Long, long ago, when people still couldn’t eat their fill, no one had heard of what was called an “enemy.”

There were no “enemies” because foes were not “people.” What humans hated were four-legged lions, footless pythons… but not two-legged humans…

From thousands of miles away came a gentle, quiet voice – someone was telling a story. His voice was soft and slow, sounding refined and gentle, making people somewhat drowsy. They heard him continue in his hypnotic tone: “In that primordial ancient era, fierce beasts ruled and disasters ran rampant. The common people didn’t know how to fight – they had just learned to plant rice…”

“Time and again, tigers came to their doors. Fathers watched helplessly as their daughters were carried away, mothers saw their beloved sons die horribly under claws. No one could match the divine strength of fierce beasts. They lived in fear, only able to weep in the dark of night… One day, the rainy season arrived, and countless fierce beasts surged toward the human world like a flood, forcing all the people under heaven to cry out to the sky together. Their sorrowful voices were passionate and stirring, moving all the gods and Buddhas in the heavens. So the celestial realm sent down humanity’s first hero to the mortal world. His name was…”

“Hero.”

Three hundred li from Beijing, in the Bazhou fortress, the place was packed tight with people holding their breath and concentrating, all watching the storyteller. This man was about sixty years old. Though advanced in years, his physique was extremely imposing and tall. When he spoke, he conveyed an air of uprightness and dignity. Needless to say, he too was a hero.

Only heroes can discourse on heroes. The old hero folded his arms across his chest, his expression calm as he gazed down at the hall below.

In the hall below, ten rows of wooden chairs were arranged, each row seating ten military officers horizontally. A hundred men sat upright in silence, appearing to listen attentively, but their arms had long been tensed, all their strength pressed upon their sword hilts. Around the hall stood about a hundred long spears with guards beside them, their chests reflecting beam after beam of cold light, all cast upon the storyteller’s face. Looking around the great hall’s surroundings, blue-gleaming sharp iron points protruded from every window crack. Hundreds of dense, interwoven cold gleams made it impossible to distinguish which were the poisonous glints of arrows and which were the fierce wolf-like glares of eyes.

Blades hidden in sheaths, arrows nocked on strings – the situation was explosive. The hundred-odd audience members were silent as crows, some lowering their heads, others stealing glances, all waiting for the General’s command.

No one was listening to the story. The hall below was like facing a great enemy, as if marching to war. Their commander was named Zhong Siwen. This person was calm and composed, sitting in the fortress on a high chair, gazing at the old hero before him, ready at any moment to order an arrest.

How should this matter be explained? Zhong Siwen looked at the inexplicably strange old hero on the platform, confusion rising in his eyes.

An hour earlier, a horse had appeared at the city gate with a great general mounted upon it. This person wore armor and jade finger rings, and upon entering the city immediately identified himself, claiming to be “Jiangdong Fanying” from Nucang stronghold, wishing to see the city’s General Zhong Siwen.

Nucang was full of masters, the so-called “Two Heroes, Three Champions, Four Pacifiers.” Even a small gate guard had heard the three words “Lu Guzhan” – they rang like thunder in his ears. The small soldiers were so frightened they tumbled and crawled, immediately reporting to their officers. When the generals rushed to the gate and looked, they were shocked to see the mounted visitor standing head and shoulders above the crowd, nearly ten feet tall, and that white steed’s four legs were long and sturdy, its form like an elephant. The generals’ souls were shattered with fear. In their panic, they sent someone to report to the General while deploying troops to surround this ten-foot scholar-general.

When the news reached the General’s residence, Zhong Siwen was naturally overjoyed. Master Lu was righteous and magnanimous, in all things opposite to Qin Zhonghai. Since he had come alone today, if not to deliver intelligence, then certainly to restore order from chaos. In his joy, he nearly went out barefoot to welcome him. Also fearing the other party might change his mind, he sent heavy troops to “escort” him into the fortress while writing an urgent secret message to be rushed to Beijing.

Having welcomed the enemy’s chief, both sides were about to hold private discussions when Master Lu suddenly announced that he wanted to tell everyone a story. With such strange behavior from the other party, Zhong Siwen naturally found it peculiar, wondering if he had a high fever or which nerve had snapped. But having waited ten years and finally encountering this excellent opportunity for promotion and wealth, how could he argue over minor details? So he complied with Master Lu’s wishes, having all the city’s officers sit in rows in the hall below, learning like children to listen to stories.

All warfare is deception – did Master Lu have some other conspiracy? As a renowned military strategist, Zhong Siwen harbored some suspicion. Just as he was pondering, an aide beside him leaned over and whispered, “General, could this person be an imposter?”

Zhong Siwen’s heart grew cold as he focused his gaze on the righteous gentleman in the hall. He saw a man with a fair face and black beard, sitting alone in the hall, an aura of righteous magnanimity emanating from his very bones. That chair, placed on the platform, seemed as low as a bench in comparison. That’s right, it was him – he was the former Five Tiger General, today’s “Twin Hero” of the stronghold, “Jiangdong Fanying” Lu Guzhan himself.

This Master Lu was gentle and refined, putting righteousness first. Under his command were one bow and one blade – the bow was Jie Tao, the blade named Xue Hen. Whenever facing the enemy in battle, he would strictly observe proper conduct: first, never inciting rebellion; second, never using conspiracy to harm others. No matter how urgent the battle situation, he would always leave the opponent a way out, never pursuing total annihilation. For this righteous style, the entire court respectfully called him “Spring and Autumn Gentleman General,” though privately they mocked him as “Bound-Feet Lady’s Army.”

Whether a Spring and Autumn gentleman or bound-feet lady, in any case, this person was Lu Guzhan. But while Zhong Siwen had recognized the man, he couldn’t fathom his intentions. Why had Master Lu penetrated deep into enemy territory to tell stories? Had he come to surrender? Or did he have other schemes?

“Master Lu, ah Master Lu…” Zhong Siwen finally couldn’t bear it. He coughed and shook his head, saying, “I think you needn’t tell any troublesome stories. As long as you’re willing to… ‘that thing’… I dare guarantee you’ll at least be enfeoffed as a viscount.”

With vague “this” and “that,” Zhong Siwen’s tone was ambiguous, clearly speaking of dishonorable matters. Hearing the surrender offer, Lu Guzhan merely remained calm. He gently rotated the jade ring on his finger and shook his head, “General, allow me to finish the story. Afterward, whether you wish to kill or dismember, Lu will comply entirely.” Hearing Master Lu speak so frankly, the entire hall of officers exchanged glances, their lips curling into smiles.

But Zhong Siwen was a person of abundant wisdom and schemes. The more the other party appeared magnanimous and heroic, the more suspicious he became.

Lu Guzhan was no ordinary military general. On the battlefield, he wielded a great copper mace – one swing, one sweep could kill a hundred men. In daily jianghu wanderings, he often carried a horsewhip to capture people, casually throwing and pulling to bring righteous fighters within reach. In terms of martial arts, this person could stand as an equal to “Gold-Slayer” Shi Gang – absolutely not to be underestimated.

At this moment, what most required vigilance was his sudden violent outbreak. Given this person’s martial skills, once he decided to assassinate, the dozens who rushed forward first in the fortress would surely die. Heavy casualties among subordinates would be bad enough, but if his own old life were lost here, that would be a terrible loss. Zhong Siwen assessed the situation and shrank to a back row chair, hiding behind a tall, sturdy general. He summoned his aide and whispered in his ear, “Tell Instructor Zhao to prepare fishing nets and ambush outside the gate. We’ll let him play crazy for now, and when he relaxes, we’ll do this and that…”

Instructor Zhao was Zhao Rentong. This person came from the Lingnan Lion Dance Troupe, ranked second, being the older brother of “Bell Sixth” Ren Zong and younger brother of “Seventh Generation Lion” Ren Yong. He was sharp in observing situations and had excellent martial arts. Most importantly, he was a “tavern” person – a spy personally placed in Bazhou by the Great Manager. He constantly gathered military intelligence and private information. Zhong Siwen himself came from military ranks and usually had little dealings with Instructor Zhao, but with such unprecedented merit before him, if he wanted to capture the Five Tiger General alive, he couldn’t do without this person’s martial arts.

Thinking of capturing Lu Guzhan, one of the “Twin Heroes,” the generals below beamed with joy, some unable to contain themselves. That Master Lu seemed completely unaware of impending disaster, showing no sign of discomfort. Seeing everyone whispering among themselves, he said solemnly, “General, where did my story leave off?”

Lu Guzhan, surrounded and trapped, did all this merely to tell that story. But everyone was eager for promotion and wealth – who would listen? Hearing the inquiry, Zhong Siwen couldn’t help but be greatly startled. Mumbling, he couldn’t answer. Searching his mind frantically, he said, “Your Lordship just mentioned lions and tigers… like Chi You leading all beasts in three hundred battles against the Yellow Emperor…” In his confusion and complete defeat, an aide quickly whispered, “General, he just mentioned the hero’s descent.”

Zhong Siwen came to his senses and hurried to say, “Yes, yes, yes – hero! Your Lordship just mentioned hero.”

“Hero! Hero! What defines a hero!” Lu Guzhan raised his head and suddenly gave a light whistle that shook the fortress’s tables and chairs, causing them to respond faintly. The generals’ faces changed color, fearing he might violently attack, and they became greatly alert.

Lu Guzhan calmed his expression. He gazed at the crowd below and declared loudly, “What defines a hero? Outstanding and exceptional is called ‘Ying’ (Hero). Having great talent that appears once in a generation, penetrating insight, understanding situations and perceiving matters clearly – standing out like a crane among chickens with heroic bearing – one can earn the character ‘Ying.'” He glanced at everyone and said coldly, “Xiong (Male/Heroic)! Fathering thousands of surnames and myriad families, ambitious for the nine provinces, with spirit swallowing seas and rivers, knowing people yet tolerating them, tolerating them yet employing them. All heroes under heaven, regardless of gender or age, willingly submit as consorts – such dominating spirit earns the title ‘Xiong’!”

Lu Guzhan’s stern teaching shook everyone’s ears with buzzing sounds. He glanced at the generals and continued gently, “The character ‘Ying’ speaks of outstanding great ability. The character ‘Xiong’ represents our heroes’ great spirit. Without ‘Ying,’ no matter how great one’s ambitions, one will be depressed and unable to extend them. Conversely, without the responsibility of fathering myriad families, no matter how many great achievements one accomplishes, it can only be considered personal enjoyment. After a hundred years, with desolation before the grave, who in the world will still remember them with gratitude?”

The crowd below waited to achieve merit, not caring whether they possessed heroic talent or heroic spirit, naturally paying no heed. Lu Guzhan’s gaze was like lightning, sweeping across everyone’s faces once, saying coldly, “The story I’m telling you today is a hero’s story. Please, gentlemen, listen carefully.” Seeing the generals’ minds elsewhere, Lu Guzhan knew the world was thus and could only sigh softly, continuing, “In the primordial ancient world, the hero descended from heaven. He possessed divine power and imposing bearing. When the people asked his name and origin, the hero pointed to the sky and laughed heartily. The people were greatly shocked and dared not ask further, only able to regard him like a fierce tiger.”

“The hero possessed nothing material yet could father the world. Though heroic and handsome, he never defiled others’ wives. Brave and mighty, yet never bullied the poor or oppressed the weak. His heart was suspended over the fate of passersby, shouldering the great earth alone. The people saw he held himself aloft, daily only knowing to fight injustice, not engaging in grain cultivation or trade, hungry swallowing rotten meat, thirsty drinking muddy water. Over time, he would inevitably die. Fearing his senseless death, everyone elected elders to negotiate with him. As long as he could slay lions and subdue tigers, the people would build him a great temple, ensuring his food and clothing so he could peacefully be their hero.”

“Upon hearing this request, the hero immediately agreed generously. He rose singing, drew his sword and went to war. Indeed, fierce beasts from all directions couldn’t resist. Seeing the hero approach with sword in hand, they all fled in panic. From then on, the hero was invincible under heaven, the human world enjoyed abundant food and clothing, and he returned home in glory to become the legend enshrined in the temple.”

“In the human world without lions and tigers, day by day they lived through spring’s departure and summer’s arrival, autumn harvest and winter storage. People also kept their agreement, annually pushing grain carts to the great temple to pay respects to the hero. This day, a clever child came along. He pulled his parents and choked with sobs, asking, ‘Why must we give food to others? We worked so hard to grow this.'”

The story reached a crucial point. Outside the fortress, footsteps could be heard – that Instructor Zhao had finally arrived. Orders came and went – they would act at any moment. Lu Guzhan’s face showed no emotion as he raised his hand, signaling everyone to finish hearing the story.

“Children speak without restraint, yet they also spoke their hearts. The world was at peace, so why still support this fellow who didn’t engage in farming? Everyone became more and more confused. Thinking of having to kowtow and bow to this person year after year made their hearts even more indignant. So the first voice of agreement rang out, someone shouting, ‘Yes! It’s completely unreasonable! Isn’t a fellow who enjoys the fruits of others’ labor just a bandit?’ The child became urgent, the wife became angry, and second, third voices echoed like an avalanche, forcing the elders into helpless silence. Facing the angry people, they truly didn’t know how to explain – after all, the wild beasts had been eliminated!”

“The hero was captured. The charge was that he was no longer needed. The human world didn’t need such a strong thing – everyone was well-fed.”

Hearing the story develop thus, everyone couldn’t help but be slightly shocked. Lu Guzhan gazed at the generals below and said quietly, “They slaughtered the North Sea dragon, chopped up the South Mountain tiger – the human world’s last harm was also bound and brought to the execution ground. The hero was executed, his wife publicly displayed, and he himself was flayed and dismembered, thrown under a tree in a foreign land, never to return to his homeland…”

The tragic story made people unable to help wanting to cry. The soldiers outside the fortress, affected by the emotion, all choked and sobbed. Most of the generals in the hall who could rise to the rank of colonel had hearts of iron and stone. One general sneered and stood up, saying, “Lu, are you finished with your nonsense?”

Lu Guzhan closed his eyes and shook his head, “Don’t rush – the story isn’t finished… because…”

“The hero’s son has returned…”

Hearing this, all the military officers were shocked and raised their heads.

“Unlike his father who died miserably, he no longer plays the hero. He brings millions of hungry ghosts across the border, about to announce to the world that he is a demon.”

At the word “demon,” everyone in the hall felt uneasy. Lu Guzhan gazed at the crowd and said quietly, “Demons are also things born of heaven and earth. Since people abandoned the first hero and destroyed the Way he believed in, his son will no longer walk his father’s old path. Not being a fool, he is as shrewd and formidable as the common people… but he differs slightly from mortals – he is a hero, possessing the wisdom and courage passed down from his father…” The story was finished! Everyone looked at each other, all feeling cold in their hearts. Lu Guzhan looked toward the generals below and concluded, “Thus, the human world became what it is today – warfare everywhere, all people callous. Those who endanger all living beings under heaven are no longer lions and tigers, but ourselves. From now on, great slaughter has begun in the human world, and even gods and Buddhas cannot manage it.”

Suddenly a general shouted, “Damn it, Lu Guzhan! What exactly are you trying to say? Speak plainly!”

Lu Guzhan shook his head and said calmly, “This dynasty’s first hero was Qin Baxian. He was a disciple of righteousness and a loyal, brave martyr, but the cause he firmly believed in was abandoned by all under heaven, ultimately leading to his tragic defeat at Guigui Pavilion, dying in an extremely miserable and wrongful manner.”

Speaking to this point, his divine eyes turned cold and fierce, glaring at the hall full of officers.

Everyone was speechless – they all understood. If Qin Baxian was the first hero, then the second hero was none other than… Thinking of that great criminal lord of the northwest’s 700,000 rebel troops, everyone’s faces changed and they all fell silent.

“Though Duke Baxian’s obstinate actions allowed treacherous people to take advantage and his death was hardly worth regretting… but since he died for righteousness, it was no longer a matter of one family or surname.” Lu Guzhan sighed and said sadly, “Consider this: if those who practice righteousness receive heaven’s punishment, who else will be willing to achieve benevolence and fulfill duty? Not only did Qin Zhonghai see his father’s death, but Jiang Chong, Liu Jing, Liu Angtian, Zhuo Lingzhao, Yang Suguan, Wu Dingyuan… every hero and outstanding figure under heaven personally witnessed the fool’s end. Gentlemen, if you were also heroes, what would you do?”

At these words, the hall below fell silent as cicadas in winter – not one person replied. Lu Guzhan sighed deeply and stood up. Looking toward the sky, he said softly, “When Duke Baxian died at Guigui Pavilion, the world’s fate was already decided. Now that the great sage is dead and the righteous Way has collapsed, when all people under heaven believe in the strong living and weak dying, my Buddha will respond to everyone’s expectations and give birth to one final strong one to deal with each of us.” Speaking to this point, his beard and hair stood on end, tears rolling down as he said sorrowfully, “Gentlemen! This calamity that none can escape is the sin and punishment on the wheel of reincarnation!”

After the Great Way’s destruction, heaven and earth must have great disaster. Confucius spoke of benevolence but was commonly abandoned by the Spring and Autumn princes. When those arrogant rulers expelled the benevolent one, how could they know that the fires of the Warring States were quietly burning through their gates? And those who were ashamed to speak of benevolence – how could they imagine that the nagging Confucian madman had already foreseen with his own eyes that the rise of the ultimate strong one, the First Emperor, was imminent?

“He who initiates something harmful will have no descendants”… The great scholar was dead, the human world showed no pity for the weak, so the Warring States kings were all cruel. Because of survival of the fittest and natural selection, the most bloodthirsty First Emperor emerged, leisurely slaughtering every descendant and loser of the six kingdoms… From then on, the nine provinces became purgatory, and all under heaven, including the First Emperor himself, together received the “sin and punishment” of that wheel of reincarnation.

“Sin and punishment” – even with wisdom as brilliant as Ying Zheng’s, the moment he ordered the slaughter of scholars, he also murdered his own entire clan. Scholars upheld righteousness but met miserable death as reward for loyalty. With righteousness meeting such an end, no one in later generations would sacrifice themselves to protect the Way. The entire court had not a single word of righteous speech, leading to later Zhao Gao’s arrogant presumption, calling deer horses while the entire nation remained silent, ultimately causing Prince Ying to suffer abuse and the Great Qin to perish after fifteen years.

In the end, the day Confucius lost his position, reincarnation had already begun – this was the “sin and punishment” that no one could redeem.

“Nonsense!” Having heard the explanation, a general suddenly stood up, pointing and cursing angrily, “We loyal patriots serving our country – how can we listen to your heretical delusions? Someone come! Arrest him and throw him in prison, cut off both ears, amputate both feet! Even with just the crime of entering camp without paying respects, we must make his life worse than death!” In his spittle-flying rage, Lu Guzhan sighed and shook his head, saying softly, “Capturing me is easy – capturing the Wrathful King is difficult.”

The words “Wrathful King” appeared like a thunderclap. Zhong Siwen’s heart grew cold as he quickly said, “Wait – what exactly are you trying to say?”

“Good swimmers drown, good riders fall – I sincerely advise…” Lu Guzhan looked back at the hall full of people and softly stated his purpose, “If gentlemen care about Bazhou’s entire population, please immediately open the city and surrender. Do not mislead yourselves.”

Finally he had spoken! At the words “open the city and surrender,” the fortress erupted in roaring laughter. Everyone clutched their stomachs gasping, tears streaming from laughter as they cursed, “Lu Guzhan! Everyone said you were somebody – who knew you’re not even as good as a bastard, you old dog!” Swish, swish – dozens of sounds rang out together. The hall below gleamed with blade light as all swords were drawn. Outside the hall, soldiers had also prepared bows, arrows, and ropes, ready to enter and capture him at any moment.

A tiger fallen to flatlands – Master Lu was trapped in heavy encirclement. Even if his martial arts were ten times higher, he could hardly escape with wings. In this desperate situation, Lu Guzhan remained calm, saying, “Gentlemen, please listen. Today I risk danger entering the city – first, not for Nucang’s calculations; second, not for personal gain. One sincere wish is to hope to preserve Bazhou’s entire population. I hope gentlemen will grant this.”

Preserve the city’s people? Speaking in reverse, this meant enemy troops were about to enter the city. Seeing the opponent alone with only his three-inch tongue spouting nonsense, everyone above cursed, “Nonsense! What will you use to take Bazhou? Just your stinking mouth? Everyone grab him!” In the midst of cursing, just as they were about to rise and capture him, Zhong Siwen immediately raised his hand and shouted sternly, “Wait!”

The Nucang generals had a traditional ranking called “Two Heroes, Three Champions, Four Pacifiers.” Court officers privately called them “Cunning, Ruthless, Poisonous, Mad – All Brave and Fierce.” The “Poisonous General” was Eastern Campaign Pacifier Jiang Yi, the “Ruthless General” was Mountain General War God Gold-Slayer, the “Cunning General” was Imperially Bestowed Phoenix Feather Tang Shiqian. Beyond these were countless mad generals, fierce generals, and brave generals. Once they joined forces in campaign, anyone who saw them would be afraid. But among this group of officers who fought and killed without recognizing family ties, only one person was a gentleman scholar-general – the Lu Guzhan sitting before them.

Zhong Siwen pondered for a long moment before saying, “Master Lu, for you to have me open the city and surrender is not difficult, for you to take my head is also not difficult. You only need to answer me three words: ‘By what right?’ Bazhou and your stronghold are separated east to west by nearly a thousand li – by what right do you take Bazhou?” With that, he crossed his arms and said lightly, “Master Lu, as long as you can answer this, I, Zhong, am willing to submit to capture.” Nucang was far in the northwest, while Bazhou was a key garrison town of the capital region, hidden behind Tongguan Pass with countless barriers in between. If the enemy wanted to attack Bazhou, they would need to fight for at least ten years before approaching the city walls. Seeing Master Lu remain silent, Zhong Siwen pressed again, “Speak up, Master Lu – by what right should I open the city and surrender?”

“Character.” The hall below erupted in thunderous laughter that could be heard for miles. Amid the waves of mocking laughter, they heard Lu Guzhan sigh sadly, “I guarantee with my character that you must believe me.” The generals angrily said, “Not worth a fart! What’s your character worth?”

“Enough.” Zhong Siwen frowned slightly, restraining everyone’s curses. Having long served in the military, he well understood Master Lu’s style. This gentleman neither burned nor killed, neither robbed nor plundered – his character was known throughout the court. How could he let him suffer such humiliation? His mind greatly troubled, he asked again, “Very well, let’s say I trust your character, but you still must tell me – at this moment your stronghold’s great army is still fighting in Xiangyang, advancing southward and barely able to care for themselves. I truly must ask you, how is Qin Zhonghai to travel north to Bazhou?”

“By flying!” The fortress erupted in laughter again as dozens of generals burst into collective mirth, mocking Lu Guzhan’s arrogance and overestimation of himself. Seeing Lu Guzhan hang his head with no response, Zhong Siwen maintained his scholarly manner and didn’t join the laughter, shaking his head, “Master Lu, it’s not that Zhong Siwen won’t give you face. Even if Qin Zhonghai’s martial arts are supreme and he truly can fly through the air, what about his troops and horses? Your stronghold’s 700,000 troops have moved south for fierce battles with Grand Commander Wu along the Hanzhong, Jingzhou, Xiangyang, and Relay Station Pass lines – the fighting is in full swing. If Qin Zhonghai wants to attack Bazhou, may I ask where his troops and horses would come from? Please respond to this matter.”

Zhong Siwen was indeed refined – even for such an absurd matter, he still seriously inquired with proper speech. For a very long time, Master Lu’s expression remained silent as he said quietly, “This involves military intelligence – Lu cannot speak of it, or else I would be unworthy of Duke Baxian.”

“So then?” Zhong Siwen sighed, and heard Lu Guzhan say, “So I can only guarantee with my character – as long as you widely open the city gates, first you can preserve all the people, second you can protect your families’ lives. I beg the General to show mercy and believe me.” Persuading surrender was like matchmaking – it required mutual willingness. Speaking again and again, the other party still only had that old refrain with no persuasive power. Zhong Siwen suppressed a yawn and shook his head, “Brother Lu, I’ve exhausted all kind words.” With that, he raised his hand and gently beckoned.

At the gesture, attendants on both sides roared in unison and surged forward together. Dozens of generals watched over the lone guest, while soldiers outside the hall numbered in the thousands. Inside and outside the fortress was already impenetrable. Lu Guzhan’s expression grew dim, showing none of a martial arts master’s killing intent, only sighing quietly, “General, this trip of mine was not reported to the main stronghold beforehand. I was only concerned for the people…”

“Arrest him!” Zhong Siwen finally lost his patience and roared out these words.

“Duke Baxian…” Lu Guzhan rose with tears, looking up to heaven in sorrow, “I did my best…”

What a sight to make one increasingly angry. By afternoon, the enemy general was finally dragged out the main gate and thrown wholesale into the dungeon. The generals, full of rage, stepped out of the fortress together.

An inexplicable day was about to pass. With the new year approaching, everyone’s families were stationed in the city. Originally in cheerful spirits with laughter and conversation, who knew that bastard surnamed Lu would confuse everyone with his nonsense, as if some strange event really would occur. Seeing everyone with worried brows, one general consoled, “What’s everyone worried about? Nucang’s Twin Hero has walked into our trap – we’ll report this military achievement shortly and everyone gets a commendation!” Hearing of benefits ahead, the generals secretly rejoiced, smiles appearing on their faces. Another also said, “Exactly so! At year’s end, Qin Zhonghai feared we had no money to spend and specially sent this big red envelope – we needn’t be polite about it.”

Everyone laughed heartily, all the dark clouds on their faces dispersing. A staff officer, seeing Zhong Siwen silently wordless as if troubled, quickly said, “General, are you still worried about Lu Guzhan?” Zhong Siwen shook his head, “No, I don’t believe his words at all.”

“Oh?” Everyone widened their eyes, each stretching their necks to hear how this renowned military strategist would explain.

“To be frank with you all, Qin Zhonghai’s whereabouts…” Zhong Siwen raised his eyebrows slightly and sneered, “have long been within the court’s grasp. Before the great battle of Xiangyang, I had already received intelligence.” Hearing this, everyone breathed a sigh of relief. That staff officer hurriedly asked, “Qin Zhonghai’s whereabouts are under control? Where has he gone now?”

“Jiangnan.” Zhong Siwen replied with complete confidence. Everyone was shocked and repeated, “Jiangnan? What’s he doing in Jiangnan? Fishing?” Everyone spoke one after another, naturally causing much discussion. Zhong Siwen waved his hand and instructed, “Your ranks are insufficient – no need to delve deeply. In any case, Qin Zhonghai’s time is up and he’s not to be feared. As for this Lu Guzhan, by my calculation he’s definitely a smokescreen, specially sent to restrain the court and prevent northern troops from moving south to reinforce – nothing serious.”

Hearing this, even the most cautious and careful had set their minds at ease. Zhong Siwen was a three-dynasty veteran – stationed in the western frontier during Wude, transferred under Jiang Chong’s command during Jingtai, and now became Bazhou’s General under the Zhengtong court. When he spoke, he naturally carried authority.

He pointed at the city and concluded, “Qin Zhonghai has always been bold in military strategy, hiding substance within emptiness and emptiness within substance, not hesitating to use veteran generals’ lives to bluff people. If we don’t want to be on edge, these next few days we must tighten defenses and watch for anything suspicious – that’s the fundamental approach.”

Everyone nodded repeatedly, saying, “Yes, there’s no such thing as walking into a trap in this world. Everyone pass down orders – pay close attention these few days, and report immediately if there are any strange phenomena.”

Though Bazhou wasn’t on the first line of bandit suppression, being close to the capital region, military traffic was extremely heavy. Troops from the three locations – Jiayuguan in the northwest, Shanhaiguan in the northeast, and Juyongguan due north – all needed to pass through here for east-west transfers and garrison rotations. This Zhong Siwen, as a former dynasty official now receiving renewed importance, was especially grateful. The generals understood their superior’s feelings and clustered around Zhong Siwen to inspect the city’s defenses.

However, though everyone spoke diligently, their expressions were quite relaxed. After all, heavenly soldiers and generals were only seen on theater stages. Rather than worry about Qin Zhonghai descending from the sky, it was more practical to watch for stones tripping one’s feet on the road.

Entering the main street, the General led inspections in all directions. The generals suppressed yawns while maintaining strict military discipline. Zhong Siwen stroked his beard and looked around, seeing the city as usual, greatly pleased in his heart. He nodded, “Our Zhengtong Dynasty has favorable weather and good harvests, the nation is peaceful and the people content, citizens live and work in peace – truly the Emperor’s great fortune…” Just as he was about to continue his praise, he suddenly heard faint sounds from the street corner. Listening carefully, it seemed like moaning. Zhong Siwen made a sound of surprise and led the generals around the main street, where they saw a beggar collapsed on the ground, pitifully begging.

Ordinary beggars were filthy and stinking, but this person was even worse than beggars. His appearance was withered and gaunt, arms thin, but his belly protruded high like hungry ghosts in hell paintings. It was difficult to even distinguish whether he was male or female, old or young. Bazhou city had prosperous livestock and hundreds of thousands of farming people – beggars were rarely seen. The generals had never witnessed such misery and couldn’t help whispering to each other. Zhong Siwen felt pity in his heart and crouched down, taking broken silver from his pocket and saying gently, “Here, take this to buy food.”

The beggar stared with vacant eyes, breathing weakly. Seeing Zhong Siwen’s right hand extended, he suddenly pounced forward, desperately grasping it and biting toward his mouth. Zhong Siwen was greatly shocked. Seeing the beggar so filthy with yellow teeth biting down – he must have strange diseases – he quickly called, “Someone!” A guard immediately raised his foot to kick, angrily saying, “Bastard! I’m giving you silver to eat food! Not telling you to eat hands!”

The beggar seemed dizzy with hunger, treating the General’s precious hand like a chicken claw to be seized and eaten. After receiving several kicks, he rolled to the roadside himself. Zhong Siwen panicked and withdrew his hand, the silver not held firmly falling to the ground, rolling round and round to before the beggar.

The bright silver rolled before him, but the beggar looked confused. He bent down to pick it up, but seeing him tremblingly raise the ingot, there was no joy on his face – he just stuffed the ingot in his mouth as if it were a dumpling, wanting to swallow it whole.

Everyone cried out in alarm, “This fellow’s starved stupid!” After several strange incidents, everyone hurriedly kicked and beat him, snatching the silver back. The beggar seemed to have lost his mind. After receiving several blows, he showed no crying or pain, only staring vacantly as he collapsed to the ground, mouth still muttering continuously.

The generals cursed endlessly and were about to beat him severely when Zhong Siwen waved his hand, “Forget it – he’s a pitiful person, don’t argue with him.” He looked at the beggar repeatedly, stroking his beard and frowning, “Someone take this person back to the residence to let him recuperate.”

“The General’s great benevolence and virtue…” Seeing this righteous act, the generals all sincerely sighed and desperately praised, “Great compassion and mercy!”

“Saving one life is better than building a seven-story pagoda.” Zhong Siwen’s face showed satisfaction as he said solemnly, “We who serve country and people seek nothing more than these four great words: ‘All Under Heaven for the Public.’ When all under heaven is public, the world’s widowed, orphaned, alone, and disabled will all be cared for. Why then would there be unrest in the northwest? Why would family and national affairs be unquiet?” He looked up, stroking his beard and swaying his head as he recited, “When the Great Way is practiced, all under heaven is public! Select the worthy and able, teach trustworthiness and cultivate harmony…”

The General composed essays while all the officers gaped. Under his lengthy discourse, all subordinates nodded frantically until their heads nearly fell off. Zhong Siwen spoke eloquently for quite a while and became somewhat thirsty. Seeing a nearby tea and water stall that also sold some pastries, he took out silver and instructed, “Someone go buy some tea and refreshments – everyone can eat and chat.”

A general laughed, “Buy what? That’s too much trouble. If we want to eat or drink, watch me go over and give a shout…” The words were still in his mouth when the General’s eyes blazed with anger as he roared, “Audacious misconduct harming the people! Do you want to cause me to be dismissed and investigated?”

The court’s administration was strict at that time! Officials’ every drink and meal had regulations – if there were instances of scheming and plundering, homes would be confiscated and clans exterminated at the slightest provocation. Zhong Siwen had been an official for many years and deeply knew the Emperor’s vicious methods, dispatching large numbers of secret agents to monitor ministers under the code name “Tavern.” To avoid factory guards causing trouble, he delivered this head blow as a warning to others.

Hearing their superior’s anger, the generals felt guilty and all lowered their heads, not daring to respond. Zhong Siwen snorted several times, personally took the silver and went toward the tea stall. Holding the silver, he turned back to glare at everyone reproachfully, “What is buying and what is selling! Watch carefully!” He walked to the tea stall and turned back to scold for quite a while, but didn’t hear the shop owner come to serve him.

Strange to say, Zhong Siwen was a General – usually when shop owners saw an official arrive, wouldn’t the whole family come out in panic to welcome him, with wives and daughters kneeling in rows? How could they ignore him like this? Zhong Siwen was completely puzzled and immediately frowned, turning his head and saying sternly, “Shop owner!”

“Gu… lu…”

Strange sounds? Zhong Siwen was full of shock and suspicion, immediately raising his face to see a person standing before him, mouth stuffed full of pastries, chewing voraciously – not at all like a shop owner. Zhong Siwen was startled and looked carefully, shocked to see this person thin as a stick yet with a protruding big belly – another hungry ghost had emerged!

Zhong Siwen was greatly alarmed, crying “Aya!” and quickly retreating. Suddenly stumbling underfoot, he immediately fell to the ground. Looking with wide eyes, he saw another big-bellied hungry ghost sprawling by his feet, grasping pastries and gnawing on the ground like a madman. Zhong Siwen was terrified and cried, “Someone! Someone!” Guards on both sides rushed to help him up while other generals also came running, all staring wide-eyed at the strange situation before them.

The situation was somewhat eerie – three hungry ghosts had appeared in succession on the street, but where had they slipped in from? Zhong Siwen was covered in cold sweat as he gave a look, and guards quickly stepped forward to shout at the tea stall, “Shop owner! Shop owner! Is anyone there?”

No one answered from the tea shop – the owner had mysteriously disappeared. That guard grabbed one of the hungry ghosts and demanded, “What’s your surname and name? Why did you come to Bazhou to beg? Where’s the shop owner? Where did he go?” After asking several questions, the beggar only stared vacantly, throat barely making sounds – apparently choked by pastries.

A general beside him was furious and delivered a heavy slap, shouting, “Still not talking?” The person choked and immediately coughed continuously, hands waving, face turning blue-purple. Zhong Siwen was shocked and gave a look – a guard fiercely punched down, striking the person’s back. The pastry was vomited out and the hungry ghost fell to the ground, body writhing continuously, but tears flowed from his eyes. A general kicked down heavily with his big foot, angrily saying, “Lowly people! Speak!”

After receiving kicks and trampling on his back, tears immediately gushed down. The hungry ghost crawled on all fours, gaze sorrowful, throat making mumbling calls. They heard him crying and complaining with tears, seeming to sing something. Zhong Siwen made a shushing sound and everyone quieted down, all listening intently. In an instant, they clearly heard in their ears…

“Morning rise to court, evening to bed… thieving officials and corrupt clerks steal silver grain…”

“Eat your mother, wear your mother… wealthy families take concubines, marry your mother…”

“From the northwest!” All generals were shocked and shouted in unison.

Those singing the “Nucang Ballad” were undoubtedly northwestern refugees. Everyone looked at each other, their hearts half cold.

The northwest drought was increasingly severe, farmland had no rain for years, hungry people and disaster victims wandered everywhere, constantly erupting in popular rebellion. Everyone heard the song’s sorrowful depression, seeming to pour out hatred to demon gods – this person was undoubtedly a disaster area refugee. But those lyrics were full of hatred, entirely expressing resentment and dissatisfaction toward the court. The more everyone listened, the angrier they became. One general raised his foot and viciously kicked the refugee, scolding, “Son of a bitch starving ghost! Kill one, one less!”

The hungry ghost received a heavy kick and immediately collapsed to the ground, tears on his face mixing with dust, unable to move anymore.

Zhong Siwen’s eyes turned slightly, remembering Lu Guzhan’s earlier persuasion, his heart filled with doubt. He immediately said sternly, “Someone! First take these refugees back to prison for interrogation. The rest prepare swords and follow this official to inspect the city gates!” Everyone roared and quickly followed the General.

Zhong Siwen took the lead, appearing imposing and majestic, but actually his heart was full of suspicion and shock, constantly calculating the situation.

Why had Lu Guzhan come alone to Bazhou for no good reason? This person was Nucang’s foremost scholar-general, a graceful gentleman who neither deceived nor cheated, and his brain wasn’t addled – what exactly was his scheme? Could it be… could it be…

The more Zhong Siwen thought, the more frightened he became, his steps increasingly urgent as he ran straight toward the city gate. Everyone clustered around the General as they went to look. Strange to say, they consistently saw no pedestrians on the road. Tomorrow would be New Year’s Eve, yet this great street had neither citizens nor soldiers. Though it was evening, it was as lonely and quiet as midnight. The generals were suspicious and restless, unable to contain themselves. Seeing a civilian residence by the roadside, they immediately kicked open the door and shouted, “Anyone there?”

There were people – inside sat a group of big-bellied hungry ghosts, vacantly watching the officers, mouths chewing food.

Hungry ghosts had invaded the city, looking like bizarre hell paintings. The generals’ faces were pale green, all in panic. One angrily said, “Where did this family go? Speak!” The big-bellied hungry ghosts concentrated on eating, no one replying. Zhong Siwen didn’t wait for more questions and immediately shouted, “Someone! Go mobilize all garrison troops for city-wide martial law!” Everyone heard the General’s orders and knew the matter had become serious, all rushing out. Zhong Siwen looked at the hungry ghosts in the house and panted, “Someone bring Lu Guzhan here – I want to personally interrogate him.”

Bazhou city guarded Beijing, located behind Tongguan Pass. Only because it was situated within the pass among mountain barriers, in these ten years it had never seen enemy attacks. Its military strength was neither large nor small – three garrison posts totaling 24,000 soldiers. If Qin Zhonghai really came charging over, what could be done? Zhong Siwen was greatly troubled and hurried toward the military camp, fearing other disasters.

Arriving at the military camp, they saw the camp gates wide open with not a single guard visible. Everyone became increasingly panicked. Bazhou had two city walls – outer third, inner fourth, totaling seven gates. If the first line troops of the outer city had disappeared, Bazhou was already in grave danger. Without waiting for orders, guards first drew swords and charged in, shouting sternly, “The General arrives! Officers here come to receive him!” Everyone rushed in afterward, hurriedly looking around. Though the guardhouse was dark, they saw heads moving about and everyone immediately breathed sighs of relief, patting their chests and laughing, “There are people.”

Munching sounds echoed from corners as countless big-bellied hungry ghosts sat on the ground, everyone holding military rations in piles here and there. Some cried sitting on the ground, some glared fiercely, all disheveled and yellow-skinned. Except for size differences, it was impossible to distinguish men from women, old from young. All generals and guards were greatly shocked, “My God!”

Could chaos be described with just the word “chaos”? Everyone screamed in terror while Zhong Siwen was speechless. This was the outer city guardhouse, but the soldiers seemed to have vanished without trace. Everyone remembered their families were housed in the city and all worried and feared. Zhong Siwen was first to come to his senses and shouted, “Deploy inner city troops to immediately take over the outer city! Close all four gates – east, west, south, north – strictly forbid citizens and merchants from entering or leaving!” He also instructed his guards, “Immediately find Instructor Zhao to have him come protect this official.”

As night fell, the last evening glow was swallowed by darkness. Zhong Siwen led everyone in frantic running while generals shouted loudly along the way. But the roads remained persistently quiet and empty – neither citizens nor soldiers were seen. The group became increasingly frightened as they walked, not knowing what had happened.

Zhong Siwen appeared calm but inwardly was like a churning sea. He had once guarded the western frontier, then served the new emperor, transferred to Bazhou. Whether under Jingtai or Zhengtong, he had always been relied upon by the court and never failed his trust. He pressed his palms together and silently prayed, “Merciful Buddha, Zhong Siwen has enjoyed smooth official fortune his entire life. Qin Baxian’s rebellion didn’t implicate me, Jiang Chong’s downfall didn’t drag me down. No matter what, I must safely pass this hurdle without incident.”

Walking on edge with worry, they finally reached the city wall with great difficulty, but everyone dared not step forward, only hiding behind the fortress and stealing glances. If by any chance they actually saw the city gates wide open with millions of enemy troops breaking into the city, they would have to flee with heads covered.

Dozens of eyes blinked and blinked, dozens of feet trembled and trembled, heads popping out from behind the fortress, constantly stealing glances. Suddenly there was an “oh” from this side and a “whew” from that side. At this sight, everyone said “Amitabha” and all breathed great sighs of relief.

The city gates were tightly closed – no enemy troops attacking the city, no ragged beggars gathering. That thousand-pound iron gate was firmly shut, with a thick wooden beam a foot in diameter still barred across the doors. Zhong Siwen frantically patted his chest and spat, “Scaring myself – don’t make yourself sick.”

He pondered slightly – the city gates before him were tightly closed with no external enemies, but the soldiers had disappeared without trace. There must be inside information. Just as he was speculating, he suddenly heard his staff officer say, “Report to the General – someone is cooking something!” Everyone made sounds of surprise and raised their heads to smell. Indeed, waves of wine and meat fragrance drifted over, especially flavorful in the cold wind. A general exclaimed in shock, “Everyone look quickly at the city wall!” Each person looked up and was shocked to see flickering firelight on the city wall with continuous singing – indeed someone was roasting meat and drinking wine there.

What audacious madman dared to frolic atop the city walls? They turned out to be court garrison soldiers. Everyone looked at each other and all began cursing. One general angrily said, “Good fellows! We said we couldn’t see a single person – turns out they all slipped away to drink! They truly deserve death!” With that, he was first to rush up the stone steps, apparently intending severe punishment.

Zhong Siwen smiled bitterly but didn’t break into curses. With the new year approaching and firecrackers heralding spring, the lower-ranked soldiers felt homesick and their spirits slackened, naturally seeking amusement. But amusement was one thing – they absolutely shouldn’t abandon their posts. They truly deserved beating.

Nothing serious – seeing the four gates safely closed and the city showing no abnormalities, everything was due to soldiers’ negligence causing these incidents. Pitifully, a series of strange events emerged, plus Lu Guzhan’s alarmist talk, nearly frightening Zhong Siwen into illness. Everyone immediately split into two groups – one went to deploy troops from the inner city, the other to inspect the city gates. Only Zhong Siwen was left sitting alone to catch his breath. Just as he was wiping cold sweat, he heard his guard report, “Reporting to Your Lordship, Instructor Zhao has arrived.”

A capable middle-aged man appeared beside the city walls – this was the martially skilled militia leader Zhao Rentong. This person worked for the tavern, daily watching the city’s generals. Zhong Siwen usually avoided him like the plague, but today’s situation was different. After all, with ghosts haunting the dark alleys so fiercely, having a secret agent secretly following him wasn’t necessarily bad. Seeing Zhao Rentong approach with concerned eyes, Zhong Siwen breathed a sigh of relief and asked, “Is the inner city still peaceful?”

Zhao Rentong nodded, “All is normal! General, don’t worry.” Zhong Siwen felt reassured and asked again, “What about Lu Guzhan? He didn’t escape, did he?” Zhao Rentong said quietly, “This person has been shackled and chained, already imprisoned in the great jail. I’ve notified ‘above’ to send someone tomorrow to escort him.” “Above” meant that great eagle. Zhong Siwen set his mind at ease and closed his eyes to rest, speaking no more. The guard behind him, seeing his fatigue, immediately crouched down to massage his shoulders and rub his legs. Instructor Zhao watched quietly and suddenly said, “Enough – this is your sister’s job. Now that you’ve done it for her, what will she do when the General returns home?”

The guard coughed softly while the General’s face reddened. Both siblings served under Zhong Siwen, and using their positional advantages, the refined and romantic superior had the sister in bed and the brother in the hall. He hadn’t expected these ugly affairs to all fall under Instructor Zhao’s eyes, likely already reaching the “Great Manager’s” ears.

With his ugly affairs exposed, Zhong Siwen’s face burned hot. Eager to change the subject, he casually asked, “Brother Zhao, has any military intelligence come down from Beijing?” Zhao Rentong shook his head, “None for now. During the great new year, no news is good news. The General needn’t worry excessively.”

Zhong Siwen laughed dryly, “Quite right, quite right. Let’s quickly go up the city wall.” He wiped his cold sweat and led the way up the steps. Just then, the singing on the city wall finally ceased, firelight dimmed, and continuous scolding could be heard – apparently they’d caught the negligent soldiers and the generals were lecturing them. Suddenly, several screams pierced the night sky – apparently someone had been executed. Zhong Siwen frowned and was about to shout to stop it when Instructor Zhao reached out to block him, shaking his head, “Military morale is scattered and discipline lax. A few negligent soldiers must be executed as a warning to others.”

Yes, those who deserved death absolutely couldn’t be spared, or it would be womanly kindness. Zhong Siwen smiled slightly and said nothing more.

Supported by guards, everyone climbed the steps together in single file toward the city wall. With great difficulty reaching the top, that guard first gave a loud shout: “The General arrives!”

Bazhou’s city walls were spacious enough for horses to gallop, usually with hundreds of soldiers stationed there. Now with the guard’s loud call, they expected the sounds of armor clanking and cold blades touching ground. But after waiting a long while, the city wall was pitch dark and quietly peaceful all around, with no human voices heard.

Strange – there were sounds just now, weren’t there? Where were the people? Zhong Siwen looked at the empty city wall, seeing piles of fire ashes everywhere but no subordinates. His heart filled with suspicion, he quickly gave a look and the guard raised his voice to shout again: “The General arrives! Where are the wall-defending officers!”

Cold wind whistled as they looked around in all directions. The great tower stood majestically, but for a very long time no one answered the question. Zhong Siwen, suddenly seeing this situation, felt alarm in his heart again. He grew increasingly agitated and personally shouted, “Anyone there? Anyone? Come out quickly – this general has great rewards!”

The city wall stretched for miles like a black dragon. Everyone ran and shouted on the wall, stirring up empty echoes. Zhong Siwen became more and more frightened and annoyed. Just as he was about to scream to vent his fear, he suddenly heard his guard cry with joy, “There’s someone! My lord, there’s someone over there!”

Greatly pleased, Zhong Siwen hurriedly looked and saw a man standing in the distance by the city ramparts. His head was full of silver-white hair, his back to everyone – apparently an old soldier. Zhong Siwen quickly ran forward shouting, “Old sir! Old sir!”

The elder was about ten-odd zhang away from everyone. Hearing the shouts, he didn’t turn to answer. They saw him with chin raised, shoulder leaning against the wall, arms crossed, seemingly gazing at the stars filling the sky. That guard cursed under his breath and also rushed over, breaking into angry scolding: “Little old man, are you deaf? The General is calling you!” Zhong Siwen coughed and quickly said, “Don’t be fierce with him – old people are mostly hard of hearing, it doesn’t matter.”

The guard suppressed his anger and ran first to behind that person, roaring again: “Old man!” The shout was piercing, coming from right behind – unless this person was completely deaf, he must be able to hear. Indeed, the old man moved his shoulders, apparently hearing the speech.

“Old man!” That guard shouted sternly again: “What happened here? Where did everyone go?”

The old man, hearing the shouts, still kept his back to everyone. He raised his finger and slowly pointed toward one direction. Everyone followed his pointing and saw a great drainage ditch extending down from the city, ending at a large pit.

A cesspit? Zhao Rentong and Zhong Siwen looked at each other, both full of confusion. They didn’t know what the old man meant by pointing at the cesspit and waterway. That guard angrily said, “Dead old man! Did two or three hundred people all go to the latrine to shit? What nonsense are you spouting?”

The old man, with his back to everyone, heard the other party’s continuous insults and suddenly straightened up proudly, sighing softly.

Only then did everyone realize this person was tall and large. Seeing his back to them, silver hair gleaming, broad shoulders – he was definitely no ordinary soldier. That guard drew his steel blade and shouted angrily, “Dead old man! Turn around!”

The old man neither turned nor answered. That guard, too angry to endure, immediately kicked out heavily toward the person’s left leg. With a crack, his body flew backward, head down and feet up, tumbling into the cesspit ditch and rolling all the way down to the cesspit below the city.

“Iron… iron… foot…” Zhao Rentong’s lips mumbled, apparently recognizing the silver-haired man’s identity. His throat was hoarse and he couldn’t speak the next word for a long time.

The silver-haired man, hearing the choking sobs, slowly turned his head to gaze at the two court officials before him, his expression silent.

Zhong Siwen looked at those eyes, his heart feeling strange – he couldn’t say what they resembled. This person’s gaze seemed lazily indifferent, yet when his eyes turned, it was as if seeing lightning-flashing tigers, faintly hiding fierce flames and firelight.

The person before them was neither a soldier nor an old man. He was… he was…

“Qin Zhonghai!” Zhao Rentong was struck dumb while Zhong Siwen choked. The two looked at each other and together let out piercing screams.

The two men took to their heels in flight, four legs spinning like wheels, running from the south gate toward the west gate. In the distance, drum sounds came intermittently, making people even more afraid. Just as they were crying and fleeing for their lives, they suddenly saw the sun-moon flag standing atop the west gate with large numbers of soldiers gathered beneath it. Everyone wore court uniforms and appeared to number in the thousands. Zhong Siwen, seeing his saviors, desperately waved his hands, “Someone come! Someone come!”

Under repeated calls, large numbers of foot soldiers turned in formation. In an instant, each one bowed toward the ground, kneeling on one knee, all paying respects to him. “Raise troops for a thousand days, use them for one moment” – these soldiers never liked bowing to anyone, yet with the great enemy present, they all knelt on the ground as if pretending to be dead. Zhong Siwen shouted loudly, “No need for ceremony! Rise! Rise! Quickly come protect this official!”

The General issued orders, but the soldiers remained solemn with no one moving. Zhong Siwen screamed, “Instructor Zhao! Instructor Zhao! Quickly call them over!” He shouted himself hoarse but didn’t hear the instructor speak for a long time. Turning to look, he was shocked to see Zhao Rentong had also collapsed to the ground. This Zhao Lion had usually been imposing and mighty, but now was like a short-legged tiger on all fours, his face full of terror.

A chill ran down his spine – something seemed to be coming from behind. Zhong Siwen’s legs trembled and shook, his body swaying back and forth. In his dazed stupor, he looked down and saw a shadow on the ground – it had one head, two arms, three blades, just like a heavenly general on the opera stage. The demon general’s shadow enveloped him from behind. Zhong Siwen’s heart stopped beating. He suddenly raised his palm and fiercely slapped his own face, laughing, “It doesn’t hurt! Haha, illusions are illusions, everything is illusion! Look, the city gates are shut tight – there are no enemies at all…”

Just as he was about to laugh heartily, he suddenly heard a sigh above his head, followed by a large hand placed on his skull. That palm was extraordinarily large – after grasping his entire head, the five fingers still extended to his eyeballs as if to inflict the torture of gouging out eyes. Zhong Siwen’s mind spun with dizziness. He actually didn’t cry or scream, only grinned crookedly and laughed with a hiss, “Who… who is it?”

“I’m called Gold-Slayer…” The Twin Heroes of Nucang had arrived. The benevolent and loving scholar-general Gu Zhan was locked away, but it brought the world’s most fierce tyrant, the ruthless general Shi Gang. A head like a great water vat leaned to his ear, sniffing at his body like a bear or tiger wanting to devour people. Fear reached its peak, and Zhong Siwen actually began deceiving himself, laughing, “Nonsense! You’re not Gold-Slayer! The gates are shut tight – how did you get in?”

The giant spirit god’s palm embraced the General’s shoulders. Hearing Shi Gang sigh and say softly, “Reporting to the General, I closed the city gates.” Zhong Siwen smiled bitterly, “You… you closed them?” Shi Gang blew a breath into his ear and said lightly, “Didn’t your mother teach you? The last person to come home should close the door behind him…”

At the moment of death, Zhong Siwen finally burst into loud wailing, screaming wildly, “Lies! Lies! Qin Zhonghai already went to Jiangnan to seize the blade – he wouldn’t come to Bazhou city! You’re all imposters! Fake! Illusions! Sorcery!” The massive body bent over, pressing down on Zhong Siwen’s head, turning his face around and saying gently, “Good boy, don’t make noise. Look at yourself, look and see our young master.”

Deep night without light, drums rumbling continuously. Someone beat war drums in the darkness – boom boom boom boom boom boom, accompanied by heavy trampling sounds from below. Ten thousand troops had prostrated themselves on the ground, quietly awaiting the arrival of the dark lord.

He came. Iron feet treading the ground, each step heavy, someone walking up the city tower. He removed his armor and casually threw it to soldiers, revealing his body covered in fierce tattoos. That soaring ambition slowly rose, following its master into the tower. In a moment, the drums ceased. The newcomer faced toward Beijing, raised that iron foot high and heavily stamped down, crushing and exploding the tower’s protective railings.

Zhong Siwen’s teeth chattered and trembled. He knelt on the ground looking at that wrathful iron foot, following the ankle upward to see a thick, sturdy thigh in his eyes. Looking further up, he saw a palm covered with fire patterns. Looking even higher up… he saw lips bearing slight melancholy, tiger eyes full of desolation, and that head of thick gray hair mixed with black and white.

“Look.” Shi Gang smiled and whispered in his ear, “Look at his appearance – does he still need to seize any blade?”

In former years, the Fierce Greedy Blade – attack and defense needed no second blade. Today, Qin Zhonghai kills people – why need any blade at all?

The earth was dark and heavy, all things under heaven in complete silence. The gray man proudly straddled the city tower with one foot, bending to gaze sternly westward. Suddenly he picked up a torch – the roaring flames seemed to carry boundless rage, illuminating the world.

In the complete quiet, the gray man held the torch high, his voice deep and sorrowful as he called out: “Sinners!”

Sinners… sinners… countless echoes came from the west. The gray man raised fire toward heaven, crying out in sorrowful rage: “Sinners who suffer heaven’s punishment with me! Though gods and Buddhas abandon us, I do not abandon all living beings!” The torch was thrown from the city wall, whooshing over several hundred zhang toward the dark, boundless northwestern earth.

The torch fell into hell and instantly disappeared and died. Zhong Siwen muttered to himself, “What… what does he want to do?”

As if answering Zhong Siwen’s question, where the torch fell appeared small sparks – dim light trembling weakly, just about to die when another spark ignited. In a moment, one spread to ten, ten to a hundred, hundred to a thousand. The demon fire, using that torch as center, spread in four directions to invade the earth. The firelight came faster and faster, closer and closer, finally igniting a vast sea of fire below Bazhou city.

Not one, not two, but a surging human tide like the ocean! Those countless hungry people grasped grass stems, bowed their heads and wept, only protecting the faint light in their hearts. Raging fire surrounded Bazhou, filling every corner of their vision. Zhong Siwen also screamed loudly.

“Sinners of the world who suffer hardship and difficulty!” The Wrath character flag rose to the sky as if demonstrating against all the gods and Buddhas. They heard Shi Gang shout loudly, “Gods and Buddhas won’t give us roads – we’ll break our own roads! The Grand Preceptor won’t give us food – we’ll eat by ourselves!” The Wrath character waved across the sky, summoning the world’s sinners. Ten years of drought devastation left disaster victims without food grain, kneeling and crying in response to their savior lord: “Heaven won’t let us live! We’ll live by ourselves!”

“Brothers and sisters! Kill!” Banners flew as the order was given. Countless hungry ghosts rushed toward the city gates, each one pounding forcefully and screaming, “Hungry belly! Hungry belly! Let us into the city! Let us into the city!”

A single spark can start a prairie fire, much less with a million hungry ghosts gathered here? Countless poor farmers moaned and cried. Though each voice was weak, those humble tears drop by drop gathered into streams, finally merging into a thunderous roar of injustice that could awaken the great Buddha nation.

Recalling Lu Guzhan’s persuasion, Zhong Siwen’s heart filled with regret, his backbone completely gone. He embraced Shi Gang’s legs and cried, “No! No! Don’t let them in! They eat more than wild dogs!”

Where locusts pass, fierce tigers and wolf packs retreat. Hungry ghosts have no land to cultivate, no rice to eat, so they can only boil grass for rice and pick stems for vegetables. When they’ve eaten until not a blade of grass grows, first they eat passing merchants, then neighboring families, finally exchanging children to eat. Now coming to Bazhou city, what would be the outcome? Thinking of his family still in the city, Zhong Siwen regretted too late and wept uncontrollably.

Hearing the other party use the term “wild dogs,” Shi Gang couldn’t help sighing, “General, don’t look down on them. They just have big bellies – how could their appetite compare to yours?” Hearing these words, Zhong Siwen was only stunned and confused. Shi Gang’s big hand reached out to forcefully pat his refined face, shaking his head, “To let you eat well and drink well, give you eight or ten wives to peacefully lay eggs, we’d use up at least ten mu of good farmland a year, slaughter a thousand chickens and ducks, and for the three festivals’ supplementary feasts, we’d have to butcher a hundred cattle and sheep…”

“Amitabha…” The fierce face lowered to show rare compassion, pressing palms together, “Kill you and your whole family, Zhong Siwen – chickens and ducks won’t become fish and meat, and the livestock will be grateful to me.”

Death wasn’t terrible – dying with not even bones remaining, becoming cesspit manure, that was the most heart-chilling thing. Zhong Siwen crawled on the ground screaming, “No! No! I don’t want to be eaten!” Hearing Zhong Siwen’s continuous wailing, Shi Gang didn’t open the city gates either, laughing, “Alright, just scaring you. Look how frightened you are.” Zhong Siwen was overjoyed and about to express gratitude when he saw Shi Gang bend down with a smile, saying, “Come, quickly write a letter for the disaster victims, asking Baoding’s troops to open the passes and let them find their own food.”

Once Baoding passes opened, the road’s end would be Beijing. Then a ghost sea would flood good farmland, and Zhili province would also become purgatory? Zhong Siwen dared not imagine the consequences and screamed, “No! Don’t send the disaster victims into Beijing! They’ll eat people!”

“This won’t work, that won’t work either…” Just as he was crying, his chest clothing tightened and his feet suddenly left the ground. A tiger face slowly approached before his eyes, saying grimly, “What do you want these people to do?”

Fierce tigers have a “king” character on their foreheads, but this person had a blood-red “sin” character on his forehead. With Zhong Siwen’s feet off the ground and chest compressed, his throat immediately had more air going out than in – he would suffocate at any moment.

“Send word to Yang Suguan.” Demon eyes blazed with fierce fire: “The Buddha nation cannot only have heavenly maidens scattering flowers.”

The great Buddha nation that won’t accept big-bellied hungry ghosts will see this old man’s great compassion…

A hundred times greater than patricide and matricide…

Great compassion…

Bang! The demon claws released and Zhong Siwen tumbled to the ground, unable to help bursting into loud weeping.

The great victory at Xiangyang brought the great calamity of Bazhou. Using Nucang’s three thousand fierce warriors to feint east and strike west, a million hungry ghosts were about to divide and approach Beijing. Though Beijing was prosperous and wealthy, how could it withstand countless locusts? Northwestern disasters were about to spread. Zhong Siwen’s heart screamed madly, “Grand Preceptor! Grand Preceptor! The Demon King has come – quickly come save us!”