Chapter 10: A Do-or-Die Gamble

After the battle at Zhao Village, a temporary calm settled over the village. While villagers cleared the battlefield and repaired the damaged defenses, the joy of victory still lingered. Yet, deep down, everyone knew that the real test was yet to come. Zhang Xing stood at the village entrance, gazing at the distant mountains, his thoughts as complex as the undulating terrain before him.

"Zhang Xing," Li He approached, his face still weary from the battle. "We've organized villagers to care for the wounded and deal with the aftermath, but we need to act quickly. We can't afford to wait any longer."

Zhang Xing turned to Li He, his expression somber. "We're relying on Zhao Village and Zhang Village right now, but that won't be enough. The soldiers we defeated were only the advance force. The imperial court will send reinforcements soon. We were lucky this time, but next time, they won't make the same mistakes."

Li He nodded. The victory had energized the villagers, but he knew as well as Zhang Xing that their current forces were far too weak to withstand the looming threat. "I know. That's why we need to grow our forces quickly and unite more villages. Zhao Meng has agreed to join us, but he made it clear—he can't risk the lives of his entire village on a gamble."

Zhang Xing remained silent, weighing his next move. Time was running out. Without quickly forming a larger alliance, they wouldn't stand a chance when the imperial army returned. He took a deep breath and gazed at the distant mountains. "In that case, we need to go further and find those who are already rebelling."

Li He frowned. "You mean going beyond the county to seek help? But our resources are limited, and distant villages may not want to join forces with us."

Zhang Xing's expression hardened with determination. "We need more than just support from nearby villages. We need fighters—people who are experienced and armed. The villages around here are mostly fighting for survival, but that's not enough. A real resistance requires leadership and weapons. Only then can we stand a chance against the imperial forces."

Li He paused, realizing the truth of Zhang Xing's words. "So, what's your plan? Where do we find organized resistance?"

Zhang Xing recalled rumors he had heard in the past and spoke quietly. "To the south, there's a group of bandits in the mountains. They've been fighting the imperial forces for years. I've heard that their leader is shrewd, and they have skilled fighters. We could try to form an alliance with them."

Li He hesitated, concern flashing in his eyes. "Bandits? They have a bad reputation. They're known for looting and killing. Teaming up with them could be risky."

Zhang Xing gave a cold smile. "We don't have the luxury to pick clean allies. The court's power is overwhelming, and we need anyone who can help us survive."

Li He, seeing Zhang Xing's resolve, finally relented. "Alright, I trust you. When do we leave?"

Zhang Xing's gaze remained fixed on the southern mountains. "Tonight."

That very night, Zhang Xing and Li He prepared their supplies and gathered a small group of capable hunters, taking only the essentials, including food and weapons. Zhao Meng stayed behind in Zhao Village to consolidate their defenses, readying the village in case they failed in their mission.

Under the cover of darkness, the small group set out along the steep mountain paths. The night was silent, with only the occasional crunch of dried leaves underfoot. Though a sense of unease hung in the air, Zhang Xing was filled with a steely determination. This journey was fraught with uncertainty, but it was their only option.

After two days of treacherous travel, they finally reached the rumored hideout of the bandits—a secluded valley, shrouded in mist and seemingly cut off from the rest of the world. Towering peaks loomed overhead, acting as natural fortifications.

"That's their base," one of the hunters who knew the area whispered, his voice tense. "These bandits are ruthless. We have to be careful."

Zhang Xing nodded, signaling the group to halt. He gazed ahead, considering how best to approach the bandits. Though violent, the bandits' strength was exactly what Zhang Xing needed. If he could convince them to join forces against the imperial court, their odds of survival would increase dramatically.

"I'll go ahead and scout things out," Zhang Xing decided. "You all wait here. If anything goes wrong, retreat immediately."

Li He looked worried. "It's too dangerous for you to go alone. Let me come with you."

Zhang Xing shook his head. "More people will only make them more suspicious. I'll handle it."

Seeing that he couldn't convince Zhang Xing otherwise, Li He reluctantly nodded. "Just be careful."

Zhang Xing adjusted his clothes and set off toward the valley. As he ventured deeper into the misty terrain, the atmosphere grew more tense. The deeper he went, the more palpable the sense of danger became.

Suddenly, figures emerged from the shadows, armed with sharp blades, surrounding him. A burly man at the front sneered, "Who are you? How dare you walk into our territory?"

Zhang Xing raised his hands, signaling that he meant no harm. "I'm Zhang Xing from Zhang Village. I've come to speak with your leader on an important matter."

The burly man's eyes narrowed, recognizing the name. He scrutinized Zhang Xing before letting out a cold laugh. "Zhang Village? So, you're the one who fought off the imperial soldiers?"

Zhang Xing nodded. "That's right."

The man's expression softened with a hint of respect. He waved to his men, signaling them to lower their weapons. "You've got guts. But our leader doesn't just meet with anyone. You better have a good reason for coming, or you won't be leaving this valley alive."

Zhang Xing smiled calmly, unfazed. "I'm here for both our survival. I'm certain your leader will want to hear what I have to say."

Impressed by Zhang Xing's confidence, the burly man grunted. "Follow me, but remember, no one here will hesitate to cut you down if you try anything."

Zhang Xing followed the man deeper into the bandit camp. The camp was crude but functional, with armed men training and preparing for battle. Though ragged, there was a dangerous energy in the air. These men were hardened, and their eyes gleamed with ruthless determination.

Finally, Zhang Xing reached the heart of the camp, where he was brought before the bandit leader. A tall, imposing man with a stern face and cold eyes, the leader wore black armor and held a massive broadsword. His very presence radiated power.

"So, you're Zhang Xing," the leader said, his voice low and filled with authority.

Zhang Xing met his gaze without fear. "Yes, I'm Zhang Xing. I've come to propose an alliance."

The leader smirked. "An alliance? You're just a village leader. What makes you think you have anything to offer me?"

Zhang Xing's voice was steady and firm. "We've already repelled the imperial soldiers once. But I know that alone, we can't hold them off forever. You have men, weapons, and experience. But you're still just a bandit group hunted by the court. If we unite, we can form a real resistance—one that can protect both our people and your stronghold."

The leader's eyes flashed with interest, though his face remained impassive. He sat back in his chair and gestured for Zhang Xing to continue. "Go on."

Zhang Xing seized the moment. "The people are suffering under the court's oppression. Villages like ours are everywhere, waiting for hope. If we offer them a chance to fight back, they will join us. With your men and our leadership, we can turn this scattered resistance into a true uprising. You won't just be bandits anymore—you'll be the leaders of a rebellion."

The leader's eyes glinted with cunning. He was clearly intrigued by Zhang Xing's vision. After a long pause, he nodded slowly. "You make an interesting case. But I'll need more than words to trust you."

Zhang Xing didn't hesitate. "I'm willing to lead our villages in clearing the way for your forces. Together, we can strike back at the imperial forces."

The leader thought for a moment before a rare smile crept onto his face. "Alright, Zhang Xing. I'll give you a chance. But if you betray me, you won't live to regret it."

Zhang Xing nodded firmly. "Deal."

The two clasped hands, sealing their newfound alliance. A new chapter in their rebellion had begun.