The Princess of Northern Land
Chapter 402 Fire Bull Formation(7)_1

Chapter 402: Chapter 402 Fire Bull Formation(7)_1

"Fire Bull Formation?" Lin Ziyin lowered her head in silence, though her mind was carefully considering how to break it. It seemed that this formation had been used in history.

"Jurchen?" Lin Ziyin thought, her mind stirred up. She recalled a conversation with a modern friend discussing ancient formations; they had mentioned the impressive aspects of the Fire Bull Formation and the Jurchen Iron Cavalry Formation.

Chu Suifeng was in serious trouble this time. Knowing the severity of the Fire Bull Formation, Lin Ziyin sighed quietly.

"The Tatars’ horses are better than ours in the Northern Land, and they excel in mounted warfare. If they engage us with the Fire Bull Formation, we might have a tough time responding," said Si Jinhan, his expression unwelcoming. Luo Yan gave out a soft sigh. "Prince, let Mr. Situ think of a solution. If worst comes to worst, we could consider assassinating." Luo Yan added with bloodthirsty eyes, gesturing a throat slit.

"The State Preceptor has gathered quite a number of martial artists from Central region under his wing. Don’t dream," said Chu Suifeng nonchalantly, "Girl, what do you think?"

Suddenly, he casualy looked at Lin Ziyin, indicating her to answer. His demeanor was as relaxed as if they were having an everyday conversation.

"Miss Lin, do you have a solution?" Si Jinhan’s eyes sparkled, his burning gaze fixed on Lin Ziyin.

Lin Ziyin shook her head, "I’m just a country girl..."

"Don’t forget the Lin Family is in the Northern Land, as is your workshop." Chu Suifeng cut her off, smiling, "Would you be willing to let my soldiers fall into the hands of the Tatars?"

The first part of his statement was a threat, while the latter appealed to her sympathy.

Lin Ziyin kept quiet, her mind continually weighing the pros and cons. It wasn’t about whether she wished to involve herself in Chu Suifeng’s military affairs. The situation was compelling her to partake.

Chu Suifeng was right. The Lin Family was forever rooted in the Northern Land; she had to consider her family’s safety. Not that she was boasting, but the ancient weapons were outdated due to compositional issues. Many of them weren’t sturdy enough to withstand the Fire Bull Formation, with its durable hide and powerful charge. If a war broke out, Chu Suifeng’s soldiers would likely be at a disadvantage.

If Chu Suifeng, the overlord, were to suffer substantial damage, she as a commoner would have it worse. Where else could she find peace?

"We’re not entirely without solutions." Having thought it through, Lin Ziyin calmly responded, "I can tell you how to break the formation, but as for the crossbow, I must make it myself."

"You’re making another crossbow?" Chu Suifeng and Si Jinhan grinned. This time, it seemed like they had hit a jackpot.

Luo Yan was unfamiliar with Lin Ziyin’s capabilities, but seeing Chu Suifeng’s and Si Jinhan’s reactions, he was slightly taken aback and re-evaluated Lin Ziyin.

"To break this formation, one must start by understanding the pros and cons of the Fire Bull Formation," said Lin Ziyin. No longer holding back, she beamed with life, her whole being radiated with confidence.

"The Fire Bulls’ thick skin and horns, coupled with their robust hooves, make them powerful and lethal," began Lin Ziyin, explaining the advantages.

Luo Yan listened intently, even though he knew the formation’s pros and cons.

"To break it, we must first have sufficient weaponry," continued Lin Ziyin. "The weapons you currently have easily break. If we don’t replace them, we’re doomed in this war."

"Do you have a solution?" Si Jinhan was all smiles as he asked.

"I wouldn’t consider myself a blacksmith, but I can offer some advice to your craftsmen," a good mechanic would be deeply familiar with the materials they used. Lin Ziyin was clearly an excellent mechanic, given her familiarity with alloys and military blades. She might not be able to forge weapons herself, but she had a wealth of professional knowledge to share.

Without taking any notice of Si Jinhan and Luo Yan’s curious looks, Lin Ziyin quickly wrote some technical terms on a piece of parchment. To help Chu Suifeng and the others understand, she even provided careful explanations.

"Will weapons forged with this, cut metal as if it were mud?" Si Jinhan pointed to the word ’nickel’ and questioned, his tone filled with irony. He felt a bit wronged and irritated; he was a well-educated man even if he hadn’t sat the imperial examination in the capital city. Yet, he could barely understand what Lin Ziyin had explained, and to make matters worse, there were some words he couldn’t even recognize.

"If crafted well, it won’t turn metal into mud, but it should easily cut through all the weapons you have," Lin Ziyin answered in a plain tone. The secret she shared with Chu Suifeng was the method to craft the famous modern Damascus steel, a proven commodity on the battlefield. "To prevent rusting, it is best to coat the weapon surface with chromium."

Both nickel and chromium were metals that Chu Suifeng and his companions were hearing about for the first time. Lin Ziyin’s suggestion left them exchanging baffled looks, yet filled with a certain anticipation. Perhaps, the rise of the Northern Land was indeed starting that day.