Chapter Sixteen: The Crisis Triggered by Imbalance

“Ding, summoning continues.”

“The third person: Sui-Tang historian Wan Sui, Command 74, Martial Prowess 103, Intelligence 72, Politics 68.”

“The fourth person: Lu Junyi, the Jade Qilin of Liangshan, Command 68, Martial Prowess 101, Intelligence 68, Politics 69.”

“The fifth person: Luo Cheng, the seventh hero of Sui-Tang, Command 89, Martial Prowess 102, Intelligence 82, Politics 78.”

Though the remaining three were also impressive—each an unparalleled warrior—they failed to spark much interest in Li Xiang, especially with Xue Rengui already summoned ahead.

“Please remove two candidates, host.”

“System, naturally, remove the two with the lowest martial prowess: Luo Cheng and Lu Junyi.”

“Ding, congratulations host, you have obtained Xue Rengui...”

“Yeah!” Li Xiang exclaimed with joy upon hearing Xue Rengui was summoned, startling Xing Tian beside him.

“My lord, are you all right?” Xing Tian asked anxiously.

“Hahaha, I’m fine, I’m fine. Don’t worry, Xing Tian. I just thought of something delightful,” Li Xiang hurriedly reassured.

“Ding, congratulations host on acquiring the second-generation military god of the Tang Dynasty, Xue Rengui: Command 101, Martial Prowess 105, Intelligence 90, Politics 93. Identity implanted: aware of critical frontier battles, he arrives with sworn brothers to join the army, expected at your side within half an hour. Accompanying figures include his wife Liu Yingchun, Princess Zhaoyang of the Baliao Kingdom, children Xue Dingshan and Xue Jinlian, and sworn brothers Wang Xinxie, Wang Xinhe, Jiang Xingben, Jiang Xingba, Zhou Qing, Xue XianTu, Li Qingxian, and Zhou Qing.”

Seeing the birth information of Xue Rengui, Li Xiang nearly shouted again—this was a huge gain, almost like a “buy one, get a group free” deal. Not to mention, Xue Dingshan’s martial skills rivaled his father’s; though his command might not match Xue Rengui’s, it would certainly not be low.

“System, do summoned characters also bring related figures with them?” Li Xiang asked curiously. If that were true, it could open many loopholes in the future.

“Host, only god-level characters bring along closely related figures upon summoning.”

As expected, the system coldly crushed Li Xiang’s fantasy.

“Ding, system has accumulated over twenty summoned characters, system upgrade initiated, countdown 10, 9, 8...1, 0. System upgrade complete.”

“Oh, it can upgrade? What’s the difference after upgrading?” Li Xiang asked curiously.

“Ding, upgrade effect one: Charm attribute added. When interacting with females and warlords, charm is displayed, influencing sensory impressions. Higher charm in warlords attracts talent more easily.

Effect two: System shop unlocked, where divine weapons and prized horses can be purchased.

Effect three: Names of characters brought by balanced figures are now displayed.

Effect four: Equipment carried by summoned generals is shown.”

Not bad. Though the upgrade didn’t bring major changes, it was much more convenient and added a new way to obtain divine weapons and prized horses. Overall, Li Xiang was quite satisfied. But the next system prompt made him feel like he’d fallen from heaven to earth in an instant.

“Ding, god-level commander Xue Rengui summoned, balance triggered.”

Balance or no balance, summoning a god-level commander with such extraordinary martial prowess was a lucky break; Li Xiang felt it was a gain even if balanced out. Unfortunately, he wouldn’t feel that way for long.

“Balance first figure: Jin Taizong Wanyan Wuqimai, Command 97, Martial Prowess 96, Intelligence 94, Politics 96, Charm 95. Identity implanted: younger brother of Wanyan Aguda, learning that the Xiongnu face difficulties in battle, rushing to support Wanyan Aguda. Accompanying ten people: Wanyan Loushi, Wanyan Yinshuke, Wanyan Gao, Wanyan Liang, Wanyan Shamu, Wanyan Jindan, Wanyan Yindan, Lian’er Xinshan, Nian Deli, and Mountain Lion Camel.”

“Damn, system, are you messing with me?” Li Xiang was filled with resentment. At least four among them could rank in the top ten generals of the Yue army, and several were skilled commanders. But before he could complain further, he suddenly remembered, “This won’t do—Xionghuo Sea is in danger.”

“Xing Tian, no questions. Your horse is fast. Ride alone immediately to pursue Xionghuo Sea. I will send troops to support shortly. Hurry, if you delay, it will be too late,” Li Xiang urged.

Though puzzled, Xing Tian obeyed and galloped off.

Seeing Xing Tian rush to aid, Li Xiang felt a bit reassured. As long as Xing Tian arrived in time, nothing serious would happen. After all, Xionghuo Sea led the troops, but Xing Tian’s solo ride was much faster.

Li Xiang didn’t have time to hear about other balanced figures. He hurried into the central camp and, upon seeing Wang Meng and Fan Neng, quickly said, “General Fan, strategist, there’s trouble.”

Seeing Li Xiang’s anxiety, Wang Meng and Fan Neng did not delay. Fan Neng asked first, “Young master, what has you so alarmed?”

“I worried about Yanmen’s situation and ordered Xionghuo Sea and Liu Yang to rush aid. Shortly after their departure, a secret report arrived: several fierce generals have appeared among the Xiongnu, possibly not inferior to General Xionghuo Sea, with one even surpassing him. I fear General Xionghuo Sea is unaware and may suffer casualties. I have now sent Xing Tian alone ahead,” Li Xiang explained anxiously.

“How reliable is this secret report?” Wang Meng inquired.

“Absolutely unquestionable,” Li Xiang answered, anxious about Xionghuo Sea.

Wang Meng glanced at Li Xiang thoughtfully. The lord already had his own intelligence network—it seemed to have developed considerably. Hmph, the lord was only twelve years old.

Though stirred inside, Wang Meng’s face remained calm. After some thought, he said, “Lord, if that is true, to be fully prepared, a cavalry unit should be dispatched as reinforcement. But the leader must not only possess exceptional martial prowess but also be adept at adapting to circumstances. Unfortunately, no one in our army currently meets even one of these conditions.”

Hearing this, Li Xiang wanted to recommend Qin Qiong, but before he could speak, a commotion arose from afar.

Before Li Xiang could respond, Fan Neng snapped, “Someone, go check what’s happening.”

Soon, a messenger ran up breathlessly. “Report, general! Nine Han warriors wish to join the army and have blocked the vanguard.”

Li Xiang guessed immediately—it must be Xue Rengui arriving. Truly, a bright turn in the darkest moment. In that case, Xue Rengui would lead, and Qin Qiong would stay with the main army as a safeguard.

Fan Neng thought it was nothing serious—just some recruits wanting to join—and prepared to dismiss them. Suddenly, he heard, “Strategist, it seems the leader has been found.”