Infinity, The Arcade Age

In the hidden temporary camp of the Shu forces, Huang Zhong's hearty voice broke the silence as he entered the tent. "General Guan! See who I've brought back!"

Around the central map table, Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Zhao Yun, and Wei Yan all turned toward the entrance.

Following Huang Zhong's lead, Qin Ming and Ghost Lady stepped into the tent.

The sight of the pair made Guan Yu pause for a moment, his expression betraying a flicker of surprise.

Wei Yan, however, reacted differently. His face darkened instantly, and his fury erupted like a storm.

"It's you! How dare you show your face here, you bastard! Do you have a death wish?"

Wei Yan vividly remembered this soldier—a so-called Wei pawn—who had hurled a spear that killed his guard and even dared to chase him down alone. The sight of Qin Ming again made his anger boil over. He immediately unsheathed his Han-style straight saber and swung it down at Qin Ming.

But just as the blade was about to land, it clashed against a wide-bladed saber that blocked the strike.

Huang Zhong stepped in, his face stern as he deflected the blow and forced Wei Yan back with a strong push of his weapon.

"General Wei Yan! These two are here under my escort. Is this how you greet them?" Huang Zhong barked.

"You—!"

Wei Yan gritted his teeth, about to retort when Guan Yu interjected. Resting his Green Dragon Crescent Blade against the floor, he stroked his long beard and spoke in a calm but commanding tone.

"These two brave warriors are under my banner. General Wei Yan, I do not know what grievances they may have caused you, but as a personal favor to me, I ask that you let this go."

Faced with the dual authority of Huang Zhong and Guan Yu, Wei Yan had no choice but to suppress his rage. After a curt nod, he reluctantly stepped aside, though his expression remained hostile.

Guan Yu turned his sharp, narrowed gaze to Qin Ming and Ghost Lady. His voice was measured as he asked, "So, what brings you back here? How did the plan fare?"

Huang Zhong had intervened to protect the two because he admired their abilities and daring deeds. Since he'd brought them back, it was only right to ensure their safety under his watch.

For Guan Yu, however, it wasn't a matter of admiration. These two were technically his people. And as someone who valued his authority, he wouldn't tolerate others disciplining his subordinates without his permission.

But Guan Yu was not one to shield anyone from the consequences of their actions indefinitely. If Qin Ming and Ghost Lady had failed or made a mistake, he would punish them himself to uphold discipline.

At Guan Yu's inquiry, Qin Ming exchanged a glance with Ghost Lady. After a brief hesitation, Ghost Lady stepped forward and replied, "General, the plan is halfway complete."

"Halfway?" Guan Yu's expression sharpened. "Completion is completion, failure is failure. What does 'halfway' mean?"

"It means we're just one step away from success!"

"Oh? Just one step?"

Interest piqued, the other generals leaned in. Huang Zhong took the opportunity to recount how he had met Qin Ming and Ghost Lady, detailing their battle against the Wei cavalry and their intense combat.

When the group learned that the duo had killed two of the Zhao family's Five Tigers—infamous for their strength and ferocity—even Guan Yu raised an eyebrow, his gaze shifting to assess the pair more closely.

And when the two laid out their daring plan—to infiltrate the Wei camp disguised as soldiers, use the severed heads of the Zhao brothers as bait, and lure Li Dian into an ambush—the generals nodded in approval, their admiration clear.

Even Wei Yan's sour expression softened slightly, his animosity giving way to reluctant respect. The duo's audacity and intelligence had evidently won them some favor, with their overall standing improving significantly among the Shu generals.

"So, you plan to enter the tiger's den and draw Li Dian out with the Zhao brothers' heads?" Guan Yu asked.

"Precisely!"

"A bold strategy, but a dangerous one."

"Great gains always come with great risks. Fortune favors the bold, General!"

"Hmph. Spoken like true warriors of mine," Guan Yu said with a nod, his satisfaction evident.

After consulting briefly with the others, Guan Yu turned back to the pair, his tone more formal.

"Very well. Qin Ming, Ghost Lady, you have shown both courage and wit and have performed great deeds. I hereby promote you to the rank of Thousand-Man Commanders. Should this mission succeed, I will personally report your accomplishments to my elder brother. Further rewards will follow."

"Thank you, General!" they said in unison.

"Don't thank me yet," Guan Yu said, stroking his beard. "There is more to be done. While your plan is commendable, it would be unwise for you to infiltrate Li Dian's camp alone. The man is cautious by nature, and your presence alone could raise his suspicions.

"If we are to lure the snake out of its hole, then we must play our roles well. We shall stage a grander drama for Li Dian's benefit."

Guan Yu's eyes gleamed with cunning as he turned toward the tent's entrance.

"Zhou Cang!"

"Here!" Zhou Cang stepped forward, standing tall and ready.

"Rally the troops—no, summon everyone! You will lead a pursuit of these two. Make it look real—do not hesitate to engage with Li Dian's forces, even if it costs us some losses. But take care not to harm these two. Once the enemy mobilizes, retreat."

"Understood!"

Hearing this, Qin Ming's mind raced. After a brief pause, he stepped forward.

"General Guan," he said.

"Yes? What is it?" Guan Yu asked, his tone measured but sharp.

"Your plan is sound, but I believe it could be improved."

"Improved?"

The tent grew silent. Guan Yu's eyes narrowed slightly, and a faint tension filled the air. Few dared to challenge Guan Yu's plans so directly, let alone in such blunt terms.

"Speak your mind. If your suggestion has merit, you shall be rewarded," Guan Yu said, stroking his beard. His tone was calm, but the implication was clear—if the suggestion displeased him, there would be consequences.

Unfazed, Qin Ming clasped his hands and bowed.

"General, staged acts are always prone to flaws. Sharp eyes will notice inconsistencies. I propose that General Huang Zhong personally lead the pursuit—and that he shoot me with an arrow at the last moment."

"Me?" Huang Zhong was startled, pointing at himself.

"Yes, General Huang! I request you to aim for a vital point—wound me gravely but not fatally!"

"What?!" Huang Zhong exclaimed. "That's—"

"Only by making the act as real as possible can we truly fool Li Dian," Qin Ming reasoned.

The tent fell into a stunned silence.

Huang Zhong's sharp eyes locked onto Qin Ming, scrutinizing him intently.

"You're serious? This is no jest?"

"A gentleman's word is his bond!"

"This is a gamble with your life. If my arrow strays even slightly, you'll die!"

With a faint smile, Qin Ming replied, "Plans fail because of poor execution, and if this one fails, we cannot blame anyone but ourselves. As for your arrow, General, I trust it. Of all the archers in this era of heroes, I respect only two: the Galactic Archer Cao Xing and you.

"If your arrow misses, then it's my fate, and heaven itself has decided my death."

Huang Zhong's stern expression gradually softened into a grin. He raised his treasured bow and gave Qin Ming a firm nod.

"Very well! Since you trust this old man, I'll do it. If my arrow deviates by even an inch, I'll give you my life in exchange!"