Jian Zhi and his army stood ready at the Earth-Dragon Locomotive station, a testament to the systematic efficiency of his kingdom. Supplies, horses, and the formidable new weapons—including the devastating Divine Rain (神雨 - Shén Yǔ) and its copies—were meticulously loaded into the train's central chambers. The soldiers, a force comprising the Revengers' Army and Captain Zhào's seasoned troops, were split between the front and rear passenger cars.

  [Jian Zhi]: "Remember the plan. Our strength lies not just in our weapons, but in our discipline. Execute your duties with precision."

  With a command, the Earth-Dragon Locomotive roared to life, its steam whistle a defiant cry as it began its swift journey to Dawnbreak Vale. In a matter of minutes, the landscape blurred and reformed, depositing them at their destination with a speed that felt like magic to the outside world.

  As they disembarked, Lian’s nerves surfaced, her voice a murmur to Mei Lin.

  [Lian]: "Mei... this feels different. We're not fighting corrupt nobles anymore. This is a clan whose very philosophy is 'Strength Through Sacrifice.' Pure violence runs in their blood. Can we truly emerge from this without loss, like our last battles?"

  [Mei Lin]: "I share your fear, Lian. However, we must trust in our King's strategy, as we have always done. And do not forget the power you now wield—The Devil's Way is no trifling technique. You know its potential."

  [Lian]: "It's not that I doubt him... I'm just... nervous."

  Jian Zhi, overhearing her as he stepped onto the platform, stopped before her. His words were cutting, yet his eyes held a different message.

  [Jian Zhi]: "If you are nervous, then stay behind. I cannot afford soldiers on the battlefield whose minds are divided by doubt. Hesitation gets people killed."

  [Lian]: "Your Majesty... I..." She was left speechless, confusion and guilt warring in her eyes.

  He closed the distance, his voice lowering so only she could hear.

  [Jian Zhi]: "Look at me. I am telling you again: if your mind is not settled, if you are not sure of your own resolve, your place is not on this battlefield. Stay here."

  The harshness of his command was belied by the genuine concern in his gaze. He then turned, leading his commanders toward the Governor's palace.

  There, Governor Bái Lù was already rallying her troops, her voice ringing across the courtyard.

  "Soldiers! By our King's command, we march! We may be outnumbered, but we are backed by our King's peerless might and the most advanced weapons in the land! Never doubt yourselves, and never doubt him! Now, tell me, who do we fight for?!"

  A thunderous roar erupted from the ranks, fueled by fiery determination. "FOR THE KING OF THE DIVINE LAND OF JUSTICE! TO UPHOLD RIGHTEOUSNESS!"

  Watching from the sidelines, Jian Zhi allowed a soft chuckle and a faint, proud smirk to cross his lips. He stepped out from behind Bái Lù, and a wave of palpable relief and renewed vigor swept through the soldiers at the sight of him.

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  [Jian Zhi]: "Soldiers of the Divine Land of Justice! This is not like the battles of our past. This conflict will be the true measure of our kingdom's strength and resolve. You are backed by my will and by steel that can shatter mountains. Follow the plan without deviation. Execute your roles perfectly. But I say this now, as I said to my own guard: if any of you harbor self-doubt, if fear has a grip on your heart, step aside. Serve the kingdom in another way. There is no shame in knowing your limits. Do you understand me?!"

  [Everyone]: "YES, YOUR MAJESTY!"

  His words were a spark, igniting an inferno of resolve in their souls. With morale at its peak, the combined army began its march toward the provincial capital.

  Port Capital City - Huáfēng (华丰市)

  Huáfēng revealed itself like a jewel emerging from mist, a city of breathtaking and chaotic beauty perched on the edge of the sea. It was the vibrant, beating heart of the province, the prize the Xuè Clan coveted above all.

  The city cascaded down lush, terraced hillsides into a vast, natural harbor, where a forest of masts from countless junks and merchant ships created a shifting skyline. The air was a thick tapestry of scents—salt, exotic spices, tar, and the pungent breath of the ocean itself. Huáfēng was a labyrinth of narrow, cobbled streets, shaded by the gracefully curved eaves of traditional tiered roofs. Beneath this canopy, a symphony of chaos played out: merchants haggling in a dozen tongues, the rhythmic hammering of artisans, and the distant, plaintive cries of gulls. It was a testament to centuries of trade and cultural fusion.

  And at the city's zenith, overlooking the vibrant chaos it governed, stood the Citadel of the Lǐ Clan. It was a structure of elegant yet formidable design, with sweeping roofs and strong, palisade walls—a perfect physical manifestation of the clan's philosophy: "The Willow and The Sword."

  Despite the bustling energy, the city was, at its core, profoundly peaceful. This was not the quiet of the countryside, but the prosperous, orderly chaos of a realm under wise and stable governance. It was the harmony Lǐ Róng had dedicated his life to protecting—a harmony the Xuè Clan viewed as fatal weakness.

  As Jian Zhi's army arrived, the soldiers' faces glowed with awe at the magnificent sight.

  [Mei Lin]: "Whoa!~ Your Majesty, look at that jeweled hairpin! It's gorgeous! Can I have it?" She pointed at a glittering accessory in a market stall.

  [Jian Zhi]: "[An exasperated sigh]... Is there a woman alive who can resist sparkling things? Fine. I will buy it for you after we win this war. For now, focus. We head for the Citadel."

  Leaving the bulk of his army at strategic inns and traveler's quarters, Jian Zhi proceeded with a small retinue: Bái Lù, Mei Lin, and Captain Zhào. They were stopped at the citadel's gates by two stern guards.

  [Guard]: "Halt! State your business. You are not known merchants, nor soldiers of this city."

  [Jian Zhi]: "I am here for an audience with your leader, Lǐ Róng."

  [Guard]: "The Duke does not grant audiences to unauthorized strangers."

  Captain Zhào stepped forward, his presence commanding immediate recognition from one of the guards.

  [Captain Zhào]: "You there. You remember me, do you not? I served in Liánhuā District. This is my nephew. He is a General now, and we have urgent matters of state to discuss with the Duke."

  After a moment of scrutiny, the guard nodded and allowed them passage.

  [Captain Zhào]: "[A proud, slightly smug smile] You see? This is why you sometimes need an adult to handle things."

  [Jian Zhi]: "[A dry retort] I don't see any adults here. Just an old soldier clinging to past glories."

  As they were led inside, they found Lǐ Róng in his study, surrounded by scrolls and maps, deeply engrossed in the administrative duties of governing his vibrant domain. He looked up as they entered. His features were soft and gentle, yet held an undeniable firmness, and his eyes radiated a calm, commanding justice. He was nothing like his brother.

  [Lǐ Róng]: "Welcome. I am Lǐ Róng. Who are you, and what brings you to my citadel?"

  His voice was as gentle and commanding as his appearance. In that moment, Jian Zhi's mind, the great Simulator Brain, was flooded with a torrent of unspoken questions, chief among them: the truth about the man's brother, Lǐ Wěi.