When tens of thousands of able-bodied young followers of the Way of Great Peace marched west.
When Huangfu Song, his face taut with anxiety, began fortifying his defenses and clearing the countryside.
When the army from the Western Regions stationed in Hebei began preparing to cross the Yellow River under Luo Chuan's command.
When Luo Chuan led the households of the High-ranking Marquises and the heroes of the various commanderies to join Luo Kong.
When Yuan Shao learned that Luo Xiao would not face him in battle but intended to hold the city, and threw back his head in wild laughter.
When Cao Cao and Gongsun Zan exchanged looks, then turned to preparing equipment for a siege.
When Duke Zhao sat in Zhao City, racking his brains over how to respond to Luo Xiao's identity.
Luo Xiao, who had remained in Xingyang calculating and working through possibilities, made his move.
From the Taiping Army's elite, he carefully selected another group of soldiers who could endure bitter fighting, possessed abundant stamina and excellent combat skills and tactics, and, most importantly, had steady wills and did not panic.
Among the million followers of the Way of Great Peace, only a few thousand soldiers met his requirements. He selected some slightly less qualified men as well, bringing the total to ten thousand.
Out of Xingyang, and eastward!
Luo Xiao's marching arrangements were methodical. Mountains and rivers were all within his mind, and making camp, keeping the army orderly, and maintaining discipline came easily to him. His greatest requirement was silence on the march.
Twelve Canal Commanders accompanied him. Although none possessed the far-reaching vision of a leader, quite a few qualified as fierce fighting generals. Among them were several whose potential Luo Xiao considered fairly good.
One was Canal Commander Guan Hai,