“Report to the Commander-in-Chief: Pingliang vanguard Zhang Fangmeng has been killed. The bandits number approximately one hundred and still occupy the mountain.”

As military intelligence was reported back, generals gathered in the Shaanxi-Gansu Commander-in-Chief’s main camp. Hearing the battle situation, not one showed panic—all waited to step forward and offer strategies.

One person suddenly stood up. Wearing official robes with an extremely stern expression, this was Commander-in-Chief Jiang Yi himself. He sat at his desk, picked up a brush, and quickly wrote a message, instructing his attendants, “Immediately send this by carrier pigeon to the capital to report the situation here to the Grand Preceptor.” An orderly knelt to receive it and hurried away.

Jiang Yi said nothing, lowering his head as he walked outside the tent. He saw vast fields filled with soldiers—at least fifty thousand in number. The great army had already broken camp, everyone’s expression solemn, waiting only for the Commander-in-Chief’s order to march against the enemy mountain.

The summer night was sweltering. Jiang Yi looked at the night sky and couldn’t help feeling somewhat agitated. For fourteen years under Jingtai, the Jiang family had enjoyed wealth and honor, stable as a rock. Now the demon fire rose again. Having long served at court and being familiar with dark political affairs, Jiang Yi deeply understood the principle that when the nest is overturned, no eggs remain intact. This battle must be won, not lost—only thus would he not fail the current sage’s grace in nurturing the Jiang family line.

Jiang Yi steeled his resolve and looked at his subordinates, declaring loudly, “Gentlemen! With Nucang rising again, we loyal patriots absolutely cannot allow warfare to spread! In this campaign, you must spare no effort in slaying enemy chieftains to fulfill our emperor’s trust!”

During his impassioned speech, the great army listened quietly with no one daring to speak or move at will—showing how strict military discipline was. Jiang Yi nodded slightly, finally feeling at ease. He summoned his trusted generals to immediately determine battle strategy. The army was divided into three routes—east, west, and south—to completely encircle Nucang from three directions.

In the deep of night, moonlight fell as everyone gathered on the peak to observe. The court’s army had made camp ten li below the mountain. Seeing various forces arriving continuously from all directions to join up, judging by formation, there were approximately fifty thousand troops. It seemed Zhang Fangmeng had been merely the vanguard—Jiang Yi’s forces were the true main strength besieging the mountain.

Xiang Tianshou watched for a while, then shook his head and said, “How absurd! We have barely over a hundred people—why does the court need to mobilize a great army to besiege the mountain? Isn’t that making a mountain out of a molehill?” Zhi Guan said, “Can’t blame them for that. Nucang Mountain’s reputation is too resounding. While this spark hasn’t yet started a prairie fire, they naturally want to extinguish us in one stroke.” Everyone fell silent upon hearing this. It seemed Jiang Chong truly harbored deep wariness toward Nucang Mountain—at the slightest disturbance, he would respond with such overwhelming force.

Seeing everyone’s grave expressions, Yan Er’niang intended to encourage them and said loudly, “Everyone, don’t be afraid! These court fellows just have more people—what’s so remarkable about that? If they dare come, we’ll handle them like Zhang Fangmeng—kill one if one comes, kill a pair if two come. What’s there to fear?”

Zhi Guan, Xiang Tianshou, Tao Qing and others were all strategists. Seeing the formation below, they knew they were absolutely no match. Hearing Yan Er’niang’s words, no one responded immediately. Currently, the mountain stronghold had barely over a hundred people while below were fifty thousand elite troops in siege formation. Moreover, Jiang Yi was shrewd and capable with fierce generals like forests and strategists like rain under his command. Their earlier schemes might have fooled that fool Zhang Fangmeng, but how could they deceive him?

Having formerly been a court general, Qin Zhonghai also knew the danger. He lowered his head in thought for a long while but couldn’t devise any life-saving strategy. He asked, “The current situation is dire—we probably can’t escape death. Do any of you have methods to salvage the situation?” Everyone looked at each other, all shaking their heads and sighing without anyone able to offer half a strategy.

Knowing this was the case, Qin Zhonghai sighed and asked, “Master Zhi Guan, I’ve long heard of your military intelligence expertise. Do you know if there are any secret passages on the mountain for escape?” Zhi Guan shook his head, “Never heard of any.”

Actually, with Qin Zhonghai’s martial prowess, if given five thousand troops, he could definitely lead everyone to fight their way down the mountain. But now the stronghold had just been established with everything still incomplete—they couldn’t even gather a thousand men, so how could they produce five thousand soldiers? Everyone was dejected and could only sigh endlessly.

Seeing everyone’s gloomy expressions, Yan Er’niang immediately said loudly, “What’s everyone sighing about? At worst, we’ll just die together! We should have followed Big Brother Dragon Leader underground years ago—we’ve lived these eighteen years on borrowed time. Isn’t that enough?” These words rang with determination and great spirit, moving everyone present.

Xiang Tianshou nodded secretly, thinking, “Er’niang is truly a heroine among women. Though usually indecisive, when facing real crises, she can hold firm.” He said, “Sister Yan speaks truly—since ancient times, who hasn’t died? If we can die for loyalty and righteousness, we won’t have wasted our sworn brotherhood.” Everyone cheered loudly upon hearing this.

Everyone viewed death as homecoming. Hearing this, Qin Zhonghai could only smile bitterly. Li Tieshan saw his worried frown and patted his shoulder, laughing, “Brother, life and death are fated, wealth and honor are heaven’s will. My servants and disciples are all iron-strong good men—don’t look down on them.” He turned to everyone and shouted, “If we all die here, are you afraid?” Tao Qing, Ha Bu’er, Ouyang Yong and others had also thrown caution to the wind, immediately shouting loudly to boost military morale.

Hearing everyone’s words, Qin Zhonghai felt even more troubled, thinking, “If father were here, how would he repel the enemy? Sigh… don’t mention father. If any of his former troops were on the mountain, why would I fear Jiang Yi?” In the past, serving under Liu Angtian with Lu Yun, Deputy Official Li and others following, he had also fought outnumbered battles in the Western Regions against hundreds of rebel troops. Because he commanded troops and followers then, he felt no fear. But now the disparity in strength was simply too great—he couldn’t help feeling anxious and confused.

Dawn approached with remnant stars and fading moon. Cold mountain wind blew, feeling particularly desolate. Everyone looked at the tight formation below, knowing that once daylight came, Jiang Yi would order an attack on the stronghold—then it would be a dead end. Zhi Guan smiled, “General Qin, the brothers here are mostly people of high righteousness. Even if we die tomorrow, it’s just seeking benevolence and achieving benevolence—what suffering is there?”

Qin Zhonghai smiled bitterly twice, thinking, “Nucang Mountain can’t be held, but at least we’ve summoned back several brothers. This undertaking isn’t in vain.” He sighed again and thought, “Now I must devise a strategy to at least let everyone escape. As for this mountain stronghold father left behind, I’ll have to let the court take over.”

He carefully studied the layout below. Jiang Yi had surrounded the mountain on three sides—east, west, and south were all encircled by enemy forces. Only the north route was Jiang Yi’s main camp—if they charged directly there, they would surely die. Qin Zhonghai thought carefully, seeing many ropes on the ground used for binding firewood. Thinking and thinking, he suddenly had an idea and shouted, “Xiang Tianshou, Ouyang Yong, where are you?”

Xiang Tianshou quickly stepped forward to receive orders, “What instructions does the General have?”

Qin Zhonghai picked up rope and said, “Please ask Master Xiang and Brother Ouyang to lead Iron Sword Manor’s disciples to immediately connect horses with reins in formation—ten columns with ten horses each…” Before finishing, everyone was already shocked and exclaimed, asking, “General wants to form a linked horse formation?”

Qin Zhonghai nodded slightly and explained briefly, “This horse formation uses ropes to connect many horses for advance, retreat, attack, and defense—invincible in all directions. I once used it in the northern frontiers. Now we have many martial arts masters—this is the perfect opportunity to deploy linked horses. Perhaps we can kill our way out!”

Linked horse formations were specially used for charging on plains. Having long fought northern barbarians, Qin Zhonghai knew their tricks. When enemies came with linked horse formations, their defensive positions would be thrown into chaos. The same ten horses, if linked together for joint charging, were often ten times stronger than fighting scattered. Now with enemies numerous and allies few in greatly unfavorable circumstances, Qin Zhonghai thought of this strategy for breakthrough.

Qin Zhonghai looked at everyone and smiled, “General Huyan became famous throughout history with twenty-four linked horses. Let’s try a hundred fine steeds roaming the martial world and see who’s superior!” Though everyone was prepared to die, in life one could hope to live another day. Hearing Qin Zhonghai’s strategy, all cheered.

However, though linked horse formations were powerful, they also had flaws. A hundred linked horses in formation were inevitably massive and extremely difficult to maneuver. Especially the riders needed not only superb horsemanship but extraordinary wrist strength to control dozens of swift horses simultaneously. Fortunately, Qin Zhonghai had many masters here—everyone had amazing wrist strength, plus Iron Sword Manor and Zhi Guan’s disciples all possessed martial arts, so this wasn’t a concern.

Everyone had earlier seized dozens of horses from Zhang Fangmeng’s forces, plus some already kept at the stronghold. Now they selected good, uninjured ones from the herd. Ouyang Yong made equipment while Xiang Tianshou arranged reins and saddles to form the horse formation. Qin Zhonghai gathered the others to explain formation tactics in detail, having everyone memorize the commands. This formation responded left when ordered right, responded right when ordered left—stopping meant attacking, attacking meant stopping. Everything was reversed to catch enemies off guard.

The sun rose in the east, gradually brightening. Jiang Yi would attack at any moment—battle was imminent. The situation was dire with no escape route except charging down the mountain to carve out a bloody path. Xiang Tianshou distributed bows, arrows, and weapons to everyone. Each person waited by the formation for the signal to mount horses together.

Currently, mountain brothers numbered less than a hundred. Including Iron Sword Manor’s servants and disciples, the total was only seventy-three people. Though few in number, all were contemporary elites. This formation’s charge would be tremendously powerful. Opening the path and guarding the rear both required master leadership. Among everyone, Qin Zhonghai and Li Tieshan had the highest martial arts. “Fire Greed Single Blade” Qin Zhonghai would lead the vanguard while “Five Tiger General” Li Tieshan would guard the rear. Xiang Tianshou took the left, Zhi Guan the right, with Yan Er’niang leading Tao Qing, Ouyang Yong, Ha Bu’er and others plus Zhi Guan and Li Tieshan’s disciples in the center for support—rushing to rescue wherever danger arose.

Morning light shone in the height of summer. Qin Zhonghai called out, “Everyone! Today we descend the mountain to fight the enemy and withdraw elsewhere. If opportunity arises later, we’ll retake the mountain stronghold. Any objections?” Everyone rallied their spirits and answered loudly. Qin Zhonghai smiled and nodded, about to order mounting when suddenly a delicate shout rang out, “Wait!”

Qin Zhonghai turned around—the speaker was Yan Er’niang. He was slightly puzzled and asked, “Er’niang, what do you want to say?” Yan Er’niang declared loudly, “Qin Zhonghai! Why did you put me in the middle of the formation? Are you treating me like a weak woman again?”

Qin Zhonghai quickly said, “That’s not it. We need one main general guarding each of the four directions. The center needs someone for support—I can only trouble Er’niang…” Yan Er’niang interrupted him, saying loudly, “Stop talking! Let me charge ahead with you. If you die, I don’t want to live either!” As she spoke, her eyes were already red.

These words, once spoken, were equivalent to publicly declaring their affection. But with life and death at stake, Yan Er’niang remembered Xiao Lubu’s tragic fate—how could she feel at ease? She had already decided that if anything happened to Qin Zhonghai, she would die in battle too, absolutely refusing to live alone again.

Qin Zhonghai was grateful but couldn’t say much. He nodded and instructed Tao Qing, “Please, Brother Tao, take the center support position. Er’niang and I will open the path together.” Tao Qing knelt and replied, “Rest assured, General. Though Tao dies, he won’t surrender.”

Seeing Yan Er’niang joyfully running over and leaping onto a horse first, Qin Zhonghai also mounted—the two sharing one steed.

With great enemies at hand, though life and death were fated, having a beauty’s fragrant body in his arms with her full, soft buttocks sitting right in front, Qin Zhonghai, being such a wine and woman enthusiast, couldn’t help his composure being disturbed. Feeling her hair constantly brushing his face made him completely intoxicated. Qin Zhonghai’s face reddened as he thought, “Dry tinder and fierce fire continuing like this—I’ll be consumed by desire before we can burn the city. Don’t get myself killed.” He tapped his iron foot and leaped onto the neighboring horse’s back, not daring to sit behind the beauty again. Yan Er’niang asked strangely, “What are you jumping around for?”

Qin Zhonghai laughed dryly, “Flesh cushions harm the body, flesh saddles damage the kidneys—I’m cultivating myself.” Yan Er’niang didn’t understand his dirty thoughts and just scratched her head in confusion.

While speaking, horns sounded below the mountain as fifty thousand soldiers slowly separated into three routes winding up the mountain, with one central force for support—Jiang Yi’s main camp. Soon mountain paths blazed with fire—they intended to force out the Nucang heroes.

Qin Zhonghai saw the situation was urgent and they must leave the mountain quickly. He immediately shouted, “All generals, mount up!” Everyone sat on horseback as weapons and shields were distributed. Qin Zhonghai took a deep breath, gave a long howl, and led the troops charging straight down the mountain.

Now the court completely besieged the mountain with over ten thousand soldiers on each route, formations stretching for li—like an ocean of troops. For the linked horse formation to charge into enemy ranks was truly like moths flying into flame. Qin Zhonghai understood that now they must strike with lightning speed to carve out a bloody path first, or once court forces closed the encirclement, everyone would be unable to move. With this thought, he shouted even more urgently as everyone gripped their reins and spurred their horses to gallop.

Thunder of hooves—the horse formation reached the mountain base and met the eastern vanguard forces head-on. Those troops were setting fires on the path when suddenly the horse formation came charging down. In a moment they had crashed before their eyes. The leading general was startled and before he could organize defense, blade light flashed and his head was severed.

Both sides engaged directly. Qin Zhonghai raised his blade wildly and shouted orders, “All generals listen—kill any who block us!” A hundred men roared like thunder. In the sea of blood, Qin Zhonghai’s wild blade slashed out like a tiger among sheep, immediately carving a bloody path for the horse formation. Enemy troops trying to attack with arrows were all handled by Yan Er’niang’s steel darts. Now the linked horses had penetrated deep into enemy ranks with both sides fully engaged in close combat.

Nucang Mountain’s heroes had superior martial arts, absolutely incomparable to ordinary soldiers. With both sides in close combat, Qin Zhonghai and others naturally held great advantage. Blade edges fell invincibly as seventy-three people coordinated their attack. The horse formation was like a running weapon stabbing straight into the enemy formation’s center, immediately throwing the enemy into chaos.

After the linked horses charged for a while, they were half a li from the mountain base. Now front, back, left, and right were all enemy troops—various forces under main camp command all came to capture Qin Zhonghai and others. Though the eastern first route troops had clashed head-on with Qin Zhonghai and their formation was broken with military morale in chaos—already routed—the encircling forces here were all court elite troops. Though the main general died, deputy generals could still command calmly. Seeing Qin Zhonghai and others’ skilled martial arts and knowing they couldn’t resist, he immediately sounded the retreat to widen the distance and reestablish formation.

Qin Zhonghai knew their side relied entirely on charging power. Once both sides were distanced, enemy troops with numerical advantage plus archery superiority could remain invincible. He immediately shouted, “Everyone don’t let them go—charge quickly!” Everyone urgently spurred their horses, already galloping at full speed.

Hooves thundered, pursuing relentlessly. Enemy troops were mostly infantry retreating backward—how could they escape Qin Zhonghai and others? After several charges, corpses piled like mountains with over a thousand dead. The enemy deputy general urgently ordered troops to seek cover when suddenly a spear flew like lightning to his chest, pinning him off his horse. Qin Zhonghai was delighted and looked back—this spear was Li Tieshan’s work. No wonder the accuracy was so good.

With both main and deputy enemy generals dead, they had no fighting strength. Qin Zhonghai and others only needed to charge through the chaos to leisurely leave the mountain. Everyone urgently spurred their reins to break through the encirclement when suddenly horse hooves galloped from the left front—a cavalry unit caught up, arrows flying rapidly in side attacks on the linked horse formation. Over ten servants were shot dead on the spot. Xiang Tianshou was greatly alarmed, continuously shooting stones to block, but outnumbered, the situation was very difficult.

Qin Zhonghai looked sideways and saw the approaching army’s general was broad-shouldered and bear-backed with imposing righteousness—his former palace colleague Gong Zhengyi, who held the rank of Golden Guard Commander. Qin Zhonghai was shocked, thinking, “Even he’s been transferred out of the palace! The court must have assembled famous generals for this campaign!”

Gong Zhengyi led cavalry in harassing arrow attacks, occasionally charging left and right flanks, forcing the linked horse formation to sway and circle. After another while, he took out a fire cannon and threw it skyward. With a cannon blast, masses of infantry surged onto the road like tide water—ten thousand strong in formations stretching for li. Qin Zhonghai was shocked, finally understanding Gong Zhengyi’s intention was to send troops to harass the enemy. As long as they could delay the linked horses briefly, infantry could calmly form up. It seemed the court actually intended to capture the Nucang heroes alive.

Qin Zhonghai was both shocked and angry. Looking ahead urgently, he saw masses of infantry lined up like walls, everyone holding shields two men tall like fence posts blocking the road. Qin Zhonghai looked around—soldiers front, back, left, and right all had shield formations approaching. Once surrounded for long with shield formations closing in, their side would have no survival chance. He immediately shouted, “Everyone don’t be afraid! Charge through!”

The return mountain route was sealed and countless soldiers blocked ahead. Besides hard confrontation, there was no other way to survive. Everyone shouted and followed their main general charging straight ahead.

Four hundred horse hooves trampled yellow sand flying everywhere. The linked horses galloped at full speed, already close to the shield formation. Zhi Guan, with military intelligence background and always cautious, saw the two armies about to collide when he noticed the ground ahead had some unusual bulges.

Zhi Guan was greatly alarmed and immediately called out, “General, be careful—there are horse-tripping cables ahead!”

Qin Zhonghai was startled and quickly looked ahead. Just then a steel cable rose from the ground about six feet high, covered with steel thorns—truly horse-tripping cables, the number one weapon against horse formations. Qin Zhonghai’s face turned ashen, knowing if the first row of horses crashed into it, they would definitely scream and tumble. When the front fell and rear horses crashed into them, the entire army would be slaughtered. Cold sweat poured as Qin Zhonghai shouted, “Er’niang! Prepare steel darts! Kill the soldiers holding the cables!”

The horse-tripping cable was over twenty zhang long with ten soldiers on each side pulling. Yan Er’niang shouted delicately and shot darts wildly. Her accuracy was extraordinary—the leading cable-holding soldiers were struck and died in droves. But enemy troops were too numerous—when one died, another immediately took his place. Xiang Tianshou saw the dire situation and helped with flying stones, but they simply couldn’t kill them all.

Seeing horse hooves already near the cable—if tripped, the entire army would surely perish—Qin Zhonghai gritted his teeth and thought, “Father! You must protect everyone’s escape from here!” His right foot touched ground as both hands supported a horse’s belly on each side, saying angrily, “Up!”

Amid Yan Er’niang’s screams, the first row of horses leaped up, actually jumping over the horse-tripping cable. Qin Zhonghai roared continuously, exerting strength one after another to lift them. Everyone cheered thunderously as the linked horse formation actually passed through the horse-tripping cable, escaping the life-death barrier.

After the horse formation trampled through, though Qin Zhonghai possessed divine skill, having been trampled by chaotic hooves, he inevitably felt pain throughout his body and could only pant in place. Once the horse formation passed the steel cable obstruction, they would gallop far away, but court forces pursued closely behind, already within three feet. In moments, Qin Zhonghai would fall into enemy ranks. Li Tieshan, as rear formation leader, couldn’t let their young master be captured. He extended his iron sword before Qin Zhonghai and shouted, “Get on!”

Qin Zhonghai stepped on the sword blade and leaped up, greatly delighted, “With this Iron Sword Uncle helping, we’re truly invincible.” Rear cavalry seeing Qin Zhonghai isolated wanted to take advantage for surprise attack. Li Tieshan swept his iron sword—where fierce wind reached, enemy troops died miserably. For a time, no one dared approach within ten feet. Li Tieshan shouted loudly, “General Qin! You go ahead to open the path—I’ll guard here!” Qin Zhonghai agreed, and with several leaps on horseback, returned to the formation head.

Swift horses galloped with shield formation ahead and pursuers behind—extremely perilous indeed. Yan Er’niang saw him return and urgently called, “The shields ahead are dense—what should we do?” Qin Zhonghai sneered, “What the hell else can we do?” He shouted angrily, “Tao Qing, listen to orders! Form long spear formation!”

Tao Qing in center support heard the call and naturally answered loudly. He took long spears and led servants as everyone lay on horseback. Ten long spears protruded neatly in front, following horses forward rapidly with tremendous momentum.

Shield walls were ten feet ahead—both sides would immediately collide. Qin Zhonghai roared, “Everyone extend left hands and hold each other’s shoulders!” Everyone answered loudly, holding spears in right hands while left hands grasped companions’ shoulders—even Yan Er’niang did the same. Everyone held their breath as Qin Zhonghai howled angrily, “Dragon Fire Devours Heaven!”

Everyone’s bodies burned hot as powerful inner strength transmitted through companions’ left hands to their bodies. Fire Greed Single Blade activated with remarkable power. Everyone’s long spears, imbued with Qin Zhonghai’s profound inner strength, crashed through and overturned the bamboo and rattan shield walls, breaking the li-long shield formation. Everyone cheered loudly and spurred their horses eastward.

Just about to escape to safety, suddenly one person came running quickly. This person wore two golden melon hammers at his waist—despite carrying heavy objects, his footwork was silent with no dust rising as he ran. Seeing his speed like flying, he caught up to the rear of the horse formation in moments. Everyone seeing his martial arts far exceeded the ordinary were greatly alarmed, not knowing which master had arrived.

Li Tieshan saw the newcomer’s superior martial arts and immediately roared angrily, “Get back!” He raised his sword to slash with fierce wind blowing toward the person. Knowing the iron sword’s tremendous power, that person wouldn’t meet it head-on. He dodged sideways around Li Tieshan’s attack, but his feet didn’t slow at all. Leaping forward a zhang, he instantly reached beside Zhi Guan’s mount, flying along with the galloping horse without falling behind at all.

Zhi Guan was shocked and called out, “Sa Mau!” Looking at this person’s ghostly appearance and extremely tall build, it was indeed the Mongol strange man Sa Mau!

Sa Mau sneered and struck at Zhi Guan with one palm. Zhi Guan hastily tried to receive it, but the enemy was cunning and treacherous. His figure shifted slightly as both feet flew up—he had actually flipped into the horse formation. His attack was vicious—in moments he killed two servants whose bodies, losing support, immediately fell to the ground. Zhi Guan was both shocked and afraid, urgently calling, “Everyone be careful—the enemy has infiltrated the formation!”

Sa Mau infiltrated the horse formation, just running on horseback. Everyone tried their best to resist. Zhi Guan on the right, Ouyang Yong and Ha Bu’er in the center urgently exerted themselves to kill him, but Sa Mau’s martial arts were too high. His tall body rolled within the formation—everyone actually couldn’t hit him. He raised his golden melon hammer to strike, aiming for horses’ heads. If he killed one or two horses, the linked horse formation couldn’t maintain connection and would surely break.

Qin Zhonghai was in the formation—how could he let villains cause havoc? He roared and leaped into the air, flipping upside down to appear three feet before Sa Mau. His iron foot kicked out like thunder. Sa Mau wasn’t alarmed—hearing him laugh strangely, he used wrestling techniques to grab Qin Zhonghai’s iron foot. Both rolled off the horse formation together. His despicable intent wasn’t in wine—his purpose was only to capture their main general.

Now the linked horses had charged through the shield formation and should have escaped danger, but the main general suddenly fell off his horse. Yan Er’niang screamed loudly, “Everyone stop—General Qin fell down!” Qin Zhonghai was Nucang’s young master—everyone was unwilling to flee alone and reined in their horses to wait for their commander.

The situation was now perilous with court forces attacking at full strength. Gong Zhengyi led troops on the left, Sa Mau engaged in close combat on the right, and countless pursuers came from behind. Qin Zhonghai cried out, “You all go quickly! I can escape myself shortly!” He waved both hands continuously, signaling Yan Er’niang and others to leave, but everyone was concerned for Qin Zhonghai’s safety. How could they be willing to go? Instead, they turned back to receive Qin Zhonghai.

Qin Zhonghai clicked his tongue and ran urgently to rejoin everyone. How could Sa Mau let him pass? Raising his golden melon hammer, he engaged in desperate fighting. Just then Gong Zhengyi also led troops charging—the situation immediately worsened.

In this adversity, Qin Zhonghai howled wildly as his entire divine skill activated. One move “Greedy Fire Rushing” made his form seem on fire as he charged back into enemy troops. Continuous screams filled the air as “Fire Greed Nine Consecutive Slashes” ultimate technique struck. The first row of soldiers were cut in half along with their weapons. Even Sa Mau’s internal strength caused his tiger’s mouth to crack and bleed.

Left and right soldiers seeing his superior martial arts all avoided him from distance, switching to arrows. At this time the linked horse formation also came to respond. Yan Er’niang climbed onto the horse’s head, upper body leaning forward, left hand gripping reins while right hand extended far out, calling loudly, “Zhonghai! Quick, get on the horse!”

Without another word, Qin Zhonghai used one move “Fire Greed Void Wind Slash” to force back soldiers before him, grabbed Yan Er’niang’s hand, and flew onto horseback like a great bird.

With this delay, court cavalry divided into three routes and again surrounded the horse formation.

Gong Zhengyi knew Qin Zhonghai’s martial arts were formidable and that close combat would be unfavorable. He only led subordinates in distant arrow attacks. Bowstrings rang continuously as arrows fell like rain—sometimes high, sometimes low. Qin Zhonghai’s blade work was sharp, cutting down countless arrowheads with each stroke. Arrow shafts without points could only cause pain when entering flesh without injuring tendons or bones. Those hiding behind were all safe. But Yan Er’niang fought alongside him without Qin Zhonghai’s protection. Dodging and evading without blocking capability, her shoulder was quickly struck by an arrow.

If even the main general was like this, what of the servants and disciples behind Yan Er’niang? As arrows rained down, screams rang out continuously with over ten wounded by arrows.

Seeing the bad situation, Qin Zhonghai quickly raised his blade to protect Yan Er’niang, deflecting the arrow rain for her. Yan Er’niang’s face turned pale with pain as she gasped, “Go away, don’t protect me.” Qin Zhonghai made a sound but was about to say more when Gong Zhengyi wouldn’t let him be distracted. At his command, ten cavalry raised long spears and charged straight forward. Qin Zhonghai roared, “Audacious!” He received a great blade from a servant behind and instantly wielded dual blades—left protecting Yan Er’niang, right slashing rebel officers—killing ten in the blink of an eye.

Gong Zhengyi saw Qin Zhonghai’s extraordinary valor and knew he couldn’t fight hard. He immediately waved a signal flag and shouted, “Everyone avoid the vanguard and charge the left and right flanks!” Hearing this, Qin Zhonghai was greatly alarmed. The left and right flanks were protected by Xiang Tianshou and Zhi Guan—he didn’t know if they could resist. He urgently looked back.

He saw enemy main forces redeploying to attack their flanks. Xiang Tianshou guarded the left flank with excellent martial arts—killing people with flying stones while defending with single blade. Though under enemy attack, he remained effortless without showing defeat. Qin Zhonghai breathed a sigh of relief and was about to turn back when he heard several screams from the right flank. His heart jumped as he looked urgently—Zhi Guan was in repeated danger with the right flank formation already loosening. It seemed Zhi Guan’s skill was inferior to Xiang Tianshou’s. With the great army attacking and unable to resist the offensive, the situation was very critical.

Seeing trouble, Qin Zhonghai knew if Zhi Guan fell, the linked horse formation would break. He roared and leaped from horseback, charging toward the right flank. While airborne, one move “Greedy Fire Rushing” sent hot flames—leading enemy officers screamed continuously as their bodies caught fire.

Qin Zhonghai leaping to the right flank to kill enemies resolved Zhi Guan’s crisis, but Yan Er’niang’s side lacked protection and became very difficult. Seeing masses of enemy soldiers taking advantage to charge with countless spears stabbing—how could Yan Er’niang resist? Hearing a scream, Yan Er’niang was stabbed in the waist and immediately fell off her horse. Attendants quickly caught her, barely saving her life.

With the main general down, formation immediately fell into chaos. Court soldiers shouted and attacked the horse formation with full force. Qin Zhonghai was greatly alarmed and hastily jumped to the front, wildly slashing to rescue Yan Er’niang. Seeing her waist wound was severe with blood flowing continuously, he quickly lifted her and sent her to the center army, instructing Ha Bu’er, “You watch over her!” Yan Er’niang refused to comply, still screaming, “I can still fight! Don’t worry about me!”

Qin Zhonghai ignored her and leaped to the front to open the path. But without Yan Er’niang’s assistance, Iron Sword Manor’s servants immediately suffered heavy casualties. Many were shot by arrows—over ten died in moments.

The situation was extremely tense. Yan Er’niang was wounded, Zhi Guan in danger, and Xiang Tianshou could barely protect himself—all were in great difficulty. Among everyone, only Li Tieshan, relying on his profound martial arts, couldn’t be harmed by spears or arrows and needed no outside support. Under his leadership, Ouyang Yong, Tao Qing and others joined forces to kill enemies, thus maintaining the rear formation’s order. Seeing this, Qin Zhonghai secretly admired, “This man truly deserves to be one of the former Five Tiger Generals. Having his assistance is truly heaven’s blessing!”

Everyone fought while retreating, exhausted from battle. Though Qin Zhonghai’s blade work was refined, after killing hundreds of men, his blade edge had also become chipped. Seeing enemy soldiers still swarming endlessly with no knowing how many more blocked the way, Qin Zhonghai was both tired and angry, feeling the situation was more dire than fortunate. Just as he was devising survival strategies, he suddenly saw someone on horseback in the rear observing their desperate struggle with a leisurely, composed manner—precisely Shaanxi Commander-in-Chief Jiang Yi himself.

Qin Zhonghai was greatly delighted, thinking, “To catch bandits, catch their chief—if I can kill this man in one stroke, I can surely reverse the situation!” He gritted his teeth and shouted loudly, “Master Li! You go ahead to open the path! I’ll guard the rear!” Li Tieshan agreed, and his tall figure leaped up, flying over everyone’s heads as the two switched positions. Qin Zhonghai, just reaching the rear, immediately flipped off his horse and, stepping on an enemy soldier’s head, actually pierced through the crowd and charged straight toward the cavalry deputy general.

The deputy general, seeing him arrive like a flying general, was frightened pale and cried, “Someone come quickly!” Before these words ended, Qin Zhonghai had already raised his blade and struck, instantly cutting the deputy general in half. The remaining soldiers were shocked and all scattered. The enemy army didn’t know of changes ahead, but rear troops still pressed forward endlessly. With both sides colliding, formation immediately fell into chaos.

Qin Zhonghai didn’t wait for them to trample each other and immediately charged into enemy ranks, focused only on Jiang Yi. Li Tieshan, seeing him alone killing back into enemy formation, cried in alarm, “General Qin! What are you doing?”

Qin Zhonghai shouted loudly, “I’m going to capture their commander—you quickly lead everyone to escape!”

Before his words ended, Qin Zhonghai had already landed and rolled, raising his blade to kill. Countless soldiers had their legs severed and fell writhing on the ground. He allowed soldiers to roll and wail on the ground but wasn’t eager to finish them off, only wanting to use this to disrupt enemy offensive. Indeed, seeing their own men fallen on the ground, enemy pursuit momentum naturally slowed. Qin Zhonghai seized this opportunity to exploit every gap, charging left and right toward Jiang Yi’s direction.

Jiang Yi, seeing him fierce as a mad tiger with none able to stop him, quickly ordered, “Shoot arrows!” Left and right personal guards raised bows and urgently shot at Qin Zhonghai. Qin Zhonghai grabbed a deputy general mid-air to block in front while shrinking his own body, using that man as a shield. That person was struck by hundreds of arrows, instantly becoming a porcupine and dying miserably.

Qin Zhonghai threw the porcupine-man out, knocking down several leading soldiers, then roared and leaped skyward, pouncing toward Jiang Yi. Jiang Yi was greatly alarmed and turned to flee backward. Left and right guards all came to resist. Qin Zhonghai kicked with iron feet and swung his blade with his right hand, instantly finishing both of them. He shouted, “Surnamed Jiang! Today you’ll die without burial!”

Qin Zhonghai’s figure flashed as his left hand swiftly reached toward Jiang Yi’s back. If he could capture this man, the situation would surely reverse.

Just then, a blade chopped over with rather exquisite technique. Qin Zhonghai’s heart trembled as he focused and returned one move. He saw the newcomer wearing brocade robes, looking at him coldly—precisely Imperial Guard Commander An Daojing. Jiang Yi’s face was pale as he quickly hid behind him.

Qin Zhonghai sneered, “Good! You bastard came too!” An Daojing snorted, “Seeing your sneaky behavior in the past, this official long suspected something fishy. As expected, you little punk are truly bandit-born!”

While speaking, An Daojing raised his blade to attack. Qin Zhonghai intended to fight decisively and was about to strike to finish him when suddenly wind rushed urgently behind him—another blade chopped down. This blade’s force was mighty, the newcomer’s martial arts quite strong. Qin Zhonghai quickly raised his blade to block and saw this person looking at him with righteous sternness—precisely Golden Guard Commander Gong Zhengyi. This man was always resourceful and strategic. Seeing Qin Zhonghai killing toward their commander, he knew he intended to take hostages and had already rushed here to protect.

Qin Zhonghai shook his head. This man had formerly been his colleague, working together in the Forbidden City with some friendship. Who knew now he’d become a battlefield enemy? He roared, “Old Gong, with General Manager Liu dead, you became Jiang Chong’s running dog?” Gong Zhengyi kept an iron face, dancing his blade in fierce attacks without speaking. Qin Zhonghai saw his gloomy expression and complete unwillingness to talk, knowing he worried about gossip and was pretending not to recognize him.

Qin Zhonghai blocked Gong Zhengyi on the left and resisted An Daojing on the right, having no strength to deal with Jiang Yi and instead falling into heavy encirclement. Eager to escape, he immediately cursed, “Two against one—shameless!”

An Daojing sneered, “Even ten against one is perfectly normal!” Qin Zhonghai shouted, “Shameless!” He raised his blade to chop. An Daojing dodged sideways and activated “Nine Turn Blade” technique, also attacking Qin Zhonghai. The two clashed several times with clanging sounds. Gong Zhengyi, seeing An Daojing couldn’t resist, quickly struck to help, fearing Jiang Yi would suspect his disloyalty and using completely desperate fighting methods.

Though Qin Zhonghai’s martial arts had greatly improved and he still held advantage under An Daojing and Gong Zhengyi’s siege, having to guard against soldiers’ sneak arrow attacks, he couldn’t help but preserve strength for self-protection. Suddenly at this time, roars came from behind as many soldiers were thrown and kicked away. A tiger general carrying golden melon hammers rushed to assist—that Mongol fierce god Sa Mau! Qin Zhonghai had just crossed moves with him and knew this person’s martial arts were extraordinary, his power far above An Daojing’s—truly a formidable enemy.

Three great masters joined forces in fierce attacks while soldiers nearby helped with spear thrusts and arrow shots—the situation was extremely perilous.

Though the situation was dire, Qin Zhonghai’s divine skill was complete. The more unfavorable the battle, the more he could unleash potential. That day with his disabled body, he had still climbed ten-thousand-foot peaks—now possessing ultimate techniques, what was there to fear? An Daojing, seeing him fight more bravely, was secretly shocked, thinking, “How did this little punk’s martial arts become so high? I never heard of this before.”

Each time An Daojing received a blade strike, his tiger’s mouth ached. He secretly conserved strength, not fighting Qin Zhonghai head-on, leaving most offensive pressure to Sa Mau and Gong Zhengyi. Though Gong Zhengyi knew An Daojing was playing tricks, that man was Jiang Chong’s beloved general—how could he compare? For a time, he could only desperately exert himself to entangle Qin Zhonghai. That Sa Mau was a killing maniac who didn’t care about such boring scheming, fighting with complete abandon and occasionally killing several court infantry, his expression like a demon.

Qin Zhonghai, seeing he couldn’t break the situation, turned to look at Li Tieshan and others. He saw Jiang Yi had escaped his assassination attempt and now turned his great army to attack the linked horse formation with full force. Enemy troops layered densely like ants, surging in waves toward the horse formation. Only Li Tieshan and Xiang Tianshou supported it—the rest were gasping for breath, wounded or fallen, none able to fight.

Qin Zhonghai’s heart went half cold: “Finished! Finished! We’re beyond saving!” That Zhi Guan was struck by several arrows, Yan Er’niang barely alive—both hung on horseback with unknown fate. With Zhi Guan fallen, the defense responsibility he left was taken by Ouyang Yong. Originally, Ouyang Yong, Ha Bu’er, and Tao Qing defended the formation’s rear. With Ouyang Yong leaving, only two remained for defense—even more perilous and critical.

Court forces attacked repeatedly, waiting only for Ouyang Yong, Ha Bu’er and others to fall before breaking formation. Then even if Li Tieshan were ten times more valiant, he’d have no place for heroics.

Qin Zhonghai was alarmed and confused, seeing his forces unable to hold with formation ready to break at any moment. He steeled his heart and thought, “Even if we must die, we’ll die together with the brothers!” With a great shout, he leaped up, stepped on a soldier’s head, and flew over ten thousand troops’ heads. Hearing soldiers’ cries below, long spears and great halberds waved chaotically, but how could they wound him?

Jiang Yi had long retreated to the rear. Seeing Qin Zhonghai moving like ghost or demon in his formation, coming and going as if in uninhabited territory, he was so angry he kept jumping and cursing, “An Daojing! Gong Zhengyi! You two wastes, what are you doing? Quickly kill him for me!”

An Daojing and Gong Zhengyi were secretly ashamed and immediately raised blades to leap up, learning Qin Zhonghai’s method of running over soldiers’ heads. That Sa Mau roared wildly, lifting and throwing infantry one by one, also pursuing closely through the crowd.

Just as Qin Zhonghai was about to return to formation, court forces intensified their offensive, charging at the linked horse formation. Arrows flew and blades clashed, spears and halberds dense as forest. Li Tieshan roared and swept his iron sword from left to right, instantly cutting seventeen or eighteen soldiers in half at the waist. Jiang Yi, seeing this, was naturally greatly shocked, thinking, “Nucang bandits are truly remarkable. Not mentioning that Qin Zhonghai, even this white-haired old man’s martial arts are unfathomable. No wonder Second Brother fears them so.”

Li Tieshan’s martial arts were too strong—enemy troops dared not attack head-on and concentrated all force on the weakest Ouyang Yong. For a time, spears and arrows came together. How could Ouyang Yong, with only a single blade, block so many attacks? Soon, hearing his “Ah!” scream, he was struck by arrows and fell from his horse.

Ha Bu’er, Tao Qing and others guarding the rear formation saw Ouyang Yong fall and immediately cried, “Iron Bull!” Ha Bu’er’s attention wavered and he too was struck by flying arrows. Tao Qing shouted, “Brother!” and caught Ha Bu’er with both arms—both fell off their horses together.

With right flank defenders down and rear commanders unable to hold, the linked horse formation was broken. Actually, for Nucang heroes to charge enemy forces numbering tens of thousands with a hundred riders and hold until this moment was already a remarkable feat. Qin Zhonghai’s tiger eyes held tears, knowing their side’s destruction was imminent, his heart filled with unbearable grief. Jiang Yi laughed heartily and shouted, “Someone! Kill all these people!”

A general spurred his horse forward, raising his blade to chop at Ouyang Yong. Li Tieshan and Xiang Tianshou couldn’t spare attention, and Qin Zhonghai was entangled by An and Gong—all unable to rescue.

As the great blade fell and Ouyang Yong faced instant death, suddenly a sharp shout rang out: “Hit!”

The roar was like thunder as a ghost-head blade flew over, wind screaming with the blade, terrible sounds arising. Blood splattered everywhere as Qin Zhonghai, Li Tieshan, Xiang Tianshou and others all turned their heads away, unable to bear watching.

Suddenly hearing enemy forces cry out in alarm as if some change occurred, Qin Zhonghai was shocked and quickly looked—this sight left him stunned too. He saw Jiang Yi’s general had already died miserably under his horse with a ghost-head blade stuck in his body.

The ghost-head blade weighed twenty pounds—who knew someone could throw it as a projectile? Qin Zhonghai was greatly delighted, knowing someone had intervened to rescue them. He forced back An Daojing with his blade, dodged Sa Mau’s swinging golden melon hammer, and shouted, “What hero comes here?”

A large man galloped from afar, pulled out the ghost-head blade from the enemy’s body, then lifted Ouyang Yong around the waist, declaring, “I am ‘Snake and Crane Dual Movement’ Hao Zhenxiang! Specially come to relieve your mountain’s siege!”

Hearing “Hao Zhenxiang,” An Daojing’s face immediately turned deathly pale as he stepped back.

Jiang Yi was furious and shouted, “Just one lonely ghost—what’s everyone afraid of? Attack again! Attack again!”

The troops shouted and charged at Hao Zhenxiang again. Several arrows whooshed out, and leading soldiers fell from horses with bloody arrow shafts in their necks. Jiang Yi’s heart jumped as he looked back urgently—he saw distant crowds surging as large numbers of troops came killing, instantly receiving Hao Zhenxiang.

These troops were very fierce with spirited hoofbeats. In the charging army, one man on the left held a great bow with every arrow true—precisely “Fire-Eyed Swift Lion” Jie Tao. On the right, one man carried a steel blade, killing anyone he met—”Nine Lives Madman” Chang Xuehen. The two rushed to Hao Zhenxiang’s side, and all three together shouted, “Audacious treacherous minister! All heroes of Jiangdong Twin Dragon Stronghold are here to borrow your head!”

The great army attacked fiercely, immediately charging head-on into court forces.

Jiang Yi was dumbfounded, murmuring, “What rebels are these? Where did they come from?”

The incoming troops were skilled in warfare, wearing heavy armor, already in full combat with court forces. Rear units continuously reinforced, protecting a scholarly general in the center. Left and right raised two great banners—the left reading “Jiangdong Taihu Twin Dragon Stronghold,” the right inscribed “Cavalry General Lu Guzhan.” Who was this remarkable person? It was one of Nucang Mountain’s Five Tiger Generals: “Jiangdong Sail Shadow” Lu Guzhan’s great army arriving!

Li Tieshan, seeing an old friend, naturally laughed loudly, “Old Lu! You finally made it!” A clear voice came from the distance, laughing, “With Nucang Mountain’s beacon fires rekindled, how dare Lu Guzhan, as a former general, not arrive?”

Qin Zhonghai had long known “Jiangdong Sail Shadow” Lu Guzhan’s great reputation but hadn’t expected to meet him here. Greatly delighted, he urgently ran toward the approaching route to join everyone. An Daojing stepped forward to block, shouting, “Everyone stop this little punk!”

An Daojing howled and joined with Gong Zhengyi and Sa Mau to surround Qin Zhonghai, sneering continuously, “Little bandit, Lord Jiang wants your life—you think you can swagger over to join up? Not so easy…”

He was speaking proudly when suddenly a mournful, angry roar came from behind: “Treacherous thief! Do you still remember me?”

An Daojing looked back and was immediately terrified out of his wits—he saw a tiger-like giant leading hundreds of soldiers charging from the chaotic army, precisely former Imperial Guard weapon instructor Hao Zhenxiang.

An Daojing had done guilty deeds in the past. Seeing this man’s face, he couldn’t help trembling all over, “Instructor Hao, you… you’re still alive?” Hao Zhenxiang spurred his horse wildly, his great blade flashing as he roared, “Treacherous thief! You still have face to speak with me?”

An Daojing, first feeling guilty and second being inferior in martial arts, didn’t dare resist in his panic and wanted to flee backward. How could Hao Zhenxiang let him escape easily? Immediately launching fierce successive attacks, he roared, “An Daojing! For your personal glory and wealth, you caused your own subordinates to die—today I’ll dig out your heart and liver to see what color they are!”

When enemies meet, eyes turn red with hatred. Years ago, Hao Zhenxiang had risked life and death, working with all his might to develop the Imperial Guard situation, only to be stabbed down by An Daojing in the end, suffering complete liver and gallbladder rupture. Now seeing this treacherous villain again, he naturally gnashed his teeth, wanting only to tear An Daojing to pieces to vent his heart’s hatred. Under the ghost-head blade, ghosts and spirits wept—he fought until the current Imperial Guard Commander faced mortal danger. An Daojing knew he couldn’t resist and, taking advantage of Gong Zhengyi coming to help defend, quickly rolled off his horse and fled like a rat back into the great army. No matter how Jiang Yi furiously shouted, he absolutely refused to come out.

Originally three had joined hands to besiege Qin Zhonghai. Now with An Daojing gone and the other side gaining another capable assistant, Gong Zhengyi and Sa Mau knew they couldn’t gain advantage and also retreated to their main camp.

With Twin Dragon Stronghold heroes arriving from heaven, the battle situation reversed rapidly. Military morale showed signs of wavering. Jiang Yi was both shocked and angry, cursing, “What are you afraid of? Just a few thousand people—nothing to fear! Everyone work harder and kill them all!” Under his roar, the army divided into three routes and again encircled Qin Zhonghai and others with full force.

Hao Zhenxiang, seeing the great army surrounding with no time for prolonged fighting, gathered his subordinates and said to Qin Zhonghai, “Enemy forces approach—please follow me to break through and join Master Lu.” Qin Zhonghai laughed heartily, “Agreed! Please, big brother, open the path.”

Hao Zhenxiang said no more, wielding his ghost-head blade seamlessly as he broke formation and killed out. Qin Zhonghai followed behind him, protected closely by Twin Dragon Stronghold heroes at the core, actually having nothing to do. Since taking the battlefield at eighteen, in which great battle hadn’t he fought until soaked in sweat? When had he enjoyed such comfort? For a moment, he was somewhat unaccustomed.

Jiangdong forces counterattacked—thousands charging bravely forward had already received Qin Zhonghai back to formation. Qin Zhonghai laughed heartily and shouted, “Which one is Jiangdong Master Lu? Qin here pays respects!” While calling out, one person slowly rode forward and cupped his hands, “General Qin, I am Lu Guzhan.”

Qin Zhonghai looked intently and saw Lu Guzhan had a three-foot beard and jade-like face. Though amid great army slaughter, his bearing remained elegant and noble without the slightest sign of hurry. Seeing this man, Qin Zhonghai immediately felt goodwill and shouted loudly, “Master Lu’s noble rescue—Zhonghai will never forget!” Lu Guzhan smiled and nodded, “As one of Nucang Mountain’s Five Tigers, hearing the stronghold rebuilt, how could I stand idle? General’s words treat me as an outsider!”

At this time, though Twin Dragon Stronghold heroes had come to rescue, with enemies numerous and allies few—both sides differing by ten times—the situation remained urgent. Lu Guzhan pondered, “The bandits are mighty—fighting on plains isn’t easily won. Let’s first return to the mountain stronghold to occupy strategic positions.” Qin Zhonghai had long intended this and immediately laughed heartily, “Exactly! Let’s all kill our way up the mountain!”

Li Tieshan and others’ morale greatly revived as they shouted in unison. Lu Guzhan raised his banner and declared, “All troops listen—advance to Nucang!” His three thousand soldiers roared furiously and all advanced straight toward the mountain road.

With their side’s morale loosening and gradually showing defeat, Jiang Yi remembered his elder brother Jiang Chong’s instructions, knowing he bore grave responsibility and absolutely couldn’t let the fierce tiger return to its mountain. Regardless of the dangerous situation, he immediately spurred his horse forward, raised his military banner high, and shouted, “Our dynasty’s officers and soldiers listen! I, under Grand Preceptor’s orders, command you to advance and kill enemies! For slaying one enemy soldier, heavy reward of a hundred taels of gold! For capturing and killing one enemy general, promotion to sixth-rank lieutenant colonel! If you die in battle, this official will memorialize the court to ensure your sons receive protection with full family support!”

Court soldiers toiled on battlefields for nothing more than a meal. Hearing such once-in-a-lifetime heavy rewards, everyone cheered thunderously and again stepped forward to block the road.

Qin Zhonghai, seeing enemy soldiers extremely tenacious, activated his ultimate technique “Dragon Fire Devours Heaven,” leaping straight from horseback like a fireball killing toward enemy troops. Blade light and fire light reflected together—in moments he killed over ten men. Lu Guzhan nodded and smiled, glancing at Li Tieshan, “The young man is remarkable—we two old ones can’t lose face.” Both—one wielding iron sword, one carrying copper whip—also charged into enemy formation.

This time was different from the previous constraints. Qin Zhonghai, Li Tieshan, and Lu Guzhan combined their techniques, joining forces to kill enemies. These three’s martial arts rarely met opponents—steel blade, iron sword, copper whip each possessed earth-shattering power. Under joint charge, they were truly invincible. Several generals came to intercept but couldn’t last three exchanges before being killed on the spot.

Earlier, Qin Zhonghai’s forces were insufficient and he only wanted to abandon the mountain and flee far. Now with Twin Dragon Stronghold heroes assisting, he only wanted to quickly retake the mountain and occupy strategic positions for dominance. Jiang Yi knew Nucang Mountain mostly had bears and tigers among its members—they couldn’t resist head-on, so he switched to arrow attacks. But with these three tough fighters opening the path ahead, heavy weapons dancing in formation—however dense the arrow rain, how could it wound them? In moments, the tiger generals reached enemy formation, actually forcing foot archers to flee in panic as the first wave formation was broken.

Jiang Yi, seeing the critical situation, abandoned defensive positions and withdrew all forces half a li, then deployed main camp troops to form second-wave defense at the mountain base. The court side had many soldiers and generals—fifty thousand troops with continuous reinforcements behind, even shield bearers and musketeers prepared for third and fourth wave defenses—surely iron walls.

Jiang Yi, born a famous general and no easy opponent, personally took field command and shouted, “Everyone must hold firm—for court stability, don’t let these rebels return to the mountain!” The three armies answered in unison like thunder.

The court side brought out all equipment—crossbows, arrows, muskets, iron shields, everything available. Leading archers row after row all hid in trenches, with stone engines in formation, springs tight, waiting to release stones and kill. Here, how could Nucang tiger generals yield half a step? Qin, Li, and Lu three tigers opened the path ahead as brave generals attacked enemies fiercely. “Fire-Eyed Swift Lion” Jie Tao, “Nine Lives Madman” Chang Xuehen, “Tianquan Hall Master” Xiang Tianshou all exerted themselves to charge and kill together. Hao Zhenxiang’s martial arts were superior—he led troops guarding the rear, protecting wounded like Yan Er’niang and Zhi Guan safely.

Both sides’ forces fought desperately—one side wanting to charge up the mountain, the other defending the road to death. This great battle was truly earth-shaking. Though Nucang Mountain’s forces had only three thousand soldiers, each possessed martial arts and wore heavy armor, still able to move freely. Though court arrows were sharp, they couldn’t prevail. Plus the Five Tiger Generals were mighty beyond compare—each time generals stepped forward to fight, none could block three exchanges. Relying on elite soldiers and brave generals, they continuously charged Jiang Yi’s fifty thousand troops, actually fighting to a draw.

Both armies had high morale with battle cries shaking heaven. In the midst of fierce fighting, suddenly tremendous sounds came from the west. Both sides were startled and quickly turned to look—they saw distant dust clouds with continuous rumbling sounds as if countless troops were approaching the mountain base.

Nucang Mountain people were alarmed, asking tremblingly, “The court has more reinforcements?” Here Jiang Yi was naturally overjoyed, thinking his elder brother must have sent people for relief knowing the battle was urgent. He called subordinates to ask, “Which troops come to assist? Are they Yumen Pass garrison?”

All generals looked blank—none knew.

Hooves thundered, splashing countless mud and dust. Both sides stopped fighting and withdrew separately, wanting to see what kind of divine beings these newcomers were.

At this time, Qin Zhonghai, Li Tieshan and others had all taken over ten arrows, covered in blood. Yan Er’niang, Ha Bu’er and others had long fainted, only protected by Hao Zhenxiang, Chang Xuehen, Jie Tao and others among the troops. Distant hoofbeats still thundered continuously, approaching step by step. Qin Zhonghai and others’ faces were pale, all knowing that with court reinforcements arriving, everyone would become prisoners.

Li Tieshan, seeing his side’s morale loosening and fearing they couldn’t endure prolonged battle, quickly ran to Lu Guzhan’s side and asked quietly, “How about it? Should we retreat?”

The situation was tense—if the court had more reinforcements, no matter how brave three thousand soldiers were, given time, there would be no survival. Li Tieshan, long experienced in battle formations, knew the danger and came to ask Lu Guzhan’s opinion.

Lu Guzhan smiled slightly, took two weapons from his horse pack, then glanced at Li Tieshan. Li Tieshan was greatly delighted, “He came too?” Lu Guzhan said indifferently, “He and I agreed to see who’d return to the mountain first. This old fellow is a step behind me—really should be punished.”

Other generals, hearing their exchange, were completely confused and couldn’t fathom the details.

In the dust clouds, hooves flew with ten thousand horses galloping, the earth seeming to crack. The great army was before their eyes. Suddenly a rough, heroic shout rang out: “Gali-la wai-wai-er!”

Qin Zhonghai’s heart awakened: “Gali-la wai-wai-er? This phrase sounds familiar—where have I heard it?” He looked ahead and saw distant troops approaching with a mounted, mighty general in the lead. This man had a purple face and long beard, carrying a twelve-foot great cavalry saber. Qin Zhonghai immediately remembered this person possessed unmatched courage—precisely the one who had fought him decisively in the Western Regions, called the Timur Khanate’s first warrior: Sha Jin!

Sha Jin sang loudly to heaven with heroic bearing. Behind him, troops covered mountains and plains, all bare-chested with disheveled hair—all Western Region Khanate foreign soldiers.

This Sha Jin had always been a general the Khan relied upon—unknown why he appeared in the Central Plains. Qin Zhonghai cried in shock, “Isn’t this Sha Jin? How did he come?” Jiang Yi was also greatly alarmed, “What’s happening? Where did this group of barbarians come from?”

Court generals were uncertain and suspicious as dozens of messengers ran back and forth among advisors, everyone inquiring about the foreign soldiers’ origins.

The battlefield fell silent except for Sha Jin’s bold laughter. Li Tieshan felt a resonance and also laughed heartily, shouting, “Old fellow! You finally made it!” The Nucang people looked bewildered: “What—he came too? Who exactly is this general?”

Sha Jin snorted heavily, tore off his upper garment to reveal a fierce tiger on his back with the character “North” tattooed on the tiger’s forehead. Just then, two foreign soldiers carrying large banners galloped out on horseback. The left banner bore curved foreign text reading “Timur’s First Warrior, Imperial-Granted Battle Name Sha Jin,” while the other bore Chinese characters: “Nucang Mountain Five Tiger General, Spirit Charging Northern Frontier, Shi Gang.”

Qin Zhonghai suddenly awakened, thinking, “Damn! So he’s ‘Spirit Charging Northern Frontier’—no wonder that day when he saw the tattoo on my back, he immediately spared my life.”

While thinking, he heard Sha Jin roar wildly, “Treacherous ministers! You murdered the Grand Commander and forced me to surrender to foreign lands, hiding my name for twenty years. Today I’ll properly repay this kindness!”

Though Tao Qing, Zhi Guan and others were severely wounded and near death, seeing Sha Jin’s return, all felt both grief and joy. In the enemy army camp, seeing such developments, military morale fell into chaos. They said tremblingly, “How can this be? Where do all these rebels come from?”

Sha Jin roared toward heaven, raised his hand wildly, and shouted in foreign tongue, “Warriors! Advance and kill the barbarians!”

Here Lu Guzhan responded loudly, “Twin Dragon Stronghold brothers, let’s fight the enemy shoulder to shoulder! Don’t lose to our friends from the Western Regions!” Hao Zhenxiang, Chang Xuehen, Jie Tao and others answered in unison as three thousand troops immediately turned to charge the court army.

Both forces eagerly sought to meet. Sha Jin called from afar, “Old Lu! I’m a moment late—I’ve lost this competition to you.” Lu Guzhan took out twin blades and threw them forcefully, crossing dozens of zhang and passing over ten thousand troops’ heads as he shouted loudly, “Never mind that—let’s have a second competition to see who kills the treacherous minister surnamed Jiang first!”

Sha Jin caught the twin blades, first stunned, then laughed wildly, “You even retrieved the Mother-Son Yin-Yang Blades! Old Lu, I can’t accept such a great favor!”

While speaking, Qin Zhonghai and Li Tieshan had already killed into enemy formation. Sha Jin, unwilling to fall behind, hung the twin blades at his waist. With a grunt, his cavalry saber shook open, transforming into a blade rope as he spurred his horse forward to kill.

Rumbling thunder—hoofbeats shook the earth as tens of thousands of foreign soldiers charged like ghosts and demons toward Jiang Yi’s main force. An Daojing was frightened pale, saying tremblingly, “Rebellion! Total rebellion! What a group of thieves—actually collaborating with foreigners and betraying the country!” The generals, seeing Timur Khanate’s great general arriving, were all shocked and didn’t know how to resist.

Qin Zhonghai charged out first on the left route, Hao Zhenxiang and Chang Xuehen protected the right, Li Tieshan and Jie Tao followed, while Sha Jin and Lu Guzhan flanked from east and west. Six fierce generals attacked in rotation, foreign soldiers and generals were savage and ruthless—thirty thousand foreign troops attacking. How could Jiang Yi defend? Immediately routed.

A general stepped forward and reported, “Foreign troops are mighty—let’s first retreat to Hulao Pass and request court reinforcements!” Jiang Yi sighed deeply and shook his head, “No choice. Everyone withdraw!” He immediately hurried away with An Daojing and Gong Zhengyi, leading over a thousand personal guards. Sa Mau, both shocked and angry, not knowing what to do, could only flee down small paths. Seeing their commander leave, the generals naturally had no heart to continue fighting and all called, “All troops retreat to Hulao Pass!”

Though court forces’ hasty retreat didn’t reach the level of abandoning helmets and armor, it was quite panicked. Qin Zhonghai and others all pursued, and remaining generals dared not resist stubbornly, quickly spurring horses to flee. Everyone followed foreign troops in pursuit for thirty li, killing another thousand government soldiers, still feeling unsatisfied and wanting to fight all the way to Beijing to vent their grievances.

When they sounded the gong to withdraw troops, it was already dusk. Qin Zhonghai and others counted battle results—altogether they had slain over twenty enemy generals, captured four thousand government soldiers, and seized countless wealth and armor on the road.

For nearly twenty years, this was Nucang Mountain’s first war with the court. Originally the stronghold faced imminent destruction, but by heaven’s fortune, with two great generals returning in time, they finally reversed the situation and severely damaged court main forces in one stroke. Li Tieshan, Xiang Tianshou and other veteran generals had endured years of hardship. Seeing this battle’s brilliant results with stronghold revival finally at hand, everyone was greatly excited and invigorated.

Everyone returned to the stronghold to find their own casualties were also severe. Yan Er’niang, Zhi Guan, Ouyang Yong, Ha Bu’er, Tao Qing and others were all heavily wounded, while Qin Zhonghai, Li Tieshan, Xiang Tianshou and others had also taken over ten arrows. Qin Zhonghai looked at the two eastern and northern generals and sighed, “Without your timely rescue, we would truly have perished here.”

Lu Guzhan and Sha Jin looked at each other and smiled, both saying, “This is our duty—why should the General be so formal?”

Li Tieshan asked the two, “You’ve been away from the mountain long without trace—how did you so coincidentally arrive here?” Lu Guzhan smiled slightly and took out a letter, “Nine Provinces Sword King personally wrote saying Nucang Mountain was reviving its great enterprise and summoning scattered brothers worldwide to return and receive orders. As one of his Five Tiger Generals, hearing Sword King’s summons, how could I not come?”

Li Tieshan had always been on good terms with Fang Zijing. Hearing this, he immediately clapped in admiration, “Excellent! It really was Sword King’s careful arrangement!”

Lu Guzhan’s enterprise was significant—in Jiangdong he was also a renowned figure. If Qin Zhonghai wanted to recruit him, it would inevitably require great effort, but having Fang Zijing invite him was far more effective than Qin Zhonghai doing it personally. Qin Zhonghai, thinking of his master’s protective care, felt even more grateful.

After everyone chatted briefly, Sha Jin sighed and suddenly said, “Let’s save this family talk for later. First let’s settle the Grand Commander.” Everyone, hearing he wanted to settle Qin Baxian, were all puzzled, but Lu Guzhan nodded and sighed, “You brought the Grand Commander back?”

Sha Jin ordered someone to present a stone urn, “General Qin, your honored father was defeated at Shenji Pavilion and finally committed suicide. Now that we’ve revived the stronghold, we can’t let him lie exposed in the wilderness—these are his ashes.” He handed over the ash urn.

Qin Zhonghai, holding his father’s ashes, was momentarily grave and didn’t know what to say. Lu Guzhan’s expression was gloomy as he sighed, “The court was cruel—your father couldn’t be buried in the Central Plains. In the past we could only worship him under trees beyond the pass. Now with Nucang’s beacon fires rising again, we must welcome him back to this mountain for proper veneration.”

Sha Jin said no more and led everyone to the beacon tower.

Everyone stood on the peak overlooking the vast world below. Sha Jin patted Qin Zhonghai’s shoulder, “Your father used to like pondering matters here—let’s enshrine him here.” He took the ash urn and placed Qin Baxian’s ashes at the mountain’s highest point, allowing this generation’s hero to gaze upon rivers and mountains, eternally protecting the stronghold he had single-handedly established.

Qin Zhonghai knelt down, burned incense to heaven, and prayed, “Heaven shows mercy—today Nucang brothers were able to repel treacherous ministers and revive our great enterprise. From now on, this mountain’s brothers will uphold heaven’s will to execute traitors and kill sycophants, eliminating evil and removing violence, rescuing the people from foolish rulers and treacherous ministers! Father, if your spirit in heaven exists, you must protect our stronghold brothers in achieving this great enterprise!” He kowtowed repeatedly as everyone followed him in three bows before standing.

Qin Zhonghai, holding a torch, lit the beacon fire. Looking at the raging flames and remembering his father and brother’s blood revenge, his heart also burned with fury rushing three thousand zhang into heaven. Wild wind blew, tossing his forehead hair aside, revealing the blood-red character “Guilt,” making his angry expression appear extremely stern.

Nucang Mountain’s decisive victory over the court’s fifty thousand troops was a triumphant opening that greatly boosted morale for several days. Now the stronghold had strong troops and horses—no longer the lonely, desolate situation of the past. In terms of military strength, with Sha Jin’s thirty thousand troops plus Lu Guzhan’s several thousand men, if the court wanted to attack rashly, relying on the mountain’s natural defenses with the great army holding high ground, without famous generals leading and one hundred thousand troops surrounding them, they definitely couldn’t prevail.

With the situation somewhat stabilized, the great leaders both settled newly joined heroes and treated the wounded. With many more brothers on the mountain, extensive construction was inevitable. Fortunately, Nucang Mountain occupied vast territory with massive foundations—after some reorganization, camping quarters naturally weren’t lacking. After several days of intensive work, everyone had cleared out the great hall.

This day was pleasant with gentle winds—an auspicious day. Zhi Guan suggested Qin Zhonghai host a wine banquet to welcome and celebrate the heroes. Qin Zhonghai, who daily only wanted to drink, was immediately delighted upon hearing this and ordered Tao Qing and Ha Bu’er to arrange the feast.

Ha Bu’er was skilled in cooking while Tao Qing was good at management. With these two organizing the wine feast, plus Twin Dragon Stronghold and foreign army’s original hundred or so cooks, handling affairs was naturally extremely efficient. Everyone slaughtered pigs and sheep—in just one day they prepared a thousand tables of wine and food.

That night everyone gathered joyfully. Many Nucang Mountain veterans who hadn’t seen each other for decades each raised cups to drink heartily, recounting the past and reminiscing. Though Yan Er’niang was wounded, such grand feasts were rare, so she had Qin Zhonghai help her out to meet the veteran generals.

After the stronghold’s destruction, Shi Gang’s whereabouts had been unknown—unexpectedly he had become the Western Region’s first warrior “Sha Jin.” Everyone was curious and wanted to know what had happened since their separation. Hearing everyone ask, Shi Gang immediately sighed, “This is a long story… Sigh… If the Young Master hadn’t revived the stronghold, I don’t know if I could ever return to the Central Plains in this lifetime…”

Qin Zhonghai, being a rogue, when had he ever been a young master? Hearing Shi Gang again address him as “Young Master,” he felt somewhat awkward and wanted him to change the title but didn’t know how to speak appropriately, so he just coughed repeatedly.

Xiang Tianshou asked, “Earlier Master Lu said he received Sword King’s letter and thus returned to the mountain in time. Did you also receive Master Fang’s letter for this return to Chinese soil?” Shi Gang chuckled, “Young man, take off your shirt!”

Qin Zhonghai nodded and immediately removed his upper garment, revealing the fierce tattoo on his back. Lu Guzhan, seeing the design and text, immediately nodded, “What Master Fang wrote in his letter is indeed true! Lord Baxian truly has descendants in this world.”

Shi Gang nodded, “Years ago the old stronghold master had two sons—this is the young master. Previously there were stronghold rumors that the young master was still alive. After hearing this, I was only half-believing until I encountered him in the western frontier last year. When we fought, I accidentally tore his clothes and saw the tattoo on his back, finally recognizing this child’s identity.”

Qin Zhonghai, recalling past events, thought, “What ‘accidentally’? I nearly got chopped in half by you.” Now he was the stronghold’s important figure who needed to lead the heroes—such joking words naturally weren’t appropriate to voice. But remembering that day’s danger, he was truly indignant and spat a glob of phlegm forcefully onto the ground.

Qin Baxian had been a scholarly general in the world—Twin Dragon Stronghold people had all heard of him. Seeing Qin Zhonghai’s crude appearance, they couldn’t help feeling strange. Lu Guzhan secretly shook his head, sighing inwardly, “This General Qin not only doesn’t resemble his father in appearance but his temperament is also vastly different.” Only Li Tieshan, having witnessed Qin Zhonghai’s roughness before, laughed heartily with great enjoyment.

At Qin Zhonghai’s table sat the stronghold’s leaders. Everyone naturally needed to come forward with toasts. Lu Guzhan had the most capable subordinates, so he introduced the brothers for everyone. They saw Jie Tao holding wine with both hands, walking toward Qin Zhonghai and bowing, “Years ago by Taihu Lake, I heard the eight characters ‘In the Liu faction, Yang for literature, Qin for martial arts.’ I’ve long admired General Qin—this cup must be drunk.” He raised his cup and drained it in one gulp, his manner quite respectful. Everyone thought, “Looking at this man’s refined courtesy and politeness, Lu Guzhan commands his troops well—no wonder he can dominate the southeast.”

Just as they were admiring him, a bearded man walked over and laughed, “Brother Jie is flattering again! Our boss curses you court dog officials daily, saying you’re all wine sacks and rice bags!” He laughed heartily.

Qin Zhonghai had formerly served at court—this man’s words inevitably offended people. Everyone couldn’t help frowning and thinking, “How does Lu Guzhan train his subordinates? This man is sneaky and his words are truly inappropriate. With such military discipline, how can they dominate Jiangnan? Truly strange and bizarre.” They cast aside their previous praise and adopted impatient expressions.

Qin Zhonghai didn’t mind, just smiled slightly and asked the bearded man, “What is brother’s name?”

Before the bearded man could answer, Lu Guzhan already interjected, “This child is surnamed Chang—precisely the son of former Five Passes Small Brave General ‘Mad Blade’ Chang Fei. After the stronghold’s destruction, I’ve been raising him in my stronghold.” Everyone at the table was delighted and all praised, “So he’s an old friend’s son!”

Lu Guzhan continued, “When his father died, I took this child far to Jiangnan, then renamed him Xuehen, meaning for him to avenge his father and wash away hatred.” He patted Chang Xuehen’s shoulder, “Come, toast everyone.”

Chang Xuehen held his wine cup but before he could speak, Li Tieshan was already emotionally stirred, remembering his friendship with Chang Fei. He pulled Chang Xuehen over and nodded, “Good child, your father and I had deep friendship. If you have any troubles in the future, just come find Uncle Li!”

Chang Xuehen frowned, “What bullshit! What would grandpa need to entrust to you, old thief? Drink this cup first!”

Li Tieshan, hearing his extremely crude language, was stunned speechless. Lu Guzhan felt ashamed and just kept his head down silently. Yan Er’niang frowned, thinking, “Truly declining standards. With a few more such rogues, our stronghold will really become a bandit den.”

Here Qin Zhonghai was delighted—hearing Chang Xuehen’s foul language was like seeing family. He immediately pulled Chang Xuehen over and laughed, “So Brother Chang also has old ties with the stronghold. May I ask your age?”

Chang Xuehen laughed, “I’m twenty-seven this year.”

Qin Zhonghai was shocked—looking at Chang Xuehen’s full beard like a forty or fifty-year-old, who knew he hadn’t even passed thirty.

Chang Xuehen, seeing his surprised expression, immediately sneered coldly, “What the hell are you so shocked about? Are you seeing how handsome I am and want to arrange a girl for me to meet?”

Qin Zhonghai, hearing his endless cursing and self-styling as “grandpa” while using such tone before him, knew that was courting death. He laughed, “You little punk, born with bandit looks, what girls could you meet? Grandpa thinks you knowing prostitutes is true. Later we’ll disguise ourselves returning to the capital—grandpa will take you little devil to Yihua Tower for fun, guaranteeing you’ll be so happy you forget to return and won’t even want to be a bandit.” Hearing Chang Xuehen like to call himself “grandpa,” he changed to calling himself “grandfather,” showing he was still that fellow’s grandfather and absolutely wouldn’t lose out.

Chang Xuehen laughed loudly, “Good! Great-grandfather believes your nonsense—tomorrow you accompany great-grandfather to enjoy ourselves in the capital!” He called himself “great-grandfather,” showing no intention of yielding.

Everyone, seeing their crude and boring language, couldn’t help frowning. Yan Er’niang sighed endlessly. Lu Guzhan sighed inwardly, “Lord Baxian was formerly the court’s top scholar, accomplished in both literature and martial arts. Who’d have thought his son would be a rogue scoundrel, almost the same character as my Xuehen child… Sigh… he should be literate, right…” Lu Guzhan had always loved literary scholars—years ago he had transmitted a set of “Peerless Consecutive Fists” to Lu Yun. Now seeing Qin Zhonghai’s bandit appearance and recalling Qin Baxian’s literary talent, he naturally felt many emotions.

As Chang Xuehen was making noise, suddenly a large man walked out. Looking at his tiger-leopard physique and face full of stern righteousness, his martial arts must be high. He held a wine cup and bowed, “Heroes, I am Hao Zhenxiang from Hunan. Having the fortune to gather with you heroes—what happiness is this?”

Li Tieshan, seeing his broad shoulders and extraordinary appearance, quickly asked, “What is this brother’s background?” Lu Guzhan said, “This is Master Hao, formerly the Imperial Guard’s chief weapon instructor. His martial arts are high, especially skilled in ‘Snake and Crane Dual Movement Fist.’ Now he’s Twin Dragon Stronghold’s military instructor. Only because court treacherous officials are petty and narrow-minded was he forced to join the stronghold in rebellion.”

Years ago at Shenji Pavilion’s fierce battle, An Daojing, instigated by Hu Mei’er’s provocations, actually attacked his own general. Hao Zhenxiang suffered great humiliation at the critical moment—if Lu Guzhan hadn’t happened to arrive at Shenji Pavilion, he would have been an aggrieved ghost on the road to Yellow Springs.

Qin Zhonghai, hearing the background and knowing Hao Zhenxiang had formerly been a court official, remembered something and quickly grasped Hao Zhenxiang’s hand, asking, “Instructor Hao, before serving in the Imperial Guard, were you the Ministry of Justice’s chief instructor?” Hao Zhenxiang was quite surprised and couldn’t help exclaiming as he nodded, “That was many years ago—I’m grateful the General still remembers.”

Qin Zhonghai laughed, “I once heard Commander Wu of the capital mention your great name and always wanted to visit, but in past years had no chance to meet. Who knew we’d meet here without previous acquaintance.” Hao Zhenxiang smiled bitterly, thinking, “We were both court officials who couldn’t meet in the capital but encounter each other in a bandit den—truly a bumpy fate.” He shook his head, “In the past when I was in the capital, I also knew the great names ‘Yang for literature, Qin for martial arts.’ Hearing of fame isn’t like meeting in person—today seeing the General, Hao is delighted beyond measure.” He raised his wine cup and drained it.

Hao Zhenxiang’s mountain rebellion was largely forced by An Daojing. Years ago, severely wounded with nowhere to go, he could only stay at Twin Dragon Stronghold to recover. Lu Guzhan, knowing he worried about his family, brought his family members back to the water stronghold. Grateful, Hao Zhenxiang couldn’t mention leaving again and from then cut off thoughts of returning to the capital, becoming the stronghold’s number one bandit.

Chang Xuehen, seeing their mutual appreciation, walked out again grinning, “You two court dog officials have similar bitter fates—our Instructor Hao got stabbed in Shaanxi but was lucky not to die, while you General Qin had your left foot chopped off and face tattooed—also tragic. You two being equally miserable should become sworn brothers.”

Hao Zhenxiang shook his head with a bitter smile, quite embarrassed. Qin Zhonghai, hearing he’d been stabbed, quickly asked, “Who was so damned as to dare wound Instructor Hao?” Jie Tao, seeing Hao Zhenxiang bow his head silently and apparently unwilling to discuss past events, answered for him, “To tell the General honestly, Instructor Hao was wounded by An Daojing!” He explained the situation’s origin. Hearing it was An Daojing’s doing, Qin Zhonghai was immediately furious and shouted, “That An Daojing again! This man commits every evil—utterly shameless. Next time we meet, I must chop him into mincemeat!”

Hao Zhenxiang shook his head with a bitter smile, “Thank you for General Qin’s kind intention, but if there’s a chance for revenge, I must personally wield this blade.”

Qin Zhonghai laughed, “Exactly. A real man’s swift revenge—this blade must be thrust in heavily and withdrawn lightly to be satisfying.”

Hao Zhenxiang, after all, came from the court and was very different from Chang Xuehen and others. Whenever he recalled past aspirations, he always felt deep sighs. Now seeing Qin Zhonghai, this court colleague, he inexplicably felt close. The two chatted briefly, both discussing capital figures. Yan Er’niang, listening from the side and recalling the scene of Qin Zhonghai meeting Lu Yun that day, thought, “General Qin keeps talking about official circles—could he still be thinking of court friends?” Qin Zhonghai was someone who valued relationships—if in future battlefields he had to fight former colleagues, he might not be able to strike. Yan Er’niang worried and felt somewhat concerned.

Just as Yan Er’niang was worrying, she heard Qin Zhonghai say in a heavy voice, “Instructor Hao, stop thinking about the past. Court achievements instantly become fleeting clouds. Look at me, Qin Zhonghai—in the past I won so many border victories for the court, working up to fourth-rank sword-bearer. Once I fell from power, didn’t I still get my foot severed and face tattooed? You and I survived great disasters and have the fortune to meet here—better than meeting in the eighteenth level of hell. We should laugh heartily. Don’t you think?”

Hao Zhenxiang smiled slightly, “General Qin’s teaching is correct—past matters are like yesterday’s death. Let this cup bid farewell to bygone days.” He raised his wine cup and drank it all with Qin Zhonghai. Hearing them speak thus, Yan Er’niang finally set aside her worries.

Seeing Twin Dragon Stronghold full of masters—that “Nine Lives Madman” Chang Xuehen bold and valiant, “Fire-Eyed Swift Lion” Jie Tao with divine archery, and Hao Zhenxiang a first-class hero—everyone praised endlessly as even Shi Gang and Li Tieshan drank several cups.

Soon Western Region foreign generals also came to toast. Five fierce generals lined up—three women and two men, all with heroic and refreshing bearing, bright and open. Everyone relied on Shi Gang’s translation to learn these five were siblings who from childhood had fought north and south with Shi Gang, even honoring him as adoptive father. This time when Shi Gang hastily left a letter to the Khan and brought troops back to the Central Plains, these five siblings, having father-son relationship with him, also followed.

Everyone asked their names and learned they were surnamed Tengteng—eldest brother called Guli Han, second brother A’mo Han, and three sisters called Ming’er Han, A’qing Han, and Ningning Han. Anyway, it was Han this and Han that, A this and A that—too many to remember at once. Everyone could only make various sounds in response. However, the three frontier women were beautiful with full figures, taller than Central Plains women. Standing in the great hall, they made the whole room seem to glow. Young men like Chang Xuehen and Jie Tao were dazzled and infatuated. In their admiration, they kept pulling Shi Gang around calling him uncle and father-in-law, clearly hoping to cultivate relationships with the elder to explore opportunities for intimate contact.