The afternoon sun was indeed more intense, but large, thick clouds hung in the sky, dividing the ground into distinct patches of light and shadow.

At the forefront of the marching army, chariots carrying artillery were leading the way, their wheels rolling and clanging as they pounded over the relatively flat dirt road.

They were less than ten miles from the Datong River. The scouts had already discovered that a large army was stationed there. They would have to engage the enemy as soon as they arrived. Therefore, Qin Ze sent the chariot battalion to the front first.

As soon as the battle begins, we will launch an artillery barrage, letting each shell shatter all obstacles in our path and clear the way to Nanze!

On the other side, Kim Jong-hee had already led his army to set up their formation several miles from the city, with his two sons on the left and right flanks respectively, while he himself was in the center.

The 10,000 soldiers of the Divine Machine Battalion were divided into several ranks and densely deployed at the forefront of the army to serve as the first-strike archers.

In fact, based on past combat experience, that position should be occupied by archers.

But times have changed. Although, like his eldest son, Kim Jeong-hee did not have high expectations for the Shenji Battalion, which was going to the battlefield for the first time, the court had spent a lot of money to build such a new army, so it had to be used. At least, the dozens of cannons they brought were quite intimidating.

However, this was a new type of army that was new to the battlefield. In order to prevent any accidents, Kim Jong-hee deployed archers behind them, including hundreds of ballistae.

On the left and right flanks were cavalry units led by his two sons. Kim Jong-hui was not going to fight a defensive battle, but decided that if he was going to fight, he would do his best to defeat the rebels!

That's why he didn't stay at the Datong city gate, but instead led his army out of the city and across the Datong moat, deploying his troops in a more open field where he could maximize the use of his forces.

In addition, the terrain here is high, while the rebels came from below, and the advantageous terrain gave Kim Jong-hui a lot of confidence.

Even if the rebels possess firearms, as long as the Shenji Battalion can play its role, and the archers cooperate with them, and then the two sons charge down from the left and right flanks, they will surely be able to disrupt and scatter the rebels' entire formation.

At that time, as long as the battle turns into close combat, my army will surely be able to seize the opportunity to win!

But Kim Jong-hee also understood that things could change in an instant on the battlefield, and even with thorough preparations, unexpected situations could still occur.

But just as I told my two sons before, in order to defeat the enemy, we must use every means and fight with all our might!

Now, a sharp whistle rang out from afar, making Kim Jeong-hee realize that the scouts were rushing back, and this warning meant that the rebels would soon arrive on the battlefield.

After glancing back once, Kim Jeong-hee turned his head to look ahead again, and then calmly waved the flag in his hand!

The next moment, the sound of horns resounded through the sky, and this soul-stirring sound gradually spread outwards. The Shenji Battalion, which had already formed its formation at the forefront of the army, immediately sprang into action.

Dozens of cannons were set up in different places, but their muzzles all pointed in the same direction: the post road where the rebels were about to arrive.

On the other side, Qin Ze, who had already arrived at the battlefield, heard the sounds coming from ahead and saw the army that was "welcoming" him.

This display of force clearly made him realize that the remaining members of the Jin clan were still putting up a last-ditch resistance, so there was no need to hold back any longer!

Immediately, he raised his arms and shouted:

"Smash them!"

"kill!!!"

A deafening battle cry rang out, and the chariot battalion charged forward. Although the terrain ahead was slightly higher, there were enough warhorses and enough brave soldiers!

The wheels rolled over, pressing deep ruts into the soft ground, as if cut by a knife and axe. The cannons loaded on the vehicle raised their dark barrels, pointing straight ahead!

Once within firing range, the tank battalion immediately halted, adjusted its position, and the soldiers began loading ammunition.

This move, however, caused a moment of panic among the opposing Shenji Battalion. Their artillery was ready and waiting to fire, but the enemy had to be within range before they could fire.

But the enemy had already stopped and was planning to bombard the area where they had stopped. This fact was confirmed in the minds of every artilleryman.

"Damn it! Their artillery range is probably farther than ours!"

At this moment, Jin Tianjun, an officer of the Shenji Battalion, looked panicked, and cold sweat was already beading on his forehead.

As a general under Prince Qing, he led 10,000 Shenji Battalion soldiers to join Jin Zhengxi's army and fight alongside them. Although it was the first time the Shenji Battalion had fought on the battlefield, Jin Tianjun was not too worried. He knew that the army under his command could play a great role.

Compared to traditional bows and crossbows, there is no doubt that modern firearms have completely outclassed them, although they are more expensive.

But seeing the movement on the other side, his heart immediately jumped, and before he could react much, the sound of horns rang out again from behind.

The message it conveys is singular: move forward and proactively close the gap!

"Hurry! Hurry!"

Sweating profusely, Jin Tianjun immediately shouted, knowing that this was the only way. The soldiers hurriedly pushed the tanks loaded with artillery forward.

The chariots blocked their way, and the soldiers hurriedly began to advance.

But the enemy, already fully loaded with ammunition, wouldn't give them time to advance.

Almost simultaneously, "Boom boom boom!"

A series of explosions suddenly erupted, the deafening sound almost making the earth tremble. Thick white smoke billowed up in an instant, almost filling the sky.

In an instant, hundreds of shells shot out!

The sudden appearance of these terrifying weapons in the sky caused Kim Jong-hee, who was positioned in the center of the army, to shrink in the pupils and sway slightly.

Although he had never fought against the rebels before, he felt a fierce and overwhelming force when he faced them for the first time.

The Shenji Battalion is advancing, and now they are the first to bear the brunt of this barrage of artillery fire!

"Bang bang bang!"

An even more explosive sound resounded across the battlefield as shells of all sizes rained down. Unlike the softness of raindrops, they were rough and hard, and with the powerful thrust generated by the burning gunpowder, they could destroy everything they touched!

boom!

The Shenji Battalion, which was rushing forward, was hit by a powerful attack. Some tanks were hit by shells and were destroyed along with the cannons before they could play any role!

Compared to these inanimate objects, the living people and warhorses were easily defeated, much like tofu.