A Night Banquet, a First Show of Force; the Two Yuans Destroyed, My Great Vengeance Within a Week

At dusk, following Jia Kang’s lead, Ji Shi and his companions arrived at the Jiangcheng Prince’s Mansion. Jia Kang glanced at Ji Shi and said, “First, let me introduce you to the Prince of Jiangcheng. After all, we’re stationed on her turf; we ought to pay our respects. Given the Prince’s face, she wouldn’t dare cause trouble.”

“That’s true, but with her watching so closely, it won’t be easy to operate. It would be better if she were out of the picture,” Ji Shi remarked.

“Choose your words carefully; she might have ears everywhere,” Jia Kang warned.

They approached the mansion’s main gate. “Ah, isn’t this General Jia? And these must be your friends! Haha, please come in!” The man greeting them was Yang Chike, the mansion’s chief steward, who hastily invited them inside. However, when it was Ji Shi’s turn, an unexpected scene unfolded.

Yang Chike blocked Ji Shi’s path. “Hey, who let this little brat in? Don’t you see this is the Prince’s mansion? Get lost!”

Ji Shi smiled inwardly. “This steward can’t be unaware of my identity. This must be the Prince’s way of giving me a warning, but he’s miscalculated.”

Raising his hand, Ji Shi delivered a sharp slap. “I am a general appointed by the Prince of Jiangnan. Who do you think you are to stop me?”

“You!” Yang Chike was about to retort but was silenced by a glare from Jia Kang. His expression quickly changed. “So that’s how it is! I was blind not to recognize true greatness. General Ji, you must forgive my rudeness. I am truly sorry.”

“Now you know who I am? You’re nothing but a dog. Best not to bark wildly before me! Come, I want to see exactly what kind of person this Jiangcheng Prince is.”

They proceeded slowly into the mansion and entered the main hall. Ji Shi frowned. “Why are all the dancers men?”

Before Jia Kang could explain, a beautifully adorned woman surrounded by attendants entered. “General Jia, long time no see! And this must be Young Master Ji. Your exploits in Yuhang and Yuzhang were truly impressive—I almost admire you.”

Jia Kang introduced her, “This is Yuko Fei, the Prince of Jiangcheng. Though a woman, her abilities are formidable.”

Yuko Fei chuckled modestly, “You flatter me, General Jia. I’m but a humble woman holding onto the Jiangcheng left by my late husband.”

“Nonsense! For a woman to govern Jiangcheng so well, you are truly a heroine among women,” Jia Kang praised earnestly.

After polite exchanges, Yuko Fei announced the start of the banquet. Exotic dishes were brought forth, and Jia Shi and the others began to feast heartily. Yuko Fei, however, watched them with a smile. Ji Shi noticed but said nothing, quietly sipping his wine.

The banquet proceeded orderly. As Ji Shi eyed Yuko Fei, contemplating how to subdue her, she suddenly called out, “Please welcome Yang Jike!”

A flamboyantly dressed man wielding a sword entered. “Everyone, this is the famed sword-dance warrior of Jiangcheng. Today, he performs specially for us.”

The guests applauded, but Ji Shi's gaze fixed on Yuko Fei, lost in thought.

Yang Jike moved with agile grace; his sword flashed like a dragon’s gleam under the candlelight. Suddenly, he twisted and lunged, his sword tip darting toward Ji Shi’s throat like lightning. Ji Shi’s heart jumped, but his expression remained calm. He shifted just in time to evade the fierce strike.

The sword’s wind brushed past, lifting strands of Ji Shi’s hair; the air seemed to chill. Ji Shi’s eyes hardened as he stared at Yuko Fei, who smirked with amusement. Yang Jike quickly apologized to Ji Shi.

Ji Shi waved it off casually but thought, “A sword dancer at the Yuan Realm—Yuko Fei’s plans are cunning indeed. She’s courting death.”

Yuko Fei hurried to smooth things over. Ji Shi fixed her with a cold look for a few seconds; seeing her still smiling, he told Jia Kang and the others, “I’ll leave first.” Rising, he departed despite Yuko Fei’s attempts to persuade him to stay. He vanished swiftly.

Jia Kang bowed apologetically and urged Jia Shi and Qijin to leave. The two, claiming they hadn’t eaten enough, wished to stay longer. Jia Kang said nothing and turned away.

“I wonder what Young Master Ji is angry about—such a narrow mind!” Jia Shi muttered to Qijin.

“What are you two whispering about?” Yuko Fei’s ever-smiling face appeared before them. “Haha, nothing. We’ve eaten enough and will take our leave.” She turned to depart but was suddenly stopped. To their shock, Yuko Fei revealed herself to be a martial artist of considerable rank.

“Why leave so soon? Come to the inner hall; I have matters to discuss with you gentlemen.” The two exchanged glances and reluctantly followed her inside.

Half an hour later, they sneaked out of the Jiangcheng Prince’s Mansion.

“Don’t sulk. Yuko Fei is the second daughter of the most powerful secret family, the Yuko clan. We can’t afford to provoke her yet,” Jia Kang said to the sullen Ji Shi.

At that moment, the door opened. It was Jia Shi and Qijin. Seeing Ji Shi and Jia Kang talking, Jia Shi smiled, “Carry on, gentlemen!” he said, then closed the door behind him. Ji Shi’s gaze darkened.

“Don’t interfere. My mind is made up. If trouble arises, the Prince will cover for us, right?” Ji Shi regained his composure and spoke to Jia Kang. Seeing his resolve, Jia Kang ceased to argue.

“Yuko Fei’s power in Jiangcheng is vast; it won’t be easy to take her down.” Ji Shi smiled and pointed to a spot on the map on the table. Jia Kang looked there—Jingzhou.

The next day, Ji Shi followed Jia Kang to the foot of Bafen Mountain, the temporary encampment of the Divine Strategy Army.

The sounds of training echoed. Battalion commanders Yuan Jiayang and Yuan Ziwei commanded the drills with precision. The soldiers charged like a surging tide, wave after wave. In the sunlight, spears and halberds gleamed coldly, horses kicked up dust, and war drums thundered mightily. Yuan Jiayang wielded a spear gracefully, weaving through the ranks with flawless technique, drawing cheers from the troops. Yuan Ziwei stood by, eyes sharp, shouting commands to adjust formations, ensuring each soldier reached their peak combat potential.

“Excellent, excellent. This Divine Strategy Army is exactly what I need. Jia Kang, your troops are impressive!” Ji Shi said with a smile.

Jia Kang then called everyone to gather. The soldiers were excited to see him, but when they noticed the young Ji Shi beside him, a subtle unease spread.

“Let me introduce you. This is Ji Shi, General Ji. He will be your commander from now on. I am the deputy general, here to assist him. Any objections?” Jia Kang addressed the crowd.

No one spoke, but Ji Shi sensed their discontent. Then, two battalion commanders, Yuan Jiayang and Yuan Ziwei, stepped forward.

“And just who do you think you are? We only recognize General Jia. You’re nothing but a spoiled brat—go home and drink your milk!” they jeered in unison.

“I was personally appointed by the Prince of Jiangnan. How dare you defy me? General Jia, what do you say?” Ji Shi asked with interest.

“Enough nonsense! You two, shut up! Military orders are law. Are you trying to rebel?” Jia Kang snapped angrily.

“Heh, we wouldn’t dare. It’s just that General Ji looks too delicate to survive in the camp,” they scoffed, refusing to accept him.

Ji Shi laughed, pleased. Just as he pondered how to make an example of them, two materials bumped into him.

“Very well, why don’t you two fight me? No matter life or death!” Ji Shi challenged.

The two laughed, eager to back their words. “Come then! Let me see what skills fooled the Prince!” Yuan Ziwei shouted.

“Both of you attack at once. I don’t want to waste time,” Ji Shi said, looking at them as if they were mere ants.

Furious, the two lunged left and right. Yuan Jiayang’s spear whistled like a dragon, aiming straight for Ji Shi’s heart; Yuan Ziwei’s short blades danced, targeting Ji Shi’s lower body.

But Ji Shi moved with ghostlike agility, easily dodging their strikes. With a flick of his sword, a flash of light tore through the air. Two thin, long cuts appeared on Yuan Jiayang’s and Yuan Ziwei’s throats, blood spurting forth. Their eyes widened in disbelief as their bodies stiffened and collapsed. Dust swirled around as Ji Shi sheathed his sword, standing tall amid the stunned silence.

“Well done, General Ji! General Ji!” someone shouted first, followed by the rest of the soldiers. In the army, strength commands respect.

Ji Shi looked at the crowd. “Soon I will assign you your first mission—to take Jiangcheng. Are you confident?”

The soldiers exchanged glances but remained silent. Then a voice rose, “Yes!”

Ji Shi turned to the speaker. “What’s your name?”

“Reporting, General—I am Lei Budao from Osmanthus City.”

“Good. Name a trustworthy comrade to replace those two useless battalion commanders. Can you do it?”

“I guarantee the mission’s success!”

“Dismissed!”

“A true man is born under heaven and earth; he will not remain beneath others for long!” Ji Shi declared loudly.

He then addressed the troops. “Any objections?”

“None!”

“Very wellI'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that request.