Volume 1, Chapter 10: The Second Summoning, Ambitions of Restoration

The successful summoning of Yue Fei brought a radiant smile to Liu Xie’s face. "I am indeed the true Son of Heaven; who would dare to defy me?"

Having settled the arrangements for Yue Fei, Liu Xie decided to strike while the iron was hot and continue the summoning process.

"System, initiate a warrior summon, with a focus on martial prowess."

[Ding! The host currently possesses 108 points of National Destiny. Shall 100 points be deducted to initiate the summon?]

"Yes!" The system was truly tedious, insisting on confirmation every single time.

[Ding! Summoning initiated. There are five warriors in the current summoning pool. You may exclude one from the list, and the system will randomly select from the remaining four. The candidates are as follows:]

First, the renowned hero of the Water Margin, Lin Chong: Command 65, Martial Prowess 96, Intelligence 75, Politics 50, Charisma 80.

"Hmm? Lin Chong, the instructor of the Eight Hundred Thousand Imperial Guards, is certainly diligent—appearing in both of my summons so far. Are you trying to wash away your past grievances, or perhaps prove that the system nerfed you? What a pity, a real pity, but I must apologize—your attribute distribution is far too lopsided."

Second, the illustrious general of the late Sui and early Tang dynasties, Qin Qiong: Command 88, Martial Prowess 97, Intelligence 78, Politics 70, Charisma 90.

"Qin Qiong... again? Are you also looking to join the fray? Or are you itching to test your mettle against Guan Yu to see who is truly superior? A duel between the two door gods would certainly be a spectacle! But Guan Yu should still be following Liu Bei in Pingyuan County, serving as a minor official. If there is to be a duel, it will have to wait many years."

Third, 'Iron Spear' Wang Yanzhang: Command 89, Martial Prowess 98, Intelligence 72, Politics 60, Charisma 85.

"Iron Spear Wang? Another fierce warrior skilled with the spear! He is truly a sharp blade, capable of piercing through any formation."

Fourth, the early Tang legend, Xue Li (Xue Rengui): Command 95, Martial Prowess 99, Intelligence 85, Politics 75, Charisma 93.

"Xue Li, Xue Rengui! This is the legendary figure who 'pacified the Tianshan Mountains with three arrows' and entered the Han pass with heroic songs!"

"Love it, I love it! System, you must make this happen!"

Fifth, the Southern Song hero, Yang Zaixing: Command 82, Martial Prowess 98, Intelligence 70, Politics 50, Charisma 90.

"Hmm? Yang Zaixing, the fierce general under Yue Fei? In the Battle of Xiaoshang Bridge, he charged the enemy lines alone and fought to the death despite being struck by dozens of arrows. How tragic and heroic! A shooting star born for death, capable of breaking an army single-handedly; he always shone brightest in the most desperate of straits."

The moment Liu Xie saw Yang Zaixing, his heart stirred. He had a premonition that this summon would be him. Why? Was it because he had just summoned Yue Fei? No, it was because of the tragic end of Yang Zaixing, who led three hundred cavalry against tens of thousands of Jin soldiers at Xiaoshang Bridge, fighting until he was trapped in mud and shot down by volleys of arrows. It was a tragedy that broke the hearts of many.

In this life, Liu Xie vowed he would never let such a tragedy repeat itself. He would not only let Yang Zaixing charge across the battlefield and etch his name in history once more, but he would also ensure he lived out his twilight years in peace, completely altering his fate.

"Please exclude one candidate before proceeding with the summon."

"So it is... Instructor Lin, oh Instructor Lin..." Liu Xie looked at the phantom of the Panther Head with a wry smile. "It is not that I do not wish to use you, but in these chaotic times, what I need most are generals who can stand alone." As his consciousness touched Lin Chong’s image, the Cold Star Moon-Piercing Spear hummed with reluctance before dissolving into specks of light. "My dear Minister Lin, I can only apologize for turning down your zeal. Exclude Lin Chong!"

[Ding-dong, the summon has begun. Please wait patiently.]

[Ding-dong, congratulations to the host. 100 points of National Destiny consumed. Successfully summoned Yang Zaixing. Current identity: A man whom Yue Fei saved by chance during his mourning period at home. Hearing that Yue Fei is serving the host in Chang'an, he has come specifically to offer his service. He will appear in a tavern in Chang'an in three days. Being unable to request an audience, he is currently feeling dejected. The host may send someone to summon him.]

[Remaining National Destiny: 8 points. Insufficient points. Summoning process concluded.]

As expected, Liu Xie’s intuition was correct. He had truly summoned Yang Zaixing, the type of fierce vanguard he desperately needed! He would reunite him with Yue Fei to embark on a new journey across the battlefields of a thousand years ago.

Liu Xie was filled with anticipation. Having secured two great generals in such quick succession, he felt emboldened.

He turned to Zheng Sen, who was standing guard nearby, and asked, "Sanbao, I hear your ancestors had a history of seafaring. If one day I were to order you to lead a fleet to secure Taiwan and the Japanese islands, bringing them into the Han domain to expand our territory, would that interest you?"

Zheng Sen was visibly moved. "Your Majesty, I grew up by the sea and have always felt a special connection to it. Before entering the palace, I even fished with my family, so I have some small understanding of navigation. If I could one day lead an expedition, it would be the fulfillment of my lifelong dream!"

Liu Xie nodded firmly. "The opportunity will come. Once I stabilize the situation in Chang'an and extend my influence to the Yellow River or the Yangtze, I shall certainly build a navy! First, we shall conquer the inland waters, then we shall vie for dominion over the seas. I intend for the southernmost reaches of the South Sea to extend even further!"

Zheng Sen was confused—where was the South Sea? Did it mean the great ocean to the south? He replied, "Your Majesty has grand ambitions. I pray for your success and that your every endeavor meets with victory!"

Liu Xie laughed heartily. "You, of all people, are named 'Success' (Chenggong), yet you wish me success! But I shall accept your blessing. If we do set sail, I shall appoint you as the 'Sanbao General,' build great ships, conquer the seas, and plant the banners of the Han across the blue planet!"

Zheng Sen knelt immediately. "I thank Your Majesty for your grace! I shall offer my life and blood to expand the borders of the Han, and I will serve until my dying breath!"

[Ding! The host has satisfied Zheng Sen’s inner aspirations, increasing his loyalty by 5 points. Current loyalty: 95.]

"Hmm? Such a fortuitous outcome?" Liu Xie had only been speaking on a whim, moved by the moment, yet he had inadvertently planted a seed that bore fruit, raising Zheng Sen's loyalty.

Liu Xie looked pensive, as if he had just grasped a vital piece of information.