The simplest tactics often prove most effective. A single arrow, well-placed and well-timed, can disrupt an entire army’s advance more effectively than a thousand arrows loosed in haste.
—Master Wu Zhi, Commander of Ten Thousand
Xiulan expected chaos and immediate action—memories of siege warfare from Li Mei’s favorite historical films filled her mind with images of soldiers frantically scaling walls while arrows blackened the sky. The reality proved far more mundane.
The Chao army crept forward across the plains like a dark serpent, then halted well beyond the range of the siege weapons. Soldiers milled about in organized formations, their weapons glinting in the late afternoon sun. The enemy began to set up a fortified camp.
Ming pressed a smooth crystal into Xiulan’s palm. The polished surface caught the light, refracting it in strange patterns.
"What’s this?"
"Look through it." Ming pointed toward the distant army.
Xiulan raised the crystal to her eye. The world spun and blurred before snapping into sharp focus. The distant army jumped forward as if she stood mere yards away. Each soldier’s face became clear enough to count their teeth.
The supply train stretched far beyond her initial estimates. Wagons loaded with provisions and ammunition rolled alongside siege equipment on wooden wheels. Trebuchets, magonels, and battering rams advanced under the protection of skilled crews.
Ranks of archers and crossbowmen marched in formation, their weapons at the ready. Others carried wooden screens painted to match the terrain—mobile cover for their advance. The enemy matched every defensive preparation she had made, from ranged weapons to siege equipment.
They came prepared for a real fight , Xiulan thought as she lowered the crystal. The dizzying magnification left spots dancing in her vision.
Xiulan turned from the distant army to study Mei Chen’s alert posture before addressing Yang Mei and Wu Yan. "Yang Mei, monitor the northern flank. They might attempt to slip a large force around the city while we focus here."
Yang Mei nodded, adjusting her dark hair tie.
"Wu Yan, take command of the three thousand reserve troops stationed there. Harass any attempt to bypass the city. If the western wall looks threatened, either sally out and hit them from behind or move across the wall to assist."
"Understood." Wu Yan gripped her sword hilt. Both women saluted before marching toward their positions.
Xiulan ran her hand along the wall’s stone surface. The fortifications stretched high above, built with thick stone around packed earth. Their defensive position and superior numbers should have brought comfort.
So why does my stomach twist into knots?
The array of siege equipment provided the answer. House Chao had brought enough weapons to threaten severe damage. Regardless, when the battle began, cultivator prowess would determine the outcome while mortal soldiers provided supporting fire and defense.
Xiulan studied the distant army through narrowed eyes. Without intelligence on their cultivator corps, she fought blind against an unknown force.
The silver medallion around Mei Chen’s throat caught the sunlight. No. There was no need to consider that desperate measure.
Xiulan gazed toward the eastern horizon. Somewhere out there, Feng Yu raced to bring reinforcements. But how far had she gotten? How long until help arrived?
Movement caught Xiulan’s attention along the distant army lines. A lone horseman emerged, bearing a white flag that snapped in the wind. The rider’s mount kicked up dust as it approached the city walls at a steady trot.
The messenger pulled his horse to a stop beneath their position. "Lord Chao demands the immediate surrender of Blackmere! Hand over the murderous daughter of Lord Lin and your people will be spared!"
Ming Lihua shifted closer. "Miss Lin?"
Xiulan stepped to the wall’s edge. "Return to your lands now and your army will survive this day!"
The messenger wheeled his horse around without another word, spurring it back toward the distant army.
"So." Zhang Huo’s gruff voice broke the tense silence. "Does our pay begin now?"
"Not until actual combat starts." Xiulan kept her eyes fixed on the retreating messenger.
Sparks danced around Zhang Huo’s weathered hands. "Is that right?" He unslung the massive bow from his shoulder.
"What are you—"
Heat radiated from the arrow as Zhang Huo nocked it, forcing everyone back. The bowstring thrummed. His fire-wreathed arrow streaked through the air, far beyond normal bow range, racing toward the siege equipment.
A figure leaped skyward from the enemy lines. A massive arc of water materialized, extinguishing Zhang Huo’s arrow in a burst of steam.
Zhang Huo bared his teeth in a predatory grin. "Well then, I’d say combat has officially begun. Wouldn’t you agree?" His eyes locked onto Xiulan with clear challenge.
Xiulan turned to him with an icy stare. "Of course not."
"What?" Zhang Huo’s muscles tensed beneath his battle-scarred armor. "Combat just started!"
"That’s what I feared." Xiulan exhaled slowly. "Just optimize what you can. Make sure the civil service stands ready for tonight." She met his eyes. "Getting through that first assault while maintaining organization—that’s our greatest challenge."
"I’ll see to it at once." Liu Bao turned toward a cluster of officers, already barking orders.
"Come on, Mei Chen." Xiulan touched her companion’s shoulder. "We need rest and check the new headquarters."
They navigated through clusters of soldiers hauling fire-fighting equipment, the wooden wheels of their wagons creaking against cobblestones. Civil works teams rushed past with tools and supplies while platoons accepted weapons in formation nearby.
The Lin Family City Manor’s new metal gate stood open, allowing a steady stream of officers and messengers through its reinforced frame. Inside the courtyard, military personnel crowded under makeshift tents sheltering planning tables covered in maps and dispatches.
A staff officer bowed. "Miss Lin."
"Where are my quarters?" she asked.
"Right this way, miss." He led them to a plain wooden building that bore signs of hasty construction—fresh-cut lumber and visible nail heads where ornamental covers should have been.
"My apologies for the simple accommodations." The officer gestured to a sparse room. "Your belongings from the Treasure Pavilion haven’t arrived yet."
"The room will suffice." Xiulan stepped inside. A single bed occupied the otherwise empty space, its wooden frame unadorned except for a mattress and sheet.
"This is completely unacceptable!" Mei Chen stomped her foot. The entire structure groaned in warning.
"I’ll check on the status of your possessions immediately." The officer said in a hurry before backing out quickly with another bow.
Xiulan stretched her arms overhead. "We just need a few hours of rest before returning to preparations."
"Yes, Miss." Mei Chen’s shoulders slumped.
Xiulan sat on the bed’s edge, pulling back the simple blanket. She paused mid-motion as Mei Chen settled onto the hard floor.
"What do you think you’re doing?"
Mei Chen shifted on the floor. "I’ll sleep here to protect you, Miss."
"Don’t be ridiculous." Xiulan patted the empty space beside her on the bed. "There’s plenty of room."
A pink tinge spread across Mei Chen’s pale cheeks. "I shouldn’t... it wouldn’t be proper..."
"Oh please." Xiulan rolled her eyes. "You already snuck into my bed at the Treasure Pavilion."
"That was—" Mei Chen stared at her feet, fidgeting with the hem of her robe. "That was different..."
"We’ve shared a bed countless times before." Xiulan scooted closer to the wall, creating a wider space. She patted the mattress again with more emphasis.
"But things are... different now." Mei Chen twisted the fabric between her fingers.
Xiulan kept her hand on the empty spot, waiting patiently. After several moments, Mei Chen crossed the room in small steps and slipped under the covers. Xiulan pulled the thin sheet over them both.
"Do I make it too cold?" Mei Chen whispered into the darkness.
Xiulan laughed softly. "You’re like an air conditioner permanently set to freezing."
"A what?" Mei Chen turned her head on the pillow.
"Never mind that. I’m a hot sleeper, so it’s fine." Xiulan wrapped her arms around Mei Chen’s cool form. "I’ll sleep better knowing you’re safe too."
"Okay," Mei Chen whispered, barely audible.
Xiulan closed her eyes, letting exhaustion pull her into sleep.
A few hours later the building’s walls shuddered. Xiulan snapped awake as shouts and explosions thundered through the bamboo windows. The mattress shifted—Mei Chen already slid toward the door with supernatural speed.
Xiulan rolled out of bed, muscles protesting the brief rest. Her robes clung awkwardly, wrinkled from sleeping in them. The wooden floor trembled beneath her feet as another impact rattled the building’s frame.
A few hours of sleep beats none at all. The thought offered little comfort as she grabbed Severing Light from its lean against the wall. At least they hadn’t bothered changing clothes or taking baths—every second counted now.
"We need to reach the wall." Xiulan secured her weapon harness. "The bombardment’s started."
The dull orange glow through the window confirmed her fears—House Chao had launched their assault under cover of darkness. A classic siege tactic, but no less effective for its predictability.