Chapter 11: Gathering Storms

The handshake between Zhang Xing and the bandit leader in the dimly lit camp felt weighty, as if it marked the beginning of turbulent changes to come. Inside the bandit camp's crude tent, Zhang Xing and the leader sat across a rough wooden table, surrounded by several wary and fierce bandit soldiers. The tension in the air was palpable.

The bandit leader leaned back in his chair, his sharp eyes fixed on Zhang Xing. He spoke slowly, testing him. "Zhang Xing, since you want to work with me, you'd better show me what you're made of. We're facing the imperial court now, not just some small band of soldiers. I need to know how capable you are of holding up this rebellion."

Zhang Xing didn't flinch, his gaze steady. "The imperial forces are formidable, but their greatest weakness is overestimating their control. They can crush scattered village revolts, but if we unite with forces like yours—trained and armed—we can change the tide of battle entirely."

The leader's lips curled into a cold smile. "You've got a silver tongue, but the real question is how many villages will dare to work with us, bandits?"

Zhang Xing held the leader's gaze, his voice resolute. "The people are suffering under the court's oppression. They have no other way out. If we offer them hope, they'll rise up. As for our reputations, what matters is victory. History is written by the victors."

The leader's expression shifted slightly, surprised by Zhang Xing's bold words. He waved his soldiers away and leaned in closer. "Fine, I'll give you a chance. We'll strike soon. I want to take down a well-armed imperial detachment nearby. If we win, our reputation will spread across the region. Then, the people will follow us."

Zhang Xing nodded. "I agree. We need a decisive victory to establish our strength."

"You have a plan?" the leader asked casually, though his eyes gleamed with the intent to test Zhang Xing's tactical mind.

Zhang Xing stood and walked to the map laid out on a table in the tent. He pointed to a narrow valley near Yunshan Mountain. "Here, at the foot of the mountain, the terrain is perfect for an ambush. The imperial soldiers stationed here send out patrols every few days. We can strike their vanguard and then cut off their supply lines. Isolated, they'll be easy prey for us."

The leader studied the map, then nodded approvingly. "Smart—using the terrain and surprise to our advantage." He glanced at Zhang Xing. "I'll let you lead this attack, but I'll send some of my best men to oversee it. I need to ensure there are no mistakes."

Zhang Xing didn't mind the condition and nodded. "Agreed. As long as we win, the details don't matter."

The leader grinned, pleased. "Good. We move at dawn."

The next morning, Zhang Xing and Li He, along with the bandit leader's elite squad, left the valley and made their way to the narrow pass below Yunshan Mountain. The terrain was treacherous, with steep cliffs on both sides—an ideal spot for an ambush. As they moved through the valley, Zhang Xing carefully observed the surroundings, fine-tuning his strategy.

"This is a critical opportunity," Zhang Xing whispered to Li He. "We must make the most of this battle and show everyone the strength of our resistance."

Li He nodded. "As long as you're confident, I'll fight with you to the end."

They took their positions, hiding within the valley, waiting for the imperial patrol to arrive. The wind howled through the cliffs, rustling the trees on the mountainsides. Zhang Xing and the bandit soldiers gripped their weapons tightly, their breaths shallow, awaiting the signal to attack.

Soon, a patrol of about twenty imperial soldiers entered the valley, just as Zhang Xing had anticipated. Unaware of the danger lurking above, the soldiers continued their routine patrol, complacent in their assumed control of the region. Zhang Xing watched patiently, waiting until they were deep within the kill zone.

"Now!" Zhang Xing commanded, and arrows rained down from the mountain slopes, striking the soldiers below. Several fell instantly, caught off guard, while the survivors scrambled to raise their shields and regroup.

Moments later, the bandit soldiers charged down the slopes, engaging the imperials in close combat. Zhang Xing, wielding a long blade, was among the first to rush into the fray, cutting down a soldier with a swift strike. The imperials, outnumbered and caught by surprise, fought desperately but were quickly overwhelmed. Within minutes, the entire patrol was wiped out.

As the dust settled, Zhang Xing stood on the hillside, surveying the battlefield. The bodies of the fallen soldiers lay strewn across the valley, their blood staining the earth. The bandits scavenged the corpses for weapons and supplies. Zhang Xing knew this was only the beginning. The next challenge would be the imperial main force, but for now, they had secured a crucial victory.

The bandit leader approached Zhang Xing, clapping him on the shoulder with a satisfied grin. "Not bad, Zhang Xing. You've got skill."

Zhang Xing gave a faint smile. "This is just the first step. The people need to know they don't have to fear the court anymore."

The leader's gaze darkened with ambition. "You're right. We need an even bigger victory."

Three days later, news of Zhang Xing and the bandits' ambush spread to the surrounding villages. The tale of their victory over the imperial patrol filled the hearts of the peasants with a mix of awe and hope. Villagers who had once viewed the bandits with suspicion now began to consider joining their growing resistance.

Zhang Xing knew the moment had come. He sent messengers to nearby villages, spreading word of their success and calling for more villagers to rise up and join the fight.

"Our strength is growing," Zhang Xing told Li He. "With a little more time, we'll have a formidable force."

Li He smiled with anticipation. "We've come this far, Zhang Xing. It's finally happening."

Zhang Xing nodded, his eyes filled with determination. "Yes, but this is only the beginning. The true test is still ahead."

As more villages began to rally behind Zhang Xing's cause, the scope of the rebellion expanded. What had started as a small, localized resistance was quickly becoming a widespread uprising. And Zhang Xing stood at the center of it all, leading more and more peasants into an uncertain future.

The winds of rebellion were gathering, and soon, the flames of war would engulf the land. Zhang Xing, at the heart of the storm, was moving ever closer to his destiny.