Opening the Gateway, Bound by the Tide of Time

"Chen Dafeng again?"Mike was taken aback, sensing a pattern. It seemed like Jiang Xiaoci had a strong preference for this particular blade. Was it because she found it easy to wield?"Why?" Mike asked, his curiosity piqued. He didn't resist the suggestion, but he did wonder about her reasoning."Mr. Mike, Chen Dafeng is far too unpredictable, and he's better suited for individual combat, not for leading an army or handling delicate tasks like liberating the people."Mike wasn't entirely comfortable with the idea of Chen Dafeng leading the mission. He prided himself on his ability to assess people, and he was concerned that while Chen Dafeng was undoubtedly a formidable fighter, his brutal tendencies could turn a good mission into a disaster."You're right, sir. When it comes to marching and waging war, Chen Dafeng doesn't quite fit the bill," Jiang Xiaoci replied softly. "But his courage and prowess on the battlefield make him the best choice for ensuring victory."Jiang Xiaoci's gaze intensified as she continued, "This is your first military campaign outside of Jinling, and how it goes will shape your future. A swift victory will surely earn the trust and recognition of those above. After that, you'll have the credibility to expand your influence."Mike froze. "Expand? You want me to conquer Xinchang and Guangling—take them completely?"Honestly, Mike had briefly considered this possibility, but he never gave it serious thought. His primary concern was the safety and well-being of the people, particularly in the two cities, and the need to provide aid and resolve their crises. He wasn't trying to seize land; his mission was simply to help.Yet, Jiang Xiaoci's words echoed in his mind. It was a calculated opportunity, one that the higher-ups had put in his hands. Why not take it?"The higher-ups know the chaos is coming, and they'll need someone to step in and control the situation. Dividing forces might seem prudent at first, but over time, it will only lead to disorder," Jiang Xiaoci added, her voice steady but filled with conviction. "If you want to be remembered as someone who cared for the people, it's time to act now."Her words struck deep, and Mike was left to contemplate. His mind weighed heavily on the idea of leadership, of taking responsibility for his decisions. Could he truly follow through with this? Was it the right thing to do?"Mr. Mike, you have the power, the ability to lead this charge. You can unite these people under your rule and protect them like no one else can."Jiang Xiaoci's words were sharp, pushing Mike to confront the weight of his choices. "If you stay passive, how can you trust others to govern in a way that benefits the common people?"Mike took a long breath. The quiet, suffocating silence lingered in the room. The realization dawned on him: the moment he stepped into this role, there would be no turning back. Once he opened that door, it couldn't be closed.

"Is this going too far?" Mike asked, his voice breaking the silence."It's the nature of the times," Jiang Xiaoci replied softly, her eyes narrowing as she gazed at the setting sun. "This isn't just a matter of ruling one city or even one country anymore. It's about the survival of humanity. If we don't act now, the future will belong to those who seize it."Mike took in her words, the gravity of the situation settling over him. Could he walk away from it all? Or was he destined to take on the mantle of power, regardless of the consequences?After a long pause, Mike spoke again, his voice barely audible, "If I'm going to do this, I'll need someone who can do what I cannot.""Chen Dafeng," Jiang Xiaoci said softly. "He's the one who can carry out what's necessary, even if it's not something you can order yourself."Mike stared at her, his thoughts racing. He had fought against the idea of using Chen Dafeng, but now it seemed there was no other choice. His hands were tied."Alright," Mike said, his voice resolute. "Let Chen Dafeng lead, with 5,000 of the defenders, and Qin Dashan can back him up with 3,000 from the modern army."Jiang Xiaoci's eyes flickered with a faint smile. "Then it's settled."Mike sighed, deeply. The weight of his decision pressed on him as he looked out the window. The red skies of the setting sun reflected on his face, the warmth of the moment carrying an unsettling certainty."Do you know, Xiaoci," Mike muttered, "this apocalypse really is a mess."Jiang Xiaoci's smile softened, a hint of admiration in her gaze. "But it's how we met, sir. I'm fortunate to witness the rise of a great leader, to walk beside you through it all."