The tension on the walls grew day by day. Every soldier fixed their gaze on the infamous coalition army, their eyes gradually turning to the commanders leading the invasion.
A week later, an urgent message arrived at the cabin where three thousand soldiers had finally gathered. This was the rapid response private army Jun had prepared.
"The forces of Duke Hyou have been sighted leading an army of 10,000 against the Wei army of 100,000 under Go Hou Mei's command."
As the Wei forces moved to trap Duke Hyou's army in a pincer formation using war chariots, they were saved by the arrival of the Shin Unit, which coordinated with their troops to repel the attack.
When the Wei began deploying Ryudoryoku, Duke Hyou ordered all troops to cease their attack, stating that "something ahead smells terribly wrong," and had them retreat instead.
He then remarked on Go Hou Mei's ability, admitting he had thought Wei no longer had any noteworthy generals. Observing Go Hou Mei's headquarters, he realized it reeked of an extraordinary strategy.
He subsequently ordered his troops to return, noting that the fire in their headquarters was waning, to save them.
Jun waited patiently, knowing he should not rush into this war. He needed to be cautious since he did not wield great power on this battlefield.
On the fourth day of combat, Duke Hyou sent word to the Shin Unit to take the Shourai Mountain trails and strike the enemy's flank.
When the Zhao army arrived, Duke Hyou ordered his men to retreat to Chuukou.
The days dragged on, and deaths increased as the war continued.
On the 16th day, Duke Hyou noticed clouds of dust in the distance. Acting on a hunch, he left his position at Kankoku Pass, suspecting Ri Boku was up to something.
In response to Ri Boku's plan to attack the less-defended second entrance to Qin's capital, Duke Hyou quickly flanked Ri Boku's army.
When Ri Boku realized this, he deployed Ryuudou to separate the Duke from his soldiers. However, relying on his instinctive abilities, Hyou attempted to penetrate straight to the center of Ri Boku's Ryuudou strategy.
…
On a mountain, all the soldiers Jun had brought with him were ready. Today would be the day they entered the battlefield.
The appearance of the King of Assassins, the God of Martial Arts, and the current commander of Qin was striking. He was followed by three thousand horses and their riders.
Buzz!
When that dazzling black-clad figure, mounted on a black horse, appeared—a King of Assassins gazing disdainfully at the world—even the twins felt suffocated and fearful.
"Let's go!"
A cold voice came from behind the mask worn by the man in black armor. He turned his horse, and without a moment's hesitation, led the charge toward the trap Ri Boku was laying for Duke Hyou.
A powerful torrent of cavalry followed, like obedient slaves, not daring to lag behind!
…
When Jun's army finally descended from the hills to the front lines, countless eagles and messenger birds scattered in all directions. Across Qin, countless nobles, governors, generals, and even common townsfolk bearing Jun's flag turned their attention to this mobilization.
Flap!
A hunting hawk descended into the palace like a bolt of lightning, landing on a soldier's outstretched arm.
"Ha, ha, ha, how swift! They've finally started moving." Ei Sei smiled faintly at the letter in his hand.
The letter, sent from the battlefield, simply read:
The coalition army is likely to penetrate the estimated zone. Prove you are a king worthy of my protection.
Ei Sei looked at his council and declared, "As planned, I will go to the front."
"Your Majesty, this plan is madness!"
"We cannot trust the words of someone who has not sworn loyalty to you!"
"Silence!"
In that moment, Ei Sei's voice resounded with strength. He said, "Reports indicate an army of at least fifty thousand soldiers is heading toward the area where our defenses are weakest.
"This plan is not ours, but I fully trust the word of the God of Martial Arts and acting King of Assassins. He sat at my table and gave me his word. I will uphold my promise, and I am sure he will do the same."
For the first time, Ei Sei's eyes revealed a determination Jun had never seen before. With resolute words, he shouted, "My armor, prepare the royal guard!"
In the shadows of the hall, several figures dressed in black moved to relay updates to Jun, who was kept informed of everything.
When the coalition army broke through the weakest zone, a hidden army would await them. To witness the spectacle, Jun had invited the king.
A king on the battlefield was an unprecedented sight. That was why Jun had invited Ei Sei—because if he failed, he would die anyway.
So, where would the future Emperor of China choose to die?
…
Jun's Military Camp
At that moment, dozens of catapults were being positioned, entire legions of archers took their places, and the heavy guard was ready.
As everyone fell into formation, showcasing the discipline of the army, Shao, the general in charge, surveyed the legions surrounding him and murmured, "Prepare to receive the Emperor of China."
"Now!"
Shen was the first to realize Ei Sei had the courage to accept Jun's invitation. From that moment on, they all had an emperor to serve.
From this point, Jun resolved to ensure every death would have meaning and to leave his mark on history.