Chapter Thirty-Two: Great Liang Takes Up Arms

Years ago, when Lord Xinling, Wei Wuji, campaigned against Qin, my master was a member of the Wei Martial Soldiers who fought alongside him, sharing in the glory of the victory over the Qin state. However, the King of Wei, swayed by the whispers of sycophants, grew cold toward Lord Xinling, stripping him of his honor and status.

Unable to bear this, my master confronted the villainous courtier at his own residence, seeking justice for Lord Xinling. Alas, outnumbered and overpowered, he was captured, reported to the King of Wei, and executed.

Yet, my master’s dying wish remains. The foundation of the Wei Martial Soldiers persists; so long as the state of Wei stands, the Wei Martial Soldiers will endure. What matter if the King of Wei is foolish? As long as we exist, one day, Wei will reclaim the splendor of a century past.

Stripped to the waist, my muscles defined by relentless tempering under the brilliant, empty sky, my entire body emanates a faint golden light. Every movement ripples with a surge of immense, surging power.

Standing tall, nearly two meters in height, with shoulder-length, ash-gray hair, I stare at the sun above. I listen to the cheers rising from the factions within the city of Daliang outside the gates of the Armored Sect, and I speak to the many junior brothers and sisters gathered before me.

For decades, Qin has fought continuously—the Battle of Changping, the Battle of Handan, the campaign of Wei Wuji, the conquest of Han, and the war against Wei. Though there have been many victories in these years, there have been no shortage of defeats.

By uniting the armies of five states, we can defeat Qin. Now, with the six states attacking in alliance, we shall surely breach Hangu Pass, drive the Qin people back beyond the He River, force them to their western frontier, and restore the era of the Warring States.

Though the state of Qi has been reluctant to join, it is rumored that their envoys and some of their troops have joined the fray. Thus, Qin must fall, and the various states shall reclaim their former lands and wealth.

Filled with excitement and high spirits, I look down at my disciples. I can see that they share my sentiments, and that they too carry the honor of the Wei Martial Soldiers left to us by our master.

"Wei Martial Soldiers!"
"Wei Martial Soldiers!"
"..."

In an instant, the disciples of the Armored Sect were stirred into a frenzy. Hearing the words of their senior brother, Dian Qing, they shouted in unison. The Wei Martial Soldiers have always been the glory of Wei, and because our master was one of them, that is our glory too.

Our master’s final command is clear, and with Lord Chunshen of Chu leading the attack against Qin, if we can defeat them, our Armored Sect will become one of the premier sects in all of Daliang. As for the possibility of defeat? It is simply impossible.

***

"Sanniang, you... you do not wish to go with us?"

I am very satisfied with the performance of my junior brothers and sisters. Though a few have remained silent, one cannot force one's will upon others. My eyes, flashing with intensity, scan the crowd until they fall upon a figure standing quietly not far away. I walk over with a powerful, tiger-like stride and speak softly.

She is a woman, a rarity in the Armored Sect. Historically, the disciples of our sect have been men, for the cultivation of our hard-body techniques tends to result in a rugged physique and dense muscles, stripping away the softness and elegance of a young woman.

She appears to be no more than thirteen or fourteen, standing about a meter and a half tall. Her jet-black hair is tied loosely behind her, and her bronze-colored arms are bared, folded across her chest. Her features are delicate; though she lacks a willow-thin waist or