The night sky, dotted with sparse stars, enveloped Yanjing and its nearby regions. The ironclad gate of the Nanming Pass opened with a heavy dragging sound, leaving just enough space for one person to enter.

Blue Flame, cloaked, cast a glance at the Nanming Pass, which seemed to hold up the heavens. The pass was the first gateway to the south of Yanjing, with the continuous mountain ridges to the west blocking north and south; while the east hosted hidden currents and rapid waters controlling the waterways. Beyond the pass lay the vast plains near the capital, reachable within two days either by swift horse or rapid blade. Using the "Yanjing-Nanming" train line to transport goods and troops could cut that time to half a day.

Though the gates of Yanjing were wide open, there were truly only two major routes for a substantial army: the Beichen Pass route and the Nanming Pass route. Apart from the Eastern Dongyang Summer Alliance entering Yanjing through the Yan River waterway, the northern districts often detoured to Beichen, while the mountainous southern districts solely traversed Nanming. For example, the train line from Chenfeng to Yanjing first circled to Nanming Pass before switching to the southern line to the capital.

A year had passed, and train lines between Yanjing and the outer districts had long since been severed. Nanming Pass was heavily fortified, with even merchants being strictly scrutinized; recently, it had entered a state of war readiness.

Nanming Pass's anxiety was understandable: over the past year, the Blood Source Army assassinated the Canglan District's governor and clashed with the governor of Yanan County. Fierce and unruly, the Canglan District had become dominated by the blood-lust ambitions of the army, poised to march northward at any moment.

Half a month earlier, Blue Flame, leading the newly integrated Linhai Army, moved westward toward Canglan. Originally, Nanming Pass hoped to watch the Linhai and Blood Source armies weaken each other before launching a decisive strike to annihilate these traitorous zealots. Given that the leaders were haughty and aggressive, how could such ambitious pups possibly coexist in harmony?

Unexpectedly, the Linhai and Blood Source armies forged an alliance, marching northward together. Outside Nanming Pass, they stationed their troops and crafted siege engines but did not start the assault. Nanming Pass showed no fear; after all, the "First Pass Under Heaven" was not just an empty title. To breach Nanming Pass would require a sea of blood and countless lives, offering only the slightest chance of success.

Moreover, in Nanming Pass's view, Blue Flame and Chai Xun were merely collaborators in appearance, bound together in a marriage of convenience. Should casualties occur during an assault on the pass, they would likely turn against each other without needing any action from Nanming Pass.

The allure of subduing an ally was evidently far greater than capturing Nanming Pass. Without Yanjing's submission, the pass itself was but a dispensable portion. However, by conquering an ally, the victor could reign over Canglan — with its fierce soldiers — and the resource-rich Chenfeng, truly projecting the image of an imperial sovereign.

Nanming Pass did solicit assistance from Yanjing, but Beichen Pass faced threats from outer district armies, and the Blood Source and Linhai armies lacked the capability to breach Nanming Pass. Thus, the response from Yanjing was simply an admonition to "hold the line" with no further action.

As siege engines neared completion, with war on the brink of eruption, a letter was delivered via secret channels to Nanming Pass, thus leading to Blue Flame's solitary entry under the cover of night.

Blue Flame, accompanied by an aide, stepped into Nanming Pass to encounter an array of firearms and the cold aura of imminent danger. Hundreds of armed martial artists lined both sides of the road, aiming directly at Blue Flame — the commander of the outer district. Some martial artists looked at Blue Flame with provocations, eager expressions on their faces.

Blue Flame's demeanor remained unchanged, striding forward as if returning home, while the aide chuckled and murmured, "You're currently Glorious' highest-valued target. To others, your 'peerless under heaven' reputation is merely a quicker way to fame and fortune."

Before Blue Flame could respond, a thunderous salutation echoed ahead: "Welcome, Divine Marshal, to our humble abode. My apologies for not coming to greet you sooner!"

A towering figure over two meters, broad-backed and muscular, with an iron mask and steel crown, clad in heavy armor, stood on the staircase. Though unarmed, his mere presence exuded an overwhelming aura, akin to an indomitable warrior on the battlefield or a death-dealing executioner!

By comparison, Blue Flame, though standing at six feet (1.8 meters), appeared almost 'slim and fragile'!

"General Tung, spare me the flattery," Blue Flame replied with a wry smile. "I'm not sure which noble of Yanjing has shown me such 'appreciation' with this 'grand gift'. I truly am unworthy, treading on thin ice!"

The marshal welcoming Blue Flame was none other than Tong Xuan Ye, the "Fierce Maniac" and defender of Nanming Pass!

In Yanjing, marshals were often known by nicknames. As the saying goes, only the wrong name is given, never the wrong title. Notably, due to their prestigious reputation, few dared to mock marshals by their nicknames—though exceptions always existed. Certain characters might be perceived as derogatory elsewhere, while in the marshal's eyes, they were seen as positive, eventually becoming their monikers.

For instance, 'Maniac'.

The three maniacs of Yanjing: Cha Huan the "Death Maniac", Lou Yinhai the "War Maniac", Tong Xuan Ye the "Fierce Maniac". The 'maniac' refers to their daring and reckless behavior, while the preceding word indicates the severity of their actions.

The mildest among them was Lou Yinhai the "War Maniac". Having stayed at the Imperial Academy, with no experience in the outer districts, Lou Yinhai was known across Glorious as the gentlest marshal and the only one who hasn't killed anyone. At most, he would beat someone half to death during a sparring match. He never intentionally offended anyone (though unintentionally happened often), and he ignored any sarcastic comments or veiled insults because he couldn't understand them.

Next came Tong Xuan Ye the "Fierce Maniac", reputed for his "bronze skin, iron spine". Unbending and almost obstinately so, he does not bow in court or kneel to the emperor. If confronted with wrongdoing, he immediately intervenes to punish evil and promote good.

If reprimanded and the argument was sound, Tong Xuan Ye would admit his mistakes. But were the accusations baseless or an attempt at oppression, he wouldn't hesitate to beat the accuser senseless.

The harshest among them was Cha Huan the "Death Maniac". If any dared lecture him with principles, Cha Huan would first bombard them with historical evidence on a psychological front, then physically erase them. When in high spirits, he might drag opponents through the streets, berating them with eloquent retorts while encouraging the onlookers to applaud his spectacle — a display of verbal genius that caused his enemies social death well before physical demise, a nightmare for those who argue.

Yet, among the three maniacs of Yanjing, the one most disliked was not Cha Huan, but rather Tong Xuan Ye. The reason was simple: Cha Huan's methods were so ruthless that everyone would sheepishly submit, avoiding provoking his wrath; Tong Xuan Ye, conversely, seemed susceptible to persuasion, enticing some to test their luck at the edge of danger.

Despite having many enemies, Cha Huan also enjoyed numerous friendships; his popularity grew endlessly as a teacher. In contrast, Tong Xuan Ye was purely a soldier, accumulating foes rather than friends, which eventually led to his exile from Yanjing to guard Nanming Pass.

Yet Tong Xuan Ye didn't mind, spending three years securing Nanming Pass while eradicating issues such as corruption, ghost positions, and outdated equipment. Given years of peace, previous marshals turned a blind eye as long as tributes flowed, confident that no one would attack Nanming Pass.

Until the meddlesome "Fierce Maniac" arrived.

Possibly inadvertently, or perhaps three years ago, the Chief Minister foresaw potential events, Tong Xuan Ye fortified Nanming Pass into an unyielding bastion, ensuring its current poise.

Blue Flame cast a glance at the troops along the brightly lit city walls and then at the martial artists aiming at him, praising, "General Tong has remarkable command; it's truly an eye-opening experience, and I'm ashamed by my own inadequacy."

"Nonsense," Tong Xuan Ye's thunderous voice boomed carelessly, "compared to the Ta Bai Army, these brats have a long way to go! General Blue, please, this way."

Lan Bai laughed and said, "The Youyun Ta Bai Army is the strongest army of Huiyao. How many other armies can compare to them? Moreover, the Ta Bai Army is constantly engaged in battles, while Nanming Pass, located inland, has been long desolate from war. Not being lax is already difficult, let alone such majesty! I can assert that Huiyao has countless martial generals skilled in using armies, but in terms of nurturing armies, General Tong ranks among the top five!"

Even though he wore half of an iron mask, it was evident that Tong Xuan Ye was still very pleased, his eyes squinting with a smile: "There's really no trick to it, just eat with them, sleep with them, train together with whoever doesn't do well, help with whoever has concerns, and then train according to 'Military Strategy Theory'."

"Generals and soldiers must be unified in their actions, rise and fall together. It is that simple. In worldly matters, truth is often an obvious principle," said Lan Yan. "But many people simply cannot achieve it."

As they spoke, they already arrived at the Defense Mansion of Nanming Pass. Although the inside had posts every ten steps and sentries every five, it wasn't as tense as outside. Lan Yan seemed much more relaxed.

"Inside, the feast is already prepared, please."

Lan Yan nodded, looking towards the attendants behind him. He was about to speak when Tong Xuan Ye said, "Let the attendants come in as well. You both have hurried over, how could I neglect you? If General Lan doesn't mind, the attendants can sit together and have a glass of warm wine. If General Lan minds, I'll set up another table to entertain them."

"Of course, I do not mind."

Lan Yan exchanged a glance with the attendant, who nodded, "Then we will accept General Tong's kindness."

"Haha, please!"

The three took their seats, after three rounds of drinks, Tong Xuan Ye dismissed the room guards with a wave and directly asked, "General Lan wants to join forces with Nanming Pass to encircle the Blood Source Army?"

"Exactly," said Lan Yan. "I, Lan, respect the monarch and love the nation. I cherish Huiyao. I once served as the head of the Statistical Department to investigate rebellious factions, and with the appreciation of Governor Ding and Regent Lv, I have reached my position today through chance. Both sincerely loyal to the Imperial Family and Huiyao, they died at the hands of the rebellious faction White Night. I, Lan, am deeply indebted, inheriting their last wishes, how could I act in rebellion, and join forces with such rogue characters like the bandit Chief Chai Xin?"

"Then..."

"To not hide the truth, I led the army here because there's a traitor in Yanjing City." Lan Yan placed down his glass and said word by word, "National Relief Association!"

"The National Relief Association sent gold and silver from afar, hiring the Linhai Army to cooperate with the Blood Source Army in jointly attacking Nanming Pass! They've even bribed insiders, intending to cause chaos within the pass and open the gates when the assault officially commences so that the Blood Source Army can enter seamlessly!"

"I dare not disbelieve, nor let the National Relief Association's plot succeed. I feigned agreement, hoping to contact the Imperial Army to defeat the National Relief Association's plot and safeguard Yanjing's peace!"

Tong Xuan Ye was silent for a moment, nodding, "About the National Relief Association, I've heard as well. Occasionally, Principal Cha complains to me in letters that the Cabinet is nurturing danger by ignoring it... What is General Lan planning to do against the Blood Source Army?"

"In three days, the Blood Source Linhai Allied Forces will pretend to attack during the day but will commence the main assault at night when insiders open the gates. I hope Nanming Pass can thwart the insiders, hold the gates, and rain arrows upon the Blood Source Army from the walls. Our Linhai Army will seize the chance to attack from behind, cutting off the Blood Source Army's retreat route, trapping them at the gates with no way forward or backward, resolving the crisis at Nanming Pass."

Tong Xuan Ye nodded, "An excellent proposal, Nanming Pass hardly bears any risk, all risks fall upon the Linhai Army... General Lan, you're willing to sacrifice yourself, what do you wish to achieve in return?"

"My actions, for the nation and the people, need no return," Lan Yan paused then continued, "However, after the Blood Source Army's defeat, they will fall into dispiritedness. With no troops in Canglan District, the mountain barbarians might return in force. Against my better capability, I wish to lead the Linhai Army to suppress Canglan and help reconstruct a new Blood Source Army, thereby contributing a small effort in re-establishing imperial control over Canglan District."

"Wish to control both Chenfeng and Canglan districts simultaneously?" Tong Xuan Ye contemplated briefly, "Canglan District no longer follows imperial orders, temporarily entrusting it to your governance shouldn't hurt."

Lan Yan quickly said, "How dare I meddle with the position of governance? I hope the Imperial Court appoints a new ruler for Canglan District, and I will wholeheartedly assist without overstepping."

"Who would have thought the rumors were true, General Lan is truly a man of loyalty, righteousness, courtesy, and wisdom," Tong Xuan Ye exclaimed, "I initially heard you'd take revenge for your teacher and fulfill filial duties for your father, thinking you a hidden villain. Now, you are undoubtedly a righteous person!"

"Rumors stop at the wise, with time hearts are seen," Lan Yan stated, "A clear conscience needs no words."

"Excellent, truly excellent," Tong Xuan Ye suddenly asked, "Have you been to Yanjing before? Principal Cha would undoubtedly admire you."

"I'm from a humble background, had no chance to visit Yanjing or study at the Royal Academy. Formerly, I had a subordinate from the Imperial Academy, learned much from him. I'm full of admiration for the Academy and Principal Cha." Lan Yan laughed, "Hope there's a chance to exchange discourse with Principal Cha in the future."

"What a pity, you won't get the chance," Tong Xuan Ye sighed.

Lan Yan squinted slightly, "General Tong, do you mean...?"

"Before you, I've met another guest. Their plan matched yours exactly, yet the result differed greatly."

"I ask General Tong to bring out the guest, I can confront them in person."

"Indeed," Tong Xuan Ye clapped his hands, "Mr. Gao, please."

The side door opened, and an old acquaintance stepped out, staring at Lan Yan with hate-filled eyes.

Lan Yan was momentarily stunned but smiled.

"General Tong, you can't possibly believe what this man says? He is White Night's rogue, Gao Jin, an accomplice in assassinating my teacher Governor Ding Yi, the main culprit in assassinating my father, Chenfeng Regent Lv Zhong, a rebel plotting dozens of assassinations, a traitor of the nation with a bounty of one hundred gold coins!"