The Four-State Alliance Settles on a Joint Campaign; Wei Secures Logistics Through the Sword Hut

In an underground chamber in Daliang, the capital of Wei State, the warm glow of candlelight flickered over the surroundings.

A finely detailed map of the realm lay spread across a long bronze table. Qin State's territory had already been half-painted vermilion. The military and political leaders of the four states sat around the table, unconsciously rubbing its edge with their fingertips. The atmosphere was so heavy it could have been wrung for water.

This was their last alliance meeting before confronting Qin State. They could not afford the slightest mistake.

"...Now that Han State and Qin State have both been conquered by Qin, they have occupied the heart of the Central Plains." Xiang Yan, commander-in-chief of Chu State's military, spoke first. His hand rested on the sword at his waist, and the aura forged by years of battle weighed upon the room like a mountain.

His sharp gaze fixed on the other three parties. The disastrous defeat of the alliance against Qin ten years ago remained vivid in his mind.

He could never forget how the other states had shrunk back at the crucial moment, each protecting its own interests. His voice held an unmistakable trace of indignation and frustration at their failure to live up to expectations.

"They control the natural stronghold of Hangu Pass to the east, hold Dai Commandery in the north to defend against the Xiongnu, and command the granaries of Nanyang in the south. They have already formed an overwhelming strategic position: 'defend Guanzhong in the west, hold the Central Plains at the east, and project power north and south'!

"Worse still, Blood Butcher Zhao Cheng has stationed the Blood-Clad Army along the border, glaring at Yan and Wei. At any moment, they could sweep east and crush both states!"

He looked over them