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The night was dim and the cold snow fell heavily, the wind cutting like a knife and howling like a wolf. The Xu Zhen stumbled and fled in a panic, desperately trying to escape. Behind her, shadows loomed like clouds or ghostly lights, faintly revealing human faces that relentlessly pursued her. It felt as if she were sinking into a quagmire, and ultimately, the exhausted Xu Zhen collapsed to the ground. She reached for her waist, only to find her long knife missing, causing her heart to race with fear.
The multitude of ghostly faces appeared fierce and overwhelming, like a tide that completely engulfed the Xu Zhen in darkness.
"Ah!!!"
The Xu Zhen suddenly screamed, and as white light flashed before her eyes, she realized she had just experienced a nightmare. Startled and drenched in cold sweat, she exhaled deeply and sighed softly.
Days ago, during the battle, both Salar and Rouran Brothers suffered casualties, and the Brave Warriors Camp lost more than half of its forces. The Xu Zhen bore over ten wounds on her body. Initially, every night her limbs felt numb and cold, preventing her from sleeping even for a moment. Afterward, she managed to borrow Healing Powder from Moya to calm her nerves, allowing her to sleep for a few hours, but she could never escape that damned nightmare.
Her drowsiness was quickly dispelled. The Xu Zhen wiped her face, donned a robe, took up her long knife, and strolled through Zhangye City, gazing at the starry sky with a hint of desolation in her heart.
She had been resting in bed for three days; her wounds were beginning to heal. Although she could not fight yet, she could move freely. However, Gao Zhensheng had already led his army into Zhangye and was discussing plans to support Li Jing with Qibi Helix.
Gao Zhensheng truly proved himself to be a capable individual. He did not entrust the inexperienced new recruits to the Xu Zhen but instead chose the Brave Warriors Camp, which had strength but lacked discipline. This way, even if the Xu Zhen could not control the situation or manage the Brave Warriors Camp Brothers effectively, any victory would result in most of the credit going to General. Many of her Brothers were dissatisfied but could only grumble among themselves.
When soldiers saw the Xu Zhen arrive, they all looked at her with respectful eyes. The Qibi Tribe Soldiers had witnessed the Xu Zhen presiding over the funerals of Salar and Rouran's two factions days earlier. As Zoroastrian Messenger, she conducted the Skyward Rite while chanting scriptures that resonated deeply within their souls.
As her voice elongated and rose and fell with rhythmical hymns gradually spread out, the surviving Brothers of Salar and Rouran sang along with the scriptures in time with the music. This stirred great admiration among the fire worshippers of Qibi Tribe. When they saw the Xu Zhen afterward, they would bow respectfully and call out "Yarbo."
Among Tang's troops, many had heard of Xu Zhenzhi's achievements in battle and secretly gave the Xu Zhen a nickname: Firewood Man. This meant that wherever she went, divine fire burned away the unruly Ah Chai enemies, causing them to scatter in fear.
The most vivid representation of Firewood Man was not just her identity as a divine messenger but also her long knife. This blade was unconventional; it was longer and narrower than standard swords with a slight curve but not like Barbarian blades. Among all troops, hers was unique and had become a symbol of Xu Zhenzhi's identity. Along with Yin Zong and Gao He Shu promoting tales of her walking on water and summoning fire from thin air as miracles, belief in Xu Zhenzhi among Qibi Tribe grew increasingly fervent.
Zhou Cang was engaged in a contest of skills with Qin Guang when he saw the Xu Zhen arrive. He hurriedly approached to pay his respects, fearing that she might harm Chill or aggravate old wounds. However, the Xu Zhen waved him off to indicate there was no harm done and continued inspecting the Brothers' barracks.
After this battle, the relationship between her Brothers and the remnants of Brave Warriors Camp became increasingly harmonious. Although they outwardly showed mutual disdain, inwardly there was newfound respect; they shared an understanding forged through hardship. The former group had developed camaraderie through their struggles while the latter had faced life-and-death situations together. With Gao Zhensheng shamelessly taking some credit for their efforts, many Brothers found common cause against their shared enemy and stood united on one front.
On that day, Gao He Shu picked up the renowned weapon of the enemy chief, Tu Han, known as Iron Thorn and Iron Thorn Bud. He intended to return it to Qin Guang, after all, it was Qin Guang who had slain Tu Han.
However, Qin Guang was accustomed to wielding dual swords and lacked the strength of Gao He Shu. Holding the Iron Thorn bud would only be a waste, so he generously gifted it away. With no way to repay him, Gao He Shu presented his Yuanrong Crossbow instead. Qin Guang had already witnessed the power of the Crossbow and accepted it without hesitation. Thus, through this exchange, the small leaders naturally formed a bond as Brothers.
Perhaps this was what Xu Zhen was most grateful for; despite facing life-and-death battles, the Brothers did not abandon him but instead grew closer around him. This loyalty made him feel guilty as a nominal Lord. If not for his own lack of decisiveness, the Brothers would not have suffered such heavy casualties.
Zhou Cang and Qin Guang were afraid of upsetting Xu Zhen and dared not speak much, silently following behind. Xu Zhen felt guilty towards the Brothers and did not drive them away; however, the Brothers voluntarily followed him, gathering in increasing numbers until they formed a long line, solemn and heavy.
On that day, Xu Zhen led the charge, covered in blood, fighting fiercely against the enemy like a mad dog. None of the Brothers were unconvinced; with such a leader, what more could they ask for?
Upon reaching their camp area, Yin Zong and others stood up to greet them. The Brothers gathered around Xu Zhen in the camp. Though they did not speak, Xu Zhen felt their understanding and support. The iron-willed men expressed their loyalty and empathy towards their Commander in their own clumsy way.
Duan Zan along with Hou Polu and Zhang Shenzhi stood at the front of the camp. Seeing the low morale and unable to hide their suppressed anger in their eyes, the three exchanged cold smiles before addressing Xu Zhen: "Colonel Murong Xiao, you must avenge our fallen Brothers!"
Xu Zhenxin couldn't help but sneer; if there was revenge to be had, it was a matter for me, Xu Zhen, and the Brothers. What right did these three have to claim Brotherhood within Xu Zhenbu?
Yet other Brothers were preoccupied with thoughts of their fallen comrades. Their anger had no outlet; they either sulked in silence or engaged in martial arts to vent their frustrations. The words of Duan Zan and his companions were like pouring oil on a smoldering fire!
"Colonel Murong Xiao will take revenge! Colonel Murong Xiao will take revenge!"
Many Brothers echoed in response, their voices growing louder and more thunderous. The synchronized shouts resonated deeply, making Xu Zhen feel particularly pained. He sensed something stirring within him; his once cold heart began to warm slowly. This surge of emotion rose up to his eyes, reddening them as he looked around at his Brothers. Unable to express his gratitude in words, he slowly drew his long knife, gazing northwest with his chest heaving as he declared: "Revenge!"
The fervor ignited among many Brothers; their anger burned fiercely within them as they followed their Lord in unison: "Revenge! Revenge! Revenge!"
Hearing the commotion from other camps in the city led many soldiers to believe there was an uprising. They raised their weapons to surround them; gathering late at night in such a manner violated military discipline severely. Zhang Jiunian observed carefully and had long realized that Duan Zan and his companions were acting with intent to provoke many Brothers' grief in order to lure Xu Zhen into breaking military law!
However, he did not stop his Lord. Even if he stopped the Xu Zhen, he could not prevent this group of angry Brothers. If the Lord had not taken such action, the Brothers' pent-up grievances would have erupted into chaos.
Seeing the other Soldiers gathering around, the Xu Zhen's mind quickly calmed down. Most of her subordinates, the Brothers, were unruly, especially those from the Brave Warriors Camp, who suffered the heaviest casualties in this battle. If the Xu Zhen acted like a coward who dared not seek revenge, they would no longer follow her.
At this moment, the anger of the Brothers had just been ignited by Duan Zan and his companions. Other Soldiers were now facing them with weapons drawn. The increasingly irrational Brothers grabbed their blades in response.
At this point, the Xu Zhen felt a chill in her heart. She did not expect that her moment of hesitation could have pushed her Brothers into a pit of fire. Her hatred for the Hou-Duan Trio reached its peak; no wonder Gao Zhensheng insisted on keeping these three in his camp!
She glared fiercely at the trio and walked slowly to the front lines, standing before many Brothers. She raised her long knife, and only then did their shouts subside. However, she pressed down on the blade and glared angrily at the surrounding Tang Soldiers.
Qibi Helix, the Commander of Zhangye, hurried over and felt that the Xu Zhen was reckless. If Gao Zhensheng seized on this opportunity, the consequences would be severe. Qibi Helix might not be able to suppress it either. Moreover, Xu Zhenbu seemed to genuinely pose a threat of mutiny at this moment!
The military has strict prohibitions and severe punishments; this is no joke!
Sure enough, it wasn't long before Gao Zhensheng, Governor of Lizhou, arrived surrounded by his personal guards, his expression fierce and clearly displeased.
“ Xu Zhen! What are you doing? Do you know what happens when you violate military law? Are you trying to claim credit for yourself?” Gao Zhensheng scolded angrily, accusing the Xu Zhen of arrogance.
Many Brothers were already dissatisfied with Gao Zhensheng's strategies and actions. If he hadn't pressured the army at Shandan and sent Xu Zhenbu on a solo mission, the Xu Zhen wouldn't have resorted to such risky tactics. The Brothers wouldn't have suffered such heavy losses on the battlefield. Now that Gao Zhensheng entered the camp demanding credit while suppressing them forcefully without giving them a chance to vent their anger, how could they feel satisfied?
Xu Zhenxin turned his head anxiously; he needed to suppress the Brothers' fury. Otherwise, a conflict would truly break out tonight, and everything from before would vanish into thin air. In a moment of desperation, he had no choice but to grit his teeth and speak up.
“General, please forgive us. Many brave men charged into battle and faced numerous arrows; our Comrades lost their lives to enemies. We are filled with resentment. Tonight we swear an oath to ask both generals for permission to lead our troops northward to strike back at our enemies and avenge our blood feud!”
Seeing that the Xu Zhen indeed sought permission from the generals, the Brothers' emotions surged even more as they shouted in unison: “Northward for revenge! Northward for revenge!”
Gao Zhensheng subconsciously glanced at Hou Duan and the others, knowing their scheme had succeeded. He sneered inwardly; although the Xu Zhen had learned bravery, she was essentially foolish. Now that his troops had suffered heavy losses, only five or six hundred remained. If she were to insist on marching north, it would only lead to her demise.
The Xu Zhen had already violated military discipline multiple times, all of which had been recorded by Hou Polu. Coupled with tonight's planned sabotage of the camp, once they returned victorious, she would not be able to maintain her position in the army for long.
Given the friendship between the Xu Zhen and Li Mingda, the latter would undoubtedly mobilize any available forces to protect her. At that point, once they were entangled, they could take advantage of the situation to eliminate all competing factions aside from Li Mingda. This was the core of Hou Junji's scheme!
As expected, seeing the Xu Zhen helplessly request orders, Qibi Helix hurriedly intervened and said without a doubt, "Indeed, Brother Xu has many loyal and brave soldiers under his command. Since you intend to send troops north to scout the Ashina military's situation, why not let Commander Xu take on this important task? How does that sound?"
The Xu Zhen understood that Qibi Helix was protecting her and did not wait for Gao Zhensheng to speak. She immediately cupped her hands in salute and said, "The Xu Zhen will not fail this mission!"
Seeing Qibi Helix nod, the Xu Zhen continued, "General, my troops have suffered many injuries and our numbers have significantly decreased. The structure must be streamlined; there is no need for excessive captains. May I reduce them as I see fit?"
Qibi Helix was already aware of Hou Duan's past interference and understood Xu Zhenzhi's intentions. He decisively declared, " Commander Xu is loyal to the country and serves with his life; he is a model within the army. Whatever is needed should naturally be permitted. All necessary documents should be submitted."
Gao Zhensheng snorted coldly, appearing displeased on the surface. However, the plan was already taking effect; it was merely a matter of time. It would be better to recall Hou Polu and others to avoid any unexpected changes that might provoke Hou Junji's wrath—he could not bear the consequences of angering such a precious son.
Having received the order, many brothers were calmed back to camp by Zhou Cang, Qin Guangyin, Zong Gaohe Jutsu, and other key figures. Meanwhile, the Xu Zhen furrowed her brow in distress as she began to contemplate her self-destructive plan to march north.
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