[General's Order]

In the third year of the Yongxi reign (986), Emperor Taizong of Song adopted the suggestion of He Lingtu, the prefect of Xiong Prefecture, intending to take advantage of the Liao emperor's youth and instability, and launch a three-pronged northern expedition against the Liao. However, Empress Dowager Xiao Chuo was regent, and the Liao court was peaceful and wise. Facing the Song army's massive offensive, Empress Dowager Xiao personally supervised the battle in Youzhou, concentrating forces to first defeat the main Song army on the eastern route, and then thwarting the attacks from the western and central routes. Thus, the Song's northern expedition failed.
That winter, taking advantage of the Song's weakened state and low morale, Empress Dowager Xiao dispatched 500,000 troops to invade the Song.
"Yueqi, come here." An elderly man with flowing white hair and a venerable appearance called out to a bamboo forest below the mountain. A moment later, a red figure suddenly emerged from the verdant bamboo forest, leaping and bounding along the steep mountainside, instantly reaching the top and standing before the old man.
"Master," a soft, melodious voice murmured, belonging to a pretty girl. She was graceful and elegant, her robes flowing, her bright, moon-like eyes gleaming with a deep light. Her beautiful cheeks were flushed, and a few beads of sweat glistened on her fair neck, suggesting she had just finished practicing swordsmanship in the bamboo forest and had rushed up the mountain without rest. At that moment, a few bamboo leaves, carried by the swirling air, brushed past Yueqi's sleeves and landed gracefully.
"The sword follows my heart; its sharpness lies not in its individual moves, but in the practitioner's state of mind. You must remember this principle." The old man, seeing his disciple's progress, beamed with joy. Yueqi bowed, "Yes, Master." The old
man in the green robe was the reclusive Taoist Kongwu, who had retired to the mountains ten years ago. He had once wielded a three-foot-long, slender sword, aiding the Song army in their campaign against dissidents, leading to the Song defeat of Liao reinforcements, the capture of Taiyuan, and ultimately the destruction of the Northern Han. Ten years ago, seeing the nation prosperous and the people at peace, and knowing that his disciples, Amber and Wolf Mountain, were maturing and becoming reliable enough to be entrusted with the affairs of the country and its people, the Taoist Kongwu relinquished his official hat and, carrying his "Demon-Devouring" short sword, ascended Mount Qingtai. He sought no worldly affairs, no fame or fortune, only tranquility, wanting only to find a peaceful place to spend his later years. Unexpectedly, on his way down the mountain to buy groceries, he encountered a little girl who had fainted by the roadside. The girl was about eight or nine years old, beautiful but covered in mud. The Taoist Kongwu rescued her and learned that she was an orphan, homeless and wandering there. Deeply moved by her plight, the Taoist Kongwu decided to take the girl up the mountain to raise her, teaching her to read and write, and instructing her in martial arts, essentially adopting a daughter to keep her company in her lonely old age.
The little girl at that time was Yueqi, who stood before the Daoist Kongwu. Now, Yueqi had blossomed into a beautiful
young woman, and thanks to her master's years of instruction and her own intelligence, she was deeply loved by the Daoist Kongwu. "Yueqi, do you know how many years you have followed me?" Yueqi was very curious when her master asked this, but she still answered respectfully, "This disciple has been raised by Master since childhood. I will never forget your kindness of nine years." The Daoist Kongwu stroked his beard and smiled, sighing, "Nine years... Have you heard me mention your senior brothers, Amber and the others?" "This disciple has only heard Master mention them briefly, and knows little of the details." "Come with me, and I will slowly tell you their story. Once you have remembered it clearly, you can set off to find them." Upon hearing this, Yueqi's expression changed drastically, and a glimmer of light suddenly appeared in her eyes. "Master... Master, are you sending this disciple away?" "The Taoist Kongwu sighed: 'Yueqi has been by my side all these years. I've long regarded you as my own child. How could I bear to send you away?! However…' The Taoist Kongwu's face suddenly turned icy cold. He raised his voice and said loudly: 'The Liao barbarians will soon launch an invasion, and I've heard their strength is unprecedented. The Great Song Dynasty faces such a powerful enemy, and the people live in fear. We cannot sit idly by. This time, you must go down the mountain to find your senior brother, Amber, and help him fight against the barbarians… I'm not sending you away, but the nation's situation forces me to.'
Wangdu City was one of the cities in the Great Song Dynasty closest to the Liao border. Although called a city, its ordinary population numbered only a few tens of thousands; most were military troops stationed there. Banners stretched across the sky, horns blared, and warriors in armor and weapons could be seen everywhere; it could be called a fortress.
It was sunset, and the most bustling street in Wangdu City was deserted. The taverns and inns along the street were also nearly empty, business slow." News of the impending Liao invasion spread like wildfire. Wangdu City was likely the Liao's first target, and many civilians, upon hearing this, probably disregarded the ban and fled.
The clatter of hooves came from the east of the street. As they drew closer, a dozen or so burly soldiers on horseback, armed with spears and gleaming armor, appeared. Leading them was a general with striking features, wearing bronze armor and exuding an imposing aura. His face was resolute, yet he couldn't hide his weariness. This group of men moved swiftly across the empty street, quickly disappearing at the eastern end.
In an inn called Shengyuan, several middle-aged men sat by the window, witnessing the procession pass by. A tall man sitting at the innermost seat took a sip of his drink and slowly asked, "Who is that person at the front?" A thin man beside him stammered, "His name is Amber. He's a lieutenant general, currently serving as the left vanguard of Fan Shang, the military commander of Wangdu City. He's young, and his name isn't on your list of Song Dynasty's fierce generals, General. However…" The thin man paused, seemingly extremely wary of the tall man before him. "Speak freely." "That Amber, he's a disciple of the Daoist Kongwu, and is Kongwu's eldest disciple." Hearing this, the tall man responded, "Oh?" Clearly, he was very interested in this. More than ten years ago, the Daoist Kongwu assisted the Song Dynasty in advancing on the Northern Han capital—Taiyuan—and thwarted the Liao army's reinforcements. It was that fierce battle that dragged the Daoist Kongwu into the family history of this tall man before him. A bloody history, every living being deeply affected by it will remember everything related to it. The tall man clenched his fists, glaring fiercely at the east end of the street, as if the most vicious thing lurked in that direction.
The tall man was Xiao Su, the son of Xiao Zhuo, the newly appointed marshal of the Liao Dynasty. As the eldest son, he was an invaluable and powerful assistant to Xiao Zhuo in the army. As a Right General, Xiao Su had risked his life to infiltrate Wangdu City on the orders of the marshal to survey the city's terrain and gather information about the Song army. Unexpectedly, he learned that the reclusive Daoist Kongwu still had disciples active in the court, which stirred up a storm of emotions in Xiao Su. Xiao Su's grandfather was also a famous general of the Liao Dynasty. Twenty-five years ago, he led 50,000 troops as the vanguard to enter the Northern Han and block the invading Song army. However, during the confrontation with the Song army, Daoist Kongwu led a group of extraordinary individuals to break out. Ordinary enemies were one thing, but the people led by Daoist Kongwu were all exceptionally skilled in martial arts. They charged through the enemy lines like beasts, fighting fiercely among the crowd, and were invincible... In the chaos, Xiao Su's grandfather was killed by Daoist Kongwu. The Liao army, leaderless, scattered and fled.
For the Liao Kingdom, this disgraceful history was later deliberately concealed, but in the history of Xiao Zhuo's family, it was recorded without any concealment, serving as a warning to future generations to never forget the humiliation and to seek revenge.
Just as Amber's men passed, a beautiful woman in white appeared at the east end of the street, leading a chestnut horse—it was Yueqi, who had come down the mountain to find her senior brother. It was Yueqi's first time down the mountain, and she was curious about the various affairs outside, but she dared not delay her journey, arriving in Wangdu a month later. Walking on the gray stone path, Yueqi saw that it was getting late and decided it wasn't a good time to go find her senior brother, lest she be unprepared at the military camp. Thinking of this, Yueqi decided to find an inn to stay the night and visit her senior brother the next morning. Looking around, Yueqi saw an inn called Shengyuan not far ahead. Yueqi was delighted, nodding and smiling in the beautiful sunset.
Led by the waiter, Yueqi first went upstairs for dinner before heading to her room. Seeing only one table full of people by the window upstairs, Yueqi chose a table in the corner furthest from the strangers and casually ordered a few dishes. The waiter acknowledged and busied himself preparing them.
Sitting next to Xiao Su, apart from the thin man, were all his confidants: from left to right, Chang Ren, Ji Cong, Li Hu, and Li Long. Chang Ren and Ji Cong were Xiao Su's deputy generals, while Li Hu and Li Long were his personal bodyguards. All four were intelligent and brave, especially the brothers Li Long and Li Hu, who were incredibly strong and fierce. The thin man, however, was a minor official in Wangdu City, likely bribed to be with Xiao Su. When they saw a woman with unparalleled beauty, unaware of it, each of them felt a surge of emotion. Such graceful women are rare finds, leaving Xiao Su and his companions wondering why the Liao Kingdom rarely saw women of such extraordinary bearing, yet one could appear in a strategically important military location in the Song Dynasty.
Ji Cong glanced sideways at Xiao Su, knowing full well what his master was thinking. He smiled slightly, then picked up a cup of wine and walked straight to Yue Qi. "Miss, my master would like to invite you over for a chat. Would you do me the honor?" Ji Cong bowed slightly and said loudly. Since descending the mountain, he had eaten at Yue Qi's restaurant many times, but this was the first time he had encountered such a situation. Just as he hesitated, he suddenly remembered his master's instructions before he left: not to say too much, lest it cause trouble… So he replied righteously, "This humble woman is alone, and it is inconvenient for me. Please forgive me." Ji Cong was unexpectedly rebuffed by a young woman and felt quite embarrassed, unsure how to save face.
Seeing this, Xiao Su became even more interested in Yue Qi. He remained seated by the window, but his voice carried far, loud and clear. "My servant was rude and offended you greatly. Please forgive me, Miss. Ji Er, please return." Ji Cong had no choice but to sheepishly return. "Judging by your figure, young lady, you must be either the daughter of a government official or a refined young lady. Why have you come to such a desolate place?" Xiao Su took a sip of wine and asked unhurriedly. Yue Qi saw that Xiao Su was upright and honest, unlike a treacherous Japanese, and was also very polite, so she felt a slight sense of goodwill towards him. She replied, "To find relatives in the military camp." Upon hearing this, everyone in the room was in an uproar: one can even find relatives in the army? Is this the way of life in the Great Song Dynasty? Yue Qi had thought long and hard before she said this. Before leaving, the old man Kongdao had told her that she must not tell anyone about her identity as a disciple before finding Amber. Yue Qi had kept her master's instructions in mind, but now she was faced with this problem. Yue Qi was not worldly-wise and could not think of lying to deceive others, so she could only say this, without changing her expression, completely unaware of his true meaning. Xiao Su coughed twice. "I wonder which brother has won such a virtuous wife, traveling so far to find such a fine husband? I am truly envious." Upon hearing this, Yue Qi's face suddenly turned red to her ears, a slight smile masking her anger, thinking this man was making fun of her. Xiao Su noticed and immediately changed his tone: "I apologize for my rudeness, young lady." Yue Qi's expression gradually calmed down, determined to ignore these people.
"Seeing that you are intelligent and have relatives in the army, I wonder if you have any knowledge of military tactics and formations?" To avoid Yue Qi perceiving him as a wild and uncouth man, Xiao Su asked again. "I've heard... people talk about it, and I know a little." Kong Wu Dao Ren would sometimes read military books and teach them to Yue Qi. Kong Wu Dao Ren was also a master of military affairs, and Yue Qi had been exposed to this since childhood, so she naturally knew a little about military formations. “Then let’s take the military formation stationed outside Wangdu City as an example. What do you think, young lady?” On her way here, Yueqi saw the soldiers guarding the city. They had built their camp against the mountain, with walls on the outside, numerous spears and arrows, and open roads on the inside for the transport of supplies. She said, “The military formation outside the city is tight and well-connected, allowing for mutual support and attack. They occupy high ground and can launch dive attacks on invading enemies. I am not very knowledgeable, but I know it is very good. May I ask what insights this young master has?” Xiao Su was quite surprised to hear this. A woman knew so much about military strategy; there must be many hidden talents in the Song army. But he still smiled and clapped his hands, replying, “Your answer is very good. May I ask if you have studied under a teacher?” This time, Yueqi only smiled slightly and did not answer. Xiao Su didn't press her further, and continued, "Miss, you only see the surface. The garrison of Wangdu has built their camp on high ground, which is a common tactic in warfare. Our ancestors have used it since ancient times, and it has been passed down through generations. The height of the position is advantageous and can also create psychological intimidation for the enemy... But now, if I lead my troops to surround them without attacking, cut off their supply lines, and exploit the lack of water at higher ground, they will collapse on their own in a few days. What do you think, Miss?"
Yueqi felt that this made sense, but at the same time, she had doubts about the identity of the person in front of her. "May I ask, young master..." "I am but a humble young master from a family. In my spare time, I read military books and have a little knowledge of them..." Yueqi suddenly thought: Wouldn't it be better for both of them if this person followed Senior Brother Amber?! Thinking of this, Yueqi's face lit up with joy, and she cupped her hands to Xiao Su, saying: "Young master, with your talent, would you be willing to come with me to the military camp and introduce you to the lord? Otherwise, I'm afraid you will be buried in this humble place." Xiao Su thought for a moment, ignoring the disapproving glances from others, and then clapped his hands and laughed: "Excellent, excellent... then I'll trouble you, young lady." In the northeast corner of Wangdu City, was the encampment of Amber's army. Facing the mountain on one side, more than a hundred white canvas tents were connected together, forming a training ground several dozen feet in circumference in the middle. It was nearly midnight, and several oil lamps were still lit in Amber's tent. "General, it's so late, why aren't you asleep yet?" A thin but tall middle-aged man entered the tent and said to Amber, who was sitting upright at the table. "Mr. Liang, you've come at the right time, come and sit down." Amber saw that it was her most trusted strategist, and her somewhat listless spirit immediately lifted. "Today I led men out of the city to inspect, and most of the guards outside are doing their duties, and the supply lines are also well maintained." "Isn't that even better? Why is the general still pondering here?" "Mr. Liang replied. Amber rose, looked through the curtain at the deep night sky, her eyes becoming inscrutable. "I have a feeling something's wrong, not with the soldiers..." "Is the general worried that the garrison troops are mostly camped on high ground, with several mountain peaks connected, while the valleys and plains in between are unsupported?!" Amber withdrew her gaze and stared at Mr. Liang. "Exactly! You've noticed this too, sir?" "Not only that, the grain transported from the capital Kaifeng is sufficient, but the army escorting the grain is not elite enough, and it has almost been robbed by bandits several times." "Amber is the vanguard, and the matter of escorting the grain shouldn't be his responsibility, but he has already guessed what Mr. Liang means." "You mean..." Mr. Liang shushed her and whispered, "I'm afraid there's been a mistake from above." The next day, the weather was clear. Although Amber had only slept until the third watch, he still got up early and went to a grove of trees to practice his swordsmanship. He was dressed in a blue robe and held a dark green longsword. His movements were like a dragon's shadow, and his sword wind could stir up the clouds and mist. In an instant, the cold light shone brightly, and the wind howled. "General, someone is requesting an audience outside the door, claiming to be your junior sister." A guard rushed over and reported to Amber. At that moment, the dazzling longsword, propelled by Amber's swift movements, slammed into the hard ground with a "thud," embedding itself more than a foot deep. Junior sister? Amber only vaguely knew from her master's letters that her master had taken on a disciple, but she never expected it to be a junior sister. Amber wiped her sweat and walked towards the military tent.
When she arrived at the tent, she found Mr. Liang busy greeting a man and a woman. "The general has arrived." “Mr. Liang said something.” Yueqi and Xiao Su, who had abandoned his attendants, turned to look at the door at the same time. They saw a figure that appeared even more powerful and strong in the sunlight. Yueqi was obviously very happy to see her senior brother whom she had never met before. When Xiao Su saw Amber and vaguely recognized him as the eldest disciple of the Daoist Kongwu, even he, with his ever-changing reactions, was momentarily stunned.
“Senior brother,” Yueqi called softly. Amber glanced at the jade pendant that her master had once worn at Yueqi’s waist and no longer suspected anything. Instead, he also looked pleasantly surprised. “Well, this must be junior sister. I never expected junior sister to be so charming. It is truly an honor for our sect.” Amber chuckled and then said, “How is Master?” Yueqi blushed slightly when she heard Amber’s praise. “Master is very well, but he is worried about the senior brothers… Oh, senior brother, this is Young Master Xiao Long. I met him on the road and, knowing his outstanding talent, introduced him to you.” "Yueqi pulled Xiao Su, who was using the alias Xiao Long, aside and spoke to Amber. Xiao Su immediately reacted and clasped his hands in a fist salute to Amber, saying, 'General, I am but a humble servant, yet Miss Yue has taken a liking to me and insisted on recommending me to you. If there is any inconvenience, please feel free to speak. I understand that military discipline is strict…' Mr. Liang then interjected, 'Young Master Xiao, what are you saying? Since you are a guest, and have traveled a long way, please follow me to find a tent to rest for a while, so that the two brothers and sisters can have a good chat. Please.' Xiao Su wanted to hear something from Amber, but Mr. Liang interrupted him. He had no choice but to follow Mr. Liang out of the tent. Finally, as he turned around, he saw Yueqi looking at him with a flickering gaze… Yesterday, since Xiao Su had decided to go into the camp with Yueqi to gather information, he had sent his confidants back first, while he stayed at the Shengyuan Inn, which was next to Yueqi's. Yueqi found Xiao Su reliable, so she no longer took precautions against him." One was a long-time resident of the manor, the other a first-timer descending the mountain; both were filled with curiosity about the outside world. After recounting their extraordinary experiences along the way, they felt as if they had met kindred spirits.
Although it was their first meeting, there was no awkwardness between Amber and Yueqi. They exchanged pleasantries, and Amber then took Yueqi to rest, as anyone traveling for over a month would be exhausted. After
settling Yueqi in, Amber donned his armor, spurred his horse, and galloped towards the governor's mansion. Meanwhile, Mr. Liang stood outside the military tent, watching the dust rise from the departing rider, shaking his head and sighing.
Yueqi's tent was located at the very back of the vanguard camp, beyond which rose abruptly the mountainside, making it much quieter. After resting for two hours, she went to find her senior brother, only to be told by the guards that Amber was not in the army. Yueqi was annoyed and quite bored. While strolling aimlessly, she encountered Xiao Su walking towards her. "Young Master Xiao!" Yueqi was delighted to see an acquaintance. Xiao Su was slightly surprised to see Yueqi. "Miss Yue," he said, "Do you find the military camp boring, unlike your life as a young master?" "I think it's quite nice." Xiao Su paused, then his voice suddenly turned cold. "You are a disciple of the Daoist Kongwu?" Yueqi was greatly surprised to hear him mention her master's name, but then she thought that her senior brother's identity was not hidden, and many people knew it. "Yes, I couldn't tell you before, Young Master. My master had given me instructions beforehand. Please forgive me." Yueqi's tone was gentle, and her sincere face was like a spring breeze, capable of melting away any ice. “It’s nothing, you didn’t lie to me,” Xiao Su’s tone softened. “May I ask… how is your master?” Xiao Su’s voice trembled for some reason. “My master has always been very good…”
“The commander is becoming increasingly unwilling to listen to advice,” Amber, who had returned to the camp, complained to Mr. Liang. “I told him about the encampment arrangements for the garrison soldiers, but he waved his hand and said he could arrange it as he pleased. Let’s see what he can do when the enemy enters Wangdu City.” Amber’s tone was angry, completely disregarding the danger of being beheaded if the commander heard her. Mr. Liang quickly stopped Amber’s complaints. “Has the commander taken no action?” “No,” Amber replied irritably. “Then, General, would you be willing to do this…”
“Miss Yue, if there were no war, what would you be doing now?” Xiao Su walked with Yue Qi. “If the Liao Kingdom didn’t invade, I would stay with my master. I am an orphan, and I am grateful to my master for raising me. To me, my master is my closest person.” Speaking of her master, a trace of nostalgia appeared on Yue Qi’s face. “Young Master Xiao…” “Just call me Xiao Long.” Facing the disciple of his family’s enemy, Xiao Su felt no resentment whatsoever. How could such a simple woman be connected to hatred?! Xiao Su wondered how he would feel if she weren’t a disciple of the Daoist Kongwu? If she happened to be a Liao citizen, unrelated to this battlefield, then… “As long as the safety of Wangdu City can be ensured, I will bear any crime, however great. But please put some thought into the rehearsal and formation.” Mr. Liang nodded and smiled. “Of course. General Amber is strict in his military discipline; three thousand soldiers are more than enough to set up the bamboo armor formation. But does the general have someone in mind to lead the formation?” “Mr. Liang, don’t worry about that. Master sent my junior sister here for a reason, and she inherited Master’s skills; her kung fu is certainly no less than mine.” "I think my junior sister is more suitable to lead the troops. I'll ask for her opinion and make a decision before informing you, sir." "Alright, there's one more thing I'd like to discuss with you, General." Mr. Liang stood up and whispered to Amber, "I inquired a little about that young master Xiao from this morning. According to Miss Yue, he could casually point out the blind spots in the soldiers' encampment outside the city, which is the same as your view, General." "Oh?" Amber was also slightly surprised. Military strategy is generally disliked by the common people. How could an ordinary person be so proficient in military strategy? "I think his military skills are not limited to this. He is definitely not an ordinary person. Let's first find out his background. If possible, we can ask you, General, to take him as a strategist." "What you say is very true, sir. Moreover, with just you, we can know half of the world's destiny..." Mr. Liang didn't say much more, stood up to take his leave, and as he reached the door, he turned back and said: "Miss Yue is inexperienced in the world and is so kind. I'm afraid she will be misled by villains. General, you still need to teach her more." Yueqi gradually developed a liking for this Young Master Xiao. Although he lacked humor and even had a perpetually stern face, she could sense his sincerity whenever she was with him. Although he was reluctant to discuss his family background, this ambiguous relationship gave Yueqi a feeling she had never experienced before. Was he a friend? Yueqi wondered. Having a friend was something to be secretly happy about for days.
Just as Yueqi, with a touch of girlish vanity, was about to boast to Xiao Su about becoming the leader of the formation, she discovered that Young Master Xiao had left without saying goodbye. Yueqi was extremely annoyed, but even more so, she felt lost. He left so easily, as if his heart had also left the camp.
The enemy's attack was imminent, but Amber's Left Vanguard Battalion was secretly conducting... Battle formation drills. In the army, only the main force is always arrayed to meet the enemy; the vanguard's role is to charge or lure the enemy deep into their territory. To protect the soldiers camped on higher ground from being besieged, Amber volunteered to guard the plains. Military law is strict; disobeying orders is punishable by death, and failing to report information or acting on one's own initiative are also serious crimes. However, for the safety of Wangdu City and the happiness of millions of people in the Great Song Dynasty, Amber couldn't worry about such things.
On the training grounds where thousands of horses galloped daily, a beautiful young woman in red brocade often rode at the forefront, followed by 1,500 soldiers and their fully armed horses. The soldiers held their spears and halberds high, and the horses had two sharpened, thick bamboo poles tied to their sides, forming a vast bamboo armor formation. At the very front was Yueqi, the leader of the entire formation. Wherever she charged, a powerful force followed, leaving her no room to turn back once she entered the fray. If the path ahead was a mountain of knives and a sea of fire, Yueqi had no choice but to face it head-on, for behind her lay the even more terrifying bamboo armor formation. This was why Amber had chosen the exceptionally skilled Yueqi to lead the formation; ordinary people, upon reaching the enemy, would often be unable to protect themselves and be impaled in the formation.
The continuous training had taken its toll on Yueqi, but seeing her senior brother, who was working even harder for the nation's cause, Yueqi rallied her spirits, never uttering a word of complaint. This greatly boosted the army's morale. If a woman could be so determined, how much more so the men?!
However, in the dead of night, unable to sleep due to the pain throughout her body, Yueqi would involuntarily think of one person— —Young Master Xiao. Where did he go? Perhaps he's back to his life of luxury, hoping he'll remember him sometime amidst the decadent revelry.
Xiao Su's departure was due to his father's order—to rush to the Liao army camp, as the situation had changed. He didn't have time to gather any more information, nor to say goodbye to Yueqi, with whom he was growing increasingly close. He fled the camp that very night, heading straight for the Liao border.
On his journey, day and night, Xiao Su's mind was filled with thoughts of Yueqi. The moment he received the order, he suddenly felt an urge to take Yueqi with him. He couldn't explain why, but being with her, compared to the endless killing and the chaotic politics, would be the happiest thing, even if…they were just friends.
Upon arriving at the capital, Xiao Su discovered a large army already assembled there. Could it be that the attack on the Song Dynasty was about to begin ahead of schedule?! A premonition lingered in Xiao Su's heart. Sure enough, upon seeing his father, Xiao Zhuo, Xiao Su's premonition was confirmed. Xiao Zhuo laughed heartily, taking Xiao Su's hand, "My son, as the saying goes, troubled times produce heroes. Your father will give you the greatest power to display your talents on the battlefield, to fight your way to the gates of Kaifeng, and let the world know my name..." Xiao Su knew that this war was inevitable. Although days ago, the thought of the battlefield where the strong were honored had ignited a surge of wild blood within him, hearing the news of the attack now, a sense of bewilderment flickered within him. It was as if he had waited too long, and now that this day had arrived, he was momentarily at a loss for how to face it. Didn't he crave slaughter? Didn't he love the dust-filled, blood-soaked battlefield? But a different image appeared in his mind: a frail, lonely woman running helplessly amidst the chaos of hooves. She wanted to escape the pursuit, to run away from the blood-soaked earth, to find a safe place to live a happy life—she was a woman who should have been happy… General, our army will be setting off soon. Would you like to inspect the soldiers and boost their morale? Chang Ren entered from outside, bowing to Xiao Su, who was standing by the window looking at the scenery. “Chang Ren, do you remember the woman you met in a tavern in the Great Song Dynasty that day?” Xiao Su didn’t turn around, only asking indifferently. Chang Ren straightened up and stared at Xiao Su's back, saying, "Of course I remember. General, you risked your life to infiltrate the enemy camp to gather intelligence, thanks to her introduction. Your courage is truly admirable." Xiao Su was unimpressed by Chang Ren's praise. He slowly turned to his trusted general and asked, "How many days are left before the army sets off?" "Not many, less than half a month." "Good. In the next few days, you will handle all affairs of the army. You will also convey my regards to the soldiers..." Yue Qi was riding the same warhorse her master had given her on Qingtai Mountain. It was large and fierce towards strangers, but very gentle towards Yue Qi. Yue Qi also loved this horse that had accompanied her through thick and thin. Because it was entirely chestnut red, Yue Qi called it "Hong'er." "Hong'er" stood out brightly against Yue Qi's embroidered red robes amidst the chaos of men and horses. Originally, Yueqi's weapon was a short, less than three-foot-long green sword. However, her senior brother told her that in mounted combat, a long spear was the most powerful weapon. So, Yueqi wielded a twelve-foot-long spear on horseback, charging back and forth, her clothes fluttering in the wind, her spear flashing—a truly dashing sight.
That day, Amber was summoned to the commander's mansion early in the morning, said to have important matters to discuss. Meanwhile, Yueqi continued to lead the soldiers in tireless practice of the bamboo armor formation. Mr. Liang, watching the formation gradually take shape, nodded in approval.
As noon approached, the dry sun beat down, and the soldiers were parched, hungry, and exhausted. Seeing this, Yueqi felt a pang of pity and informed Mr. Liang to stop the practice. Before lunchtime, Yueqi, having nothing to do, rode her horse, Hong'er, to a shady spot on the back mountain. She dismounted, intending to rest for a while in this peaceful place. Suddenly, a dark shadow flashed through the woods. Yueqi listened intently and, sure enough, heard a "rustling" sound of footsteps coming from deep within the trees. Yueqi was surprised that there were still suspicious figures lurking in the military camp. She lightly touched the ground with her toes, unleashing her speed and leaping towards the source of the disturbance.
A leaf drifted down from the sky, and Yueqi swiftly weaved through the branches of the tall trees, reaching the depths of the woods in moments. Suddenly, a masked man leaped up, bearing down with immense force from above. Yueqi barely managed to stop, then with a backhand flick, her cyan longsword flashed out, meeting the approaching figure with a slight tremor. The masked man didn't meet the attack head-on; instead, he vanished to the side, landing a foot away from Yueqi. Yueqi recognized the newcomer's extraordinary martial arts skills. Apart from her senior brother Amber and several deputy generals, no one else in the vanguard camp could cultivate such a level of lightness skill.
"Who are you, daring to trespass into the military camp?" Yue Qi shouted sternly. "The disciple of Kongwu Daoren is indeed formidable," the masked man laughed instead of being surprised, pulling down his mask as he spoke. "Xiao... Su?!" The masked man was none other than Xiao Su, the Right General of Liao. "You..." Yue Qi choked on her words, wanting to ask so many questions, yet unsure where to begin. How did you suddenly appear here? With such high martial arts skills, how could you be just an ordinary young master from a wealthy family? Where have you been these past few days? And why didn't you inform me before you left? "Miss Yue, don't ask anything. The Liao army is about to attack Wangdu. You are a weak woman... Although you are a disciple of Kongwu Daoren, you cannot possibly stop the enemy from entering the city by yourself. I advise you... to leave as soon as possible, return to your master, and live a peaceful and happy life." Xiao Su finished speaking and quietly looked at Yue Qi.
Yue Qi was still in shock, staring blankly at the person before her, her heart churning with turmoil. She slowly lowered her sword, letting the mountain wind tousle her hair. "This calamity concerns the fate of the nation. As a disciple of the Daoist Kongwu, how can I stand idly by?! If Wangdu falls, I will perish… But, Young Master Xiao… could you stay?" Hearing Yueqi's resolute tone, unwilling to leave, Xiao Su slowly closed his eyes. He said in a low voice, "Yueqi, you are the most beautiful woman I have ever met. Unfortunately, fate is cruel. If we can meet again after this is over, I will follow you wherever and whenever I am. If… this life is over, I will still wait for you in that tavern in the next." After speaking, without waiting for Yueqi's reaction, Xiao Su turned and flew into the depths of the distant, rolling mountains.
Yueqi stood there silently, her long sword clattering to the ground. A tear involuntarily welled up on her cheek, lingering in the wind.
Yueqi returned to her camp an hour later. Yueqi noticed that the soldiers outside the tents seemed disoriented, huddled together discussing something. She dismounted to ask why, but a young soldier in loose armor approached, pointed to Amber's tent, and said, "General Yue, we... the vanguard is doomed... the strategist is looking for you, you must go quickly!" Yueqi was shocked. She didn't know what had happened in the camp in the past hour. Had something happened to her senior brother?! A thousand thoughts raced through her mind as she spurred her horse towards the tent.
"Miss Yue!" Before she could dismount, she bumped into Mr. Liang, who was walking out of the tent. Mr. Liang also looked very anxious. "Miss Yue, a letter just arrived from the governor's office saying that General Amber has been secretly communicating with the enemy, colluding with foreign powers, and plotting a rebellion. He has been detained by Fan Shang and will be taken to the capital for investigation the next day..." Upon hearing this, Yueqi felt as if thunder had struck her ears, and the world spun around her; she couldn't even distinguish north from south.
"They're framing him!" Yueqi realized, overwhelmed with grief and indignation. Mr. Liang said, "We all know that General Amber is loyal and devoted to the country, willing to sacrifice his life for the people. Moreover, I received news from the front that the enemy will attack Wangdu in a few days. It seems that the attack at the Dudu Mansion is premeditated..." Mr. Liang sighed sadly.
"Mr. Liang, what should we do about my senior brother? He's innocent!" Yueqi was at a loss. "I called you here, Miss Yue, to rescue General Amber. He's trapped in the hands of treacherous people, and we can't ignore it. Miss Yue, what do you think..." It turned out that Fan Shang had summoned Amber early that morning to discuss important matters—a trap to frame a loyal official. General Shi Tian, the Right Vanguard General, was also there. Fan Shang dismissed both of them from their posts on charges of adultery and treason, imprisoned them, and sent them to Kaifeng the next day to be dealt with by the emperor. As for the military power of the Left and Right Vanguard Battalions, Fan Shang temporarily placed his confidants in charge.
Mr. Liang realized that if the old villain Fan Shang knew that Amber had a junior sister with considerable martial arts skills and stunning beauty, he would definitely not let her go. Since Amber urgently needed someone to rescue her, Mr. Liang decided to have Yueqi seek refuge with her second senior brother, Langshan, and then rescue Amber together. As for the Bamboo Armor Formation, the officers were instructed to pretend they knew nothing about it, otherwise Amber would be accused of disobeying military orders. Since things had come to this, Mr. Liang suspended the drills and instructed the soldiers not to reveal the matter.
Yueqi, knowing there was no other good plan, returned to her tent to pack her clothes. A short while later, Yueqi, holding Hong'er's hand, quietly bid farewell to Mr. Liang. Mr. Liang said, "Take care on your journey, Miss Yue." Yueqi mounted her horse and leaped out of the military camp gate, riding towards the direction of Wangdu City.
Langshan, the second disciple of Kongwu Daoren, was originally the son of a wealthy merchant family, but he was devoted to martial arts cultivation and, by chance, became a disciple of Kongwu Daoren. Langshan was more intelligent than his senior brother, Amber, and his martial arts skills surpassed the latter's. He was also exceptionally resolute. Given his abilities, if he had served as a general in the imperial court, he would likely have achieved even greater merit. However, Langshan disliked politics, finding the bureaucratic procedures tedious and unbearable. He preferred to roam the world, traveling to famous mountains and rivers, and making friends with like-minded people. Moreover, he was generous, loyal, and righteous, and befriended a group of people who, like him, were not bound by politics but possessed the ability to look down upon the world.
However, Langshan's reputation was far inferior to Amber's. When ordinary people asked, he was too lazy to say he was a disciple of the Daoist Kongwu, lest he attract unnecessary competition. Because of this, most people in the world were unaware that the Daoist Kongwu had a second disciple who frequented the marketplace. Currently, Langshan and a group of heroes have gathered at Longhu Manor to discuss strategies for defeating the Liao Kingdom's impending invasion, hoping to contribute to the people of the Song Dynasty.
Under Mr. Liang's guidance, Yueqi traveled tirelessly day and night to Longhu Manor.
With less than six days until the army's departure, Liao Marshal Xiao Zhuo could not find his most prized eldest son.
Xiao Su had only left his father a letter, saying there was something unfinished and he would be gone in a few days. Xiao Zhuo was naturally furious upon reading it. He summoned several of Xiao Su's close subordinates and loudly demanded to know Xiao Su's whereabouts. Ji Cong and the others truly had no idea why Xiao Su had mysteriously disappeared. Xiao Su hadn't even told his own father the details, so how could they possibly know so much?! Therefore, they suffered Xiao Zhuo's resentment for nothing. Only Chang Ren vaguely guessed what Xiao Su had gone there for, but he dared not confirm it, much less tell Xiao Zhuo. After all, his master was Xiao Su.
The round trip from the Liao capital to Wangdu City would take at least ten days, and Xiao Su had ridden for over ten days, only to visit a small military camp in Wangdu City and exchange a few words with a woman. At this moment, he wasn't thinking about how to explain it to his father, but rather regretting that he hadn't been more forceful when he made Yue Qi leave Wangdu City! He could have told her the truth, made her understand that conquering Wangdu City was a piece of cake for him, or forced her, saying that if she didn't leave, the people of Wangdu City would suffer, or even captured this disciple of the Empty Daoist and imprisoned him in his own residence. Xiao Su only wanted Yueqi to leave Wangdu City and escape the endless killing, never considering why he was so attached to a woman who could be considered his enemy.
Perhaps everyone harbors a strange emotion within their heart. Though it hasn't been long since it was received, though it's not close, not intimate, and certainly not related to marriage, it can still drive a person mad, and nothing can stop its call.
When a dusty and exhausted Xiao Su appeared at the Marshal's mansion, he was bound by ropes by Xiao Zhuo's guards before even entering. Xiao Su understood his father's anger and didn't resist. Chang Ren and the others, who rushed over upon hearing the news, were also unable to stop Xiao Su's actions. When Xiao Zhuo asked why, Xiao Su, kneeling on the ground, only said he deserved to die, but wouldn't explain the reason. Xiao Zhuo was furious and enraged. If it weren't for the servants' pleas and the impending war, making it difficult to change his allegiance, he would have immediately stripped Xiao Su of his Right General title and punished him with military rods.
Weary from his journey, Yueqi arrived in Fengcheng, less than a hundred miles from Longhu Manor. These past few days had truly given Yueqi, a newcomer to the world, a taste of its complexities. First, Xiao Su, who had left without a word, suddenly reappeared, his unfathomable martial arts skills making his origins completely unpredictable. Coupled with his heartfelt farewell, this plunged Yueqi, already troubled, into even deeper, more bizarre emotions. Then, his senior brother was unjustly imprisoned, and Mr. Liang claimed this was merely one of the schemes orchestrated by the Wangdu City Commander's Office, with a larger plot still unknown.
It was nearing noon; Yueqi was still somewhat alright, but Hong'er, who had been traveling for three hours, was panting heavily. Just as they entered the city, they saw a restaurant's large red banner fluttering wildly in the wind. Yueqi patted Hong'er's neck, dismounted, and hurried a few steps to the restaurant called "Taotie."
What a strange name. Seeing these words hanging in the bustling street, Yueqi thought the owner must be a very eccentric person. Just then, a smiling waiter came out and took the reins from her.
Yueqi was naturally beautiful, and having grown up on Qingtai Mountain, she was untouched by worldly dust, making her appear even more stunning, like a fairy descended from heaven. As soon as she found a table and sat down, many other customers turned to look at her, whispering and praising her, while some low, malicious laughs mingled with the occasional one.
"This beauty, you're so pretty, it would be a waste if you fell into the hands of some commoner! I run a security escort agency, if you come with me, I guarantee you'll enjoy endless blessings… hahaha," a dark-faced man suddenly appeared from somewhere, standing in front of Yueqi, his lewd words flowing freely. Immediately following, a burst of laughter erupted from the innermost table, clearly indicating that those people were with the dark-faced man.
Yue Qi's face instantly turned cold, and she was about to draw her longsword to teach this unreasonable brute a lesson when she heard a hearty laugh from the back room. This laughter was nothing like the vulgar hiss of the group from before; it was clear, resonant, and full of righteousness. Then, a young man dressed in a coarse cloth robe strode out. He clasped his hands in greeting to the people seated in the restaurant, then turned to face the dark-faced man, still smiling, and said loudly, "Judging from your figure, you must be a martial artist. Do you run a security escort agency? I dare not compare myself to you. I only set up this small shop with my meager funds, but its name is 'Taotie.' Do you know what it means?" The dark-faced man was feeling smug as his companions encouraged him, but then a busybody appeared. However, since the young man claimed to be the owner, the dark-faced man didn't dare to be too presumptuous. Seeing the dark-faced man remain silent, the young man's smile broadened further. He said, "The so-called 'Taotie' is an ancient mythical beast, with a huge mouth and a thick throat, devouring all living things. Such gluttony is truly cruel. I've hung it on my door plaque; do you know what I'm implying?" The dark-faced man sneered, "What else could a cunning merchant think?! It's all about money." "Brother, you're mistaken. It would be even better if my shop could rake in a fortune every day, but the deeper meaning..." The young man paused, looked around, and then said, "The name 'Taotie' is my wild idea—to devour all the wicked and evil people I see! To devour all the injustices in the world! To devour all the filth and scum of the world! What do you think, brother?" As soon as the young man finished speaking, he immediately won loud applause from the upright people present. The dark-faced man sensed something was amiss, shouted "You little bastard!" and raised his hand in a knife-like gesture, aiming to chop down at the young man's head.
Just as Yueqi was impressed by the young man's eloquence, she was immediately filled with alarm upon seeing this. Seeing the young man, implicated by her, about to be cut down by the dark-faced man, Yueqi slammed her hand on the table. Her longsword, still sheathed, sprang up and blocked the dark-faced man's hand. With a sharp "crack," the sword abruptly intercepted the attack, resting on the young man's head. Before the dark-faced man could even be astonished that a seemingly frail woman's sword had neutralized such a powerful attack, his massive body inexplicably flew out of the door like a piece of paper, landing on the bustling street.
The dark-faced man's accomplices, seeing this, were enraged. They roared and surrounded Yueqi and her companion. The young man tried to speak, but was met with a barrage of sword blows. Yueqi gripped her sword tightly. This was her first time fighting face-to-face, but she felt no fear; only a growing chill ran down her spine. With a flick of her wrist, a loud clang rang out, and the man who had clashed swords with Yueqi immediately lost his grip on his weapon and fell backward. Though the sword was cold and the blade swift, Yueqi moved with incredible agility, weaving through a blur of light and shadow unscathed. Several of her opponents, however, couldn't withstand her attacks and were quickly defeated. Initially, Yueqi had intended to protect the young man during the fight, but she gradually realized that although he barely moved, no one could get close to him. On the contrary, one man was kicked away by the young man in the same manner as the dark-faced man had floated out earlier.
In just a few rounds, half of her opponents were down. Seeing this, the remaining men dared not approach, exchanged glances, and then, supporting their wounded, slunk away.
"Thank you for your chivalrous act, young master," Yueqi said, sheathing her sword and thanking the righteous young man before her. "You flatter me, you flatter me," the young man replied, still smiling, as if he had maintained that smile since he entered.
"Uh?! May I ask where you got this jade pendant, young lady?" The young man finally stopped smiling and stared at the jade pendant at Yueqi's waist.
His face tightened, and his bright eyes flashed with a sharp light.
"This was given to me by my master before he left. He said it was a token to find someone," Yueqi replied, seeing the young man's serious expression. She wondered what the jade pendant had to do with him.
"Then you are…" The young man laughed again, this time not a smile, but an expression of joy that overflowed his face, "...Junior Sister?!"

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