57-Strategist Han.

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Rebel Army.

Command Tent.

A tall, middle-aged man sat in the main seat, his armor accentuating his heroic figure. His tiger-like eyes gleamed with intensity, exuding authority without anger. Wrinkles marked his square forehead, yet far from diminishing his dignity, they added to his imposing presence.

Flanking him were two women, pouring wine with tender care, though fear flickered in their eyes.

This was Guo Yanhuai, the leader of the rebel army.

Below him, two rows of seats lined the tent, occupied by the various commanders of the rebel forces.

If Zhong Lin were here, he'd recognize one of them as Xu Ruo, the "Iron-Armed Blade King," who had faced off against the Du family patriarch that night.

"Come, brothers, let's share this cup together."

Guo Yanhuai raised his wine cup, his voice booming with dominance.

The commanders followed suit, lifting their cups and shouting in unison, "Share this cup together!"

After three rounds of drinks, a faint flush appeared on Guo Yanhuai's face.

"I, Guo Yanhuai, owe my current power to the support of you brothers. But to secure our footing, we must take Heishan County as soon as possible, using it as a base to claim territory and rule as kings. Oulu, tell me—how much longer until we breach the city?"

As soon as Guo Yanhuai finished, a giant of a man—about two meters tall—rose from the right-hand seat, his voice rumbling, "General, rest assured. I've sent men in your name to recruit deathsworn from the refugees. Heishan County's experts were decimated in the last battle, and the Du and Zhang families suffered heavy losses thanks to Strategist Han's plan. Right now, Heishan County is a tiger without claws. After some rest, tomorrow I'll break through the city."

"Hahaha!"

Guo Yanhuai slammed his palm on the table, laughing heartily. The entire tent quivered slightly under his mirth.

"Good! If we take Heishan County this time, Oulu and Strategist Han will claim the greatest merit."

The one called Strategist Han was a young man in his twenties, seated at Guo Yanhuai's left-hand prime spot. Dressed in a cyan robe, he had a pale, beardless face and delicate features, radiating a scholarly air. Amid this group of rough warriors, he stood out starkly.

Han Jin raised his cup in a slight salute. "The general flatters me. I merely offered an idea—how can that compare to Commander Oulu's bloodshed on the battlefield?"

"Haha, Strategist, you're too modest! You tossed out one 'bone' and nearly toppled two families that ruled Heishan County for centuries. Oulu's just a brute who knows how to fight and kill—when it comes to brains, it's you. My ranks are full of roughnecks swinging blades, but what I lack is talent like yours."

Guo Yanhuai spared no praise.

The more he looked at Han Jin, his strategist who'd risen with him, the more satisfied Guo Yanhuai felt.

Back then, he'd been a fugitive hunted by noble families, living day-to-day, focused only on escaping pursuit.

Until he met Han Jin.

With Han Jin's help and guidance, he'd subdued the eighteen bandit factions, rallied the refugees, and built his power in one fell swoop.

Now, with thirty thousand troops under his command, he'd conquered cities and lands. Just one step remained to seize Heishan County. With its strategic terrain, he could expand outward, and in time, rival the entire Great Chen dynasty across the river.

If the Liang family could sit on the dragon throne, why couldn't he? 

At that thought, Guo Yanhuai grew even more excited. He pulled the two beautiful concubines beside him into his arms, indulging himself shamelessly.

These concubines were spoils from noble families he'd plundered during his campaign—something he'd never dared dream of before.

Unbeknownst to Guo Yanhuai, as he reveled in his excitement, a red glint flashed briefly in his eyes. Without close scrutiny, no one would notice.

But Han Jin saw it all.

Han Jin's brow furrowed slightly, a sigh escaping his heart.

"Still no good? Time to switch again."

He downed his wine in one gulp, glancing around at the rough warriors carousing beside him. A flicker of disgust passed through his eyes.

Living day in and day out with these unkempt brutes—he was practically starting to stink himself.

He stood slowly, cupping his hands. "General, I have another plan. If it succeeds, you could gain another city without losing a single soldier."

Guo Yanhuai's wine cup trembled. He pushed aside his concubines, strode to Han Jin, and grabbed his hands, eyes blazing. "What's the plan?"

Han Jin subtly withdrew his hands and said gravely, "Heishan County's fall is imminent. General, you could send a separate force disguised as the county's remnants to Xin'an County, requesting aid. When they send troops, we ambush them—then we can take Xin'an County in one strike."

"Brilliant!"

Guo Yanhuai shot to his feet, roaring with glee, his face alight with excitement. The red glint in his eyes flashed rapidly again.

"Strategist, what a plan, what a plan! This way, I'll hold two cities! Even if the prefectural garrison comes, these two cities can support each other as horns, standing firm against them."

Then, as if struck by a thought, he leaned in to ask, "Strategist, who do you think should lead the troops to Xin'an County?"

Han Jin smiled faintly. "Since I devised the plan, it's only fitting I lead the troops to execute it."

"No, no, no!"

Guo Yanhuai shook his head like a rattle drum.

"The battlefield's merciless—swords and blades spare no one. If you got hurt, Strategist, even taking Xin'an County wouldn't be worth it. Your value outweighs ten cities."

Han Jin's face showed a touched expression, as if moved to die for a leader who truly valued him. He stood and saluted. "Han Jin thanks the general for his care. But this matter is critical—no mistakes can be afforded, or all will be lost. For the general's grand cause, I'll spare no effort. If you're truly worried, send Brother Xu Ruo to protect me. With his Sixth Rank martial prowess, he can surely keep me safe."

Guo Yanhuai paced a few steps, then nodded. "Fine, then I'll trouble you, Strategist. Xu Ruo!"

Xu Ruo stood at once, bowing respectfully. "Your subordinate is here."

"Protect the strategist at all costs. If anything goes wrong, I'll have your head," Guo Yanhuai barked.

A wave of killing intent burst from him, making Xu Ruo's heart tighten.

"Your subordinate will give his all—no harm will come to the strategist, not even a scratch."

"General, Xin'an County is still some distance away. Time's pressing—I'll muster the troops now," Han Jin said.

Guo Yanhuai clapped Han Jin's shoulder heavily. "Strategist, the battlefield's unpredictable—don't act alone. I'll be waiting for you to return and keep devising plans for me, refining pills too."

"Rest assured, General. The Blood Soul Pills are already prepared for you."

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