The golden sun rose over the bustling Mongol capital of Ulanghan, its warm rays illuminating the towering walls and busy streets. At the city gates, Se La and her retinue approached, the dark witch's presence commanding attention.
Se La swept an imperious gaze over the nervous guards. "Open the gates. I, Se La, have arrived on behalf of King Guangxi." Her tone left no room for argument.
The guards hastened to obey, the heavy doors creaking open. Se La strode in, flanked by her trusted commanders - Feng Lai, the brutally efficient swordsman, and Jiro, the massive wind cultivator renowned for his tactical brilliance.
Waiting to greet them was the imposing figure of Ban Xu, Ulanghan's chief advisor. He regarded them with thinly veiled disdain.
"Lady Se La," Ban Xu said, his voice dripping with condescension. "We were not expecting the king's favored hounds to grace us with her presence."
Se La's eyes narrowed dangerously. "Watch your tongue, Ban Xu, lest I remove it myself. I am here on the king's orders to oversee the defense of Ulanghan against the Mongol horde."
Ban Xu scoffed. "Defense? I hardly think a woman known for her brutality and treachery is qualified to lead our men in battle." He turned his gaze to Feng Lai and Jiro. "And these brutes you've brought with you - do you truly expect them to inspire loyalty in my soldiers?"
Feng Lai's hand twitched towards his sword, but Se La raised a hand, silencing him.
"Your opinion matters little to me, Ban Xu." Se La's voice was deceptively calm. "King Guangxi has entrusted me with this task, and I intend to see it through, with or without your cooperation."
She stepped closer to the advisor, her eyes boring into his. "You will ensure that my commanders have access to the necessary resources and manpower to defend this city. Any interference from you will be met with consequences."
Ban Xu's face flushed with anger, but he held his tongue, cowed by the sheer force of Se La's presence.
"Very well," he spat. "But mark my words, Lady Se La, if your strategies fail, the blood of our men will be on your hands."
Se La then laughs and says they are now my pawn dear advisor I don't know how much freedom your previous governor gave you but everything in this land is now mine.
Se la then chokes ban xu so listen if you ever dare to act this impertinent to me I will pull your tongue (her face nearly psychotic).
Ban xu- f fa forgive me your grace ( his eyes filled with fear). Se la replies by saying now remember this fear .
With that, she brushed past Ban Xu, Feng Lai and Jiro following closely behind. The advisor watched them go, his fists clenched in frustration, but he dared not challenge the dark witch's authority.
As they approached the governor's manor,the night approaching Feng Lai and Jiro go to se la's private quarters. The room was filled with the pungent aroma of burning ganja, and Se La reclined on a plush divan, taking a long drag from a ornate pipe.
"Well, my loyal dogs," she said, exhaling a cloud of smoke. "What have you two cooked up for our Mongol friends?"
Feng Lai cleared his throat, stepping forward. "My lady, Jiro and I have devised a plan to capitalize on the Mongols' strengths and turn them against themselves."
Jiro nodded, his deep voice rumbling. "Indeed. We will organize our infantry for a frontal assault, drawing the Mongol cavalry into a direct engagement."
"And while they're focused on the ground forces," Feng Lai continued, "Jiro will position our archers and wind cultivators on the city walls. They will rain down devastation upon the Mongol horde, trapping them in a crossfire they cannot escape."
Se La's eyes gleamed with approval as she took another drag. "Excellent. I knew I could count on you two to rise to the occasion." She leaned forward, a predatory smile on her lips. "Let's show these Mongol barbarians the true might of Solarice."
Feng Lai and Jiro exchanged a resolute nod, their confidence bolstered by Se La's praise. Yuhan knocks on se la's door. Se la then orders him to come in.
Yuhan - I have just finished with mapping out the terrain I want to give my thoughts.
Se La raised a brow, intrigued. "Speak, Yuhan. I'm listening."
"There's a secret mountain pass to the north," Yuhan explained. "If we send a small force to flank the Mongols from that direction, we can catch them in a pincer attack."
Jiro frowned, his massive frame tensing. "Absolutely not. They aren't some measly rebels you fought this is a war.
Yuhan with his calm demeanor says- I am well versed in our troubles I may not be experienced in war but my teachings has led me to this decision.
But ....Feng Lai placed a hand on Jiro's arm, silencing him. "Actually, that's not a bad idea, Yuhan. If executed properly, it could give us a significant advantage."
Se La nodded, a predatory smile spreading across her lips. "I agree. Yuhan, you will take a force of a thousand men and lead the assault through the mountain pass. Jiro, you will oversee his command .
Jiro's brow furrowed, but he dipped his head in acquiescence. "As you wish, my lady." Every body leaves but se la calls jiro to stay.
Se La turned to Jiro, her expression serious she asks him to take yuhan under your wing teach him the complex ways of strategies and guide his fiery way of battle he is the future.
Jiro kneeling I won't let him be a disappointment .
He then gets up and says in a warm voice he is just like you his genius, his strength, and the hunger to improve is just like you when you were his age.
Se la smiles and says well I want him to surpass me, I don't want him to become like me. ( she and jiro chuckle to it.)