Chapter 27: Resolving the Crisis of Destiny

For Luo Fang and his companions, the most perilous moment was undoubtedly when Huang Xiaoyong schemed to forcibly seize their weaponry.

However, the rapid influx of refugees from other regions, bringing word that Northern Barbarian cavalry were closing in, forced everyone into a struggle for survival. With no choice but to follow the orders of Luo Fang and Xue Chengqian to secure a chance at life, internal strife became an impossibility.

It was thanks to Xue Chengqian stepping in to shield Luo Fang, and subsequently persuading Lu Xiaoyuan to let them retain the spoils of war, that they were able to swiftly bolster their strength. As Luo Fang had rightly noted, if the likes of the procuress were to make a move now, they would be courting their own destruction.

"Even so, we must remain vigilant against them," Xue Chengqian reminded him once more before continuing, "If we can truly utilize these weapons and horses, our Zhenyi Battalion will have several hundred elite brothers and even a hundred cavalrymen."

"With the northern border in such chaos and the major garrisons hunkering down behind their walls, we have become a force that cannot be ignored. We may even be able to seek out the Northern Barbarians ourselves and strike them hard, seizing more supplies in the process. This is what we call 'waging war to sustain war'."

Kang Yu was taken aback. "Xue, have you gone mad? You just told Lu Xiaoyuan that the Northern Barbarians won't take this defeat lying down! We should be thanking our lucky stars if they don't come for us, yet you want to pick another fight?"

Xue Chengqian analyzed the situation with unshakeable confidence. "I said that to bluff Lu Xiaoyuan, to make him realize we still possess significant utility and that he has no need to turn against us just yet."

"In my view, while the Northern Barbarians are indeed resentful, they are unlikely to launch another assault directly beneath the walls of Wangjiang City."

Luo Fang said worriedly, "Xue, you shouldn't make such definitive claims. I know a thing or two about the nature of the Northern Barbarians; they are inherently fierce and combative, preying on the weak like wolves."

"In their eyes, our victory in this battle was merely a stroke of luck. They likely do not view our true combat prowess with much regard."

Xue Chengqian laughed. "But the Northern Barbarians do not know about the friction between us and Lu Xiaoyuan, nor do they know that Lu treats us as mere cannon fodder whom he would never send reinforcements to save."

"To the Northern Barbarians, we are a group of refugees who inflicted a heavy loss upon them. If they were to attack again, they would essentially be assaulting the fortified Wangjiang City and its tens of thousands of elite troops."

Luo Fang and the others suddenly realized the truth!

That was it! They had been preoccupied with their own small numbers, which seemed like nothing to the Northern Barbarians. Yet, the enemy could not assume they were only dealing with refugees outside the walls; to cross the Nujiang River for revenge would be to storm Wangjiang City itself. Furthermore, after such a crushing defeat, the tribal leaders would attribute the blame to Lu Xiaoyuan, the defender of Wangjiang, rather than thinking it was "merely" the refugees outside who had defeated them.

Once this became clear, the pressure weighing on Luo Fang and his brothers lifted significantly.

"You're right, Xue! Though that corrupt official Lu Xiaoyuan is using us, he serves as our shield. Under the cover of his authority, we might actually achieve something great!"

Xue Chengqian nodded with a smile, adding to himself, "Provided our strength doesn't grow to the point where it makes Lu Xiaoyuan feel threatened." He kept this thought to himself, as the current revitalization of their morale was exactly what he hoped to see.

Lu Xiaoyuan took the opportunity to make a circuit around the city, feeling he had bolstered his prestige enough. When Luo Fang and the others came to pay their respects again with a show of newfound submissiveness, he felt he had truly brought them to heel, and his sense of self-importance swelled.

"Very well. The Northern Barbarians' retaliation could arrive at any time; you must prepare yourselves and do not disappoint me," he declared.

Huang Xiaoyong, however, watched them with suspicion and malice. He was the patron of the procuress and her ilk within Wangjiang City, having profited immensely through them and even using the beauties they brought into the city to curry favor with military officers, thereby building his own faction. If Luo Fang and his group gained power outside the city, they would surely suppress his associates, cutting off his own stream of benefits. Yet, with Luo Fang maintaining such a low profile, he found no opportunity to sow discord in front of Lord Lu, leaving him to curse in silence.

Xue Chengqian smiled. "The Northern Barbarians move like the wind, and we do not know where they will cross the river; waiting passively outside the city is not a viable strategy."

"I request your permission, my Lord, for the Zhenyi Battalion to scout the movements of the enemy cavalry and coordinate with local heroes to ensure we keep track of their whereabouts."

"This..." Lu Xiaoyuan hesitated instinctively. In his view, their desire to scout the enemy was essentially a death wish, and he couldn't care less. However, he had reservations about granting them the authority to coordinate with regional figures, as he was, after all, an imperial official. After all, Luo Fang only held the nominal rank of a captain and was not part of the true Imperial Guard.

Xue Chengqian immediately added, "My Lord, when you report this great victory to the Imperial Court, you can point out that the Northern Barbarians will certainly seek revenge. This makes the defense of Wangjiang City all the more vital, and other armies should be expected to coordinate with your efforts."

"By then, you will naturally take command of all operations in the northern border. If we can uncover new intelligence, it will serve your decision-making and provide you with a sound basis to convince the commanders of other major garrisons to follow your orders."

Lu Xiaoyuan’s eyes lit up. "Great minds think alike..." he blurted out.

Immediately after, he cursed himself internally. *What right does this refugee lackey have to be mentioned in the same breath as me!*

Nevertheless, Xue Chengqian’s words struck a chord, and he nodded, granting the request.

As Lu Xiaoyuan led his troops back to the city, Xue Chengqian watched their retreating backs with a faint smile. At that moment, a system notification panel flashed before his eyes.

[Ding! Congratulations to the host for resolving the destiny crisis and altering your fate.]

[You have received an extraordinary system reward. New system functions are now unlocked; please confirm to collect them.]

[You have not only used a clever scheme to defeat the Northern Barbarian cavalry and force back a powerful enemy that could have crushed you, but you have also neutralized the pressure from Lu Xiaoyuan, gaining the authority to expand and operate independently in the name of the Zhenyi Battalion.]

[Your news of this great victory is spreading far and wide, granting you immense prestige in the northern border. However, Lu Xiaoyuan will not provide you with any substantial support, and with the chaotic situation in the north, the Northern Barbarian cavalry still holds the absolute initiative on the battlefield. How you utilize this reputation and expand your strength remains a significant challenge.]

[Through this battle, the refugees are in awe of you. But have you truly mastered the power of the refugees? Are there other hidden dangers lurking within, and who will be the next to challenge you?]