Grand Commander Bai Yu

Sunset City.

Grand Commander Bai Yu had arrived several days ago, but had not made his arrival public. The situation in Sunset City was still unclear, and it was not yet known whether enemies remained hidden in the shadows. Everything had to be investigated in secret...

The garrison commander's residence

Grand Commander Bai Yu sat in the main hall. Two others were present: Deputy General Qin Shan and Garrison Commander Chahar.

"The true dragon power was stolen, and the city lord has disappeared! This has already aroused the emperor's great wrath. Word has now come from the palace that Wuling City and Qixia City have also had their true dragon power stolen. Guan Zizai, the lord of Wuling City, was even beheaded, and the lord of Qixia City is now gravely wounded."

"All three cities lie on the frontier. It seems the Wu Kingdom can no longer restrain itself from making a move now that our new emperor has just ascended the throne."

"Commander Cha, how many troops does Sunset City have at present? If the Wu Kingdom sends an army to attack, can we hold the city?"

"Grand Commander, Sunset City borders the Endless Mountains. If the Wu Kingdom sends an army, it will be difficult to transport a large force and its supplies and equipment. If the Wu Kingdom attacks, there is a very good chance it will first take Wuling City before turning its forces against Sunset City. Sunset City currently has over fifty thousand soldiers and more than 230,000 registered residents under its jurisdiction. An emergency draft could raise another thirty thousand soldiers."

"The Endless Mountains cover a vast area, and savage beasts run rampant there, giving us another natural barrier. But we must still be on guard. Starting today, assign more city patrols, strictly inspect the people coming and going, and add more hidden sentries to keep constant watch for travelers coming from the Endless Mountains!"

"Yes, Grand Commander. I'll see to it at once." Chahar accepted the order and left.

"Qin Shan, we came here on the emperor's orders. The matter of Sunset City is of immense importance. If Sunset City is lost while in our hands, neither of us can hope to return alive. Immediately put the troops in order and drill them day and night, so we'll be ready for anything."

"I obey."

Commander Cha and Deputy General Qin left one after the other, leaving the grand commander alone in the room.

Looking at the map of Sunset City's defenses, Grand Commander Bai fell deep in thought. Even counting every last man, we have only eighty thousand soldiers. The reinforcements His Majesty sent will still take time to arrive. If the Wu Kingdom really takes Wuling City, Sunset City will be in imminent danger as well. If these two cities fall, the Wu Kingdom will be able to advance and attack or retreat and defend.

"The stakes are enormous!"

Hundred Stars Village

All the villagers had finished packing and were now waiting for the old village chief in the open space at the village entrance. Wheelbarrows, bamboo baskets, bundle after bundle, and simple wooden chest after simple wooden chest-these were all the villagers' worldly possessions!

The villagers were listless at the thought of leaving the place where their ancestors had lived for generations. Some sat on their bundles, while others leaned against wooden chests...

The old village chief's belongings were even simpler, and he had finished packing long ago! Now he stood in the courtyard, looking over the thatched cottage where he had lived his whole life, a little sorrowful. He would be leaving today, and perhaps he would never return in his lifetime. He bent down and touched the stone table. Its bluestone surface had been polished to a shine, and scratches deep and shallow bore witness to the long years.

"Sigh..."

"Old village chief, the villagers have all gathered at the village entrance!" a villager called to him through the courtyard gate.

"All right, let's set off now!"

The old village chief took a long look back at his courtyard, then stood at the gate and looked to either side!

"Sigh, so we're really leaving."

The few villagers said nothing. The moment of parting was the hardest to bear. They did not know what to say.

With several people supporting him, the old village chief also made his way to the village entrance. When they saw him arrive, the villagers sitting on the ground stood up, patted the dirt from their clothes, and shook out their bundles. As one, they looked toward the old village chief.

"Everyone, you've all finished packing, right?" The old village chief looked much older at that moment!

"Old village chief, every household has finished packing. Everyone is here," a villager answered.

Looking at the belongings piled in disarray, the old village chief narrowed his eyes. This was all the villagers of more than a hundred households had. It seemed the decision to move the village had been the right one. If they did not leave the mountains, the villagers would remain in deep water and scorching fire, destitute and impoverished. If they could see no hope, then they would go out into the world...

The old village chief grew even more resolute, and his sense of loss at leaving eased a little. "We must leave the mountains!"

"Everyone, now that we're leaving the mountains, perhaps we'll never be able to return for all eternity. But this is a good thing. If our generation endures hardship in exchange for lasting peace and prosperity for our children and grandchildren, it will be worth it!"

The villagers tightened their grips on their bundles and turned to look at their children. Father Ye looked at Ye Fan, and Xiao Changlin looked at his own son and daughter. Their gazes grew firmer. That was right: only by going out into the world was there hope. Staying in the Endless Mountains meant certain death. Since that was the case, they might as well give it their all.

"Let's go!"

The group hoisted their bundles, carried loads on their backs and shoulders, and set off pushing their wheelbarrows! No one spoke. They silently looked back at Hundred Stars Village and embarked on a new journey...

Father, Mother, I'll make sure everyone can live a good life without worrying about food or clothing. They'll never have to live a dangerous life of hunting again~

Meanwhile, the Wu Kingdom's great generals Yan Fengxiao and Guo Youshan had also set out at the head of an army of 400,000, a vast and mighty force!