Victory Without a Battle

"Pfft, pfft, pfft..."

Hua Qiandai swept her jade-like arm, sending dozens of cold glints skyward. They struck down a swath of birds, and she called out anxiously:

"Your Majesty!"

Meng Tian, Wang Ben, and the others had little connection to Hua Qiandai. Whatever Jian Shang thought, their soldiers were dwindling while the beasts' assault grew fiercer. If they did not break out now, they would truly lose their chance.

Thud!

Jian Shang blurred forward and struck Meng Tian on the back of the head with lightning speed, knocking him unconscious.

Clang!

Blades rang out. The Meng Clan guards nearby started in alarm and moved to attack, then abruptly froze.

Ignoring the guards, Jian Shang looked earnestly at Wang Ben. "I don't have to knock you out too, do I? Getting two unconscious men out would be difficult. Someone needs to fend off the birds, or it'll be too dangerous..."

"..."

Wang Ben stiffened. His lips moved several times, but he could find nothing to say.

"Old General Xin? General Han?" Jian Shang turned quickly to Han Xin and Xin Sheng.

Han Xin nodded gravely, but Xin Sheng retreated several steps, putting distance between himself and Jian Shang. "Thank you for your kindness, Huan King. I truly don't want to leave. I must consider my Lineage and answer for the million soldiers of the Tiger Army!"

"Take care! When it's time to make a break, make it. Gather your strongest fighters and break out as soon as you can. There may still be hope—for the people who follow you, if nothing else!"

Jian Shang nodded and offered the advice sincerely. After a pause, he nodded to Hua Qiandai, wrapped his left arm around Meng Tian's waist and his right around Wang Ben's...

"Go!"

Hua Qiandai understood. She swept up a sword