“Ride—Ride—”
On the cement road leading to Xiguan Pass, a troop of soldiers galloped forward on spirited horses. There were about a hundred soldiers, all dressed in neat and concise camouflage uniforms, each carrying identical equipment bags on their horses. The lead horse had the flag of the Great Han Kingdom. The heavy sound of horse hooves striking the ground resembled a thunderous drumbeat. Passersby that were carrying loads on shoulder poles or pushing carts quickly made way for them upon hearing the commotion and seeing the flag. The cavalry thundered past, leaving a gust of wind in their wake.
The cavalry stopped at the entrance of Xiguan Pass. The guards saw the military flag and hurried over. “May I ask if you are the special forces headed to the Mai Kingdom?” asked the guard.
“Indeed,” replied Yang Zhuo. He also took out his identification card from his pocket and handed it over.
The guard looked at it and saw the general rank insignia. He quickly said, “So it’s General Yang. Please pardon my lack of insight. Everyone, please follow me into the city. General Cao has already arranged accommodations for you all.”
“Alright, lead the way.”
The group of soldiers entered the city at a steady pace to avoid causing any disturbances among the common people.
Wei Hao rode up to Yang Zhuo and asked, “General Yang, aren’t we going directly to the Mai Kingdom?”
Yang Zhuo explained, “We still have plenty of time before the deadline. Let’s wait here at Xiguan Pass for the other two team leaders to arrive and also take the opportunity to rest.”
Wei Hao, Zhou Zheng, and the others exchanged puzzled glances.
“We always thought you were the team leader,” said Wei Hao.
Yang Zhuo smiled and didn’t say much. “You’ll know when the time comes.”
Wei Hao and the others were still confused, but they didn’t dwell on it. It was an arrangement made by the court, so there must be a reason for it.
Upon arriving at the designated military camp, the soldier leading them explained, “For your convenience, General Cao has set aside this camp specifically for you. Brothers, please rest assured and stay here. Three meals a day will be delivered to you.”
Yang Zhuo nodded, “I will visit General Cao after settling in. You may go now.”
“Yes, I’ll take my leave now.”
The special forces soldiers quickly washed up and almost immediately chose to lie down for a deep slumber. Resting would alleviate their travel fatigue and prepare them for the upcoming challenges.
Once Yang Zhuo had taken care of everything, he went to pay a visit to General Cao. Though they held the same rank, General Cao’s military accomplishments as a border defense commander far exceeded his. It was only appropriate to personally visit him.
After settling matters in the capital, Huangfu Yuchen and Yan Ge, accompanied by Yan Jin, Gao Feng, and Gao Yun, set off. They left the affairs of the court to Prince Dai, Grand Tutor You, Prime Minister Wen, Prime Minister Wu, and the six ministers.
Gao Feng and Gao Yun had the chance to fly on Huangfu Yuchenn’s sword for the first time, and they were so thrilled that they almost fainted. They were both amazed by Huangfu Yuchen and Yan Ge’s strength and marveled that there were such incredible powers in the world.
Meanwhile, Yan Ge flew comfortably and smoothly, with ups and downs that were effortless, as if he was having great fun. Gao Feng and Gao Yun were envious, but they didn’t dare to ask Huangfu Yuchen to also fly like that.
After being in seclusion for so long, the Zhantian Vine was slowly regaining consciousness. By the time they reached the Mai Kingdom, they would have a formidable helper.
In just two days, the group had rushed from the capital to Xiguan Pass, arriving half a day later than the main army. They reached the city gate of Xiguan Pass just as it was opened in the morning.
On entering the city, they went straight for the general’s mansion. Huangfu Yuchen changed into his imperial robe, while Yan Ge donned his Guiqing attire. Gao Feng and Gao Yun both wore camouflage uniforms, and even Yan Jin had his own tiny version of camouflage attire, looking cute and handsome.
Huangfu Yuchen and Yan Ge didn’t intend to conceal their identities this time, for they had other plans in mind.
After having breakfast, they first visited the military camp to inspect and comfort the border defense soldiers. The border defense soldiers had already heard that the series of changes at Xiguan Pass were all due to the efforts of the Emperor and Yan Guiqing. Never in their wildest dreams did they expect the Emperor to personally visit Xiguan Pass, let alone bring the legendary Yan Guiqing along. Overwhelmed with emotions, they couldn’t help but shout, “Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!” and “Greetings to Yan Guiqing!”
The voices rose to the sky and resounded through the heavens.
Huangfu Yuchen delivered some encouraging words to boost their morale and then left the training ground. After all, reviewing the border defense troops was not his main purpose.
Wei Hao and his team were also in shock, never expecting the Emperor and Yan Guiqing to appear here. Remembering the vague words Yang Zhuo had said before, Wei Hao was even more astonished. Could it be that the two team leaders that Yang Zhuo mentioned were…
They were still in a daze when a soldier ran over.
“General Wei, the Emperor summons you all!”
Wei Hao and his group quickly rushed over.
Huangfu Yuchen and Yan Ge entered Yang Zhuo and the others’ temporary camp. They were having tea when all one hundred special forces soldiers entered one after another and knelt down in an orderly fashion.
“Kneeling before the Emperor, long live the Emperor!”
“Rise.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty!”
Huangfu Yuchen: “It is rumored that there are various monsters and venomous insects on the way to the Demon Island. You must have heard about it. I won’t let my one thousand elite soldiers take risks merely for a vague treasure. Therefore, I decided to send only one hundred soldiers to facilitate our actions. You were selected because you are the best among the elite soldiers, and I believe you will perform admirably. This time, you will go to the Demon Fortress with Yan Ge and myself leading the way. You need not worry about venomous insects or poisonous ants, as Yan Guiqing is skilled in medicine. If any accidents happen, he will personally treat you.”
The special forces soldiers were not only surprised and touched, but also relieved. They had already guessed that there would be a physician accompanying them, but they never expected it to be Yan Guiqing. Moreover, the Emperor was leading them personally.
They knelt down again and said, “Your Majesty and Yan Guiqing’s considerate arrangements humble us. We will give our all to fulfill our mission and not disappoint you!”
“Rise.” Huangfu Yuchen said, “The one hundred soldiers will be divided into ten squads. Yang Zhuo, Lu Fei, Jun Xiang, Wei Hao, Zhou Zheng, Zhang Qiao, Huang Hui, Wang Qiang, Wang Yong, and Chen Feng, you will be cautious and serve as squad leaders. Yang Zhuo and Wei Hao will be in overall command.”
“Yes!”
Wei Hao, Zhou Zheng, and the others who were mentioned by name were surprised. They wondered how the Emperor knew they were more careful in nature.
“Xiao Ge, do you have anything to add?” Huangfu Yuchen asked Yan Ge while hugging his waist unabashedly.
Yan Ge motioned to Gao Feng, who opened the box in his hand.
“All squad leaders, step forward.”
“Yes!”
Yan Ge continued, “Take these medicine bottles and distribute one to each person. These are detoxification pills I refined, with ten pills in each bottle. If anyone is injured by venomous insects or snakes, don’t panic. Immediately take one detoxification pill to prevent the spread of the poison. This will enable me to treat you in time.”
“Yes! Thank you, Yan Guiqing!”
“I have nothing else to add,” Yan Ge looked at Huangfu Yuchen.
Huangfu Yuchen nodded, “Rest well today, and assemble at the hour of Chen Shi tomorrow.”
“Yes! We bid farewell to Your Majesty and Yan Guiqing!”
Once Huangfu Yuchen and Yan Ge left, Wei Hao, Zhou Zheng, and the others exchanged glances.
“General Wei, don’t you feel that His Majesty and Yan Guiqing seem somewhat familiar?” Zhou Zheng asked.
Wei Hao silently nodded, feeling the same. He hesitated for a moment and said, “Based on my feelings alone, it’s as if they resemble Qin Xiaosha and Yu Xiaoyao from last time…”
“Not hiding anything from the two generals, I feel the same…” Zhang Qiao whispered, as if afraid to be heard.
The group exchanged surprised glances, then looked at Yang Zhuo, who remained calm.
Wei Hao tentatively asked, “General Yang, do you know about it?”
The incident from last time had passed, so there was no harm in telling them. Yang Zhuo nodded.
Wei Hao and the others’ faces changed drastically.
“We’re doomed…” Jeisen slumped on the bed, looking pale as a sheet. He then looked at the few who had gone on a mission with him last time and said with tears welling up, “I, I, I actually said…”
Zhou Zheng and the others looked at him in sympathy.
“What happened?” Yang Zhuo asked.
Seeing Jesien’s appearance, Wei Hao and the others didn’t feel right about reprimanding him further.
Yang Zhuo roughly guessed that Jeisen had said or done something wrong. He acted as if he didn’t know and intentionally avoided probing further. He lay down on his own bed, closed his eyes to rest.
With a “thump,” Jeisen knelt in front of him, knocking his head hard on the ground, and wailing, “General Yang, please show me the right path!”
Since Jeisen was selected for high-difficulty missions twice, he indeed had real abilities and a good heart. Wei Hao and the others also knelt down to plead for him.
Wei Hao said, “General Yang, the incident from last time was merely Jeisen’s slip of the tongue. He didn’t know the true identities of His Majesty and Yan Guiqing. Please consider…”
Yang Zhuo then opened his eyes, waved his hand, and said, “Enough, use your brains. Since His Majesty and Yan Guiqing haven’t brought it up, and Jeisen was still selected this time, it means that His Majesty and Yan Guiqing don’t intend to hold grudges. Otherwise, Jeisen, do you think you would still be here? If you’re still worried, perform well this time and make up for your mistakes. Do you understand?”
After hearing Yang Zhuo’s analysis, Jeisen and the others felt that his reasoning made sense. They heaved a sigh of relief, thanked Yang Zhuo, and stood up.
Jeisen wiped the sweat from his forehead and let out a long breath.
Yan Jin and Huangfu Yuchen were unaware of the minor disturbance in the military camp. They had long forgotten about the incident from last time, with so many tasks to handle every day; they wouldn’t bother dwelling on such trivial matters. Moreover, Jeisen hadn’t known their true identities back then, and men were prone to saying something rude without much thought.
The two returned to the general’s mansion, changed back into regular clothes, and each meditated and cultivated as they waited for the appointed time to set off to the Mai Kingdom.
