Like a skilful actor, Wuzhi instantly changed the rousing expression of passion into one of genteelness and subservience. A light, polite smile coloured his face as he pleasantly greeted with a bow. "Your Majesty."

The complex expression on Alexandros' face cleared and was replaced with joy. "Wuzhi!" he cried and nearly leapt toward the older man. However, he then realized his surroundings and blushed with shame; and barely held himself back. With an awkward nod, he said, "You've survived. I'm glad."

"It was all thanks to Your Majesty's timely intervention," replied Wuzhi, grateful and humble. "Please take a seat and lend an ear, Your Majesty. This humble servant has prepared counsel."

Alexandros nodded his head and occupied a seat that a slave had brought him. He then gestured for Wuzhi to continue with his speech.

Seeing that his liege had been seated, Wuzhi took a deep breath. He then focused his mind and began. "Where was I? Ah, yes. Lorden City."

He gestured at the drawn map of the Lowlands. "There are two routes which lead into Lorden City; the first route lies on the western side and snakes across many mountains, rivers, and valleys, connects over a dozen separate forts and cities and eventually ends at the Port City of Éclair. The second route runs opposite and cuts through the eastern side, leading up to the Port City of Somei."

"Should we capture Lorden City our advantage in this war will be manifold; namely, Lorden City sits at the back of both the Mu Household faction's territory and the Heavenly Spirit Empire faction's territory. By occupying this city, we will force both these factions to constantly fear their backs, thereby limiting their attention and morale. Taking the city will also effectively cripple the supply routes of both factions whilst bolstering our own. More such advantages are plain to see."

"Now, I'm certain that the question on all your minds is; how do we take this city which is famed for being 'infallible' and 'unconquerable?' Well, allow this lowly Wuzhi to quell your doubts."

Wuzhi beckoned with his fingers and a young slave quickly brought over a carefully-constructed model and set it upon the table. The warriors and tribal chiefs leaned forward from their seats, curiosity and interest apparent in their eyes. After giving the model a careful glance, they immediately realized; this was a model of Lorden City.

"Indeed," smiled Wuzhi. "This is a to-scale model of Lorden City that this humble servant had crafted himself."

Wuzhi had not spent five days in Lorden City merely gathering supplies and information; such tasks would take less than a day for the learned scholar to accomplish. Instead, he had spent those days exploring, studying, and learning about the city, its strengths, its weaknesses, the number of garrisoned troops, patrol routes and timings, and many more. And after gathering all this information, he carefully crafted a plan to conquer the city in the most efficient way possible!

"As you can see, Lorden City is a literal fortress of iron. It is armed with a healthy number of armaments and troops and has plenty of guard towers and keeps making it easily defensible against sieges. Moreover, it is protected by a wide river on one side and oversees flat plains on the other. To take this city by force is impossible."

"Such being the case, this humble servant has thought long and hard, and over many nights to come up with a strategy. A strategy that would not only see us becoming the masters of this city but also in a manner that is least costly for us. Please give it a listen and comment."

With an easy-going and confident smile on his face, Wuzhi spoke of his strategy in length. The faces of the listeners went through a variety of expressions before eventually settling into that of awe and excitement.

"Brilliant!" someone exclaimed.

"Such deep wisdom! Great Warrior Wuzhi must've been sent to us by Great Baal himself!" another commented.

While the other Hielanders rejoiced, only Alexandros wore a worried expression on his face. He too was greatly impressed by Wuzhi's ingenuity and reasoned that should it succeed, they would be able to take the city with nearly no loss! However, as brilliant as the plan was, it was deeply dangerous and incredibly risky for a single person; Wuzhi himself.

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Catching sight of the boy emperor's worries, Wuzhi wore a calm smile on his face and reassuringly said, "Please be at rest, Your Majesty. If there is one thing that this humble servant possesses utmost confidence in it is in my tongue."

"For as long as I have my tongue, Wuzhi believes that he can even convince Lord Yama to stay his verdict! What does a mere Lorden City count for?"

And thus, the plan was settled and the Hielands began gearing up to participate in the war for unification. Alexandros was left behind with the Hielanders while Wuzhi descended the mountains alone in preparation for what was to come. His role, after all, was most important in this scheme.

---

Mayor's Office, now dubbed Governor's Office. Lorden City.

Steward Zu stood inside the study with an anxious expression on his face. "Young Master, the Heavenly Spirit Empire faction has already sent their third messenger, urging you to join them at the frontlines. I'm afraid that we can no longer delay in fear of losing our ally's trust!"

Mu Yuelong, picturesque and handsome as ever, wore a blank, unreadable expression on his face and simply nodded. "I understand. Take you for the notice, Steward Zu."

Knowing that this was his master's way of refusing him, Steward Zu grew even more anxious. To be honest, he could not for the life of him figure out why the young master was constantly delaying leaving to join the military campaign. Did the young master not realize that with every hour delayed, voices of discontent and doubt would rise all around? Steward Zu shook his head. Young Master Yuelong was not foolish. Having followed him all this time, he understood this fact better than most.

But then, why was the young master being so reluctant? It did not make for a good show of morale for the soldiers. In fact, the young master's delays were causing the soldiers to doubt this campaign and caused ominous rumours to appear.

What Steward Zu did not know was that Yuelong did not want to delay setting off on the campaign either. It was only that… he couldn't!

After all, he had yet to receive the latter half of the research from Wuzhi!

'This damned, unreliable guy! Why hasn't he returned yet!? A month has already passed!!' A fire burned in the pits of Yuelong's stomach causing him great concern. He could neither leave nor rest assured before quenching this metaphorical fire.

Over the last forty days, Yuelong had carefully read over the documents given to him by Wuzhi. And his opinion upon reading that research was… brilliant. Absolutely and stunningly brilliant! It was incomparable to the studies pioneered by Yuelong; their difference was akin to heaven and earth.

Yuelong was certain that Wuzhi's research had the potential to steal the show at the upcoming Path Symposium, and that if he intended to bring honour and glory to the 'Mu' surname; he needed the other half of the research. As such, Yuelong dropped all of his schemes and foul plays and earnestly moved to accomplish his part of the deal. He had gone above and beyond to satisfy Wuzhi's requests, hoping to foster some good feelings in the latter's heart.

Alas, Wuzhi was yet to show! And Yuelong could scarcely afford to wait.

"Just where is he!?" hissed Yuelong. This wily older brother of his was akin to a ghost. He appeared when one least expected him and disappeared whenever one was expecting to find him. He never left any traces and utterly vanished into the wind.

"Another day. I shall wait for one more day before I leave," Yuelong convinced himself for the nth time. While he appeared resolute now, he was once again doomed to fall victim to the allure of that research tomorrow.

Just as he was intending to leave for his quarters and retire for the day, a voice was heard within the study. "Elder Brother has made you wait for long hasn't he, Xiao Long?"

Yuelong's eyes stretched to the point of nearly falling out of his head. He looked with his eyes and quickly discovered Wuzhi sitting with his legs crossed on the recliner placed at the corner of the study.

His initial feelings of relief and delight quickly gave way to doubt and wariness. "How did you get in here? I was not informed of your arrival."

"How else do you think?" Wuzhi shrugged. "I walked in here with my two legs," he answered with a sneaky smile.

Yuelong was dumbfounded. He pondered for a moment before casting aside his doubts; perhaps a servant had informed him but he had been too deeply immersed in his thoughts to hear it. It did not matter. Yuelong could hardly wait any longer.

"Quickly. Give me the second half of the research," Yuelong hurriedly stated.

"Patience, Xiao Long," started the young scholar, "is the virtue of great men." He then chuckled.

Once again, Yuelong faintly felt that he was being toyed with by Wuzhi. An inkling of anger blossomed within his heart but was quickly quenched by his elder brother's following words. "Were my requests met?"

Yuelong walked over to his table to retrieve a set of documents from the secret vault. He then handed them over to Wuzhi and said, "These are the schematics, production designs, plans, everything related to the technology from the Mu Household."

Wuzhi graciously received them but did not move to check. He asked, "What about the materials and machinery?"

"All materials are aboard two ships that are moored at an unnamed island some distance from Port Somei. If you tell me where you want the materials delivered, I will send them a message."

"Have the ships dock at Port Éclair," replied Wuzhi. Yuelong nodded his head and did not question his choice. After all, Port Éclair served as a neutral zone and was the safest choice for trading such goods.

Yuelong then hid the anxiousness in his heart and wore a calm façade. "Brother Wuzhi, I have risked a great deal to secure these items for you. How you wish to use these items, I will not ask. I only request that you keep my involvement in this affair a secret."