The last rays of sunlight spilled across the doorway of the shed, casting a flicker of green light. Phoenix Yu smiled, holding a dark green spear in her hand. It looked like a spear, though its body, despite being polished, was slightly bent in places. Phoenix Yu had stumbled upon it in the mountains—a large, long strip of dark green stone.
The moment she saw this dark green stone, Phoenix Yu thought of the Ninefeather Bird. Its feathers matched this color exactly. Just then, a chorus of birdsong echoed overhead as the Ninefeather Bird swooped down, quickly landing beside Yuna Ji. Standing on one leg, it affectionately nuzzled against her.
It showed no sign of estrangement, even though the aura surrounding Yuna Ji had changed.
"It’s the same color as your little feather!"
Yuna Ji spoke, her gaze fixed on the spear’s tip, now sharpened to a deadly point. Phoenix Yu handed her the spear, which was taller than Yuna Ji herself. Yuna Ji stared in astonishment.
"It’s clearly stone, but it weighs about the same as wood."
Phoenix Yu laughed heartily, then pointed to a stone by the shed.
"Try it, Yuna. It’s harder than stone."
With a crisp clang, Yuna Ji swung the spear with lightning speed, stabbing directly into the stone. The spear’s tip remained unscathed, but the stone was punctured, a fine hole appearing as cracks spread outward. With a sharp crack, the outer layer of the stone began to fall away.
"Not bad. Thank you, Phoenix Yu."
Yuna Ji spoke as she caught sight of the two slightly crimson swords strapped to Lucille Xing’s back. From a distance, they looked like swords, but up close they were rough and unfinished.
"I didn’t expect you to be so thoughtful."
Lucille Xing drew both swords, their lengths uneven but sharpened to a razor edge, easily able to cut through wood.
Phoenix Yu touched her nose.
"I gave one to everyone. After all, we grew up together. If you’re going, I’ll go too, Yuna."
Yuna Ji looked at Phoenix Yu and nodded.
The soldiers seemed to have discovered curious new toys. Many were brandishing weapons made from black stone. Joseph Qiao quietly stared at the slender sword in his hand—almost half his height, pale and unremarkable, but surprisingly light. He knew that with skill, this weapon would be unstoppable on the battlefield.
On a typical battlefield, soldiers carried several bone blades, since they often broke. If none were left, they’d have to scavenge enemy weapons or fight bare-handed. But these stone weapons were tougher than bone or ordinary stone—almost impossible to break. With the right force, a thrust could easily pierce an enemy.
"Why does everyone else get a sword? Why do I have this red stick? I don’t want it!"
Lily Mao grumbled nearby, clutching a stick speckled with red spots. From afar, it looked like a black-and-red club.
Terry Mao stared at the slightly blue, sword-like weapon in his hand. Though it was somewhat bent and not quite sword-like, it felt surprisingly comfortable to wield.
Leonard Lei grinned at the two black axes in his hands. They were heavy and oddly shaped, but packed a punch when swung. The group waited for Yuna Ji to arrive.
After a short while, Yuna Ji arrived.
"Yuna, what do you think? Do you like it?"
Yuna Ji nodded, then spoke.
"Let’s go. We’ll have a meeting first."
The large shed was filled with people. When Yuna Ji entered, many glanced at the strange long spear in her hands.
"Yuna, let’s hear everyone’s thoughts first."
Elder Yu spoke, and Yuna Ji nodded. A clan chief stood up.
"Today, Joseph Qiao explained the pros and cons of this campaign. While the advantages outweigh the risks, that depends on the enemy acting as Joseph predicts. Otherwise, attacking now is far too reckless."
"Yes, we’re not trying to interfere with the chief’s decision. It’s just that the war right now..."
"I understand."
Yuna Ji stood up, nodded, and smiled.
"It doesn’t matter what you say. If I don’t come back this time, you can surrender, do whatever you want."
In an instant, everyone’s faces changed. They stared at Yuna Ji as she sneered, pausing before continuing.
"But if I return, I ask that none of you question my decisions from now on. That’s all."
Without further explanation, Yuna Ji strode out. Joseph Qiao smiled, shaking his head helplessly.
"All generals, come with me. I’ll assign tasks next."
Soon, the generals gathered around Joseph Qiao. He began listing things to watch for at this stronghold, repeating them until everyone remembered. Only then did he move on to the next item.
"Joseph, are you going too?"
Only then did a general realize Joseph Qiao was crucial to the current situation—this stronghold couldn’t do without him. Joseph Qiao nodded, and many worried eyes turned toward him.
Joseph Qiao gave a gentle smile.
"The fact that I’m alive now is all thanks to King Ji. He’s a great benefactor to our tribe, and this war is a war of remembrance. We must make the enemy understand—the Grant Family’s fangs are only just beginning to show."
Many generals fell silent. When King Ji was mentioned, the whole Grant Territory remembered the family's countless kindnesses. Since the war ended, the elders had always spoken of the Grant Family’s generosity—they’d heard it all their lives.
Only the northern tribes were exceptions—traitors helped by the Grant Family more than once, and the Zou Clan, those ingrates. The Zou Clan was able to settle here only because the Grant Family sent people to help them reclaim the basin.
"I know what everyone’s thinking. If I’m gone, I hope you give it your all. If you can’t harass the enemy, at least hold this stronghold. Remember, on the battlefield, you’re commanders—it doesn’t matter which tribe you’re from. If things go wrong and you can’t hold this place, don’t hesitate. Retreat to the second stronghold."
Each general nodded. Elder Yu smiled faintly nearby.
"Go without worry, Joseph. I know you’re more burdened than most by this war."
Joseph Qiao stared blankly at Elder Yu, then stood up.
"As for us useless clan chiefs, we’ll withdraw for now. We’ll leave it to you young ones."
Elder Yu spoke, then slowly walked out. By now, the sun had fully set and the sky had turned gray—night was approaching quickly.
Except for Mason Mao, the other eight gathered in Yuna Ji’s room, crowding onto the bed and leaning against the straw in the shed. Joseph Qiao sat at a table, spreading out a map. Yuna Ji sat quietly, studying it.
"Yuna, there’s only one route south from here."
"Joseph, that route is a long detour. It’s not good for us."
Terry Mao immediately called out. Zhaopeng looked on in confusion, gesturing with his fingers—the route really did add nearly half the distance.
"It’s necessary. We can’t let the enemy know our intentions. Only by sneaking through and launching a surprise attack can we throw them into chaos and keep them guessing about our numbers. The first battle is crucial. What I need you to do is kill the enemy commander first. That’s the priority—without a leader, the enemy will be even more confused."
"Leave it to me."
Long Nu spoke quietly, gazing at the smooth bow in her hands. Though it looked small compared to a regular wooden bow, its range was greater, its flexibility excellent, and its surface icy cold to the touch.
"Next is forming the teams. Each of us will command between 1,000 and 2,000 soldiers, depending on tomorrow’s assessments. I’ll give the generals the details so they can drill them into every soldier—attack directions, precautions, and tactics. Time is tight. I’ll go brief the generals leading the expedition so they memorize everything. You all, burn the map into your minds. Later, Geng Di will come and explain some landmarks, so you’ll recognize your position when you see them."
Joseph Qiao finished speaking and walked out. Many helpless eyes followed him.
"Joseph is still the same, always nagging. Right, Yuna? He’s a bit like a little girl!"
Lucille Xing joked, and everyone burst out laughing.
Suddenly, the door swung open. Joseph Qiao’s cheeks flushed as he looked helplessly at the laughing crowd and sighed.
"If you want to win, all this is necessary. And remember to rest well—no one knows how many days this campaign will take. You’ll need all the strength you can get."
After Joseph Qiao left, everyone chatted a bit longer before gradually leaving. Only the Ninefeather Bird remained with Yuna Ji. She quietly watched the bird’s tail, where nine differently colored feathers grew. Yuna Ji leaned closer.
"Little one, can I borrow this for a moment?"
At once, the Ninefeather Bird panicked and tried to fly away, but Yuna Ji quickly caught it.
"Don’t worry. I’ll be gentle."
Immediately, the room filled with the bird’s mournful cries and Yuna Ji’s laughter.