The Star River at Ten Thousand Miles, the Boundless Moonlight

Yiyang Prefecture, Suolong Pass.

Upon the high platform, the civil and military officials received their orders and departed.

Amidst the boundless night, Zhuang Gaoxian rose into the sky, his body wreathed in clear light, his eyes like those of a deity.

He perched high in the firmament, looking down upon the earth.

His voice was magnificent, shaking the battlefield.

"Han Yin! It is a festive day, a truly auspicious time. The three armies are gathered for battle, and heaven and earth resonate in harmony. You are the Lord of Yong, and I am the Sovereign of Zhuang. Why not battle in the heavens to serve as a drum for our armies! Let us celebrate the New Year!"

The Zhuang army cheered in unison: "Han Yin! Come forth and meet your death!"

The thunderous sound shook the cold night.

Atop Suolong Pass, a burly figure rose, stepping upon the phantom of a golden dragon. The dragon's roar moved the heavens, majestic and resplendent.

"That traitor of old, Zhuang Chenggan, wept blood and begged for mercy in the Qichang Mountain Range, and only then did Imperial We spare his dog's life. On this New Year's Eve, young Gaoxian comes to celebrate with Us—Imperial We are overjoyed!"

Han Yin's voice was majestic and deep, rolling like thunder: "Imperial We accept your intentions! And Imperial We shall take your head!"

Atop Suolong Pass, the morale of the soldiers surged, and they shouted in unison: "Kill!"

Facing Zhuang Gaoxian's challenge, Han Yin did not hesitate.

He had experienced countless wars in his life and understood the situation perfectly. The Yong Kingdom's current position appeared stable, but in reality, it had reached a life-or-death turning point.

The Zhuang Kingdom was not strong enough to swallow the Yong Kingdom, and the Luo Kingdom was merely a clown,