Chapter 1848: Battle Fiend Saleh! (1/2)
Translated by: Hypersheep325
Edited by: Michyrr
A hundred rumors did not compare to a single meeting. This eastern empire was far more frightening than the Arab Governors and Deputy Governors had ever imagined.
”Now is not the time to talk about this!” A cold and aloof voice cut off all the conversations.
Clang! With the clattering of armor, the crowd parted, and Abu Muslim walked out from the rear.
Abu Muslim got down on one knee and sternly declared, ”Hierophant, the Tang are far stronger than we imagined. Tomorrow, I wish to command the army and personally deal with the Tang! I've fought with them many times, and no one understands them more than me!”
Whoosh! The massive hall immediately fell silent. Everyone stared at the former Governor of the East, even Khatabah and the High Priest.
After a few moments of silence, Khatabah spoke.
”Abu Muslim, you think I cannot subdue these eastern infidels?”
”This subordinate would not dare!”
Abu Muslim's face paled, and he hurriedly lowered his head.
In the western world, the Hierophant possessed supreme status, even above the Caliph. No one dared to doubt the Hierophant, as doing so was suicidal. Not even the Caliph dared to do so, let alone Abu Muslim.
”Your subordinate only wishes to wash away the shame of the Battle of Talas and once more serve the empire in swiftly conquering the eastern world!” Abu Muslim said.
These words caused Khatabah's face to somewhat relax. The Governors and Deputy Governors in the hall all glanced at Abu Muslim and softly sighed in relief. It was clear that he had passed this first trial.
”…Abu Muslim would never dare to question the Hierophant. As a warrior, I only hope to defeat the Great Tang in a fair battle. I hope that the Hierophant will fulfill my desire,” Abu Muslim respectfully said.
Khatabah gazed at Abu Muslim, his face cold and emotionless.
The illustrious Governor of Iron and Blood was undoubtedly one of the top Governors in Arabia, but unfortunately, in the Battle of Talas, he had ruined the reputation of the entire empire. As for Khatabah, he was a legendary existence of Arabia who had never lost a battle. While Abu Muslim had his own illustrious reputation and a deep understanding of the east, Khatabah was never one to use losers.
”Heh, Apolis is dead. Since he's so anxious to fight, what harm is there in Hierophant giving him a chance?” the High Priest suddenly said.
Khatabah was taken aback and glanced at the High Priest. He had never imagined that the High Priest would speak up for Abu Muslim.
The High Priest rarely intervened in military affairs. For him to make an exception indicated that he clearly had a high opinion of Abu Muslim.
Khatabah was rather surprised and confused. Why did the High Priest hold a defeated general like Abu Muslim in such high regard?
”Abu Muslim, I will give you one chance. Tomorrow, in the first attack, I will give you five hundred thousand soldiers. I do not like a general who loses twice. If you fail this time, I will personally execute you!” Khatabah said.
”Many thanks, Hierophant!”
Abu Muslim was elated by Khatabah's reply. An ordinary Governor would have felt some apprehension, but not Abu Muslim.
”Rise! I've gathered all of you here to discuss tomorrow's battle. All of the empire, including His Majesty the Caliph, is watching us. I do not wish this battle to drag on for too long. We must conquer the east as quickly as possible!” Khatabah loudly proclaimed, his expression firm.
”Hierophant, our most urgent task is to find a way to restrain the enemy Great Generals.” A rough voice resounded through the hall. A stalwart general squeezed through the crowd and grimly continued, ”These eastern generals are much more powerful than we initially thought. Apolis underestimated them too much, causing him to die at their hands!”
Shamsudin!
This man was the Governor of Kairouan in the western part of Arabia and was one of the high nobles, possessing a lofty status in the empire. Only someone like him had the right to speak to Khatabah at a time like this.
(TN: Kairouan is a city located in what is now the country of Tunisia.)
”Correct. Those two Tang Great Generals were extremely strong. Ordinary Governors and Deputy Governors like us are no match for them. Only top-class Great Generals of Abu Muslim's level can deal with them.” The Governor of Fez, Hasim, also stepped forward.
Just like Shamsudin, he was also a high noble, and they were extremely close friends.
The other Governors and Deputy Governors all agreed with the words of Shamsudin and Hasim, fear in their eyes.
Although they had not participated in that first battle, witnessing it had left a deep impression on them.