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When Zhou Meng saw Huyan Lan's Royal Carriage and ceremonial escort slowly approaching, he hurried forward on horseback, cupped his fists in the Heavenly Strategy Army's salute, and said solemnly, "Your subordinate Zhou Meng welcomes the Khan!"

Huyan Lan was in a foul mood and gave him no courtesy whatsoever, opening with a furious tongue-lashing. "Zhou Meng! How have you been handling your duties? You actually let my nephew suffer in your Cold Iron Pass Prison! Is your position as Garrison Commandant merely for show?!"

Zhou Meng had grievances he could not voice. He could only steel himself and explain, "Please calm your anger, Khan. This matter... there is more to this matter than meets the eye. Your subordinate has difficulties of his own."

"Useless fool!" Huyan Lan interrupted impatiently, his tone arrogant. "Hmph, I'll see for myself just what heaven-reaching backing this Commandant named Cheng Li has. Can it possibly outweigh mine?! Open the gates! We're entering the city!"

Zhou Meng dared not disobey. He could only order the City Gate opened to welcome the Khan's troops into the city, though inwardly he broke into a cold sweat for Commandant Cheng.

The imposing procession arrived at the Military Camp. Upon learning that Cheng Li was drilling the soldiers in the Martial Arena, Huyan Lan said nothing more and headed straight there with a squad of Personal Guards, bristling with fury.

Zhou Meng followed close behind, his heart lodged in his throat. He silently resolved, No matter what, if a clash really breaks out, I must protect Commandant Cheng, even at the risk of offending the Khan. Those are the rules of Cold Iron Pass, and that is my duty!

In the Martial Arena, battle cries shook the heavens. The soldiers drilled, their formations shifting as the clash of blades