The long-awaited War of the Strongest Army was finally upon them. The capital buzzed with anticipation as commoners and nobles alike prepared for the impending battle.
Clothing and jewelry shops overflowed with customers—mostly married women and their daughters—engaged in fierce debates over the most exquisite attire. The Imperial Arena's ticket hall resembled a chaotic beehive.
Commoners jostled one another, vying for proximity to the ticket holders. Shouts and curses filled the air as if the very walls were primed for combat.
In contrast, the upper echelons of the ticket hall exuded tranquility. Nobles sipped their teas, and servants stood in orderly lines to secure VIP tickets. The delicate porcelain cups clinked against saucers, a stark contrast to the tumult below.
But beyond the bustling commerce and social hierarchy, the true heart of the impending conflict lay with the Imperial Generals and their warriors. They were the gears that would turn the tide of battle.
As the sun dipped toward the horizon, the generals and their troops assembled at the grand Imperial Arena—a colossal structure nestled in the western outskirts of the kingdom. Here, the vast expanse allowed for maneuvering, though the modest number of houses hinted at the area's relative youth.
Among the first to arrive was General Shu Wei, a prodigious talent at the tender age of twenty. His gentle features belied a cold resolve—the kind that emanated a bloodthirsty aura on the battlefield.
Accompanied by his 600-strong lü (green) armored army, Shu Wei's camp occupied the western sector of the arena. They wasted no time, assuming their positions with precision.
The Imperial Arena, unlike any ordinary coliseum, bears the indelible mark of a legendary Earth Master from centuries past. This enigmatic figure not only constructed the vast expanse but also imbued it with ethereal spirits.
These spectral entities weave their magic, expanding the arena beyond its physical boundaries and accommodating thousands of spectators. And there's more—the miasma exuded by these invisible spirits subtly enhances the eyesight of those who behold the grand spectacle.
Following Shu Wei, the Red Army led by the esteemed young imperial strategist, Wen Ping, arrived. Despite being only 19 years old, Wen Ping's appearance made him seem even younger than his peers. But his mental acuity and tactical prowess defied his youthful exterior.
Titled the "Genius Tactician of the Emperor," Wen Ping played a pivotal role in the last battle that saw the six kingdoms unite against the formidable Fu Kingdom and three minor realms. His 500 warriors donned red armor, while his attire featured a silver-gold dragon symbol on the right chest. Their camp was stationed in the northern sector.
Next came the silver general, Mu Qing, a 21-year-old known as the "Lady Killer" among women. But to the men—especially his 450 warriors—Mu Qing was a deadly force. His every move sent countless adversaries to the underworld, leaving them bewildered. Clad in black battle attire adorned with a silver dragon crest, Mu Qing's presence exuded danger and allure. His camp was positioned in the eastern area of the arena.
"Ahhhhhh, my memories here are starting to pop up, ah those days are so great to remember. Oy! Xiào Guî! Long time no see, ah!" a sword flew in his direction. He dodged it easily while laughing.
"Don't greet as if I know a lecherous person like you," the red-haired youth said coldly, retracting the silver sword he had thrown into the scabbard of his soldiers.
"Heh, still cold as ever. Well, I'm going... best of luck," he smiled lazily, yet his eyes were dead serious. Hua horse started to move forward, his camp in the eastern area.
Other copper-rank and mid-silver-rank generals and their armies also entered the arena, heading to their designated camps. All of them were busy preparing their tents and weapons for the upcoming battle.
The next day arrived, and the atmosphere was charged with anticipation. The grand arena was abuzz with excitement, heralding the arrival of the long-awaited Great Hurricane. As a loud booming voice echoed throughout the arena, all eyes turned to the tall, green-robed man who exuded contagious energy, laughter bubbling from him as a small sand hurricane swirled in his hand.
"Hahaha! ForwArd boys! Let's show them our victory song!" the green-armored general shouted with vigor.
"We are the tigers, the mighty tigers! We're the kings of the jungle! Humans bow at us, other beasts run fast when they see us! Ohhhh! Ohhhhh! We are the victors!" The arena reverberated with their victorious song.
The last silver-rank general, Tao Tong, arrived among the three great generals. At 19 years old, he was the tallest among them, earning him the nickname "Giant." His rare ability to summon winds made him a formidable opponent, able to call upon the wind spirits at will. Tao Tong was known as one of the most challenging figures to handle, especially in battle.
The four generals finally converged at the grand Imperial Arena, along with the other lower-ranked generals, each taking their positions within the vast expanse of the arena. The tension was palpable, the air filled with anticipation and the promise of fierce combat.
The four great generals, distinguished by their different colored armors and flags, stood as the pillars of the kingdom, beside the three princes. Representing the guardian beasts of the YinYang world, their strategic positions mirrored the legendary creatures of folklore - the Dragon of the East, the White Tiger of the West, the Vermilion Bird of the South, and the Black Tortoise of the North.
As the sun rose on the horizon, the golden carriages of the Royals approached, signaling the arrival of the emperor, empress, and the princes. The warriors and generals bowed their heads in homage, paying their respects to the royal family.
The grand spectacle of the procession dazzled the onlookers. The emperor's carriage, drawn by a level 56 golden stallion beast, exuded regality and authority. Following closely behind was the empress's carriage, pulled by a level 50 red stallion beast, radiating elegance and grace.
The three princes, each in their own distinguished carriages, captured the attention of the spectators. The third prince's carriage, adorned with gold in every detail, elicited awe and envy among the crowd. The opulence of the carriage, including a blue-horned panther as the beast of burden, stirred mixed feelings among the onlookers, from wonder to pity.
In contrast, the second prince's simple yet elegantly adorned carriage spoke of sophistication and nobility. The rare White Beast Stallion pulled his carriage, a symbol of his unique status and prowess.
Finally, the arrival of the crown prince sent shivers down the spines of the spectators, except for the four top generals. His carriage was an imposing sight, exuding an aura of power and intimidation. The onlookers could hardly gaze directly at the grandeur of his carriage, shrouded in golden splendor and blinding to the eyes. The blue-horned panther pulling the third prince's carriage hung its head in shame at the sight of the majestic procession.
With the royal family seated in their designated places, the great tournament of strength and strategy was set to begin. The arena resonated with the sounds of battle cries, the clash of weapons, and the electric atmosphere of competition. The warriors, generals, and spectators braced themselves for the impending feast of martial prowess and strategic brilliance that was about to unfold within the hallowed grounds of the Imperial Arena.