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"Li Yuan was known for his magnanimity, and his son Li Shimin was an even greater hero. Moreover, Guanzhong's terrain is strategically important, easy to defend and difficult to attack. We can temporarily avoid their advance, accumulate strength, and wait for the opportune moment."

Qin Qiong had to catch his breath after every few sentences, clearly extremely weak: "If we fight Wang Shichong head-on, the Wagang stronghold will be destroyed in an instant. The blood of our soldiers will have been shed in vain."

Li Mi remained silent, his mind in turmoil. Qin Qiong's suggestion coincided with Bing Yuanzhen's; both were pragmatic choices. However, his aristocratic pride and the dignity of a leader made it difficult for him to accept a life of dependence.

"Wei Gong."

Qin Qiong reached out and grasped Li Mi's arm with difficulty: "Those who achieve great things do not concern themselves with trifles. Han Xin endured the humiliation of crawling between someone's legs, and eventually became a great general. Today's humiliation may one day lead to future triumph."

Looking at Qin Qiong's pale yet sincere face, Li Mi recalled the scene of Qin Qiong shielding him from arrows during the Battle of Tongshan, and couldn't help but feel moved.

After a long silence, Li Mi sighed heavily and gently patted Qin Qiong's hand: "Shubao, take good care of yourself. I know what to do."

Li Mi rose and left the medical tent, gazing up at the night sky. The stars and moon were nowhere to be seen; darkness enveloped the surrounding area, with only a few scattered torches in the village providing faint light.

As he pushed open the door, all eyes instantly focused on him. Li Mi walked to the main seat, but did not immediately sit down. Instead, he surveyed the assembled generals and slowly spoke, his voice calm yet carrying an undeniable decisiveness:
"We must prepare our troops and provisions, and three days later, we will head west into Guanzhong to seek refuge with the Tang dynasty."

The hall fell silent as everyone exchanged bewildered glances. Wang Bodang hesitated, then let out a long sigh; Shan Xiongxin's face was grim, but he no longer objected; Bing Yuanzhen nodded slightly, as if he had already anticipated this outcome.

Li Mi continued, "This is not surrender, but a temporary retreat to await the opportune moment. The fire of Wagang will not be extinguished, it just needs time to reignite. But if anyone is unwilling to come, I will not force them; they may leave on their own."

After a moment of silence, Bing Yuanzhen was the first to rise and bow, saying, "I am willing to follow Duke Wei!"

Everyone else then expressed their willingness to comply, except for Shan Xiongxin, who remained silent. Li Mi looked at him: "General Shan, what are your plans?"

Shan Xiongxin raised his head, his gaze complex: "I, Shan Xiongxin, am not convinced by Li Yuan, nor am I willing to live under someone else's roof. Since Lord Wei has made his decision, I will lead my troops eastward to fend for myself."

Li Mi gazed at him for a long time before finally nodding: "Everyone has their own ambitions, and I will not force you. I wish you a bright future."

"Humph!!"

Wang Bodang glared at Shan Xiongxin, then abruptly turned his head away, clenching his teeth and stretching his cheeks into hard lines. In the end, he let out a heavy sigh, slammed his fist into his thigh, and said nothing more.

Shan Xiongxin's face was ashen, and he let out a barely audible snort, clearly indicating that he had made up his mind to leave.

Just when everyone thought the situation was settled and they were contemplating their future, a calm voice broke the silence.

"Duke Wei!"

Xu Shiji slowly stood up, his left arm in a sling. The scars on his face looked particularly deep in the firelight, but his eyes were clear and firm: "Shiji has something to say, perhaps... it can be a third option."

Everyone's eyes were instantly focused on him.

Li Mi was about to leave to arrange the westward journey when he heard this and stopped. He looked again at this strategist he had always relied on, his brows furrowing slightly: "Shiji, do you have any further opinions? Do you still advocate holding out to the death? Or is there someone else you can recommend?"

He thought Xu Shiji was going to bring up resisting Wang Shichong again or join another minor warlord.

Xu Shiji shook his head, glancing at Cheng Yaojin. Cheng Yaojin, surprisingly, abandoned his usual carefree demeanor and nodded seriously, as if they had known each other all along.

"It is neither a matter of stubbornly defending the position, nor of surrendering to a mediocre ruler."

Xu Shiji's voice echoed in the empty hall: "Lord Wei, gentlemen, have you ever considered heading south?"

"Heading south?"

Pei Renji was taken aback: "Although Jiangnan is a prosperous place, it is now a chaotic place with Du Fuwei, Shen Faxing and others fighting each other. It is no better than a safe place. If we, the remnants of our army, go south, it will be like sheep entering the mouth of a tiger."

"What Lord Pei is referring to is the Jiangnan region of the past."

Xu Shiji's tone suddenly rose a few notches, and a strange light gleamed in his eyes: "And today's Jiangnan, and even most of the South, is no longer what it was a few months ago!"

He stepped forward, facing Li Mi and the generals: "Do you all know 'Nameless'?"

Months ago, in Luoyang, this man killed Yuwen Huaji and frightened away Yuwen Shang. Later, it was rumored that he defeated Ning Daoqi, a grandmaster of martial arts in the Central Plains, on the banks of the Luo River. This feat had already caused a sensation throughout the land and become a legend known to all. Naturally, all the generals of Wagang knew of him.

"Naturally remember."

Li Mi's gaze narrowed slightly: "Mr. Wuming possesses unparalleled martial arts skills and is a remarkable figure of our time. But what does this have to do with heading south?"

"They are extremely related!"

Xu Shiji said in a deep voice, "Because this nameless one is not a lone traveler. He has already established a force called—'Heavenly Alliance'!"

"The Heavenly Dao Alliance?"

The generals exchanged glances, the name still somewhat unfamiliar to them. Wagang, which dominated the Central Plains, had recently been preoccupied with fighting against the Yuwen Clan and Wang Shichong. Although they had occasionally heard of the upheavals in the south, they knew little about them.

"Indeed, the Heavenly Dao Alliance!"

Xu Shiji said with certainty, "When Zhijie and I were in Luoyang, we had the good fortune to see Mr. Wuming from afar. He was a man of great stature and unfathomable depth, no ordinary person. At the time, we only thought he was a peerless master, but we never imagined that his methods and strategies would be even more astonishing than his martial arts!"

Cheng Yaojin couldn't help but interject, his voice booming but filled with heartfelt admiration: "I, Old Cheng, have never admired many people in my life. Lord Wei is one, but that Nameless Gentleman has won my heart and soul! You don't know, it's only been a few short months! That Nameless Gentleman left Luoyang like a dragon entering the sea! He first went south to Lingnan, and somehow managed to get Song Que, the 'Heavenly Blade' who had dominated Lingnan for nearly a hundred years, to willingly lead the entire Song Clan to submit!"

"What? The Song clan has submitted?"

Bing Yuanzhen gasped in disbelief. The Song Clan's independence and power were known throughout the land, and Song Que was widely recognized as one of the pinnacle figures in martial arts; how could he easily submit to anyone?
"Absolutely true!"

Xu Shiji continued, his tone utterly certain: "Not only that, he then marched west, conquering the Flying Horse Ranch without bloodshed and acquiring countless warhorses; he went north to Xiangyang, where it is said that Feng Ge, a general under the former Jingling City Lord Fang Zetao, surrendered the entire city; and his forces have now turned east, and now, south of the Yangtze River, Jiangling, Baling, and even the former territories of Shen Faxing and Li Zitong, have mostly been adorned with the banner of the Heavenly Dao Alliance! His momentum is unstoppable!"

He paused, took a deep breath, and dropped another, even more shocking piece of news: "Moreover, even the Yin Kui Sect, the number one sect of the Demonic Sect, had its sect leader, 'Yin Empress' Zhu Yuyan, personally announce a month ago that the entire sect had broken away from the Demonic Sect and joined the Heavenly Dao Alliance!"

"The Yin Kui Sect too...?!"

This time, even Li Mi was visibly shaken, unable to maintain his composure. Subduing the Song clan was already astonishing, but to bring the enigmatic Yin Kui Sect, entangled with the righteous path for centuries, under their control? Just who was this Nameless One, possessing such extraordinary abilities?!
A collective gasp filled the council hall; all the generals were shaken by the series of news. They were trapped in the ruins of Wagang, struggling for survival, unaware that the south had undergone a dramatic transformation, and a colossus was quietly rising at an astonishing pace!

Xu Shiji took in everyone's reactions, his voice growing increasingly steady and powerful: "According to merchants from the south, the reign of the Nameless Master is completely different from that of other feudal lords. He abolished many exorbitant taxes, encouraged agriculture and commerce, rectified officialdom, eradicated bandits, and promulgated new laws emphasizing 'law' and 'order.' Wherever he went, instead of looting and destruction, everything flourished, refugees were resettled, and the people gradually regained their vitality—a scene of vibrant life! His ambition is far more than just carving out a territory; his plans are far grander!"

Xu Shiji turned to Li Mi, his gaze intense: "Lord Wei! If we join the Tang Dynasty, we are defeated generals, living under someone else's roof. Moreover, the Guanzhong aristocracy is deeply prejudiced by social class. Given our background, we may not gain true trust or important positions. At most, we will only get a sinecure or a nominal title, barely surviving. But joining the Heavenly Alliance is different!"

"The Heavenly Alliance is rising like the sun, ambitious and eager for talent! Mr. Wuming has the ambition to encompass the four seas and conquer the eight wastelands, and he also has the courage and ability to realize this ambition! Lord Wei and you all are heroes of our time, with both literary and military talents, and you are ready to put your skills to use! We are leading our troops south not to surrender, but to seek guidance from masters, to provide timely help, and to create a great cause together! In that new world, we can truly realize our ambitions, live up to our lifelong learning, and also live up to the brothers who have followed us through thick and thin!"

Xu Shiji's words struck like a heavy drumbeat, each one resonating in everyone's heart. Even Bing Yuanzhen, who had initially been a staunch advocate for surrendering to the Tang Dynasty, fell into deep thought, his eyes flickering with uncertainty. A flicker of light rekindled in Wang Bodang's lifeless eyes. Even Shan Xiongxin, who had made up his mind to leave, revealed a look of surprise and doubt.

Cheng Yaojin loudly echoed, "Old Xu is right! What's the point of joining Li Yuan? We'd be at his mercy! We'd be better off joining Mr. Wuming! He's the one who does great things! Then we brothers will have a real way to make a living, something to look forward to!"

With his back to everyone, Li Mi gazed once more at the boundless darkness outside the hall, his fingers unconsciously tapping the hilt of his sword. His heart was churning with turmoil.

Surrendering to the Tang Dynasty was indeed a safe choice made out of necessity, but as Xu Shiji said, the future was bleak, and they were at the mercy of others. And the Heavenly Alliance… Nameless… this path was also fraught with unknowns and risks. Just who was Nameless? Would he tolerate Li Mi?

Should he retire to Guanzhong to live out his days in seclusion, or venture south to seek a greater future? The hall was deathly silent; everyone held their breath, awaiting Li Mi's decision. The crackling of the burning torches was exceptionally clear at this moment.

After a long while, Li Mi slowly turned around. His face was still weary, but a long-lost light shone again in his deep-set eyes. His gaze swept over the generals who had followed him for many years, finally settling on Xu Shiji and Cheng Yaojin.

"Shiji, Zhijie,"

Li Mi's voice was still hoarse: "Is the road south passable? Will Wang Shichong sit idly by and watch us march south?"

A glint flashed in Xu Shiji's eyes, knowing that Lord Wei was already tempted. He immediately clasped his hands in a fist salute and said decisively, "Wang Shichong is short-sighted; his ambitions are limited to the area around Luoyang. We can pretend to be heading east to Liyang, but in reality, we will travel day and night, detouring south! Once we enter Xiangyang's territory, we will be within the Heavenly Alliance's sphere of influence, and Wang Shichong will never dare to pursue us!"

Li Mi took a deep breath and slowly exhaled, as if trying to expel all the pent-up frustration and hesitation from his chest. He then slammed his hand on the table, the sound echoing through the roof tiles.

"Good! Order the army to change plans! At dawn tomorrow, we will break camp and set off south to join the Heavenly Alliance!"

"Wei Gong is wise!"

Xu Shiji suppressed his excitement and took the lead in clasping his hands in acceptance of the order. His left arm, which was in a sling, swayed slightly with the movement, but his eyes remained as sharp as ever.

Cheng Yaojin laughed heartily, his voice shaking the roof tiles: "Good! That's more like it! I, Old Cheng, will go and gather the brothers right away!"

"Wait a minute!"

Li Mi raised his hand to quell the restless generals. At this moment, his eyes still showed weariness, but also a sharpness and calmness born from a desperate resolve. Having made his choice, the true nature of the ruthless warlord who once dominated the Central Plains quickly returned.

"The road south is by no means smooth. Wang Shichong is no fool. Once he discovers our movements, he will surely launch a full-scale attack, intending to annihilate us in open battle. We need to make careful plans on how to proceed, how to conceal our movements, and how to fight."

Li Mi's gaze swept across the generals in the hall like lightning, and a series of orders were clearly issued:

"Xu Shiji!"

"Your subordinate is here!" Xu Shiji stepped forward.

"Although you were wounded, your plans were thorough. You were the one who proposed the strategy to march south, and you also took the lead in deciding on the marching route and communication."

Li Mi said in a deep voice, "Immediately select capable and quick-witted men to carry my personal letter and travel by multiple routes, day and night, to Xiangyang. They must first deliver our intention to pledge allegiance to the 'Nameless' Master of the Heavenly Alliance! The letter must clearly state our army's current situation, our southward route, and our expected arrival date, requesting our assistance. This matter concerns the survival of the entire army; it must be handled with utmost care!"

"Your subordinate obeys! I will certainly not fail in my mission!"

Xu Shiji solemnly agreed and immediately turned and left the hall to arrange for his trusted men.

"Wang Bodang!"

"Your subordinate is here!" Wang Bodang stood up abruptly, his back ramrod straight despite his injuries. He was reluctant to surrender to the Tang Dynasty, and although he didn't know the outcome of joining the Heavenly Alliance, since it was Li Mi's decision, he vowed to follow him to the death.

"I order you to lead your three thousand elite troops, along with all those lightly wounded but still capable of fighting, to immediately break camp, raise your banners and drums, and make it appear as if you intend to head east to Liyang Granary for food!"

Li Mi's eyes were piercing: "We must set up more camps and spread more flags. The marching speed doesn't need to be fast, but we must create the impression that our main force is moving eastward. We must attract the attention of all of Wang Shichong's scouts! The longer we can confuse them, the more time we can buy for our main force to move south!"

Wang Bodang instantly understood that this was a feint, a mission with a slim chance of survival. Without hesitation, he clasped his hands and shouted, "Understood! As long as Bodang is here, the feint on the eastern front will remain! We will fight to the last man and the last soldier, and we will never let Wang Shichong easily see through our army's strengths and weaknesses!"

Having said that, he resolutely turned and left, mustering his troops and setting off.

"Pei Renji, Bing Yuanzhen!"

"Your subordinate is here!" The two men stood up.

"General Pei, you are a seasoned veteran, experienced and prudent. You are in charge of overseeing the entire army's supplies, provisions, the care of the wounded, and the resettlement of their families. Load all carryable provisions and weaponry onto wagons; anything that cannot be carried must be buried or burned on the spot—absolutely not given to the enemy! Wounded soldiers who can accompany the army should be properly housed in wagons and horses; those who are seriously wounded and unable to move…"

At this point, Li Mi paused slightly, a hint of pain flashing across his face: "...distribute money and rations, disperse and hide among the people, or...leave it to fate."

In chaotic times, this is the cruelest but unavoidable choice.

"Mr. Bing, you will assist General Pei and be responsible for supervising military discipline. During the southward march, all camps must be absolutely quiet and orderly. Men must hold their mouths shut, horses must wrap their hooves, and no lights or noise are allowed. Anyone who dares to disobey orders, disturb the people, or reveal the marching route will be executed without mercy!" Li Mi's tone was stern, filled with an unquestionable air of ruthlessness.

"As ordered!"

Pei Renji and Bing Yuanzhen exchanged a glance and solemnly accepted the order.

Li Mi finally turned his gaze to Shan Xiongxin, who had remained silent: "General Shan."

Shan Xiongxin raised his head and looked at Li Mi with a complicated expression.

“Everyone has their own ambitions, and Li Mi will never force you. If you wish to go east, you may gather your troops and depart now. But I have a word of advice to offer,”

Li Mi softened his tone: "Right now, in the east, Wang Bodang is bluffing, which will surely draw the attention of Wang Shichong's army, creating an opening in their defenses. If you are determined to go east, this is a good opportunity. I wish you a safe journey, and I hope that when we meet again in the future, we will not be enemies."

Shan Xiongxin looked at Li Mi, a struggle flashing in his eyes, which finally turned into a long sigh. He cupped his hands and said, "Thank you for your kindness, Lord Wei... Take care!"

Without another word, he turned and strode away, gathering his men. Soon, a commotion of men and horses came from the east of the village, which then gradually faded into the distance.

Shan Xiongxin's departure made the atmosphere in the council chamber even more somber, but it also removed an uncertain factor.

Li Mi took a deep breath and made his final arrangements: "The rest of you, return to your respective camps, immediately reorganize your troops, inspect your weapons, and have a good meal and rest. At the darkest hour before dawn, follow my main force, lower your flags and silence, and quietly detour south! Cheng Yaojin!"

"I'm here!"

Cheng Yaojin was eager to fight.

"You will be the vanguard of the entire army. Select 500 elite cavalrymen and set off half an hour ahead of time to clear out any possible enemy scouts and clear a path! If you encounter small groups of enemies, eliminate them silently; if you encounter large groups of troops, report back immediately!"

"Don't worry, Lord Wei! I guarantee not even a sparrow can fly past my nose!"

Cheng Yaojin patted his chest, accepted the order, and left.

Once the order was given, the entire Wagang Village, like a dying giant, began to unleash its last strength, moving forward with tense yet orderly movements. Gone was the previous despair and disarray; replaced by a resolute determination and efficiency born from a do-or-die situation.

Under the firelight, soldiers silently packed their belongings, helped the wounded, and loaded them onto wagons. In the blacksmith's shop, the last batch of weapons was repaired and sharpened; beside the granary, military rations were quickly distributed and loaded onto carts. A sense of oppressive urgency permeated the air.

At midnight, Wang Bodang led a feinting force, setting off first with torches like dragons and flags waving, deliberately making a huge noise as they marched eastward toward Liyang.

As the hour of Yin (3-5 AM) drew to a close, when the sky was darkest and all was silent, the south gate of Wagang Village quietly opened.

Li Mi, clad in black armor and mounted on a fine horse, stood by the gate, calmly observing his troops. There were no horns, no drums, only the sounds of footsteps, hooves, and the dull thud of wheels rolling across the earth, converging into a low, torrent that silently surged into the southern darkness. Generals Xu Shiji and Pei Renji, among others, each commanded their subordinates; though the troops appeared weary, they maintained perfect order.

Li Mi took one last look at Wagang Village, its outline emerging in the dim morning light. The fortress he once regarded as the foundation for his conquest of the world was now nothing but a dilapidated silhouette.

He yanked the reins sharply, and the warhorse neighed softly before merging into the southward-flowing torrent. (End of Chapter)