After the tense meeting with the high command, Xu Anping returned to his camp. The shadows of dusk stretched like dark fingers over the dusty ground. Although the meeting had been crucial, full of strategic discussions and inquisitive glances at his emerging figure, Xu couldn't shake the weight in his chest. It wasn't just the pressure of being among the leaders, but also the war that raged, both on the battlefields and in the hearts and minds of those present. He needed a break, a space to think and plan, but also to clear his mind.
Upon arriving at his tent, his subordinates greeted him with respect, but he barely nodded before entering. The silence of his tent enveloped him, and for a moment, the young leader felt that the outside world was far away. "I need to get out of here," Xu thought. Although he tried to focus on tactics, his mind was elsewhere: the village he had lost, his mother, and the sacrifices that had brought him to this point. With a sigh, he stood up, determined to leave.
He sought out his comrade Liang, his closest and most loyal friend. Liang was in the middle of a conversation with other soldiers when Xu called him. Although the moment seemed casual, Liang perceived the seriousness in his friend's eyes and quickly left what he was doing.
"I'm going to the city," Xu said when Liang approached. "I need fresh air and to see how things are. Besides, I want to gather information and maybe recruit someone with talent."
Liang smiled, understanding that his friend rarely asked for company without a reason. Moreover, Liang knew that his presence was comforting to Xu, and in times of war, a reliable ally was always necessary.
"Sure, I'll go with you. Plus, it wouldn't hurt to change the scenery for a while," Liang responded with a mischievous grin.
Together, they left the rebel camp and began the walk toward the city. The distance wasn't great, but the road seemed to stretch under the weight of their thoughts. The war surrounded them, and although the immediate goal was to rest and gather information, reality was always present, like a constant shadow over them.
The city was bustling, with the same charged air of tension that Xu remembered. Merchants peddled their wares, while rebel soldiers patrolled the dusty streets. It was a scene that displayed a fragile balance between normality and chaos. Xu observed everything carefully; in times of war, information was as valuable as weapons.
"Let's go to the market," Xu suggested, pointing to a crowded set of stalls. If there were rumors or recent news, the merchants would always be a reliable source.
When they arrived at the market, Xu and Liang stopped in front of a middle-aged merchant selling basic supplies like ropes and cloth. There was something in the man's gaze that suggested he knew more than he let on. Xu, with his sharp observational skills, noticed that this merchant was more than just a seller of goods.
"Any news from outside?" Xu asked casually as he examined some fabrics.
The merchant stared at him for a moment, measuring his response. After a brief silence, he leaned slightly forward and lowered his voice just enough not to be overheard by passersby.
"I heard something interesting while buying goods in the north," he said, his eyes gleaming with cunning. "It seems that the imperial general Lu Mu has achieved a crushing victory over the barbarians. It was a bloody battle near the river, but the imperial troops wiped them out. Ragnar II, their leader, has lost much of his army."
Xu Anping felt a chill run down his spine. Although he tried to maintain his composure, his heart raced upon hearing Lu Mu's name. That imperial commander was known for his strategic skill and for being the grandson of Lu Ang, the legendary general who had crushed the barbarian uprisings in the past. Lu Mu was continuing his grandfather's legacy, and now he had defeated the very forces that had destroyed Xu's home.
Liang, who had remained silent, noticed the change in his friend's expression and stepped forward.
"And what about the barbarians who fled?" Xu asked, trying to sound indifferent.
The merchant shrugged and replied, "Some of those who made it to these lands escaped from that battle. They are remnants, disorganized survivors. The barbarians have lost all their elite troops, and Ragnar himself has disappeared."
The merchant's words echoed in Xu's mind. The barbarians who had destroyed his home, those who had massacred his village, were being defeated, and the leader who had led them to brutality, Ragnar II, had disappeared. While Xu felt a cold, bitter satisfaction knowing that the responsible parties were being punished, he also understood that a weakened enemy could become even more dangerous in their desperation.
Liang gave him a slight pat on the shoulder, sensing that the news affected Xu deeply.
"It seems fate is balancing the scales," Liang said softly, as if whispering comfort to his friend.
"Maybe," Xu responded with a restrained smile, "but this isn't over. The barbarians who have fled could become more dangerous when cornered. We can't let our guard down."
With a nod of thanks to the merchant, Xu and Liang continued their way through the city. Twilight had begun to give way to night, and the flickering torchlights illuminated the streets. Although the city seemed calm on the surface, both knew that tension was never far away. Every step they took reminded them that war was a multi-headed monster, and while one head seemed to be falling, others might rise.
"Let's go to the tavern," Xu suddenly suggested. "I want to hear what else is being said. Besides, a little tea wouldn't hurt."
Liang nodded enthusiastically. A tavern was the perfect place to gather information, both from the loose lips of the drunken and from travelers who arrived with fresh rumors.
Upon entering the tavern, the air was thick with smoke and lively conversations. Xu and Liang sat at a table in the corner, from where they could observe others without being the center of attention. They ordered tea, and while they drank, Xu sharpened his senses, listening to fragments of conversations flying around the room.
A group of men at a nearby table talked about Lu Mu's recent victory, though their comments were more exaggerated and dramatic than the cold facts the merchant had shared. Others discussed the price of supplies and the difficulties of keeping trade routes open during the conflict. However, one man in particular caught Xu's attention. He was a tired-looking traveler, dressed like someone who had traveled long distances. He spoke quietly with his companion, mentioning something about a faction in the south that seemed to be gaining strength.
Xu narrowed his eyes, analyzing the scene. As the war continued, he understood that not only the Empire or the barbarians were enemies to consider. Amid the chaos, new threats could emerge, and Xu Anping was determined not to be caught off guard.