turks to give up this opportunity.

A retreat would shatter the unity they’ve painstakingly built, and everyone understood this.

For this reason, the battle at Juyan Sea had already taken on the significance of a decisive first battle, one that would determine the fate of the empire.

Gu Quan would naturally not give up either.

Even if the enemy has thousands of troops and horses, he wouldn’t abandon Juyan Sea in the current situation.

His troops are indeed few in number.

But what does that matter?

The name of the Gu Clan has given him tremendous support.

Although the help brought by this reputation diminishes in such frontal assaults, for Gu Quan, it is still enough!

As long as they cannot win, the Turkic offensive is destined to weaken over time.

Especially since he still holds a slight advantage now.

Whether it be the Western Turks or the Eastern Turks, the inherent weaknesses in their alliance-based system provide him many, many opportunities.

On the battlefield, their orders are hard to coordinate, especially between tribes that were once northern and southern enemies—habits have changed as well.

This gave Gu Quan abundant opportunities!

And as time continued to flow, these seemingly small opportunities would ultimately lead to qualitative changes.

For twenty-eight whole days! 𝓯𝓻𝒆𝙚𝒘𝓮𝙗𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝒍.𝙘𝓸𝙢

The battle at Juyan Sea raged on for twenty-eight days, and as Gu Quan had anticipated, with the passage of time, the Western Turkic offensive grew weaker, culminating in a major retreat.

For Gu Quan—

This battle was a pivotal moment.

The gates of the Western Turks were thrown wide open!

Not only the Western Turks, but also the entire Western Regions!.....

——————

"In the spring of the eighth year of the Zhen Guan era, on the jiazi day of the first lunar month, Taizong displayed the map of the Western Regions before the court and said to the ministers: ’The Han established Commanderies, and the Tang should follow suit. Barbarians and wolves fear might rather than cherish virtue.’

He then issued the Iron Certificate decree: ’The Western Turkic Yishebi Donglu often resists royal forces; now I send the heavenly army to punish. Anyone daring to take up arms, slaughter their camps; to those who prostrate and submit, reward them with gold and silk. Those who do not surrender will be executed without mercy!’

The sound shook the tiles of the Taiji Hall.

Upon hearing the news, the Western Turkic Yishebi Donglu Khan and Nishu Khan ceased hostilities and conspired to resist the Tang.

In February, on the gengwu day, they gathered thirty thousand troops, intending to launch a surprise attack on Juyan Sea.

In March, on the bingxu day, their cavalry approached Juyan Pass.

Grand Tutor Gu Yan, deeply knowledgeable in military strategy, anticipated the enemy’s schemes and secretly mustered elite cavalry here.

Both armies engaged, from Juyan Marsh to the northern banks of Ruo River, with Han and non-Han forces clashing, and weapons forming a canopy.

For a total of twenty-eight days, five battles were fought with five victories, corpses covered the wilds, and blood soaked the desolate land.

Ultimately, fifty thousand heads were claimed, six thousand yurts captured, thirty thousand barb horses seized, and twelve wolf-head banners taken.

The Ruo River ran red, the white grass dyed rust-colored, camel and horse bones lay interlaced, and the stench of blood and decay permeated for a hundred miles.

——From "Tang Book, Biography of Gu Yan"