The night after the battle ended was dreamless. The pain was constant, unrelated to the presence or severity of wounds. His entire body felt alien. On the morning of July 1st, as sensation gradually returned, he felt a burning heat all over, as if a million insects were swarming in his blood. That night, the dreams returned.

He saw a vision in the dark, dim light: a tide of enemies, arrows flying, the cutting pain on his cheeks from either blades or the cold wind. Yet, the dark, dim light wasn't oppressive. Others were around him, galloping on warhorses, charging forward together.

Someone was wielding a long halberd, fighting fiercely nearby. It was a familiar figure, surrounded by countless enemies, yet they couldn't overwhelm him. Others raced past him: "It's my turn."

"...Follow me to break the formation!"

After these simple words, the usually silent figure led his men, charging into the enemy lines. Beside him was his aide, a lively young man who loved to talk and laugh, unlike his superior. Now, he just pursed his lips, his gaze like iron.

"Zhou Huan, Xiao Yu..."

He felt a sense of foreboding. The liquid cavalry formation swept past him, charging towards the enemy, pushing through countless foes...

In the dimness, Liu Chengzong sat up.

A sound echoed in his ears, like a hallucination: "It's my turn..."

In this daze, they seemed still alive, still charging at the enemies. But the tent was silent as the bottom of a well. He sat on the bed for a long time. The dead would never wake again.

Liu Chengzong got up, put on his clothes, and opened the tent flap. His aide was about to follow, but he stopped him. The celebration of the previous night had lasted quite a while. Now, in the predawn camp, the bonfires had begun to dim, the night was deep and quiet. Some soldiers had fallen asleep by the fires. Liu Chengzong walked behind the tents and saw a soldier sitting against a wooden crate, his eyes wide open. He was staring at the night sky, motionless. The previous night, some soldiers had died quietly like this. Liu Chengzong stood there for a while, and after a long time, the soldier's eyes blinked slightly.

A soldier sat in the shadows of a tent, wiping a long blade with a cloth, muttering something.

The soldier on sentry duty stood on top of a high pile of goods, gripping his long spear, motionless. His gaze was fixed on the deep darkness in the distance, as if lost in thought.

That night, many people opened their eyes in their sleep and couldn't fall back asleep for a long time.

He walked to the area where the seriously wounded were tented, but didn't go inside. Groans of pain came from within, and attendants occasionally moved about. It was probably the most restless part of the entire camp. As he walked away from this area, there was movement in the darkness outside.

A faint smell of blood drifted over, shadows and torches moved there. A sentry stood guard at the entrance. Liu Chengzong walked over and whispered, "What's going on?"

"Report. A pack of wolves came. Our men went out and killed them. They're skinning them and taking the meat now."

"Wolf meat isn't very good."

"Everyone's thinking that after this Xixia invasion, even though they were scattered, there probably isn't much food left in the Northwest. The more we can eat, the better."

Liu Chengzong nodded, patted him on the shoulder. Soldiers had lit a bonfire in the distance, and someone was using a long knife to cut open the belly of a wolf corpse. In the silhouette cast by the firelight, people were talking and laughing softly.

He looked at it for a few moments, then turned and left.

The edge of the dark sky was turning a leaden blue. Some soldiers were already out early. Some soldiers were sitting on the open ground near the burning pyre of corpses. Everyone was silent. Luo Ye also came over, he must have seen his fallen brothers in his dreams as well, those who had died in this great battle.

Someone walked over and silently grabbed a handful of ashes, putting them into a small bag. The dawn gradually brightened. Qin Shaoqian silently scattered the ashes into the wind, and not far away, Liu Chengzong also took a handful of ashes and scattered them, letting them fly in the morning breeze between heaven and earth.

"After today," someone shouted on the plain, "we are together!"

That morning, people expressed their grief in their own ways. Then, as they gripped the long blades in their hands again, they understood: We won this battle.

At the end of June in the second year of Jingping, over nine thousand Black Banner Army soldiers defeated a total of one hundred and sixty thousand Xixia soldiers in the Northwest, starting the first battle that shook the world.

***************

Yuanzhou. Over six thousand members of the Zhong family army were heading south, approaching the location of Yuanzhou City. On the morning of July 3rd, the army stopped.

"Li Qian Shun is busy collecting grain and driving out the ten thousand Black Banner Army soldiers, so he can't take care of both ends. What's left in Yuanzhou aren't elite soldiers. The real trouble is Li Yi Mai following behind us. Their forces are twice as large as ours, and they have cavalry. If we can defeat them, Li Qian Shun will definitely be greatly pained, and we can take Yuanzhou while we have the chance."

On horseback, Zhong Lie pointed at the map and said these words in a deep voice. He was forty-six years old this year, and had spent half his life in the military. Since the Jurchens had invaded south twice, the Zhong family army had continuously been defeated. After Qingjian City was broken, the Zhong family's ancestral graves were even dug up. The Zhong family's Western Army, which had once shaken the world, now only had six thousand soldiers left. His hair was half white, and he seemed to have aged twenty years due to various events. However, at this time in the military formation, he still had a steady demeanor and a clear mind.

Li Qian Shun had been chasing him all the way. He led this remnant of the Zhong family army, constantly moving around, and only when Li Qian Shun's main force returned east did he get a chance to catch his breath. The Xixia army following behind still numbered twelve to thirteen thousand, and the general, Li Yi Mai, was also an important member of the Xixia imperial family.

The deputy general of the Western Army next to him frowned slightly: "Defeating Li Yi Mai may be feasible for the time being, but we only have this many people left. If we still want to take Yuanzhou, not to mention the losses, Li Qian Shun will definitely bring his army to attack after chasing away the Black Banner Army. I'm afraid we won't be able to fight then. Why not take this opportunity to go to another place to catch our breath, recruit soldiers, and then take adventurous actions?"

Zhong Lie looked at him: "As long as the Zhong name is still with the Western Army, Li Qian Shun will come wherever we go. The Black Banner Army is short on food. Even after capturing Yanzhou, they knew to advance. We have this opportunity, so what's there to hesitate about? As long as we can cause some trouble for Li Qian Shun, it will be good for us. Recruiting soldiers can be done while fighting. Moreover, that Black Banner Army is so fierce that they dare to fight the Iron Hawks head-on. If we fly the Zhong family's flag and can't even take Yuanzhou, wouldn't we be laughed at in the future!?"

For many years, the Zhong family's Western Army had been heroic and ambitious. Although they had been defeated in front of the Jurchens, that momentum had not dissipated. Or rather, as long as the Zhong family was still there, that heroism would not disappear. Afterwards, everyone began to discuss the tactics and chances of winning against Li Yi Mai. Halfway through the discussion, a scout arrived.

——Li Yi Mai's army was withdrawing east.

"Withdrawing east?" The generals frowned. "Are they trying to confuse us and attack us in a roundabout way?"

"Where does he want to go in a roundabout way..."

"Immediately send people to keep a close eye on them..."

"Order the entire army to be on high alert..."

Something abnormal must be a trick. Everyone was experienced in battle, so they immediately began to prepare for defense, guessing the other party's strategic intentions. After half an hour, a scout arrived.

"What's Li Yi Mai doing!?"

"Report from Dongzhiyuan..."

In an instant, a strange atmosphere enveloped the area.

"Where did this come from..."

The news spread throughout the Zhong family army. For a time, no one believed it, and similar information was spreading east, north, and south. When it reached the Zhes family army heading south, what awaited it was still the fermentation of the word "truth" in a strange atmosphere. The Zhes family's scouts went north overnight, and that afternoon, delivered similar information to Zhe Keqiu. Zhe Keqiu, on horseback, was silent for a moment, and didn't speak. Only in closer proximity was the feedback relatively quick.

Outside Qingzhou City, on a slowly moving horse convoy, a woman turned her head: "Haha, one hundred thousand people..."

Her laughter was slightly manic: "One hundred thousand people..."

In half a month, that blade that was cleaved from the mountains in the northeast shattered everything in its path. That man's methods swept away even people's basic understanding. She had originally thought that the many obstacles around Little Cang River should be a giant net.

She had also thought that by relying on Tian Hu and his power, one day, this giant tiger would also give him a deep impression. But at this moment, as she imagined the scene of the Tiger King's entire force blocking the other party, she suddenly felt... no power...

"One hundred thousand people..."

……

On July 4th, numerous messages had completely spread across the land of the Northwest. Zhe Keqiu's army advanced to Qingjian City. When he turned his head to look at his army behind him, he suddenly felt that the world was a little desolate.

That army of less than ten thousand people had defeated more than one hundred thousand Xixia soldiers with an extremely ruthless attack. When such an army appeared on the land of the Northwest, where should his position be...?

Outside Yuanzhou City, Zhong Lie looked at the city not far away, feeling something similar in his heart. How did that rebellious army that had killed the emperor achieve such a thing...?

In Green Wood Stronghold, where a tense atmosphere had persisted for quite some time, huge cheers spread from the gate all the way, and the entire valley was in uproar. On one side of the valley, there was a residence specifically arranged for people with special identities. A little girl with a scar on her face ran quickly on the seemingly simple street: "Third Grandfather! Third Grandfather—"

In the houses next door, members of the Su family were gossiping with expressions of surprise, confusion, and disbelief.

"Xiao Qi." Su Yu, who looked old and a little listless, sat in a rocking chair, squinting, and held onto the little girl who was running over. "What's wrong? So fast."

"Third Grandfather, Third Grandfather, Third Grandfather..." The little girl gesticulated wildly, excitedly and incoherently repeating the news she had heard. The old man first smiled, then his smile faded slightly, becoming calm and solemn. After the little girl finished speaking, he reached out and gently stroked the little girl's head, and then listened to the cheers reaching into the clouds. He reached out and grasped his cane, and slowly stood up with a tremble.

Ever since Ning Yi rebelled, the Su family had been forcibly moved here. Su Yu's face had never shown a smile except when facing a few children. He did not understand Ning Yi, nor did he understand Su Tan'er. Compared to the fear or scolding of other family members, the old man seemed more silent. These things were things that the old man had never thought of in his life. They had lived here for a year, during which many Su family members had been watched and restricted. When the Jurchens threatened Green Wood Stronghold from the north this time, the atmosphere in the stronghold was tense, and many Su family members were also secretly discussing things that were difficult to see the light of day.

The old man saw it all. He knew their stupidity, but the children he cared most about had already joined the rebellion. What else could he think about? Only at this time did Xiao Qi, who had always followed Su Yu, see a different aura suddenly appearing on the old man's body.

He slowly walked forward, to the side of the road. The valley was shaped like a ladder, so he could see the crowd below and hear the cheers more clearly. The old man nodded and nodded again, tapping his cane. After a long time, the little girl heard the low, hoarse voice coming from the mountain wind.

"Amazing..."

"My Su family's Son-in-Law...amazing..."

"Third Grandfather..."

The little girl went over and took his hand...

***************

Little Cang River. In the afternoon, it began to rain.

The old man walked quickly on the slippery mountain road. The steward accompanying him held an umbrella, trying to help him, but he pushed him away. He held a piece of paper in one hand, and it was constantly shaking.

The courtyard halfway up the mountain was ahead. The old man walked in quickly. Raindrops stained his usually serious face, and his lips were also trembling slightly. Ning Yi was looking at the heavy rain under the eaves, lost in thought. Seeing the other party coming in, he stood up.

"Lord Zuo, what's the matter that's so urgent."

"Your people, your people..." Zuo Duanyou handed over the paper slip. This was the information sent by his Zuo family, and he handed it over without hesitation. "Your people, ten thousand people, defeated the Xixia army of one hundred thousand. You defeated the Xixia army of one hundred thousand..."

"Yes." Ning Yi took the information, held it in his hand, and nodded. He didn't look - obviously, he already knew what he needed to know.

"I was originally worried that you would lose all your people out there, but I never thought...I never thought you could do this. You, you saved the entire Northwest..."

In terms of personality, Zuo Duanyou had always been a serious and somewhat extreme old man. He rarely praised others. But at this moment, he did not hesitate to express his praise and excitement for this matter. Ning Yi nodded again, sighed, and smiled slightly.

"Yes, I...was also guessing whether they could do it. It's great, they did it."

Zuo Duanyou nodded repeatedly. He stood under the eaves, looked at the rain, then looked at Ning Yi again, and frowned slightly: "Young man, you should laugh heartily. You won a battle, what are you pretending to be with an old man like me!"

Ning Yi laughed. He looked at Zuo Duanyou and smiled for a moment: "But many people died. I don't look at the battle report, but I know that many people must have died."

"How can you have victory without death?"

"They are all good people, valuable people, and...people with the right to survive." Ning Yi looked at the heavy rain and said, "Some people always think that people are about the same. I never think so. There are ten times, a hundred times the difference between people, with different ranks. You always say that the things I teach them in Little Cang River are not necessarily wisdom, and I agree. However, being able to serve as soldiers, risking their lives, doing things to this point, and achieving such a victory. They should be the people with the right to survive."

Zuo Duanyou looked at the front and nodded, "I agree with that."

"For example, those who are mediocre and follow the crowd all their lives, it is of course gratifying that the butcher's knife has not arrived, but when the butcher's knife is on their necks, I never feel much regret for them. People have to pay the price for their survival in the world. These people have paid the price, but...that's why it's even sadder. They should be alive the most. If everyone in the world could do this, or...do a little bit, they wouldn't have to die."

Zuo Duanyou frowned.

"So, I am happy for the victory, and at the same time, I feel heartache. I think this heartache is also a good thing."

The rain was pouring down, Ning Yi's voice was calm, stating this complex and simple thought. In the next room, Jin'er poked her head out: "Master." Seeing Zuo Duanyou was there, she lowered her voice a little embarrassedly, "The things are packed."

"You're going out..." Zuo Duanyou looked at that side, and after a moment, nodded, "That's right, you've won, you're going to take over Yanzhou, right..."

"Not necessarily." In front of the courtyard, there was a small team of guards gathering in the rain, as well as carriages and horses. Ning Yi tilted his head, looking at the gathering of these people, "We've already won, so the people who risked their lives should have time to rest."

He said: "...It's time for dirty conspiracies and tricks to come into play."

Listening to Ning Yi's words, the old man frowned slightly...

In July, the Black Banner Army embarked on the journey back to Yanzhou. Within the Northwest, large numbers of Xixia troops were fleeing and advancing in different directions in a chaotic state. In the days after the Xixia King went missing, several troops had retreated to the Hengshan defense line, and some troops were holding onto the captured cities. However, soon after, the anger that had been brewing for a long time in the Northwest was about to erupt because of the complete defeat of the one hundred thousand troops.

It may still take a long time to quell the entire Xixia invasion. In Little Cang River, the biggest rebel also left the mountains after the Black Banner Army's victory and headed to Yanzhou. In mid-July, the new imperial system that was already close to Ying Tian Prefecture received the news from the Northwest. One year after assassinating the emperor of the Wu Dynasty in court, the rebellious ten thousand Wu Rui Camp soldiers wielded a blade in the chaotic environment of the Northwest. This strike shattered the entire national power of Xixia.

Only when the world is about to collapse will demons dance wildly. The most chaotic era is really coming.