Chapter 160:

Chapter 160:

At this moment, Songtsan Gampo was overwhelmed by an intense inner fear, like surging waves threatening to consume him completely. Despite being surrounded by tens of thousands of troops, Songtsan Gampo couldnt find any sense of security. He gazed ahead, witnessing the unfolding battle. His carefully devised strategy filled him with unwavering confidence just yesterday, and was now in complete disarray.

Su Lis nearly solo efforts had almost entirely pierced through the elite cavalry he had placed on the front lines. These sudden events had shaken the Tibetan cavalry to their core. The ten thousand Tang soldiers positioned between Su Li and the Tibetan cavalry acted as an insurmountable barrier, making it impossible for the Tibetan cavalry to provide reinforcements. The elite infantry guarding the Tibetan formations front couldnt withstand Su Lis onslaught.

In this critical moment, Songtsan Gampo had abandoned all hope of gaining an advantage and was left with only one thoughtdanger!

Songtsan Gampo desperately wanted to escape. He wasnt foolish. He had observed the battles unfolding since its commencement. Su Li and his ten thousand Tang soldiers had breached the Tibetan formation effortlessly, appearing unstoppable. The countless Tibetan casualties only underscored this fact relentlessly. It was evident they couldnt be halted, not at all!The source of this content no/v(el)bi((n))

Songtsan Gampo realized that even if he commanded a million troops, they would be utterly ineffective against Su Li. If Su Li wanted him dead, he would undoubtedly meet his end. The idea of retreat had firmly taken hold in Songtsan Gampos mind. Once this notion had taken root, it couldnt be suppressed. He comprehended that he would face certain death today if he didnt flee immediately.

At this point, all thoughts of kingship, legacy, and Tibets revival had vanished from Songtsan Gampos mind. What purpose did these ideals serve without preserving his own life? If he perished, Tibet would truly be lost.

In the Central Plains, there was a saying: As long as the green mountains are preserved, there will be no worry about running out of firewood. As long as he remained alive, even if he were exiled to distant lands like India, Songtsan Gampo had the confidence to stage a comeback.

Songtsan Gampo considered himself a king, and he assumed that rulers like Emperor Li shared a similar perspective. They were, after all, political figures, and if problems could be resolved through marriage, why engage in unnecessary conflict? Political leaders were skilled in diplomacy, and a gesture from the Tang Dynasty, sending a noblewoman accompanied by sought-after Tibetan craftsmen, technologies, and books, could solidify their relationship. In the face of such an offer, Tibet would likely be respectful and avoid confrontation until they had amassed enough strength. This outcome could satisfy all parties involved, leading to a peaceful resolution.

Songtsan Gampo couldnt understand why Li Er had abruptly sent troops. Initially, he wasnt afraid. He wished to test the reputed invincible might of the Tang army. It would demonstrate Tibets strength if he could engage them in battle and hold his ground. After all, if the Tang Dynasty could accept the once-troublesome Tu Valley, why not Tibet? People often fail to recognize their own faults until they were directly affected.

At this moment, Songtsan Gampo felt aggrieved but had forgotten how assertive he had been when dealing with the Tang Dynasty. Regardless, it was all over now. With a sigh, he quietly ordered his nearby guards to withdraw from the battlefield. He no longer cared about the forty thousand Tibetan troops or the entire Tibetan situation. His escape plan was already in motion. He intended to flee immediately, return to his base, regroup with the remaining forces, and seek refuge in the Nepali kingdom.

Over the years, Princess Chizun, with Tibets support, had gained significant influence in Nepal. While Nepal wasnt a major power and faced threats from neighboring kingdoms, Songtsan Gampo believed he could persuade his soon-to-be father-in-law, the ruler of Nepal, to step down and make room for him. Having witnessed the might of the Tang Dynasty from East Asia, Songtsan Gampo regarded countries like Nepal as impressive on the surface but not truly effectivea sentiment that might lead him to scheme against Nepal in the future.

With this escape plan in mind, Songtsan Gampo turned his horses head, ready to retreat with his guards protection. However, at that very moment, not far ahead, a sudden eruption of battle cries shattered the air. Songtsan Gampo looked up in terror. A figure drenched in blood, resembling a deity or demon, had unexpectedly appeared and was now less than a hundred paces away from him.

This unparalleled warrior from the Tang Dynasty had charged deep into the midst of over two hundred thousand Tibetan soldiers, plowing through the masses. Countless Tibetan soldiers attempting to stop him were powerless to halt his advance. His warhorse tore through the ranks, leaving death in its wake as it moved like a rainbow, relentless and unstoppable. Many Tibetan soldiers who stood in its path were trampled to death.

The warrior on the horse wielded a massive halberd, sweeping through the ranks as if clearing away dust. Every brave Tibetan soldier who charged at him was reduced to severed limbs in the blink of an eye, leaving behind a gruesome scene of bloodshed.