"Congratulations to the Lord of Destiny, who has successfully completed the achievement: Leading the Army in Person!"
As the army just left the city of Shengjing, Li Chenggan received a notification from the Destiny Stele.
"Wow, this is possible! Destiny Stele, what rewards does this achievement offer?"
At this moment, Li Chenggan was somewhat overjoyed, feeling like he had received an unexpected gift. "Is this some sort of expedition package?"
"Lord of Destiny, upon completing this achievement, you will receive the reward: One chance to summon a First-Class Hero."
"Haha, that's it?" Li Chenggan was a bit dissatisfied, shaking his head and muttering to himself, but the Destiny Stele seemed to ignore his complaints completely.
"Alright, alright, I'll accept it. Destiny Stele, summon me a First-Class Hero."
It was the typical case of someone getting a good deal but acting ungrateful...
"Congratulations, Lord of Destiny, you have successfully summoned Li Mu of the Warring States."
What?! The Destiny Stele was really generous! Li Chenggan quickly took back his earlier complaints. As soon as Li Mu appeared, he was overjoyed, completely disoriented with excitement.
Who was Li Mu? Born with a disability, he was a legendary military general! His right arm was naturally shriveled, unable to stretch or exert force. Yet, he achieved military feats that most fully healthy people could only dream of, which was truly awe-inspiring.
More importantly, the military leaders of the Warring States period mainly fought against armies of various feudal states, essentially engaging in civil wars. What set Li Mu apart was that his main adversaries were external barbarian tribes, and he led brilliant victories against them, which earned him more respect in history.
"Destiny Stele, show me Li Mu's details."
"Name: Li Mu
Courtesy Name: None
Dynasty: Warring States Period
Source: Historical Records
Personal History: Li Mu, of the Ying surname, from the Li family, born in the state of Zhao. He was one of the most renowned generals and military strategists of the Warring States period, alongside Bai Qi, Wang Jian, and Lian Po, forming the 'Four Great Generals of the Warring States.' In the late Warring States period, Li Mu was Zhao's only capable general who could hold the fort in the midst of crisis, with the saying 'Once Li Mu dies, Zhao will fall.'
Li Mu was regarded as one of the most outstanding generals of the Eastern Zhou states in the final years of the Warring States. He was deeply loved by soldiers and the common people, and he had a high reputation. He repeatedly defeated enemy armies and was undefeated, showing remarkable military strategy.
Notably, his battles against the Xiongnu and the Battle of Fei are classics in Chinese military history—one involving the complete annihilation of a cavalry force by infantry, and the other a textbook example of encirclement warfare.
Li Mu's life can be divided into two main stages: fighting against the Xiongnu on the northern border of Zhao, and later defending against the Qin state. He received the title of 'Marshal of Wu'an' after a great victory at the Battle of Yian against the Qin army.
In 229 BC, Zhao's king was deceived by a conspiracy and took away Li Mu's command, eventually leading to Li Mu's execution. His unjust death contributed to the downfall of Zhao, and later generations mourned his loss.
Rank: First-Class General (rank temporarily restored)
Potential: Four and a Half Stars
Realm: Star-Attracting Fifth Level
Cultivation Technique: Mu Tian Shen Dian
Attached Troops: First-Class—30,000 Great Zhao Iron Cavalry."
Ha! At this moment, Li Chenggan could hardly contain his joy and felt like shouting with delight.
Although, according to the Destiny Stele, Li Mu's rank was temporarily lower due to the healing of his natural disability, to Li Chenggan, even this temporary version of Li Mu was incredibly powerful.
Not to mention that even without his top-tier status, the 30,000 Great Zhao Iron Cavalry, all trained to the Fifth Level of Body Refining, were likely far stronger than the 8,000 elite blood guards of the Tang Dynasty.
"Your Majesty, we have spotted an unknown group of cavalry ahead."
"Haha, Zhou Cang, Guan Ping, come, let's go greet General Li Mu!"
Li Chenggan laughed heartily, already knowing that the cavalry he was about to meet would certainly be Li Mu's forces.
Zhou Cang and Guan Ping exchanged glances, both clearly excited at the thought.
The appearance of this Warring States general made them feel much more at ease, as it ensured their king's safety. Unfortunately, the one they hoped to see hadn't yet arrived, but they were confident that day would come soon.
---
Li Chenggan had just come within range of Li Mu's cavalry when he felt a rush of bloodlust fill the air. At the head of the group was a tall, imposing figure, no older than forty, with a stern and military demeanor that exuded the hard strength of a soldier.
Li Mu, now fully restored with no traces of his previous disability, was a sight to behold. Li Chenggan was certain that this fully capable Li Mu would achieve even greater feats than before!
"Li Mu and the 30,000 Great Zhao Iron Cavalry greet His Majesty, long live the King!"
When they neared, Li Mu and the 30,000 cavalry dismounted and knelt, showing their respect.
"Good! Everyone rise!" Li Chenggan's voice echoed, filled with immense joy.
"Thank you, Your Majesty!" The soldiers all responded in unison.
"Li Mu, I appoint you as General of the West. You will be in command of the campaign against the Xuanfeng Kingdom. You have full authority, and even I am at your command if needed."
Entrusting the army to Li Mu's leadership was the right decision in Li Chenggan's eyes. Despite leading the campaign himself, he had no experience in military command, and the thought of leading the battle made him uneasy.
As for leaving Zhou Cang and Guan Ping in charge, Li Chenggan wasn't even considering it—they were good warriors, but they didn't have the ability to command.
Thus, Li Mu's appearance was crucial, and Li Chenggan was more than happy to place full trust in him.
---
"Your Majesty, how will your safety be ensured?" Zhou Cang asked, his concern still evident.
"It's alright, I will stay in the central army; my safety will not be a problem."
"But..."
"Enough, Yuan Fu, I've made up my mind," Li Chenggan interrupted firmly, not wanting Zhou Cang to insist further.
"Understood."
---
In Huangfeng City, several generals and family leaders were gathered.
"Everyone, the latest news just arrived: Li Chenggan has led 8,000 blood guards of the Tang Dynasty to Huangfeng City."
"He's come at just the right time. We were looking for someone to make an oath of loyalty to the Xuanfeng Kingdom," said Yang Yu, the city's general, his tone dismissive.
"Brother Wang, don't be careless. Li Chenggan is no simple opponent. He recently wiped out all the aristocratic families in Shengjing, so we'd better be cautious," advised the head of the Huang family, Huang Da, who was also the city's lord. His strength was on par with Jiang Ran, who had been killed previously.