Chapter Three: The God of War

"By the way, System, won't the appearance of names like Meng Tian and Meng Wu—figures from ancient history—arouse suspicion among the people?"

"Ding. Please rest assured, Host. The System automatically filters the relevant consciousness of the populace. In other words, even if people hear the names of ancient figures, they will subconsciously assume these are different individuals."

"Ding. Initiating strategist summoning.
First candidate: Zhao Pu, Command 69, Might 45, Intellect 97, Politics 98.
Second candidate: Liu Ji, Command 58, Might 56, Intellect 101, Politics 96.
Third candidate: Wang Meng, Command 98, Might 54, Intellect 100, Politics 100.
Fourth candidate: Chen Zhen, Command 65, Might 58, Intellect 98, Politics 95.
Fifth candidate: Fang Qiao, Command 65, Might 58, Intellect 97, Politics 98."

"System, I know the other four, but who is Chen Zhen? How does he have such high stats?"

"Ding. Chen Zhen (birth and death years unknown) was a native of the State of Qi during the Warring States period, a strategist and member of the School of Diplomacy. Many idioms originate from him, such as 'drawing legs on a snake' and 'Bian Zhuang stabbing the tiger.' Chen Zhen relied on his eloquence to repel the armies of the State of Chu for Qi. Even Zhang Yi’s attempts to frame him were skillfully neutralized by Chen Zhen’s storytelling. Even the powerful King of Qin frequently sought his counsel, leading to the crushing defeat of enemy states."

"Please choose which candidates to remove, Host."

"System, remove Zhao Pu and Fang Qiao. Choose from the remaining three."

"Congratulations, Host, for acquiring Wang Meng. Command 98, Might 54, Intellect 100, Politics 100. His identity is implanted as your teacher."

"Ding. Please note, Host: the Top 20 Civil and Military Official Summoning Card is now active.
First candidate: Li Mu, Command 102, Might 98, Intellect 95, Politics 76.
Second candidate: Xing Tian, Command 46, Might 110, Intellect 54, Politics 49.
Third candidate: Chi You, Command 99, Might 110, Intellect 86, Politics 94.
Fourth candidate: Fan Li, Command 99, Might 62, Intellect 101, Politics 99.
Fifth candidate: Zhang Juzheng, Command 58, Might 49, Intellect 96, Politics 103.
Please make your selection, Host."

"System, these people are all stronger than the last. Forget it, I won't filter them. Just proceed with the selection."

"Congratulations, Host, for acquiring Xing Tian. Command 46, Might 110, Intellect 54, Politics 49. His identity is implanted as the son of your wet nurse, close to you as a brother, and he is now your bodyguard."

"Ding. Please note, Host: Xing Tian is currently 13 years old. His stats have not yet reached their peak; he is expected to reach his prime before the age of 20."

"System, why would you summon characters from mythology and legend?"

"This System summons figures from the era of the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors up to the end of the Qing Dynasty. Thus, Xing Tian and Chi You were introduced. However, even these mythical figures are currently mortals; they will not be entities that disrupt the balance."

"Oh, that’s a relief. System, if you summon such powerful characters every time, what difficulty could there possibly be in unifying the world?"

"Please do not indulge in fantasies, Host. The System was merely concerned that you might be wiped out before even leaving the 'newbie village.' This triggered a hidden novice benefit. After five summons, the process will return to normal."

"Does that mean I only have one more chance?"

"Ding. You have one opportunity to activate a random skill. Would you like to use it?"

"Activate it, of course!"

"Ding. Congratulations, Host, for acquiring one of the strongest skills: 'Warlord's Might'."

"'Warlord's Might': The hegemon among warriors, supreme in strength and rigidity. This skill cannot be sealed or copied.
Effect 1: Personal Might +8, enemy Might -4.
Effect 2: Upon first activation, Might +6, enemy Might -3; second activation, Might +4, enemy Might -2; third activation, Might +2, enemy Might -1.
Effect 3: Might +10, only usable when facing a life-or-death crisis; cannot be activated under other circumstances.
Effect 4: Immune to all negative skill effects.
Note: In group battles, the suppression effects of Effect 1 and 2 apply only to one random enemy. Effect 2 cannot be triggered until the Host reaches the 'Super-First-Class' level."

Looking toward the door, Li Xiang walked out and saw a soldier with a burly physique. "Are you Xiong Kuohai?"

"Young Master, this humble one is indeed Xiong Kuohai."

"I see your imposing aura, and your martial arts must be excellent. From today on, you are the leader of my bodyguards. If there is an opportunity in the future, I will certainly secure a path for you in the military."

"Thank you for your great kindness, Young Master! I will go through fire and water for you, and never shrink from death."

"Good. Bring Xing Tian and accompany me to the Governor’s Office!"

"As you command."

"Ding. Congratulations, Host, for gaining 10 summoning points."

Before long, Xiong Kuohai returned, leading a youth. Though only a boy, he possessed a soaring spirit and a majestic, martial presence that made one dare not look him in the eye.

"System, check Xing Tian's stats."

"Ding. Xing Tian: Command 38, Might 104, Intellect 49, Politics 23. Hidden attributes are unknown and can only be detected when triggered."

Xing Tian—the title of God of War was truly well-deserved. At only 13, his Might had reached 104, matching the level of Xiong Kuohai, the fourth greatest hero of the Sui and Tang dynasties.

At the entrance of the Governor’s Office, Li Xiang said, "Please, brother, go and inform the Assistant Governor that his son, Li Xiang, requests an audience."

"Young Master, please wait a moment. This humble one will go and inform the official immediately."

Soon, a middle-aged scholar walked out. Li Xiang recognized him as his father’s aide, a trusted confidant heavily relied upon by his father.

Inside the Governor’s Office, his father appeared anxious, busy reviewing stacks of documents.

"System, check my father's stats."

"Ding. Li Yang: Command 62, Might 68, Intellect 82, Politics 88."

It seemed his father's stats were quite standard—not exactly a peerless talent, but respectable enough. At the very least, he was more than capable of governing a commandery.

Li Xiang stepped forward. "Father, why are you so anxious?"

"Oh, Xiang'er. It is nothing; the Xiongnu have come to the border to raid for supplies once again. By the way, why have you come to the Governor's Office? You never used to come here before, did you?"

"Father, beyond visiting you, I hope you can secure a position for me in the military. In my younger years, I was unruly and caused you much trouble. Since my recent injury, I have had a realization. I wish to train in the military so that, in the future, I may share some of your burdens."

"It seems my son has finally grown up. Since you have such a heart, I must help you. However, although you are a direct descendant of the Li family, you cannot start at a high position upon entering the army. You shall start as a Company Commander. Once you have earned sufficient military merit, I will find a way to promote you to Colonel."

"Thank you, Father. But Father, doesn't the Xiongnu raiding happen to some degree every year? Why does it cause you such great worry today?"