Peace Order
Chapter 280 - 130: High-spirited, Forever Elegant

Chapter 280: Chapter 130: High-spirited, Forever Elegant

Qibi Li once again thanked Li Guanyi, with no further words, not like those Confucian Scholars who would utter many stirring and vehement passages. He carefully stored away the golden seal. Breaking Army sighed and said with clasped hands, "Khan, I apologize for any offense before."

"Please, follow me here."

Breaking Army, composed and tranquil, replied:

"I will give you a second strategy."

Strategists are not Overlords; they have a cool gaze and the ability to judge the situation, but they lack the boldness of the powerful. Hence, upon the Lord’s decisive action, they should become the White Tiger Feather, striving forward with vigor.

Teacher, have I also stepped into the swirls of this world, following the Overlord?

Breaking Army cast down his eyes, his expression serene, devoid of the earlier persuasive force when he spread his arms, smiling and proclaiming dominance over the world with spirited heroism.

Qibi Li nodded, and Breaking Army led him to the side, explaining once more the routes of expansion. This time, Breaking Army’s expression was calm, and with just a twig, he sketched the terrain of the Western Regions, saying, "As I just mentioned, military and civilians are one, but there’s a point that needs attention."

"Those above fifteen and below sixty are of age to serve, divided into two categories: prime soldiers for the Main Army and the rest as auxiliary soldiers, with three ancillary soldiers for each Main Army soldier, gathering when called upon during the time of war."

"Above strategy, I have a method, to start with hidden potential."

"Spread fame, yet avoid battle."

"In the second phase, fight bravely, yet constrain fame."

"Thirdly, no fame, no battle, recuperate and replenish. As for the terrain, please listen to the fourth step I have not mentioned before—"

Breaking Army detailed the following steps, then pointed to the ground, saying:

"[From the East to the Great River, to the Western Boundary Jade Gate, connecting to Southern Chen Pass, and controlling the North Desert]."

Breaking Army sat quietly, his eyes almost turning a bewitching purple, his finger tracing a circle around the entire Western Regions, saying, "Lord, you must first go to Murong in Jiangnan, while I need to head to Ying Country. You should return to the Western Regions outside Longxi; we may not see each other for years."

"I must clearly explain this great situation."

"This boundary, to the north lies the Turkic Desert grassland, to the south is Chen Country outside the border, to the east are Longxi and Ying Country, along with the great rivers flowing down from the snow-capped mountains on the grassland; to the west are the Dangxiang and the fugitive Tuyuhun, among the mountains and rivers."

"These countries vie for supremacy, a corridor of contestation between four nations."

"No matter what, please, General, use your full strength to seize this corridor of the world, this is the foundation of hegemony."

Qibi Li diligently recorded all these matters, and bowed once more.

Previously, Breaking Army talked about the path for their tribe’s survival and prosperity, but now it was further, a broader reach. Breaking Army smiled and said, "In truth, I still do not believe in you. I consider that power, to the ambitious, is the most intoxicating wine, as well as the deadliest poison."

"Since ancient times, how many ambitious heroes, insignificant at first, were filled with stirring bravado, like the Dragon and Tiger, but upon reaching the height of power, they were softened by luxury and the allure of beauties, sapping their heroic spirit. But my Monarch believes in you, and so I am willing to believe as well."

"However, there’s one thing, can you tell me?"

Breaking Army asked, "Your realm."

Qibi Li fell silent, gazing at the young man before him, and replied:

"Having traveled Wan Li, having seen the world, the common people, good and evil, my heart has not changed."

"My spirit is tempered, just one step away from the fourth level."

"Just a bit more accumulation."

Breaking Army’s eyes flashed with a sharp look.

The fourth level—

That alone could qualify one as a General!

The comparator—Gong Zhenyong.

Yet the Qibi Li before him was only twenty-seven years old.

Breaking Army said, "With such Martial Arts, such a foundation, if displayed too soon, the nations would not let a born Cavalry Commander like you slip by. In the harsh conditions of the Western Regions, without resources, you still managed to cultivate to this level."

"Given enough resources, you can become a famed general of the world within five years."

Qibi Li grew silent, clutching the wolf’s tooth pendant he had removed, saying, "It was the tribal elders who told me so."

The elder from the tribe, who had participated in many battles and seen the splendor of the era’s Overlords and heroes, said that the heirloom passed down through generations could be removed to reveal his martial might only when promised assistance not born from self-interest, but from a sincere wish to help.

If they helped the tribe because of his martial strength, they would abandon them should he lose it.

If another with greater martial prowess appeared, they would forsake them.

Those who offer help seeking strength do not deserve the Gray Wolf’s prowess.

What if he succeeded?

Qibi Li thought back to his own question from that time.

If he succeeded... The tribal elder paused, reached out to touch the Khan’s head, and said softly, "Then devote your life to him!"

Now, twenty-seven years old and destined to be a famed general, Qibi Li looked up, saying, "That’s all in the past now. I must leave; I have lingered here long enough. If I do not go now, the Emperor of Chen will find other ways to make me stay."

"I will follow your strategy, for it can at least help my tribe survive through these turbulent times."

"Your donkey is gone."

Qibi Li patted his chest, saying:

"I still have my legs, and my Martial Arts."

"As long as my heart is with me, the world is so vast, there’s nowhere I cannot go."

The young Khan still showed the bearing of a heroic figure in his words, yet Breaking Army said, "But that would be too late. I will find a way to get you horses and carriages. Try to take leave of the Chen Emperor, butter him up with praise, then trick him into giving you a portion of his rewards to take back."