Though his mind churned with countless thoughts, in reality only an instant had passed. After having the soldiers form ranks, Zhao Cheng issued no further orders. He merely swept his gaze over them. Under his eyes, many veteran soldiers immediately lost heart and did not dare meet his gaze. Only a very few managed to keep their eyes fixed straight ahead.
Zhao Cheng immediately took note of those few.
Several full minutes passed before Zhao Cheng continued, "I imagine you officers and soldiers are wondering why, a moment ago, I was on the brink of death, yet now I have risen from death and recovered my vigor."
"That is right—this is Yellow Heaven's favor, and the enlightenment bestowed by the Great Peace Worthy Teacher!"
"Gentlemen, look. What is this?"
As he spoke, Zhao Cheng drew a token from his sleeve.
It was precisely Yellow Heaven Daoist's talisman token. No one was unfamiliar with it; Zhao Cheng had displayed it long ago, when he had first become their commander.
But now, the token was different. Once, it had merely been a metal plaque. Now, Bright Light bloomed from its surface.
"For two days in a row, Yellow Heaven entered my dreams. In those dreams, I communed with the Worthy Teacher and came to understand that the peril we face is Yellow Heaven's test. Not everyone may reach the realm of Yellow Heaven, but so long as one fights for Yellow Heaven, whether he dies in battle today or dies of old age in the future, he may enter Yellow Heaven and enjoy eternal life!"
"Now the Wu bandits press us step by step. We have already lost the advantage of timing. If we wish to break this deadlock, there is only one path—fight with our backs to the river!"
"The azure