At Hanyang Pass, the garrison commander Xu Zhongxing stood on the wall, gazing into the distance.

At the edge of his vision, a sea of banners emerged from the distant fog, and countless cavalry charged toward Hanyang Pass, their army aura as immense and imposing as a mountain!

Xu Zhongxing pupils contracted slightly. He wasn’t expecting such an army aura at all. The Hanyang garrison currently numbered 50,000 troops. Had it been the original force, it might have been able to put up such an army aura. Unfortunately, Chen Dao and Yue Jinshan had drawn off many of the elite troops when the seat and new commanderies were established. As a result, the garrison’s army aura was far weaker than before. They would have to muster 30,000 or even 40,000 men to generate one matching the force on the distant horizon.

Of course, it was possible to obfuscate or exaggerate an army aura, and this army was currently on the march. Although there was the possibility they were putting on a show before the pass, it essentially represented their true strength and morale.

Beside him, Fan Donghe wore a grave expression. Moments later, he said, “This is a fierce, disciplined, and extremely powerful army.”

A skirmish general remarked, “It’s fortunate they’re willing to serve the court. With them holding the line in the west, our lives will be much easier.”

Fan Donghe gave a dark chuckle and said, “Easier? That remains to be seen. A wolf may hide its ambitions for a period, but it is only a matter of time before it is exposed.”

The force quickly drew nearer. Now, even the ordinary soldiers could see the massive character “Wei” emblazoned on their deep blue banners.

The force consisted entirely of cavalry—some 3,000 riders—all...