Once upon a time, a formidable general with the Ma surname had emerged in Colorful Garment Nation military, but his superiors essentially forced him to move to the Blusher Prefecture out of envy, and he lived out the rest of his days there. In light of Colorful Garment Nation's obvious military incompetence, it had become a very alluring piece of free real estate for the three nations that directly neighbored it.1

Chu Hao had volunteered to lead this army against Sword Water Villa not just to settle a personal vendetta for his wife. Instead, the main reason was actually because he wanted to claim the position of general of the army that would eventually be sent to conquer Colorful Garment Nation. 1

If he could successfully bring down Sword Water Villa, then that would lend him greater authority and acclaim in the imperial court. Otherwise, even if the emperor wanted to select him for the role, he would undoubtedly be met with resistance from some more seasoned generals with more accolades to their name.0

If he could slay the sword saint on top of eliminating Sword Water Villa, then that would contribute significantly to furthering his agenda.0

Surrounded by his formidable army, Chu Hao was completely safe, and with that in mind, he couldn't help but think to himself, Even the heavens are on my side! Kill as many as you please, Song Yushao. Let's see what you're going to do once you're completely worn down. Soon, I'll be leading an almighty border army of over 100,000 troops on a northbound march, and I'll be the one to claim top honors for the eradication of Colorful Garment Nation! 4

When that time comes, there's a very good chance that I'll be able to claim one of the ten spots among the generals of the decade adjudged by Lake View Academy! Song Changjing of the Great Li Empire is nothing more than a northern savage who only reached his current position thanks to his imperial ties. In terms of actual strategic acumen and competence when leading an army, he's nothing compared with me!13

Chu Hao unconsciously tightened his grip around his golden paper cutter as the smile on his face grew even wider, and he could already envision his imminent meteoric rise.5

Meanwhile, Song Yushao had successfully withstood the second volley of arrows fired at him by Chu Hao's cavalry, and at this point, he was already no more than fifty meters away from the line of cavalry. Given the speed at which he was advancing, the cavalry had already given up on firing more arrows at him, and they had adopted...0