The western gate stood.
But everyone knew—
If Shen Wu attacked again before nightfall,
the defense would crack.
---
### AFTER THE FIRST CLASH
Soldiers leaned against the walls, breathing hard.
Arrows littered the ground.
Armor was dented.
Morale was shaken.
Lei Hua sat on the stone steps, legs weak.
(*I survived my first siege… Do I get a badge or therapy—*)
The system chimed quietly.
[DING. High-speed troop movement detected from the east.]
Lei Hua froze.
(*PLEASE LET THIS BE GOOD NEWS—*)
---
### A SOUND THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING
At first—
It sounded like wind.
Then—
Hooves.
Thousands of them.
The ground began to tremble.
Every soldier on the wall turned.
From the eastern road—
Dust rose like a storm.
A black banner cut through it.
A single character embroidered in silver:
**BO**
---
### THE GENERAL RETURNS
A roar burst from the city.
"GENERAL BO QIANG—!!!"
"THE EASTERN ARMY IS BACK—!!!"
Lei Hua's jaw dropped.
(*WAIT— THAT WAS FAST— DID HE TELEPORT—?!*)
At the front of the charging force—
Bo Qiang rode forward.
Young.
Calm.
Sharp eyes smiling slightly.
A snake wearing a soldier's face.
---
### SHEN WU STIFFENS
Shen Wu saw the banner.
His pupils shrank.
"…Bo Qiang."
The army behind him hesitated.
Because they knew—
Bo Qiang had never lost a battlefield.
---
### BO QIANG'S ENTRANCE
Bo Qiang raised his hand.
His troops halted instantly.
Perfect discipline.
He looked toward the western gate.
Then up.
His gaze met Lei Yue's.
For a brief moment—
The battlefield went silent.
Bo Qiang bowed from horseback.
"A pleasure to meet you… Commander."
Lei Hua's heart skipped.
(*WHY DID THAT SOUND LIKE FLIRTING—*)
---
### LEI YUE RESPONDS
Lei Yue nodded slightly.
"You arrived on time."
Bo Qiang smiled faintly.
"I always do."
Shen Wu's jaw tightened.
(*They've already coordinated…*)
---
### THE POWER SHIFT
Bo Qiang turned to Shen Wu.
"You mobilized troops without imperial order," he said lightly.
"Care to explain?"
Shen Wu laughed coldly.
"Or what? You'll arrest me here?"
Bo Qiang's smile sharpened.
"No."
"I'll block you."
---
### FORMATION CHANGE
Bo Qiang raised two fingers.
His troops shifted instantly.
Shield wall.
Flank support.
Encirclement posture.
Lei Hua stared.
(*THIS MAN JUST REARRANGED AN ARMY LIKE CHESS PIECES—*)
Shen Wu's soldiers panicked.
They were outmatched.
Outpositioned.
Outplayed.
---
### SHEN WU WITHDRAWS COMPLETELY
Shen Wu clicked his tongue.
"So this is how it ends today…"
He turned his horse.
"Retreat!"
The order rang out.
His army pulled back swiftly.
Not crushed.
But defeated in intent.
---
### THE CITY CHEERS
The western gate erupted.
Cheers.
Relief.
Tears.
Lei Hua collapsed backward.
(*WE'RE ALIVE— WE'RE ACTUALLY ALIVE—*)
---
### AFTERMATH — A QUIET MOMENT
As dusk fell—
Lei Yue finally relaxed her stance.
Bo Qiang approached the wall.
"Your command was flawless," he said.
Lei Yue replied calmly:
"You followed orders well."
Bo Qiang chuckled softly.
"I'll take that as praise."
Lei Hua peeked between them.
(*THE MALE LEADS ARE COLLECTING— THIS IS DANGEROUS—*)
---
### A SHADOW STILL WATCHES
From afar—
Zhen Ruo lowered his gaze.
"So Bo Qiang has returned…"
His smile widened.
"Good."
"Now the game can truly begin."
Lei Hua shivered.
(*WHY DO ALL VILLAINS LOVE 'THE GAME BEGINS'—*)
---
### END OF CHAPTER 24