Chapter 14: Alliance of the Forgotten

Dawn broke over the mountains, casting a golden light on the small, ragged camp. Zhang Xing stood at the edge of the camp, his eyes fixed on the horizon. His heart was heavy, but his mind was sharper than ever. He had sent scouts ahead to spread the word among the nearby villages and clans, hoping that the promise of rebellion would stir something within them.

Li He approached, his armor clinking slightly as he moved. "The men are ready. Supplies are running low, but we'll manage a few more days. What's the next move?"

Zhang Xing turned to face him. "We head east. There are rumors of a group of mountain clans that have been resisting the empire for years. They're small, but they know these lands better than anyone. If we can convince them to join us, we'll have a fighting chance to hold the mountains."

Li He frowned slightly. "Mountain clans? They've never trusted outsiders. Why would they join us?"

Zhang Xing smiled grimly. "Because they hate the empire more than they distrust us. They've been pushed to the edge for years, surviving by staying hidden and fighting only when necessary. But now, with the empire tightening its grip, they're running out of places to hide. They'll have to make a choice—fight or be destroyed."

Li He nodded, though doubt lingered in his eyes. "It's a long shot. But I guess that's all we've got right now."

Zhang Xing clapped him on the shoulder. "We don't have time for doubts. Let's move."

The journey into the mountains was treacherous. Narrow paths wound through towering cliffs, and the air grew thinner with every step. Zhang Xing's group was small—he had left most of the fighters behind to protect their newly won territory, bringing only his most trusted men for this diplomatic mission.

As they climbed higher, the terrain became more unforgiving. Rocky outcrops jutted out over sheer drops, and the wind howled through the canyons like a restless spirit. It was easy to see why the mountain clans had survived here for so long—the empire's soldiers would find it nearly impossible to march an army through these passes.

After two days of climbing, they finally reached a secluded plateau, nestled deep within the mountains. Smoke rose from a series of small fires in the distance, marking the presence of the mountain clans' settlement.

Zhang Xing signaled for his men to stop. "We'll go the rest of the way on foot. We don't want to appear threatening."

As they approached, figures began to emerge from the trees and rocks—silent, watchful sentinels. They were dressed in rough furs and leather, their faces weathered by the harsh mountain life. They moved with the grace of hunters, each one armed with a bow or spear, eyes trained on Zhang Xing and his group.

A tall figure stepped forward, clearly the leader of the group. His long hair was tied back in a thick braid, and his eyes were as cold and sharp as the mountain air. He spoke in a low, gravelly voice. "You've come far to find us, strangers. What do you seek in our lands?"

Zhang Xing took a step forward, hands raised to show he meant no harm. "We come in peace. My name is Zhang Xing, and we're here to propose an alliance. The empire grows stronger, and soon, it will overrun even these mountains. But together, we can fight back."

The mountain leader regarded him silently for a moment, his eyes narrowing. "An alliance? With the likes of you? We've survived this long without your help, and we'll survive without it still."

Zhang Xing remained calm, knowing that the wrong words could doom their mission. "I don't doubt your strength, but the empire is relentless. They'll come for you sooner or later, and when they do, you won't be able to hide anymore. But together, we can stand a chance. You know these lands better than anyone, and we have fighters who are willing to stand with you. We share a common enemy."

The leader's eyes flicked to Li He, who was standing just behind Zhang Xing, and then back again. He tilted his head slightly, considering. "You speak well, Zhang Xing. But words alone won't win this war. How do I know you won't betray us when it suits you, just like the empire did when they first came to these lands?"

Zhang Xing stepped closer, his voice firm. "I'm not the empire. I've seen what they do to people like us—people they think are weak, expendable. But I refuse to let them destroy everything we hold dear. I know you don't trust outsiders, and I don't expect you to trust me easily. But give us a chance to prove our worth. Let us fight alongside you."

The mountain leader studied Zhang Xing's face for a long moment, then turned to his men and spoke in their native tongue. After a brief exchange, he looked back at Zhang Xing. "Very well. We will test your strength. If you and your men can hold your own against the empire's next patrol in these mountains, we'll consider your offer of alliance."

Zhang Xing nodded. "We accept."

Later that night, Zhang Xing and his group sat around a fire in the mountain clan's encampment. The air was thick with the smell of woodsmoke and roasting meat, but the tension was palpable. The mountain warriors sat nearby, still watching Zhang Xing and his men with suspicion.

Li He leaned closer to Zhang Xing. "A test? They're putting us on trial before they'll even consider fighting with us."

Zhang Xing smiled faintly. "It's their way. We're in their territory, and they need to know we can be trusted. If we fight well, they'll join us."

Li He glanced around the camp, his eyes resting on the towering figures of the mountain warriors. "Let's hope we don't have to fight them next."

Zhang Xing chuckled softly. "No. Our fight is with the empire. But we have to earn their respect first."

As the fire crackled, Zhang Xing's thoughts turned inward. He knew this alliance was crucial to their survival. The empire's forces were growing, and without more men, without knowledge of the land, their rebellion would be crushed before it even truly began.

But here, in these remote mountains, there was hope. The mountain clans were fierce and independent, but they had been forgotten by the empire for too long. Now, they were starting to see the encroaching threat—and Zhang Xing intended to use that to his advantage.

The sound of footsteps approached, and Zhang Xing looked up to see the mountain leader standing before him once again.

"Zhang Xing," the leader said, his voice quiet but commanding. "Tomorrow, we'll see if your people are as strong as your words. But understand this—we will not hesitate to abandon you if you prove weak."

Zhang Xing stood, meeting the man's gaze evenly. "We won't disappoint you."

The leader nodded once, then turned and walked back into the shadows.

Zhang Xing sat down again, his mind filled with the weight of tomorrow's test. They had come this far, but the true battle was only just beginning.