Chapter 1: Great Enemy at the Gates

After the summer afternoon rain, the sky cleared to azure blue, the earth fragrant with moisture, the ground still damp and soft.

The blue sky stretched like an ocean, bright as a mirror. Looking at this boundless clear sky, it seemed as if it had been thoroughly washed by the rain, with cool breezes blowing gently, refreshing and pleasant. Such fine weather was perfect for mountain excursions and sightseeing, or simply resting briefly under the eaves would be a delightful affair.

Of course, they’d have to drive away this annoying fellow first.

The disciples frowned as they stared at the strange man in the courtyard. He was a bearded fellow, slouched back in his chair, half-lying and half-sitting, his eyes wandering aimlessly, his toes swaying and trembling, his entire face displaying a shameless, rogue-like expression.

This wasn’t just any bearded man—this was a damned irritating bearded man.

It was absurd to tell. Earlier, this strange fellow had swaggered into the manor, planted his backside in the instructor’s chair at the training ground, and brazenly sat down. Several people went to drive him away, but the fellow just half-closed his peculiar eyes, neither speaking nor acknowledging others, as if Tianjiang Manor were some tea house for cooling off, and he’d simply come in to rest his tired legs.

This strange man’s arrogant appearance was displeasing to anyone who saw him. The disciples didn’t know how to deal with this scoundrel, so they had no choice but to request the tenth martial uncle, who was on duty guarding the manor today, to come forward.

“Uncle Tiancheng.”

Gao Tiancheng nodded and gestured for the disciples to step back. He steadied his mind and carefully observed the newcomer.

The strange man before him sported a full beard, disheveled and filthy, his chest garments open, revealing a chest covered in black hair. Give this fellow a ten-foot serpent spear, and he’d be the very image of the fierce Zhang Fei from paintings.

Gao Tiancheng coughed once and said coldly, “Friend, do you know what place this is?”

The strange man reached up to scratch his cheek, twisted his mouth and nose, and shook his feet, displaying an attitude that showed he didn’t take Gao Tiancheng seriously at all, naturally not listening to his words either.

“Bastard!” The disciples on both sides flew into a rage and stepped forward cursing, but Gao Tiancheng raised his hand to stop them. Tianjiang Manor wasn’t just a martial arts family—it was also a local prestigious clan enfeoffed by the imperial court. Without first investigating the opponent’s background, no one should act rashly.

“Friend, do you know what place this is?”

Gao Tiancheng patiently asked the question again. Whether the other party was feigning deafness or had lost his mind, he still didn’t respond. No matter how good Gao Tiancheng’s temper was, his anger was kindled. He darkened his expression and said sternly, “This friend, let me make it clear—this is the main headquarters of the Twelve Heavenly Generals of Huaixi Tianjiang Manor. You’ve now trespassed into our manor without permission. We’ve tried to persuade you, but you won’t listen. Don’t blame us if we resort to violence!”

When the five words “Huaixi Tianjiang Manor” were spoken, the strange man’s expression changed slightly, and he coughed in his throat as if about to speak. The disciples secretly rejoiced—Tianjiang Manor’s reputation spread far and wide, and indeed, just mentioning their name could frighten away petty villains. Seeing the opponent yielding, Gao Tiancheng also smiled slightly and nodded, “Since you understand the situation, we won’t make things difficult for you. Please stand up and speak…”

Before the word “speak” was finished, a gob of phlegm flew toward his face. Gao Tiancheng was startled and quickly used the Iron Plank Bridge technique to dodge. The word “speak” at his lips suddenly became “wah,” nearly swallowing the spit.

Gao Tiancheng was greatly enraged. This newcomer was so arrogant—what need was there for more words? This concerned his dignity. This strange man was deliberately provoking them. Today, it could only be resolved with sharp blades—let him enter upright and leave as a corpse. Whoever dared provoke the Twelve Heavenly Generals would meet with disaster. This was the rule of the Gao family’s Tianjiang Manor.

Gao Tiancheng roared, his right foot stamped the ground, and using the recoil force, his body sprang into mid-air. His left foot flashed out like lightning, aimed directly at the strange man’s chest. Once his opponent left the chair to dodge, he’d quickly execute a mid-air spin, changing left to right, performing the “Flying Swallow Scissors” to kick this damned unwelcome guest to death.

“Whoosh!” A light sound cut through the air.

A hidden weapon?

Gao Tiancheng’s face turned pale. He twisted his body and hurriedly landed, his proud technique “Autumn Swallow Scissors” never executed, instead being outmaneuvered by his opponent. He forced himself to remain calm and was about to speak when he suddenly saw several long strands hanging in front of his eyes, fluttering in the wind.

Gao Tiancheng’s heart went cold. He didn’t dare move his body, only rolling his eyes upward to look at his own head.

A bright white snow pheasant feather was fixed in his topknot—it was a white-feathered arrow.

The arrowhead gleamed, the fletching trembled in the wind, swaying incessantly on his head. Gao Tiancheng drew in a sharp breath. What superb archery skills the enemy possessed! Earlier, when he’d executed his ultimate technique “Autumn Swallow Scissors,” his body had spun rapidly with considerable momentum, yet this cold arrow had managed to penetrate his topknot head-on. It seemed the enemy possessed not only amazing accuracy but also exquisite timing.

Those who came with ill intent would not be kind; those who came with kindness would not be ill-intentioned. This strange man’s fearless attitude showed he’d indeed come prepared. Gao Tiancheng waved his hand, signaling the disciples to retreat under the eaves to avoid being struck by cold arrows.

Now only he remained alone in the field, with the enemy able to shoot arrows at any time—the situation was greatly unfavorable.

Although at a disadvantage, Gao Tiancheng didn’t panic. He was a veteran general accustomed to battle, not someone who hadn’t seen great scenes. He calmed his mind and gazed into the distance, studying the lush green bamboo grove in front of the manor.

This bamboo grove was quite dense, personally planted by the sect master twenty years ago. After many years of propagation, the bamboo leaves were verdant green. When wind passed through the bamboo tops, cicadas chirped, their mating calls rising and falling in succession, dispelling all irritation in the summer heat.

In normal times, this grove made people linger with reluctance, but at this crucial moment, the bamboo forest had become a deadly battlefield.

Gao Tiancheng understood that intense killing intent lurked within the bamboo grove—the enemy archer was peering at him from deep within the forest…

A sharp shout rang out. Gao Tiancheng lightly tapped both feet and immediately floated backward three feet. If he could retreat under the eaves and escape the enemy’s cold arrow control, with his side’s numerical advantage, they could surely capture this gang of unwelcome guests in one net.

Just as he was about to retreat from the field, several whooshing sounds rang out in succession. Bright flashes came one after another, and in the blink of an eye, a batch of arrowheads had reached his eyes! These arrows seemed to emerge from thin air, their momentum incredibly swift. Gao Tiancheng didn’t know how to dodge and could only concentrate his energy and remain motionless in his panic.

Four explosive sounds erupted around his feet, almost simultaneous with no discernible sequence. Gao Tiancheng broke out in cold sweat and looked down at his surroundings, seeing four flying arrows piercing the earth and standing upright, precisely shot beside his feet. He saw one each directly in front, directly behind, and to his left and right sides—four arrows as if measured beforehand with an ink line, each exactly three inches from his body, surrounding him in the center.

In an instant, his body had been encircled by an arrow net!

Gao Tiancheng understood—the archer had no intention of killing him, but if he dared move again, the next arrow would pierce through his chest.

Gao Tiancheng was both shocked and angry. He stared at the bearded man and said in a trembling voice, “You… what exactly do you want?” He, a dignified Heavenly General, was suffering such humiliation at his own doorstep. In his rage, his body began trembling involuntarily.

The strange man opened his eyes wide. With a loud crack, the bamboo chair had shattered to pieces. He slowly stood up, extended his index finger, and pointed toward the screen wall inside the hall. The disciples were both surprised and puzzled, hurriedly turning to look.

In the afternoon sunlight, two brilliant lights flashed in the hall like suspended bright mirrors. Gao Tiancheng was stunned: “You want the Mother-Son Yin-Yang Blades?”

The strange man nodded, clasped his hands together, his knuckles cracking. For the first time since entering the grounds, he opened his mouth, but his harsh ultimatum only inflamed everyone’s anger.

“Let’s have a fight to the death, or obediently hand over the items. You people…” The strange man surveyed everyone and shrugged. “There’s no third choice.”

Never seen anything so arrogant…

Since entering the martial world, no one had ever spoken like this at Tianjiang Manor. Gao Tiancheng clenched his fists, veins bulging at his temples, anger making his eyeballs protrude, his face flushed red with purple. “You… you little…” His voice was chopped by anger into fragments. “In front of the Huaixi Heavenly Generals, you… you dare be so arrogant?”

The man stroked the beard on his cheeks, his eyelids slowly closing. He didn’t need to speak—his closed eyelids had already said a thousand words for him. Looking at the scoundrel before him, Gao Tiancheng said nothing more. When it wasn’t time to speak, then keep quiet.

Gao Tiancheng understood that he was now alone in the field, exposed under the enemy assassin’s arrow net, effectively a hostage. No matter how many experts Tianjiang Manor had, they couldn’t surround and attack this strange man.

Gao Tiancheng gritted his teeth. This situation wasn’t unsolvable. The enemy had archers, but Tianjiang Manor’s reputation dominated Huaixi—were they lacking in shadowy assassins?

Wind blew through the bamboo grove, rustling sounds came from within. Gao Tiancheng’s expression darkened as he silently prayed: “Third Brother, I’m counting on you.”

Click…

The bowstring was drawn taut, the stone pellet fully nocked, waiting only to fly through the air.

The Twelve Heavenly Generals weren’t just for show. “The Four Great Families of Fuyuan, Huaixi’s Gao Heavenly Generals”—in the fourteenth year of Jingtai, Tianjiang Manor accompanied the army on a distant campaign to Nucang, fighting bloody battles alongside Hebei’s Zhu Iron Spear, Lingnan’s Zhao Awakening Lion, and Shandong’s Song Divine Blade. The four great families sacrificed countless lives, finally earning their wealth and honor. The Gao family ancestors were enfeoffed as Marquis Within the Pass, thereafter retiring from active service and no longer concerning themselves with martial world affairs. Who would have thought that when the tiger fell to the plains, today mad dogs would come biting at their door.

“Divine Pellet” Gao Tianye held his breath, crouched in the forest, waiting for the moment when his full-drawn sling would eliminate the enemy archer.

Earlier, when disciples came in panic to report that experts had entered the manor to cause trouble, it finally alarmed this “Divine Pellet.” The Twelve Heavenly Generals each had their specialties—Gao Tianye, ranked third, lived up to his nickname as Tianjiang Manor’s greatest expert in hidden weapons. Since the intruder used hidden arrows, it was time for “Divine Pellet” to act.

In shadowy dealings and cruel tricks, assassin work, he was the expert in the martial world.

With a great enemy at hand, Gao Tianye’s eyes drifted to both sides. Hidden on the left side of the bamboo grove was his ninth junior brother “Sky-Striking Dart” Gao Tianyu, on the right crouched his twelfth junior brother “Fire Caltrop” Gao Tianmang. The clan brothers occupied the eastern, northern, and western corners—three men joining forces against the enemy, their advantage sharper than any blade. No matter how skilled the enemy’s techniques, they would overwhelm him in one strike.

“Divine Pellet” looked back at the training ground. The situation in the field remained unchanged, with Gao Tiancheng still standing motionless. Seeing his calm composure, he knew great reinforcement had arrived—after years of tacit understanding between the brothers, this was certain.

In the heavy atmosphere of killing intent, neither the strange man nor Gao Tiancheng spoke. Both just stood in deadlock, while here “Divine Pellet” and his brothers, three against one, also faced off with the assassin.

The stalemate was set—no one could act rashly. Gao Tiancheng was within shooting range and could be struck by a cold arrow at any time, but when the mantis catches the cicada, the oriole waits behind. If the enemy shot rashly, he would surely expose his position, and then Gao Tianye would release his pellet to settle accounts cleanly. With the situation so perilous, panic was useless—they could only see who would make the first move.

For a long, long time, neither side moved.

If others could maintain patience, “Divine Pellet,” being highly experienced, wouldn’t be at a loss either. Since the opponent showed no movement, he would see if he could gain insight and find the enemy’s hiding place first. Gao Tianye steadied his mind and looked back at the field, studying the four flying arrows beside his junior brother’s feet.

The direction the arrow tails pointed would indicate where the enemy was hiding. Gao Tianye focused intently, wanting to locate the assassin’s ambush site.

Well done… Gao Tianye silently praised. These four long arrows had encircled his junior brother perfectly in the center, with the four arrow tails pointing precisely toward east, west, south, and north, as if shot from four different positions. The intruder had concealed the shooting paths—such archery was indeed extraordinary.

Archery like a god’s, constantly innovative—this was the long-lost “Spring Algae Arrow” technique.

“Heh heh, impressive is impressive, but too contrived.” Gao Tianye smiled coldly. To conceal his hiding place, the assassin had made the arrow tails point toward the four cardinal directions—east was due east, west was due west, south was due south… Though the accuracy was precise and the archery superb, unfortunately it was overdone. If the arrow heads had been slightly off, or the tails skewed by a fraction, this artifice had instead revealed clues to Gao Tianye.

Measuring by terrain, in the bamboo grove, the only place capable of such superior archery was the tallest green bamboo—nowhere else would do…

In martial world combat, victory doesn’t necessarily go to the most skilled. As they say, “battle of wits and strength”—this “wit” comes before strength. It seemed the enemy assassin must be young, too fond of showing off his archery, instead revealing his position through his divine skill. “Divine Pellet” smiled at the corner of his mouth, his eyes like an eagle’s sweeping through the depths of the forest, carefully searching for traces.

Suddenly, a corner of clothing showed through the dense bamboo grove—indeed it was on that tallest green bamboo. Gao Tianye smiled coldly and aimed his sling at it.

Six steel pellets nestled between his fingers, his middle and index fingers loosely gripping, his shoulders using no force, the steel pellets brought to eye level. Once the corner of clothing aligned with the pellets, his divine technique “Six Consecutive Pellets” would prove Gao Tianye’s reputation as a divine shot.

Just then, a faint sound came from three zhang to his left—someone struck first. A red light soared skyward, an object flying straight toward the assassin’s hiding place.

Gao Tianye silently applauded. The incoming object was fire-red—that was Gao Tianmang’s “Fire Caltrop.” He too had spotted the enemy’s location.

The red object soared, “Fire Caltrop’s” momentum fierce, rushing into the enemy’s hiding place. In the blink of an eye, it cut through bamboo and severed branches. Amid the collapsing bamboo grove, “Fire Caltrop” continued flying forward without falling.

Tianjiang Manor passed down twelve unique techniques, the so-called “nine open, three hidden”—”Steel Pellet,” “Fire Caltrop,” and “Sky-Striking Dart” were precisely the three great assassination techniques of the Twelve Heavenly Generals. In terms of force, the twelfth junior brother’s “Fire Caltrop” had always been first. Gao Tianye smiled and nodded, knowing his junior brother’s martial arts had improved further.

He closed his eyes and relaxed. Since his junior brother had succeeded, he could rest for a moment. He loosened his sling and was about to leap down to examine the enemy’s corpse.

Just as he was about to leave the bamboo grove, suddenly a scream reached his ears. Gao Tianye’s heart trembled, and he immediately froze.

Something wasn’t right. “Fire Caltrop” had struck some time ago—why was there still a scream? He calmed himself and listened to the surrounding sounds. Suddenly, cold sweat dripped from his forehead, and his breathing involuntarily quickened.

A killing aura still permeated the forest—this aura was intense, cold, and urgently pressing.

Hidden weapons differed from fists and feet. Fists and feet relied on heavy hands, great strength, and quick adaptation, while hidden weapons required loose wrists, relaxed shoulders, and a mind calm as water. Because assassinating enemies was conducted entirely from a distance, sometimes killing someone without even knowing the opponent’s appearance or the extent of their injuries, precisely because of this, life-and-death instinct was far more important than mental reaction.

Gao Tianye secretly felt foreboding. He didn’t dare move his neck, fearing the sound of his cervical vertebrae would expose his position. He shifted his eyes to look down with peripheral vision.

Indeed… Gao Tianye’s eyes blurred with tears, deeply blaming himself… The one seriously injured and fallen wasn’t some unfamiliar enemy, but his own junior brother “Fire Caltrop” Gao Tianmang…

Gao Tianye was both pained and shocked, gritting his teeth, knowing he’d been tricked.

The corner of clothing shown earlier was merely the enemy’s ploy, intended only to draw out their forces. Poor Gao Tianmang, with keen eyes and quick hands, had instead been the first to fall to an arrow. He could only hate himself for being the third senior brother yet failing to warn in advance, instead letting his junior brother fall victim to treachery. Their side had lost a major general, yet he hadn’t even seen the enemy’s shadow.

Gao Tianye wrinkled his nose ridge, showing angry lines. Every time he was about to kill someone, this was his expression. He drew his sling to full extension again, pupils fixed on the center of the bamboo grove. The enemy might not know there were three men in ambush—as long as this despicable assassin showed himself and came down to check on Gao Tianmang’s wounds, his consecutive six pellets would immediately be released, and the enemy would surely die with no burial place.

“Heh…”

Indeed someone flew out. Gao Tianye’s eyes flashed, his fingers about to release. Just as the steel pellets were about to shoot forth, in that instant his heart was shocked, and his fingers tightened again.

The newcomer wore a blue shirt—that was his ninth junior brother “Sky-Striking Dart” Gao Tianyu. Seeing his joyful expression, he still didn’t know “Fire Caltrop” had fallen and wanted to go examine the enemy’s corpse.

Gao Tianyu was young and inexperienced, exposing his position. If the enemy sent a cold arrow, he would lose his life instantly.

Should he shout to stop him? Gao Tianye hesitated. If he called out to his junior brother now, the sound would expose his position, and he would surely be struck first. Once he fell, his junior brother’s shallow skills would be unable to avenge him, and Tianjiang Manor might suffer complete defeat.

“Tianyu, Third Brother is sorry—you’ll have to serve as bait…” Gao Tianye drew his sling to full extension. If Gao Tianyu was struck and fell, he would see the enemy’s location and avenge his junior brothers with his own hands.

Bird calls and insect chirps filled the bamboo grove, afternoon breezes blew gently. Suddenly the sound of something cutting through air—an arrow had been shot, and Gao Tianyu was doomed!

Gao Tianye gritted his teeth and glared toward where the sound came from. The breaking air sound originated from the northwest of the bamboo grove, about sixteen zhang away. “Divine Pellet” looked intently and indeed saw a human figure attached high in the bamboo grove.

The bamboo leaves were too dense for ordinary eyes to discern, but what level of skill did “Divine Pellet” possess? A mere sixteen zhang distance—how could it stump him? His finger slightly loosened, six steel pellets shot out consecutively, all flying into the bamboo grove. The center one shattered bamboo stalks, the second aimed at the enemy’s body, the remaining four targeted up, down, left, and right. Six pellets in succession—no matter how the enemy dodged, he absolutely couldn’t block this ultimate technique.

“Dog thief, you got off easy…” Only by relying on his ninth junior brother’s life sacrifice had “Divine Pellet” achieved this strike. Gao Tianye sighed softly, tears glistening as memories of brotherly support through the years floated before his eyes.

Gao Tianye shook his head and looked down at his two junior brothers’ corpses. Instantly he couldn’t help but freeze—he saw “Sky-Striking Dart” perfectly fine, crouched on the ground, holding junior brother Gao Tianmang in his arms, bandaging his wounds.

Gao Tianye was utterly confused, completely bewildered: “What… what’s going on?”

Suddenly the sound of a bowstring—someone behind him had drawn a full bow, the sound only one zhang away. Gao Tianye was shocked and looked sideways behind him, seeing a man with a slight smile, bow raised and aimed at his back.

Shameful, shameful—tricked again… Gao Tianye was so angry his seven orifices produced smoke. He simply turned around to face his formidable enemy.

The assassin before him looked quite proper, clean and fair, smiling as he watched him. Gao Tianye was very unsatisfied with his defeat, not knowing how the enemy had discovered him. His gaze stared directly at the enemy as if wanting to spew fire.

Seeing his hateful gaze, the assassin immediately smiled, tilting his mouth corner to indicate Gao Tianye should look at his waist.

Gao Tianye’s heart trembled as he quickly looked. A rope came into view—extremely fine and flexible, colored deep green, similar to bamboo leaves. No wonder he hadn’t noticed it.

Gao Tianye was secretly alarmed. Following the line to its end, it was attached to a light bow, exactly sixteen zhang away.

No wonder his ninth junior brother was unharmed. The enemy was hidden far away but used rope to pull the bowstring—this arrow had no accuracy, so Gao Tianyu was naturally uninjured. Only pitiful himself—all the enemy’s arrangements were designed to draw out “Divine Pellet’s” attack. Once the strongest assassin fell, “Sky-Striking Dart” and “Fire Caltrop,” with their shallow skills, would naturally be easily captured.

Gao Tianye squeezed out a bitter smile at the corner of his mouth. Instantly he flipped backward, somersaulting and leaping downward.

A sharp pain in his shoulder—an arrow shot into his shoulder. Gao Tianye roared wildly in warning, his voice like mercury spilling on the ground, instantly shocking the entire manor.

No choice but to alarm the sect master. Only the top Heavenly General could stop this gang of unwelcome guests…

Gao Tianye’s anguished scream brought the top expert rushing out. When he stepped forward, his shoulders remained steady, law weapons held in each hand—this man truly lived up to being the top expert. His mere appearance caused the Twelve Heavenly Generals to line up in formation, displaying extraordinary bearing.

Tianjiang Manor occupied vast grounds with continuous farmland stretching ten li. Having all Twelve Heavenly Generals gather at the training ground was an unprecedented event since the fourteenth year of Jingtai.

This top Heavenly General was a white-haired old man, barely five feet tall, appearing small and comical, yet when his gaze briefly swept over, people knew he was not to be trifled with.

Everyone in the field fell silent—only the strange man still maintained his lazy, indifferent attitude.

The white old man studied him for a few moments and said coldly, “Son of ‘Mad Blade’ Chang Fei?”

Since entering the manor, no matter who came to question him, the strange man had been completely slack and dismissive from beginning to end. Yet now, hearing the white old man’s words, his eyes immediately widened: “You… you know my father?” In his shock, he had actually stood up.

Before both sides had even fought, the opponent’s casual remark made the strange man rise—the relative strength of both sides was already clear.

Hearing the question, the white old man merely tilted his neck and smiled. This expression revealed his extraordinary background—the strange man before him was worlds apart from him, from martial skills to bearing, the difference between a heavenly king and a gate guard.

The white old man exhaled turbid air through his nose and said coldly, “Boy, if you don’t want to follow your father’s old path, then crawl out of my manor.”

There was no contempt in this—it was advice. The strange man stood stunned for a long moment, then suddenly rolled his eyes and roared angrily. Just then, the assassin in the depths of the bamboo grove struck first—whooshing sounds came from mid-air, the sound of breaking wind urgent, hidden arrows already released.

The white old man flipped and leaped into mid-air, drawing an arc in flight. His shoe soles swept in an arc, kicking down four flying arrows shot from mid-air. This was precisely the “Autumn Swallow Scissors” technique—earlier, when Gao Tiancheng had tried to execute it, a long arrow pierced through his topknot, making him lose face. Yet the same technique used under this man’s feet created such an amazing spectacle.

Gao Tianwei extended his hand and caught the four long arrows, sneering, “After a few years away from the martial world, even house cats can pose as fierce tigers! ‘Nine Lives Madman’ Chang Xuehen, ‘Fire-Eyed Swift Lion’ Jie Tao—you two worthless brats dare run wild at Tianjiang Manor?”

With a sharp shout, the four long arrows flew back out, aimed straight at the strange man’s chest. The arrow fletching hummed as they flew with incredible speed—compared to arrows shot from a great bow, they were no less powerful. With both sides so close, the strange man’s life hung in the balance.

A figure flashed into the field. Suddenly the strange man’s collar tightened, and his body abruptly shifted three feet sideways. The arrows brushed past him—truly dangerous to the extreme.

Everyone in the field, seeing the strange man escape death, felt uncertain and suspicious. Looking closely, they saw a large man gripping Chang Xuehen’s collar—he had acted to save him in that instant. This man’s speed was incredible: entering the field, grabbing the collar, and rescuing the person—three moves combined into one, steady and experienced as if rehearsed countless times beforehand.

Seeing this display of hard skill, Gao Tianwei knew this person’s background was significant. He raised his voice and shouted, “Who comes here?”

The large man formed a crane’s beak with his left hand and snake shape with his right, sweeping from left to right, saying sternly, “Former Imperial Guard weapon instructor Hao Zhenxiang, specially come to experience Tianjiang Manor’s superior techniques.”

Gao Tianwei drew a deep breath and said, “Hunan’s ‘Snake and Crane Dual Movement’?” The large man stepped his right foot forward heavily—boom! Dust filled the sky and sand scattered everywhere. This stomp was apparently his answer.

Gao Tianwei chuckled coldly, removed his outer robe, and slowly stepped into the field. As evening approached, the two great experts stared at each other, both waiting to make their moves.

Just then, horse neighing came from the far distance. Gao Tianwei’s heart trembled, knowing others were spying nearby. He raised his head to gaze far off—in the dim twilight, he saw fire flickering faintly beyond the bamboo grove, as if thousands of troops lay in ambush. Wind stirred the bamboo leaves, revealing a figure—one person sitting alone on horseback, his face dignified, holding a riding whip, looking in their direction.

“Jiangdong Sail Shadow”… These four words surfaced in his mind. Gao Tianwei’s small body trembled, and he couldn’t help stepping back, his expression turning extremely grim.

The Heavenly Generals on both sides hurriedly stepped forward to support him, asking in low voices, “Sect Master, shall we fight to the death?”

With enemy forces at the gates, Tianjiang Manor was isolated and outnumbered, unable to contend with them. Gao Tianwei stared at the enemy forces in the twilight and said, “Present the Mother-Son Yin-Yang Blades.” Hearing this suddenly, all the generals were shocked and said in panic, “Absolutely not! The previous sect master went through countless hardships to seize this treasure that guards our manor—how can we casually give it to others?”

Gao Tianwei narrowed his eyes and said indifferently, “How these things came is how they should go. The Mother-Son Yin-Yang Blades are stained with rebel blood—keeping such things one more day brings one more day of calamity. Say no more—return the twin blades to them.”

The disciples dared not argue further and hurried back to the manor. Soon they brought out the twin blades.

In this battle, the Twin Dragons fought the Heavenly Generals, and the Jiangdong heroes achieved victory without bloodshed, further displaying the extraordinary momentum of a noble army. In the vast twilight, the enemy forces had already departed. The man on horseback was like a silent divine statue—motionless as a mountain yet inspiring tremendous awe…

Gao Tianwei crossed his arms and stood grimly silent, quietly watching the enemy forces depart westward.

In the sixth month, under the northern sky, the grassland stretched boundless as the sea. The Great Wall extended endlessly, with banners fluttering before the pass gates. This was the front-line defense of China’s garrison in Liaodong, the so-called “First Pass Under Heaven”—Shanhai Pass.

Since Liu Jing’s treason, Marquis Shanmu Liu Angtian had left the capital twice to inspect border defenses. Following court precedent, the emperor sent Left Imperial Censor Lord He to accompany him to the frontier as military supervisor.

When news spread, all generals of the Liu faction came to Shanhai Pass to pay respects. Horses lined up in formation—Liu Angtian was surrounded by dignitaries: Jianzhou Regional Military Commissioner Zuo Congyi, Lieutenant General Shi Ping, Vanguard General Huang Ying, and over ten other officers attended him, showing grand momentum.

With the Grand Commander personally inspecting, the veteran Liu faction generals were naturally invigorated and performed vigorously. Before the command platform, armies formed groups—the left as blue forces, the right as white forces. Both armies were strong with excellent horses, facing each other motionlessly in formation. On the high platform, two high officials watched sternly—Lord He crouched on the left, Marquis Liu laughed heartily on the right. Both watched intently as the generals displayed China’s military might.

Horn sounds wailed, sounds of killing arose. Soldiers spurred their horses to gallop back and forth, feigning charges and combat. Their battle cries shook the heavens, carrying to the edge of the grassland, causing countless frontier nomads to stop and watch.

This military exercise cost considerable resources—what was its purpose? Lord He had long experience in officialdom and naturally understood such matters clearly. Liu Angtian’s sudden departure from the pass was definitely not aimed at the Tatars and Oirat barbarians. For nearly three years, the northern frontier had suffered drought, and both Tatar and Oirat nations had endured famine with internal chaos—they barely had enough food, let alone spare strength to invade the Central Plains.

If so, whom was this mobilization of troops really targeting? Lord He was always clever—how could he not understand the reasoning? Looking at the shouting troops below, his heart stirred with alarm…

Two words came to mind: Jiang Chong. This magnificent military display was performed for that treacherous minister to see. The intent was just one message: treacherous minister, don’t provoke me.

Lord He understood, Marquis Liu understood, even all the court officials knew clearly. The Liu faction’s true enemy was definitely not the Tatar and Oirat barbarians, nor the Japanese pirates causing trouble along the coast… When all birds are gone, good bows are hidden—sadly, as long as external enemies remained strong, Liu Angtian would maintain his position.

For the Liu faction generals, the truly vicious enemy bandits weren’t thousands of li away but nearby—less than three li away in that peaceful, auspicious Forbidden City lay the place where powerful enemies lurked…

“Kill!”

Battle cries arose below, startling Lord He from his thoughts. He jumped in fright, nearly falling from his chair. Just then, someone reached out to steady him—a man with a face full of smiles and imposing build, precisely Northern Expedition Commander Liu Angtian.

“Don’t be alarmed, my lord.” Liu Angtian’s smile was very sincere, his teeth especially bright in the sunlight. “It’s rare that His Majesty sent you along—you must take care of your health. If anything happened to you, I couldn’t bear the responsibility.”

Liu Angtian’s concern for Lord He wasn’t mere politeness. Lord He’s familiarity with the Liu faction was known throughout the realm. This time when Liu Angtian toured the borders and Jiang Chong deliberately sent someone to supervise, the emperor flatly refused and proposed sending Lord He instead. His Majesty’s wise intent wasn’t hard to understand—though the three-legged balance had shattered, he still wanted to rely on Liu Angtian. Sending Lord He with the army meant the Liu faction should feel secure, understanding their position was stable and the emperor still greatly valued these military men.

Lord He’s thoughts were troubled, making him restless, wishing the military exercise would end quickly. Soon, according to arrangements, Liu Angtian would surely have him tour and rest in Liaodong—then with singing orioles and chattering swallows in gentle chambers, jade arms for pillows, his travel hardships wouldn’t be in vain.

Just then, a cavalry unit galloped across the grassland. Lord He looked intently and saw them spurring their horses urgently as if bearing important business, reaching the command platform in moments.

This cavalry unit didn’t wear military colors but only black fitted clothing. Lord He had seen them before and knew they were scouts of the Chinese garrison. Normally, unless urgent matters arose, they never appeared before people.

Lord He felt an ominous premonition. While he was guessing, the mounted officer dismounted with a grave expression, took a document from a leather pouch at his horse’s belly, and hurried toward the command platform. From this situation, there must be important military intelligence to report.

Footsteps sounded as the man climbed the stairs step by step, finally kneeling before them and presenting secret military intelligence.

Lord He glanced sideways and saw Marquis Liu beside him suddenly rise, his face slightly pale. Lord He’s eyes rolled as his body began trembling, thinking: “This is terrible… urgent military intelligence—could it be that the Tatars have suddenly gone mad and chosen this moment to attack China?”

Remembering past events of escorting marriages and forming alliances, Lord He’s face immediately turned purple-black. During the Fourth Prince’s rebellion, he had been inexplicably drawn into the Western Region war and still hadn’t recovered from the shock. Recalling battlefield dangers, Lord He shivered and unconsciously began murmuring the Lotus Sutra.

Liu Angtian received the secret report and opened it to read. Instantly he drew a sharp breath, collapsed back in his chair, and said tremblingly, “Heaven help us!”

If even Liu Angtian was calling on heaven, Lord He, timid as a mouse, wouldn’t he cry out for his mother? His throat rolled, cold sweat flowed, and in his panic, he had already arranged all his posthumous affairs. His eldest son was usually shrewd and capable—give him the Beijing mansion. His younger son was thoughtful and caring—give him the family farmland. His daughter and son-in-law were fairly filial—give them some jewelry and paintings to sell… As for the fifty thousand taels of private silver at Tianfu Bank, well, divide it among his three illegitimate sons…

Eh? All distributed? After working his whole life, how had he left nothing for himself?

“I don’t want to die!” With this thought, Lord He, tears streaming down his face, snatched the military document and read aloud: “Urgent report from Jiayuguan garrison: Investigation reveals unknown enemy forces suddenly arising in the western frontier, advancing in four columns bypassing the pass and striking northwest. Foreign troops number approximately thirty thousand, arriving at Tianshui within the month. Court armies from all routes requested for reinforcement.”

Lord He stood stunned for a long moment, suddenly wiped away his tears and patted his chest repeatedly: “Congratulations, Marquis!” Liu Angtian glanced at him and sighed: “What are you congratulating me for, my lord?” Lord He smiled: “Jiayuguan is under Jiang Chong’s jurisdiction. With barbarians infiltrating his territory, when His Majesty gets angry and issues an edict of guilt, Grand Preceptor Jiang will meet his doom—shouldn’t I congratulate you, Marquis Liu?”

Liu Angtian sighed softly: “Lord He, read the document clearly—where are those foreign troops heading after breaking through the pass?”

Lord He looked urgently and saw the two characters “Tianshui.” This Tianshui was nothing special, just a poor northwestern place with nothing but cattle, sheep, and leather—a wasteland with nothing remarkable. Lord He didn’t understand why Liu Angtian asked this. He pondered briefly when suddenly a thought struck him, recalling a certain place.

Lord He’s body began trembling again as he said shakily: “Tianshui City… Heaven help us, they… they’re going to Nucang Mountain?”

Liu Angtian ignored him and turned to ask the intelligence scout: “Who is now entrenched in the mountain rebelling? Is it… is it them?”

The officer replied: “The Marquis guessed correctly—it is General Qin.”

Liu Angtian sighed deeply and closed his eyes without speaking. Lord He was so frightened his whole body shook, only half his seven souls remaining.

The great fire at the Ministry of Justice had burned the Tiger Forest Army commander to death and turned the rebel remnants to ash. Who knew the demon king’s son had not only survived but was even stirring restlessly? With the situation so tense, no wonder Liu Angtian was shocked into collapse.

Half a year ago, the emperor established collective punishment—if Qin Zhonghai were rescued from prison, Liu Angtian would be held accountable. Now this man had not only escaped but even risen higher, gathering crowds in rebellion there. Who knew what would happen to Liu Angtian under the emperor’s fury?

Lord He shook his head and sighed, his eyes showing pity as he looked at the Grand Commander before him.

Hearing his beloved former general challenging the court, Liu Angtian didn’t roar in anger—he only smiled lightly, raised his head to gaze at the clear sky, his expression quite desolate. All around was quiet, only his soft sigh audible: “Lord Baxian, I’m sorry.”

Hearing him mention Lord Baxian, Lord He’s heart suddenly trembled. Just then he saw a glimmer in Liu Angtian’s eyes. This glimmer wasn’t unfamiliar—current powerful minister Jiang Chong, former key figure Liu Jing, even thirty years ago when serving in court, Marquis Wude Qin Baxian—all these men’s gazes were similarly deep and distant, making their thoughts unreadable…

Lord He was greatly alarmed: “What’s happening? Marquis Liu has always been loyal and honest—how could he have such an expression?” Just as he was about to ask, he saw Liu Angtian turn to look at him, then slowly close his eyes.

Lord He made a puzzled sound. Just then several officers approached him, their hands slowly moving toward their sword hilts.

Cold sweat broke out on Lord He’s forehead, his teeth chattering audibly. In this moment of life and death, he finally understood Liu Angtian’s intention. This loyally patriotic Grand Commander was probably going to learn from those surnamed An…

There were many surnamed An: fool An Daojing, divine physician An Daoquan, strongman An Shirong, and of course one figure famous through the ages, unforgettable to rulers and ministers of every dynasty—the renowned Three Mountains Military Commissioner An Lushan.

To know who was truly a pillar of two dynasties and foundation of the nation, just look at the hundred thousand elite troops below. If loyalty and treachery weren’t distinguished and the people oppressed to satisfaction, truly angering loyal patriots, that wouldn’t be as simple as the East Factory Director digging tunnels.

When Yuyang drums sound at the border pass, wait for me to reclaim old rivers and mountains.

What kind of flames anger could ignite—Western Expedition Grand Commander Qin Baxian had already demonstrated. If Liu Angtian were pushed to extremes, he might follow this old path. As military supervisor, if Liu Angtian rebelled, Lord He would be the first to die.

Cold sweat poured down Lord He’s body, his eyes even more pitiful, though this time not pitying others but grieving for his own fate. His heart ached, his knees went weak, and he knelt down crying: “Marquis! His Majesty is a wise man—he won’t want to be Emperor Xuanzong of Tang, and you mustn’t be An Lushan!” The story of the Song of Everlasting Sorrow was so tragic—Emperor Jingtai was wise and with so many plays to choose from, he wouldn’t want this role.

Liu Angtian ignored him and shouted to his subordinates: “Bring rope!”

Lord He desperately kowtowed, hugging his leg and crying: “No! Don’t kill me!”

Hearing his loud wailing, Liu Angtian couldn’t help clicking his tongue, pulling him up and scolding: “Lord He, what killing? What are you talking about? Liu is loyal to emperor and country—how could I have rebellious thoughts? Don’t misunderstand.”

Lord He mumbled incoherently, keeping his head down. At this critical moment, if Liu Angtian didn’t rely on military force for self-protection and the emperor issued an edict stripping his military authority, he would surely be doomed. Talking about loyalty and patriotism now seemed artificial.

Liu Angtian bent down to brush the mud from Lord He’s knees and said gently: “Lord He, I want to ask you to do something.”

Lord He was frightened, waving his hands continuously, but thinking his life depended on others, he nodded desperately and said tremblingly: “What… what does my lord request?”

Liu Angtian removed his helmet and handed it to Lord He, then received rope from his subordinates and smiled: “Lord He, please escort me back to Beijing. This old minister wants to apologize to His Majesty.”

Lord He opened his mouth in bewilderment, his heart filled only with shock. He heard Liu Angtian say indifferently: “I’ve been this Northern Expedition Commander for decades—I’m truly tired of it. This time, failing to properly discipline my subordinates, I should bear thorns and apologize. Sigh… I only ask His Majesty to be merciful and let this guilty minister retire to his hometown—Liu would be completely satisfied…”

Lord He exclaimed and said urgently: “Marquis, you’re too naive! Jiang Chong has long coveted your military authority. Even if you truly want to retire, you must arrange someone suitable to take your position…”

While speaking, Liu Angtian had already bound his own hands and walked toward him with a smile at the corner of his mouth, his eyes drifting to the distance, his manner quite relaxed. Seeing this nonchalant expression, Lord He finally awakened. He slapped his forehead and thought: “How foolish of me—he’s advancing by retreating! With Nucang Mountain in rebellion and various rebels gathering there, at this critical moment when eyebrows are on fire, whoever takes military authority will be unlucky. Even if Jiang Chong were a hundred times more anxious, he wouldn’t choose this moment to take over military command.”

Ginger is spicier when old—Liu Angtian, a veteran of two dynasties, how formidable was his cunning? This bearing of thorns to apologize was intended as advancing by retreating. Jiang Chong’s scheme to have the Liu faction and Nucang Mountain fight to mutual destruction while he profited as the fisherman would surely come to nothing.

While thinking, Liu Angtian had already stood before him, waiting for him to step forward and escort him. Lord He smiled dryly and stepped back instead.

Lord He understood that Liu Angtian’s resignation from military authority had thrown out this hot potato—whoever among the court officials touched it would probably die without burial. It must not be him…