The thirteenth year of Jian'an.
In Linzi City, Luo Yan still wore a crimson robe. His every glance brimmed with murderous menace and imposing might. Before him, Zhang Yan lay bound on the ground.
Luo Yan held a sword that reflected a faint light, its edge fully exposed, its chill chilling to the soul. Bright red blood dripped from the blade, falling drop by drop onto the bluestone slabs.
Several people lay sprawled at Luo Yan's feet, blood streaming from them, all breath gone. They were corpses, plainly killed by Luo Yan.
Luo Yan slowly raised the tip of his Precious Sword and said sternly, "Those who rebel deserve execution. To die beneath my sword is a stroke of fortune. What do you think, General Who Pacifies the East?"
Zhang Yan's expression was ugly, but he held his head high. "What constitutes rebellion?
"I am the General Who Pacifies the East, appointed by imperial decree from the Court. Yuan Benchu usurped the title of King of Zhao, and I refused to obey him. Is that my fault?"
Luo Yan immediately sneered and mocked him. "I never imagined the General Who Pacifies the East was someone who forgot his roots so thoroughly.
"You, Zhang Yan, played a part in the fall of the Han Dynasty's mandate of heaven, yet now you stand here pretending to be its loyal subject.
"If you truly were loyal to the Han emperor, you would never have joined my lord in the first place. You harbor disloyal intentions, yet put on a show of loyalty and deference. How laughable.
Shen Pei was at odds with both Ju Shou and Tian Feng, so Luo Yan had brought him to his side. Though Shen Pei was domineering, he could only be held in check before the even more