Chapter 14: RECLAIMING THE PENINSULA

"I DO NOT EVEN KNOW HOW I ended up with you guys. You're all crazy! I should not even be here; I am no warrior. I am a trader! I sit in a wagon all day singing songs and sipping wine!" said Jirgal as he scratched his head. Buff Baby laughed out loud though tried not to offend him.

"Do not worry," said Zuo Shilong. "I will watch out for you."

"You're a descendant of the fierce Menggu horsemen are you not? Where is your conquering barbarian spirit?" said Buff Baby subtly trying to inspire Jirgal's warrior heritage. Jirgal glance at him with a comically resentful look.

"We are not barbarians! But I am not at all like my kinsmen; they do not even see me as one of their own. It has been many years since I have experienced the traditional Menggu life in the steppe and I had wrongfully spent all of my father's money in the city until a wagon and two horses were all I had left, until recently anyway. I will just get in your way," Jirgal said. "My saber is rusted, my archery skills are unrefined, and I can barely manage this horse."

"Your instincts will return to you in the heat of battle. Do not doubt yourself, friend. I sense there is more to you than meets the eye... even your own," said Buff Baby encouragingly. "Meeting you all is one of the best things that have happened to me in a very long time. I am truly honored to be with such a unique lot of good men." It became obvious that Buff Baby fought the urge to shed a tear in an effort to retain his tough persona, but Famin Jie saw right through it and smiled.

"Our union as a fellowship is by no mere accident. There is a grand plan for us and the trials we are to face in the coming days would only serve to make us closer as brothers," said Famin Jie.

"Except him, I think," said Jirgal pointing at Big Bang who sat on a supply wagon full of munitions. "If we get any closer to him an explosion just might blow us all away from each other." There was a second of silence until Buff Baby burst into uncontrollable laughter that could be heard all across the ranks. Big Bang proceeded as if he had heard nothing, apparently still locked away in his own world, looking forward to his next big explosion.

Master Lo leaned over to Famin Jie saying, "You make quite unusual friends, brother. So much rests upon them who seem most unlikely to accomplish much. I cannot help but be amazed at the series of unlikely circumstances that have brought all of us together to end up here at the dawn of one of the greatest battles in history."

"Indeed. It is also in this way that Heaven displays infinite wisdom and sovereignty through the most unlikely of people, even the outcasts," said Famin Jie. "It is in such circumstances that we can observe the supernatural unfold through the unexpected and surprising."

Days of marching have finally brought the army to the far outer edges of the mutant encampment. Scouts returning from their surveillance have reported the presence of guard towers surrounding a large outpost guarded by a light military presence. It was obstructing the main pass that led to the primary enemy installation some several li away. Commander Feishen ordered two dozen of the new cannons to be brought to the front line while General He Jin summoned his cavalry units to stand by the artillery from the rear. The brunt of the army held their position close behind to await orders.

From atop a tall rocky hill, Sun Xin observed the movement of the Ming Forces. It was truly a majestic and terrifying sight. Tens of thousands of professional soldiers in armor and thousands more on horseback moved in precise unison, marching in tight-knit square formations spread out across the plain. Their spears were seemingly as numerous as the grass of the fields. From the view of his spyglass he observed the movements of artillery and cavalry units proceed to the top of grassy knolls. Further south into the distance, the forts and towers of the enemy outposts awakened with activity and movement as they desperately assembled to hopelessly defend against the unexpected arrival of Ming imperial forces.

Field commanders shouted from every direction. Flags were waved and drums were struck. Moments later, the Ming cannons thundered and sent dozens upon dozens of fiery bombs blazing and arching through the air and into the outpost. One guard tower collapsed and the outlying structures were completely destroyed in minutes, obliterated by the bombardment. Fires spread quickly as hundreds of the mutant forces were left in utter disarray, running wildly in every direction and unable to properly respond to the chaos. It was hard to think that these very same mutants were once living, breathing people who have dedicated their lives to protecting and serving the emperor in the name of their country. What lies and deceit could have possibly caused almost every member of the elite Imperial Guard to betray the nation and emperor they swore to protect? How many false promises were told that would cause them to give up their very humanity to serve an alien power? To Xin it was incomprehensible. Only the darkness of supernatural evil would have caused such an occurrence. Although the mutants needed to be eradicated, Xin felt regret for their loss.

After the cannons had done their work, General He Jin and his captain swooped in with the mounted commando forces to cut down the survivors still trying to resist the attack. The battle was over in mere minutes. The Ming suffered no casualties. The rest of the Ming forces proceeded to overrun the outpost and begin the attack on the mutant army encamped at the heart of the forested regions of the peninsula. The army passed by ghost villages and townships that had once thrived in the land but now had only charred stone and ash in their place. Skeletons and burnt bodies still lay along some of the streets and the smell of death still pervaded.

"Of all the savages and barbarians in the world, there are none more evil, arrogant, and insolent as the Terukk," commented Commander Feishen angrily. "They will be dealt with a thousand times more severity than what they have granted their victims!" He quickened his pace as the rest of the army hastened their march to keep up.

Sun Xin pulled ahead with great speed to accompany the scouts who raced ahead to survey the terrain leading to the enemy encampment. It was hard to think that it was but a week and a few days ago that he led a mission into the same Terukk encampment to deal a decisive blow against them. He grimaced at the memory of his duel with Kurr. If he is to meet him in battle today, it would be a different outcome. Of that he was sure. He and the scouts dismounted and crawled to higher grounds that overlooked the mutant army. From there, Xin could see much more than he could ever have at ground level and in the cover of night. Countless trees had been cleared and just like what he had seen in the province. Fires of industry burned within the settlement. Many structures with water wheels, cranes, and smithies with plumes of steam rising from their jagged rooftops riddled the landscape. The mutants and their Terukk overlords were hard at work rebuilding what Xin and his team had destroyed several days before. From his spyglass he could still see their handiwork as mutant squads hustled and bustled about clearing debris in an effort to rebuild their structures and machinery. Terukk priests walked about directing orders and managing the mutants' activities. They were completely unaware that a massive army of devastating Ming Imperial forces were about to descend upon them from the north and from the sea a few dozen li south east into the distance. The conditions it seemed were perfect for their victory, although Xin and the scouts have yet to spot the arrival of the Ming ships. At long last, scores of red sails soaring sky-high appeared over the horizon. The navy had come just in time. Xin and the scouts made haste towards Feishen's approaching army to notify them of the arrival of the navy. The pieces were set and the time for vengeance was finally come.

"The enemy encampment is within sight, Admiral!" shouted one of the Academicians on the Phoenix Spirit's observatory platform. It was a little more until the first line of ships was ready to turn about and bring the cannons to bear. Meanwhile on land, Imperial Commander Feishen and General Jin led their forces through the broad pass and on to high ground that sloped directly onto the mutant army. Just like they had done to the outpost some distance back, the artillery was brought to the front and angled towards the crowds of unsuspecting mutant army. Cannons however, were not the only artillery present in the field. There was another weapon Commander Feishen was particularly eager to implement in the field- the batteries of rocket-propelled arrows.

A set of signal flags and the pounding of large war drums signaled the battle's commencement and the Ming Army's advance. Two dozen cannons nestled at the top of the elevated field fired away onto the large crowds of mutants that had assembled in the forest clearing. Another dozen cannons fired from the other side of the field, their thunderclaps rolled over the forest as the bombs decimated through their nearest ranks and formations. Confusion overtook the mutant army as they desperately tried to regain order and discover the origin of their attacks. Those that were battle-ready were stationed to the rear of the encampment and made haste to meet the surprise assault as their commanders shouted orders with warbled and distorted voices. They braved the raining bombards and brought their forces into a defensive formation. The sound raised alarms and filled the air as horns blared all across the landscape. The cannons continued to fire their volleys at the enemy ranks even as they assembled to repel the assault. The mutants did not appear to have artillery present on the field. Superior firepower provided the necessary leverage needed by the Ming forces.

The cannon bombs arced high over the field continuing to pour their devastation. Commander Feishen was sure to apply his artillery to its fullest potential considering how he had witnessed the ferocity, beastly strength, and tirelessness of the mutant forces in the battle under Mt. Tai. They did not feel pain and boasted a high capacity for bodily damage and he had kept it in mind since that day. Many of the infantry units present in the field however, were not raw recruits. He had trained them and fought alongside these battalions for years and has been with him through many campaigns. They were strong physically and mentally, very disciplined, and skilled in fighting, but today of all days, their strengths and experiences would be put to the test. He had personally known some of them over the years and it pained him greatly to know that not all of his men would be going home. Nevertheless, they were ready for that outcome and knew of these risks when they had joined his command. Feishen made an effort to emulate an aura of confidence and assuredness among his troops so they would not easily lose heart when the odds would be stacked against them.

The enemy's first battalions moved up towards the Ming troops and away from the cannon bombardments. Feishen's flags waved their signal and the drums began to pound their mighty beat. Archers, gunners, and shield units moved up to meet the mutants. The two juggernaut armies maneuvered like two large colonies of ants about to settle their rivalries. It was quite a sight to behold.

Out on the gulf of Beizhili, several warships from the Ming Imperial Navy brought about their new cannons towards the enemy position, angled for maximum range. They aligned themselves parallel to the shore and opened fire as soon as they came within range. Flashes of light spouted flames from the ship cannons and dozens of consecutive thunderous booms resounded from the ships. Plumes of white smoke engulfed their decks. The cannon shells and bombs arced over the sea and plummeted further inland. They crashed onto the enemy forces with great effect, decimating their ranks, causing chaos, and sending mounds of dirt flying into the air.

Bodies and debris flew in every direction as fires spread like flood waters while explosions ensued. The Phoenix Spirit continuously fired the six long-range cannons from its starboard and the bombs came crashing into the heart of the enemy's formations. Out from the shore, a series of loud whistles resonated through the air. Explosions detonated all around the ship, soaking the hull and deck, and rocked it back and forth. The enemy was returning fire with primitive mortar shells. It should have been impossible from their range and with such power.

Tian Qiu spotted the puffs of blue flame bursting from the far side of shore. "Aim all cannons onto the mortar platforms!" he shouted. The crew of the Phoenix Spirit swiveled the cannons slightly to the left, reloaded, and fired precisely at the median of vertical and horizontal angles- the optimal placement for achieving maximum weapons range. The cannon shells hit their mark and the explosive rounds swiftly devastated the mortar position. With the sound of drums and the signaling of flags, the ships spun around in unison and ignited port cannons which continued to dispense devastation into the mutant camps. Though the improved cannons were largely effective, they did not suffice to decrease the enemy numbers fast enough. Yet another devastating weapons system was brought to the deck. Batteries of dozens of powerful rockets were primed to fire. The fuse was ignited and with the sound of a mighty typhoon, the rockets fired away with great velocity and raced high over the sky, leaving long trails of smoke. Hundreds upon hundreds of rockets rained down upon the mutants with twice the velocity and killing power of bow-drawn arrows. Fires raged and continued to spread while the trees that had not been felled were utterly splintered by remnant cannon fire. Commander Feishen brought his own array of rocket-propelled arrows stationed right behind the cannons.

"Bring out the Nest of Bees! Move! Move!" he spat.

In one command, the soldiers ignited the fuse and launched them with great speed. Hundreds more of the hissing arrows descended upon the enemy, administering armor-piercing death.

The tall, black-robed Terukk priests emerged from the chaos, and in unison, raised their hands to chant the oppressive incantations. With them emerged heavily armored squads of mutants that surrounded the priests with a wall of shields and polearms. After the fires had been extinguished, the mutants as if with a hive mind quickly reformed their ranks, reestablishing their battle formations in the large clearing outside the tree line where General He Jin's mounted commandos were stationed in the shade. Beyond the clearing, over the fields, the Ming Infantry and their officers stood eagerly awaiting Feishen's signal. Archers, gunners, spears, swords and shields, captains, garrison commanders, and lieutenants were about to engage in the battle of their lives.

The war drums pounded their vigorous war beats, signaling the Ming forces to assume their battle formations. Archers, crossbow units, and gunners took positions from various angles from the tree lines and clearings. They initiated with salvos of arrows, bolts, and bullets that pierced through armor and tore through flesh. The mutants retaliated with showers of fragmentation bombs fired from mortars. Harpoon-pointed projectiles launched from spring-loaded mechanisms and flew in a graceful arc over their heads landing directly above the Ming. Dozens upon dozens from both armies fell with each volley as the bombards from the Ming warships continued to obliterate the enemy positions.

The impacts shook the ground leaving behind scorched craters and fiery splinters of wood and chunks of stone. Ming shield units moved front to cover the ranged infantry from incoming enemy fire. Several battalions of lethal spearmen charged ahead of the ranged units as arrows continued to fly over and in-between their helmeted heads. Spears pierced through the enemy formations impaling, stabbing, and swiping through armor and flesh.

The mutants answered with heavy polearms that cut clean through Ming scale and lamellar armor like paper. Many were swept off their feet and crushed while others fell to their knees and into their deaths. The fierce battle became unbearable for Famin Jie to witness. He sat atop a hill overlooking the battlefield. He cried out to Heaven to intervene.

On the outskirts of the ferocious battle, four Terukk priests took positions on elevated platforms, and in unison, continued to recite their dark mantras with renewed vigor. They cast spells upon their mutant army to enhance their ferocity in battle. The Spirit of Heaven then spoke to Famin Jie and moved him to ascend a hill overlooking the battle. He brought with him his Guqin zither, and after he had sat, he set the instrument upon his lap to play a tune of lamentation and plea. In response to Famin Jie's spiritual opposition, the Terukk priests increased their incantations. The fighting intensified as sword and shield units charged into the fray. Battalions of mutants at the rear of the battle hastily erected trebuchets and catapults and launched large fireballs into the Ming forces behind the hills and at the ships circling around in the Beizhili Gulf. One of the firebombs scored a direct hit on one of the vessels quickly spreading fire across the deck and pouring over the hull as the crew scrambled to douse the flames. The Phoenix Spirit waved their signal flags and the warships turned in unison and concentrated their fire upon the distant enemy artillery. It was not long however until their concentrated cannon fire had rendered the enemy artillery useless or completely destroyed. The Terukk priests continued pouring forth evil mantras from their mouths as Famin Jie intensified the notes he played upon his Guqin. With the music, he vouched for the troops seeking heavenly help in resisting the terrible opposition the priests were spewing from foul mouths.

Sun Xin and the fellowship of Famin Jie led several companies of one hundred twelve Academicians each to destroy the Terukk priests who stood exposed, albeit surrounded by heavily armored mutants with long Terukk spears. Cannon fire, bullets, and arrows aimed at the priests completely missed, as if deflected or diverted by rogue winds. Before Xin could reach the priest, the company of mutants tightened their formation to defend him. They locked their shields creating an impervious wall of iron with protruding polearms. Sun Xin dismounted to engage them directly while the Academicians and Master Lo followed close behind on foot to join the fight. Jirgal and Buff Baby charged at the next nearest priest and so did Big Bang and Zuo Shilong with the last priest who stood at the far end of the ranks. He was rushed by powerful cavalry led by General He Jin and a detachment of his mounted commandos who trampled over, impaled, or slashed at the mutants. They lobbed short-fused grenades up and over the mutant armor formation. They landed right behind them and detonated in an instant devastating their shield wall and rendering their defenses broken. General Jin and his mounted commandos proceeded to finish them off with their lances and glaives with devastating effect. The mutant soldiers were by no means mere grunts and their resilience to lethal strikes became apparent to Sun Xin who bobbed and weaved his way through the horde while cutting and stabbing through openings in their armor. They were incredibly strong and fearless and easily tossed the Academicians like little children. Some had their swords broken while other Academicians were grappled and fatally struck with armored fists. Master Lo as well exerted extra effort into the fight trying to stay a step ahead of multiple attacks from the enemy. Sun Xin pushed his way through mutant horde and positioned himself for a swift assassination maneuver. He stepped up from the back of a mutant and leaped off with great force to land an aerial assassination on the priest. His blow however, was swiftly deflected by a familiar dark metallic blade. Kurr had made his reappearance.

Up from the left, Master Lo charged in and engaged Kurr into sword combat. "I will take care of this demon, Xin. Destroy that devil of a priest!" shouted Master Lo. Kurr rushed in to defend the priest and engaged both swordsmen. He laughed menacingly and grinned with a sinister look upon his face. "This is going to be quite entertaining," he quipped.

****

"RAH!" Big Bang and Zuo Shilong struggled in the fight as well. Zuo Shilong spun and slammed his iron rod into the mutant hordes smashing helmets, shattering armor, and breaking bones. Very few could handle a staff with the same mastery displayed by Zuo. Big Bang stayed close behind though heavy-laden with gear, weapons, and ammunition. He lobbed grenades wherever the mutants clustered in large groups. He also brought with him an oversized hand cannon which he fired from the hip. It knocked him off his feet whenever he fired it all the while maniacally laughing in the process. It was not long before he resorted to insults and swearing upon the realization that the priests were immune to ranged weapons fire. The oversized hand cannon apparently also came in quite handy as a club which he used to great effect during close encounters.

The Academicians kept the mutants occupied as Zuo Shilong swooped in to engage the devilish priest in hand to hand combat. His swings were evaded as the Terukk priest ducked and side-stepped his strikes even as he continued to recite the incantations. Shilong found himself quickly heavy-laden in his spirit and fought hard to ignore it. Not far from the others of the company, Buff Baby muscled through the fight using his massive strength to overwhelm the mutant hordes.

"Aha! You are strong, but there are none here stronger than I!" he boasted loudly. He violently swung his heavy glaive, tearing through flesh and armor as if it were paper, and slashed away mutant brutes by the handfuls. Jirgal stood some distance behind him picking away enemies one shot at a time with a high-resistance recurve bow.

"Curse this weapon, my shoulder is starting to cramp and my neck is going stiff!" he whined. He unslung his crossbow and continued to fire methodically at the heads of mutants engaging Buff Baby and the Martial Academicians. A large dagger was attached to the front end of the weapon which he used effectively.

The incantations of the priests grew louder and more powerful as Sun Xin and Master Lo engaged Kurr simultaneously. Kurr laughed in mockery as he ducked, dodged, and parried their sword strikes with little effort. His blade resounded like a heavy bronze tuning bell every time it clashed with their steel. Master Lo took to the offense and engaged Kurr head on, with no restraint. Their blades were a blur; each strike already anticipated the next. Master Lo managed to land a large cut across Kurr's chest armor. Another strike cut into an exposed area of his arm. Kurr had had enough and spat.

"So that's how it's going to be, old man!?" he exclaimed. He feigned a forward thrust and launched a spinning back kick that sent Master Lo flying backward and tumbling into the dirt. He was barely able to stand after the blow.

"You must kill the priest!" he shouted as he coughed up blood. Xin quickly reached into the compartment of his belt and tossed several smoke bombs into Kurr's position blowing up into large plumes of white intoxicating smoke. Xin refocused his attention on the priest and dashed to perform a second assassination attempt, but was immediately thwarted by the spinning blades that Kurr had tossed into Xin's line of attack. It nearly cut through Xin's neck. The blades then spun back towards Kurr who arrogantly grinned as the blades spun back to his hand; he refastened them onto his hips.

Xin knew that he was never going to be able to kill the priest if he could not get passed Kurr. If he continued to fight the same way he had always been, this duel could either end in yet another stalemate or in defeat. He then remembered the words of his master. His sword was still guided by brute force, power, and anger. It was the style that had failed him twice already. He remembered, however, that what truly prevailed in a battle such as this was the sword of effortless action which emulated the nature of the Way. Xin completely relaxed his stance and instead of being consumed by the darkness within himself, he allowed the peace, clarity, and control that come only from Heaven fill his spirit in its stead. He did not expect it, but he welcomed it nonetheless. What he was experiencing was brand new, yet he decided to trust it. So, he completely relaxed himself, breathed, and assumed a low defensive stance. Kurr raised an eyebrow and was visibly puzzled by Sun Xin's response to their encounter.

"You are different today, Master Swordsman, but I seriously doubt this 'new' approach will stack the odds in your favor," he said maliciously, once again baring his sharp teeth with a grin.

"In our first meeting, I failed realize that you were not my greater enemy. But because I had dealt with what was, I realize that I can now deal with you," Xin said in a new voice of steel that can unnerve even the most hardened warriors. Even he was surprised by it. Kurr growled and burst towards Xin now gripping his black metallic sword with both hands.

Upon the top of the hill, Famin Jie continued to play his Guqin vigorously in an effort to equalize the priests' incantations to buy the company more time. As long as he kept playing, he thought, the Ming forces would not become overwhelmed by the mutant hordes being fueled by the dark sorcery of the Terukk. Though his hands began to stiffen with the pain that surged through them, he strummed the seven strings with passion as he continued to pray to Heaven.

After he had forcefully forged a path through the mutant hordes, Buff Baby struck down the Terukk priest with a sweep of its legs and a powerful down stroke for a swift beheading. Zuo Shilong and Big Bang as well had successfully cleared the area of mutants as Ming troops and Academicians swooped in to secure their position. A large mutant soldier in particular charged at Buff Baby in an attempt to grapple him to the ground. The force of the impact knocked Buff Baby's weapon from his grasp though he instantly regained his footing and sprawled to counter the tackle. His feet grazed across the ground raising clouds of dust as he was shoved back several strides.

He counter-pushed the mutant's charge and with a pivot of the hips, Buff Baby tossed the mutant to the ground. Now, the two wrestled for leverage. Buff Baby grasped the mutant's wrists in restraint and slammed his forehead onto its nose then proceeded pound its face with his bare fists until its head had turned to a pulp.

"Is there anyone else who would dare challenge me in hand to hand combat?" he shouted with a fiery vigor. A stone's throw away from where Buff Baby continued to fight, the Terukk priest facing Zuo Shilong had finally ceased his accursed chanting to divert his full attention onto his attackers. Upon his hand materialized a long-handled cleaver with a serrated edge forged with the same black metallic alloy used in the sword of Kurr. He swung decisively at Zuo Shilong's neck, but the monk dove beneath the attack with a forward roll and thrust the end of his staff into the priest's abdomen. As the priest doubled over, Shilong spun around to smash his heavy staff onto his back, but it was obstructed by the black cleaver. The impact from the block was bone-jarring. Zuo Shilong's staff reverberated with the force, but he ignored it to continue the momentum of his attacks, striking at the priest from various angles. It was not long until the priest caved-in from the pressure when Shilong broke through the handle of the cleaver and landed a crushing blow to his head.

The skull had caved in and spewed flesh and brain matter in every which way. The priests collapsed to the ground in a pool of black blood with both hands and arms twitching. Zuo Shilong did not make time for any celebration. The cleaver faded into smoke as Zuo Shilong leaped back into battle to aid the struggling Ming troops.

Not far from where the second priest fell, two warriors dueled for the life of the final Terukk priest. This time however, Sun Xin had turned the tide on his enemy. Sun Xin evaded and redirected Kurr's blows with an amazing calmness. He had peace. Xin foresaw every movement of his opponent's body and was able to predict where the blade would strike next. He had clarity. Xin also knew where to step and how to flow with his body's movements. He was effortless. These profound skills that had suddenly enlightened Xin caused Kurr to become increasingly frustrated and enraged. Just like Master Lo had said, darkness would not comprehend the light and so it was with Kurr who now could not comprehend his opponent. One final priest remained to hold back the Ming forces. If he could fall, the mutants could be quickly overrun and be cast into the sea.

"Time to finish this," Xin said in his cold, intimidating voice. He spun around Kurr's sword thrust and slammed a reverse elbow strike into Kurr's temple then in one continuous motion stabbed a dagger into his exposed inner thigh. Kurr roared with the pain. Just as soon as Xin proceeded to dispatch him once and for all, Kurr slashed his blade into the air, knocking away Xin with a powerful gust of wind. Kurr then fled into the heat of the battle in the background and disappeared amidst the chaos.

The final Terukk priest continued to recite incantations into the mutant army until his head fell clean off his shoulders and the body collapsed in a heap. Just as the final Terukk priest fell, Famin Jie played struck the final chord upon his zither. As the string' vibrations faded away, Famin Jie rolled onto his back in exhaustion and gave praise to Heaven. It was in that moment that the brunt of the Ming Imperial Army pushed against the Terukk with great force. Their shouts could be heard for many li and the ground shook with their thundering footfalls. General He Jin rounded up the rest of his commando and cavalry units and charged through the exposed flanks of the enemy. It was not long until the mutant army, severely lacking cavalry and artillery, and the dark magic of the Terukk priests, became completely overwhelmed by the Ming's unstoppable onslaught of swords, spears, and projectiles. Imperial Commander Feishen, though a veteran of many great battles, could not help but be in awe of this battle's immensity. When the priests had fallen, the infantry fought with a fiery inspiration as they cut down the mutant monstrosities who all of a sudden found themselves on the defensive. The cannons had ceased to fire after the two opposing armies had thoroughly defused in the battlefield. Coordinated battalions and their commanding officers systematically pressed forward against the receding Terukk mutants who still continued to resist. Cavalry units reformed their lines and swung around to cut them down as archer and gunner units concentrated their fire. No longer fueled by the mantras of the priests, the mutants had become just as mortal as any man despite maintaining the brute strength and ferocity of their mutations.

Little by little the mutant hordes, once so mighty and unrelenting, were pushed into the sea. Thousands plummeted off steep cliffs while hundreds of others were thrown off abandoned harbors and pulled down by the weight of their armor. Many of the remaining stragglers used what was left of their strength to run into the endless steppes, perhaps to die in the wilderness if they would not be hunted down by predators or powerful tribes.

Some tried to swim or row away in barges, but were immediately destroyed by naval cannons or shot down by smaller Ming gunboats. Morale for the Ming reached a new high as they pushed forward onto the mutants and utterly destroyed them. The battle was won for the Ming Imperial Army. All mutants who had attempted to flee were either cut down by cavalry, or shot down by mounted archers. Those in the rear began to cheer as the last few thousand mutants who continued to resist were destroyed, no longer under the enchantment of the priests' incantations.

After the soldiers on the ground gained the upper hand in the battle, the Ming Navy proceeded west towards the light Terukk naval blockade where the Shandong and Liaodong Peninsulas met most closely. The Terukk transport ships were caught completely off guard and barely managed to get into formation by the time the Ming ships reached firing range. In unison, the Ming formation veered to starboard as the crews brought the cannons at the ready. The Terukk were outnumbered three to one though their light armaments were more than enough for a difficult fight. The hull of their vessels absorbed the brunt of the Ming's opening cannon salvo. Though buckled and splintered, a second volley of shells was needed to puncture the Terukk hull. As the broadside cannons of the Ming ships reloaded, they swung around to bring port cannons to fire. The Terukk ships answered the Ming attack with signature blue fires as piercing flames of intense heat slammed into several Ming ships puncturing hulls, spreading fires, and splintering decks. Many sailors fell overboard as others scrambled to douse fires and keep the cannons loaded.

Admiral Han Bin and two of the crew quickly spun the tiller around to avoid the enemy's return fire as the ship groaned and moaned with the strain. The Phoenix Spirit moved to the front of the formation and fired a salvo of winged rockets into the Terukk formation. The Scholars' warship targeted the lower hulls of the Terukk ships while simultaneously firing volleys of cannon grapeshot and mortar shells to decimate the enemy armor.

Commanding shouts, screams, and chatter filled the air between cannon and rocket volleys. The Terukk ships, still unable to get into their proper formation, were beginning to buckle from the harassing synchronized fire of the Ming ships. The Phoenix Spirit then used its signature speed and maneuverability to quickly evade the Terukks' line of fire as the rest of the circling Ming ships fired another salvo of bombs and shells. The Terukk, though outnumbered, managed to destroy a handful of the Ming battleships. Lu Guanying was on the stern of the Phoenix Spirit as he witnessed the decimated vessels sink beneath the waves.

Despite its size, the Phoenix Spirit swiftly evaded incoming bombs as it moved in to rescue any of the survivors clinging to chunks of driftwood and debris. The smaller Ming warships split into two formations in order to attack Terukk from two sides. Their signature battened sails swiveled to the left as it hauled wind from yet another angle. The enemy ships turned southwest in full sail to stay ahead of their pursuers. The two sides continued to exchange fire, but the accuracy of the Terukk weapons were unmatched. Their concentrated fire tore holes through the rest of the Ming ships with their fiery projectiles to attempt to discourage their pursuit. It was an impressive feat given they were mere lightly armed transport vessels. Some of the Ming ships were even forced to break formation.

The Phoenix Spirit still managed to launch a trio of Fire Dragon missiles into the fleeing enemy ships. Two of the missiles slammed into the rear of one and the third veered off-course as the ordnance tore through the cabin of another. Admiral Han Bin swiveled the Phoenix Spirit to a hard port to prepare to launch another salvo of cannon fire as Tian Qiu, Lu Guanying, and Shang Jian were swept off their feet. Eight heavy cannons fired away in quick succession, their thunderous booms shook the entire ship. The rounds slammed into the nearest vessel, completely shredding apart its stern leaving a heap of twisted metals and wood. The crew cheered and jeered as the enemy ship began to list and sink beneath the waves.

Out from the ocean-blue horizon appeared a whole contingent of red sails soaring skyward. They approached the fleets with great speed in an attempt to cut off the Terukk retreat. The sails soon revealed to be the ships of the Ming Navy of Nanjing. They had finally arrived to participate in the battle of the gulf. The squadron's flagship opened fire and accompanying warships followed suit.

The pursuit lasted for another several dozen li until the Terukk finally revealed their oars and sailed out of range. At the battle's culmination, six of their ships had been destroyed while the remaining four managed to limp away severely damaged with smoke seeping from their hulls.

Admiral Han Bin desired to make chase, but did not desire the risk of losing more ships or running into an ambush. The Ming had lost a total of seven ships and several others were in critical condition. There was only so much their superior numbers and the element of surprise could bring. This was a testament to the Ming military that the Terukk were indeed a force to be reckoned. The Phoenix Spirit did not survive the battle unscathed and had suffered a handful of breaches to the hull. Sturdy bulkhead compartments within its belly however have kept it afloat so far. After the survivors had been salvaged from the cold waters, the ships recalled to Liaodong and anchored at the shore near the battlefield.

The first great battle against the Terukk's forces had been won. Han Bin watched as the Terukk ships descended beneath the horizon trailing smoke and debris. A new squadron of box-shaped ships joined the Terukk from the west. It was a squadron loyal to the pirate lord Mizushima.

"Now, we can confirm that pirates from Riben have allied themselves with the Foreigner scum," commented Admiral Han.

"This is the beginning of our woes at sea. We barely managed to defeat a small squadron of their ships despite our numeric superiority. What we have experienced today is but a small taste of their naval capabilities. If we are to stand a chance against them, our own navy might require an overhaul," commented Shang Jian. Near the shores of Liaodong Peninsula, the Ming nursed its wounds. The Ming troops overall suffered low casualties relative to their enemy's numbers though it brought Imperial Commander Feishen great pain to count the fallen. It was something he would never be accustomed to. He loved his men sincerely and it wrenched his heart greatly when those very same men whom he had trained for years and marched with for thousands of li would make their sacrifices on the battlefield. Just over seven thousand were counted among the dead and thousands more were counted among the injured and the disabled.

Imperial Commander Feishen and his officers spent several minutes in silence as the dead were tallied and buried in a mass grave upon the plain. There were some among the dead whom he had known personally. He felt great regret for their loss though deep in his heart Feishen knew these were the inevitable daily realities of war that all officers had to reconcile. He must accept it gracefully so that it would not compromise his ability to lead.

Preparedness, naval support, and superior weaponry indeed have played their part in the victory, but it was the company of Famin Jie who had truly won the battle for the Ming that day. Had the Terukk priests been allowed to continue their sorcery, the mutants' strength would have overwhelmed the Ming army even with the use of superior artillery. These truths did not pass by Commander Feishen and General Jin who along with their officers personally commended and honored the Scholars, their Academicians, and Famin Jie's company.

"Were it not for the efforts of the Scholars and these heroes from the provinces the battle would have continued to no end and many among us would have perished under the sorcery of the Terukk!" they said. Big Bang laughed maniacally as he usually did. Jirgal however was only relieved to have survived the ordeal and urgently searched for some wine calm his nerves. Buff Baby celebrated with the rest of the troops in food and drink as he boasted about his 'mighty' feats during the battle. Zuo Shilong stood at the shore and silently stared into the sea which he was seeing for the very first time. Sun Xin, in his preoccupations with attending to his injured master, did not take the time to appreciate the commendations or the victory. Famin Jie however could not help but praise Heaven alone for the victory for he knew that it was Heaven who in supreme sovereignty had orchestrated the events that allowed these warriors to have assembled.

He later rejoined Imperial Commander Feishen and General Jin to set up camp not far from the edge of the battlefield as the dead were buried and the wounded were attended. The company regrouped and reported to the commander though Master Lo continued to be in severe pain after suffering the vicious blow of Kurr's kick. General Jin provided a bed for him to rest inside his own tent. His breath was labored and he coughed continuously.

"So you are the great Master Lo. I have had the rare privilege of personally bearing witness to the incredible feats of Sun Xin, but to have finally met his master is a rare and great honor," said General He Jin with a deep bow of respect.

"For many years I had been angry and resentful of him. He had chosen a path which I was sure there would be no return, but to see the alliances he has made, to witness where his path has brought him, gladness and peace have replaced my anger. He is destined for something monumental, General. Heaven has great plans for him, though I think my part in this tale is finally coming to a close," said Master Lo in a labored breath. He coughed profusely and blood poured from the corner of his mouth. General Jin then hurriedly searched for Sun Xin in the camp. His master did not have much time. Famin Jie approached Master Lo's bedside with tears welling up in his eyes. "Oh Lord Di, should this battle bear such a terrible cost?" he cried as his lips quivered.

"Do not lament for me, brother, for I long to be in the presence of the Most High. The spirits have posted here to anticipate my departure. Such a glorious sight it is!" Master Lo exclaimed.

"Look, the souls of my righteous ancestors descend and ascend from the right and left of Shang Di. I am overwhelmed."

"If your name is called, brother, do not neglect to answer it. I will find peace in your departure," said Famin Jie, his lips quivering and tears rolling from his cheeks. Sun Xin rushed to his master's side and fell on his knees. For the first time in ten years, Sun Xin began to cry.

"Master, forgive me for what I had done," he cried. "Do not leave my side, Master. You are the only father I have ever known."

"My son, the day I found you was the day I was made complete. You and Meiling have filled the aching abyss in my heart. Truly Heaven is gracious to have blessed me with the grand responsibility of raising you. The day you fled our home was the day I thought I had failed you, but little did I know of the grand master plan Heaven had already orchestrated for your life, and now I am blessed have finally seen it unfold. Do not depart from the paths of righteousness. Walk in the Way, honor Heaven alone. The road ahead of you is dark and very treacherous; your faith will be tested. Always walk before the Light where the cracks upon the path you tread can be made visible," said Master Lo. He struggled to breathe, but mustered the strength to speak his last words. "Xin, never forget my words. Hide them in your heart. I've told you how you can overcome the curse. Your hardships are only beginning. Only in the Way can you let peace, clarity, and effortless action embody your life and guide your hand in battle. Then, only then will you find victory. Take my sword; keep it with you always so it will remind you of my words."

The company, Tian Qiu, He Feishen, and He Jin stood around him with their hats and helmets in hand and with heads bowed. "Do not waste your breaths in lamentation for my loss, dear friends. Rejoice instead knowing that I have finished my mission in obedience to the will of Heaven. Xin, my son, do not pursue a campaign without acknowledging Heaven before all things. Only then will success follow in your wake. Do not forget about dear Meiling. After your task is complete return home, Xin. You are now the only loved one that remains for her." He turned his gaze to his beloved friend Famin Jie. "My dear brother in spirit, you have been tasked with a tremendous calling. Keep fighting the fight. Your battle is far from over. The next time we meet will be in victory." Famin Jie bowed his head and wept at his side.

Finally, in the tent of General He Jin, surrounded by friends and allies, Master Lo breathed his last breath. The departure of his spirit was felt by Xin and Famin Jie; like a veil that had been lifted, so too did they feel Master Lo depart from their midst. His body was wrapped in many cloths and readied to return to his home where proper funeral rites and ceremonies would be observed. Famin Jie wandered into the woods to briefly mourn in solitude and there he meditated and played his zither.

Though he greatly lamented the loss of his only master and adoptive father, Xin did not have the luxury to properly mourn. He swallowed his tears as he fastened Master Lo's sword right beside his own. There was a tremendous task at hand and Master Lo would have instructed him to remain focused on the mission. He meditated upon the highest hill on the field overlooking the battlefield to clear his mind. It was strange, however. He had expected anguish to dictate his emotions at this point, but instead he was finding a small measure of peace. Now, he felt more ready than he ever had in the face of a mountainous trial and this time, a victorious outcome was more visible and more assured. He was going to claim it.