Great turmoil is near.

Everyone hurried into the tent. Zhang Liao immediately clasped his fists and said, “General! This device is so powerful, yet so easy to make. Might I ask...?”

Wang Bo waved his hand, interrupting Zhang Liao’s praise, and rose to his feet. “This thing is called the ‘double stirrup.’ Besides this, Wen Yuan, there is something else you haven’t seen yet. Fitted under the horseshoe, it is called the ‘horseshoe plate.’ Only a few days ago did I, after much pondering, chance upon its design. From what you’ve seen, if our Rising Han army equips the cavalry with these, could we not break the northern barbarians?”

“If all our troops are so equipped, a great victory is surely within reach!” Zhang Liao answered, his face brimming with excitement.

“Our lord’s ingenuity leaves us in awe!” The others echoed their admiration, with Xu Chu’s booming voice ringing the loudest.

After the crowd quieted, Wang Bo grew solemn and instructed his generals, “This device must not be shown to outsiders! Only those in the armory and the drill grounds are to know of it. I have already ordered the armory to work day and night to produce them. When the time comes to equip the cavalry, security must be heightened, and training should be conducted in secluded areas. Let no word of this slip out! If the barbarian dogs were to learn of it, our Rising Han army would be in grave danger. Do you all understand?”

“Yes, sir!” everyone replied in unison.

Zhang Liao pondered for a moment, then asked, “What of the Han government’s own army...?”

Wang Bo’s gaze turned cold as he fixed Zhang Liao with a steely look. “All of us here regard you, Wen Yuan, as a brother. You should know how grave this matter is. To reveal it to the court would be no different than colluding with the barbarians!”

“General, rest assured. I will remember your words!” Zhang Liao replied, a bit evasively, but his voice was firm.

“Good. I know Wen Yuan is no ordinary man!” Then, turning to Yang Feng, Wang Bo ordered, “Double the security at the armory from now on. Let nothing slip through the cracks.”

Wang Bo dismissed the others, leaving only Chen Dao and Zhang Liao behind. He addressed Chen Dao first: “I intend to transfer Uncle Zhi to the garrison, to take charge of training and defense. What do you think?”

Chen Dao hurriedly protested. “My lord, you mustn’t! If so, wouldn’t you be left...?”

“No matter! Zhong Kang can protect me. I see that Zhong Kang is devoted to martial skills; his heart is not set on command. What’s more, tomorrow I will assign the commanders of the Wolf Owl Guard to special duties. They will no longer serve as regular officers, but will focus on joint training and combat under my direct supervision. There will be no danger.”

Chen Dao replied with a dutiful acknowledgment, then added, “At night, I must stand guard for you, my lord! Please do not refuse.” Seeing Wang Bo nod, he said no more, and stepped outside to stand his final watch.

Now only Zhang Liao remained in the tent. Wang Bo thought for a while before speaking. “Wen Yuan, what do you think of our Rising Han city?”

“All trades are orderly, each person performs his duty, from the generals to the children and women—everyone’s heart is with you, my lord! It is a scene of prosperity.”

“And what of the Rising Han army?”

“The morale is high, the soldiers united, well-drilled, and possessed of a fighting spirit I have rarely seen in my life.”

“Haha, you flatter me, Wen Yuan! Since that is so, we are still in need of a cavalry commander. Would you be willing to accept such a post?”

“This...” Zhang Liao hesitated. “At present, I serve under the governor’s orders. Were I to leave without permission, would it not be improper?” Though tempted, he did not agree at once.

“There’s no need to rush. For now, why not train our cavalry for me? We’ll discuss the rest later.” Wang Bo said, a hint of disappointment in his voice.

“Honored by your trust, I humbly accept your command!” This time, Zhang Liao did not hesitate in the slightest and clasped his fists in acceptance.

“Excellent! Tomorrow I will entrust you with command of the Pinghan and White Cavalry. If you have any requests, speak freely.” Having secured Zhang Liao, Wang Bo led him to inspect his trump card—the Wolf Owl Guard’s training ground.

The horses were chosen from those captured from the Xianbei—a selection of the finest steeds, tall and strong, with thick coats and long tails. As per Wang Bo’s requirements, stamina for long marches mattered less than explosive power, which had to be unmatched.

The men were all seasoned veterans from the Yellow Turban army. Though not all were peerless warriors, they were at least minor generals of some renown in the annals of the era, and they had long fought side by side.

Mounted on their newly equipped steeds, the Wolf Owl Guard wielded their weapons with greater strength, executing their maneuvers with more cunning and coordination, calling out and clashing in a display of unbridled passion.

Yet, as Wang Bo watched in silence, he felt that something was missing. What was it?

It was spirit! Zhang Liao’s words were a revelation.

Yes! They lacked spirit. They lacked a bloodthirsty aura—a presence that could make their foes quake with dread and rob them of all will to resist.

Victory and defeat on the battlefield are often determined in an instant. Not only are skill and tactics required, but also the momentum of one who fears none, who would rush into death unflinching. Otherwise, how could Lord Zhang’s shout rout tens of thousands of Cao Cao’s men? Or why would Xu Chu’s mere glare terrify the famed Ma Chao into caution?

But how could such spirit be cultivated?

All along, Wang Bo had used the excuse that, without perfect coordination, deploying them in battle would risk unnecessary harm. He cherished them like treasured possessions, reluctant to risk them. Even at the Battle of Yunuguan, they only struck at exhausted enemies by night, never facing a true life-and-death struggle. And in the group fight against Zhao Yun, there were still Xu Chu and the archers of the Niu family to cover them.

Compared to legendary generals, they were like hothouse flowers in Wang Bo’s previous life. Could such a Wolf Owl Guard bear the weight of his expectations? Wang Bo asked himself.

It seemed he had no choice but to throw them onto a brutal battlefield, to temper their resolve, to forge their spirit.

Thus, the Wolf Owl Guard, who had been drilling against imaginary foes, were summoned and given a new training regimen.

Twelve men were divided into two teams: Zhou Cang, Pei Yuanshao, Ping Han, Zhang Baiqi, and Li Damu formed one; Liu Shi, Jiang Qi, Xia Zhao, Huang Long, Lü Kuang, Lü Xiang, and Wu Huan the other.

The two teams would alternate missions to Yunzhong, targeting the Xianbei tribal chieftains, carrying out Wang Bo’s decapitation plan. Any method was permitted. Every ten days, the teams would rotate, returning to Rising Han city regardless of results.

The remaining team would spar with Zhang Liao, Xu Chu, and Chen Dao, training to face opponents with different strengths: Zhang Liao’s expert mounted swordplay, Xu Chu’s formidable power on foot.

The deadline was the onset of winter. The team with the greatest achievements would be officially named Wolf Owl Guard Alpha, representing the army’s mightiest force. The others would follow in rank accordingly.

It was through such blood-and-iron trials that the legendary “Wolf Owl Guard”—bane of famous generals—would later make the warlords tremble at the mere mention of their name.

After two days of incessant autumn rain, the sweat of months of hard labor was washed from the Rising Han city’s people, revealing the towering walls of Yunuguan, stretching across the land for miles—a sight for the rare traveler. The mountain winds carried the unique freshness of the primeval forests, along with news of Du Yuan’s approach.

News had arrived days earlier: Du Yuan and his followers had reached south of Pingcheng, and after crossing the open valley, Wang Bo ordered Zhang Liao to lead the cavalry to greet them beyond Yunuguan. Yang Feng volunteered to welcome them in Wang Bo’s stead.

Today was the day Du Yuan and his men were to arrive. At dawn, Wang Bo led his brothers to a spot several miles outside Yunuguan to await them.

“Du Yuan is here!” Xu Chu’s loud announcement sent a ripple of excitement through the ranks, and cries of joy echoed up and down Yunuguan.

Accompanied by Yang Feng and Zhang Liao, Du Yuan strode briskly up to Wang Bo and dropped to one knee. “My lord! I, Du Yuan, have come late!” Tears welled in his eyes.

“Hahaha! Not at all! Not at all! Elder brother, you are mistaken. I, Qing Yi, have long awaited this day! Come, let us go inside and rest. Tomorrow I shall personally show you our home!” Wang Bo, delighted, helped Du Yuan up, grasped his hand, and led him toward Yunuguan.

“Wait, my lord!” Du Yuan laughed. “Let me introduce a brother.” He turned to a burly man striding toward them.

“Ah? This is...?”

“I am Yu Du of the Black Mountain Army. Greetings, General Wang!” The bearded, travel-worn Yu Du saluted Wang Bo.

“Excellent! I have long heard of Yu Du’s loyalty and valor. Meeting you today gladdens my heart! Come, brothers, there’s no need for such formality. Let us go together. Hahaha...” With one arm around each, Wang Bo led them toward Rising Han city, laughing.

Upon their return, a great feast was held, heartfelt words exchanged, and cups raised in celebration.

The three thousand Yellow Turban soldiers who accompanied Du Yuan, though somewhat tired and gaunt, carried themselves with a certain ruggedness—proof that Du Yuan had not been idle in the old camp.

After conferring with Du Yuan and Yu Du, the three thousand were assigned to the “Barbarian-Slaying Battalion,” while several hundred women and children joined the army’s logistics. Du Yuan and Yu Du themselves volunteered for the Wolf Owl Guard. With all arranged, Wang Bo took them on a tour.

The next morning, after breakfast, Wang Bo emerged from his tent to see Du Yuan and Yu Du approaching, chatting merrily—with a small figure trailing behind them. This youth wore a straw cape, appeared scholarly and refined, yet walked with the resolute stride of a warrior—a contrast that was hard to ignore.

What amused Wang Bo was that when the youth noticed his gaze, he lowered his head even further, and his steps, which had been quick, suddenly slowed as if startled. All his earlier poise vanished, replaced by the demeanor of a timid servant.

So this youngster was shy? Before Wang Bo could ask, Du Yuan explained, “My lord, this is Yu Du’s younger brother. Since childhood... he has feared strangers. I hope you’ll forgive him.” Yu Du chuckled and stepped forward, shielding his brother from Xu Chu’s unblinking scrutiny.

“No matter! I was only curious. Let’s all tour the city together!” Wang Bo, though finding it odd, trusted Du Yuan’s character after all their time together and pressed no further.

They chatted and laughed as they walked, Du Yuan marveling at the wonders of Rising Han city and describing the situation left behind in the old camp.

After Wang Bo’s northern campaign, Zhang Niu Jiao, Chu Feiyan, Yu Du, and other Black Mountain leaders had stormed counties and prefectures, making a name for themselves. But soon after, Zhang Niu Jiao—always leading from the front—was struck by several arrows in battle and died before the doctor could arrive.

With the Black Mountain Army’s future uncertain, after much debate, the majority chose the brave Chu Feiyan as their new leader. Chu Feiyan changed his name to Zhang Yan and took command. After looting Jizhou, they split up and slipped through mountain trails to plague Bingzhou.

The Han court, unable to spare enough troops to suppress the marauding Black Mountain Army, ordered each county in Ji and Bing to bolster their own defenses and train able-bodied men. Local gentry and powerful families took the opportunity to recruit private retainers and dead men, swelling their own power.

Yu Du and a group of dissenters, unwilling to follow, joined Du Yuan in the old camp. Hearing of the Rising Han army’s victory over the Xianbei, and with Du Yuan’s urging, they came to join Wang Bo.

After hearing all this, Wang Bo sighed, “The chaos of the realm is not far off!” Then he asked about Tian Feng.

Du Yuan replied, “Since you went north, Tian Feng was recruited as an aide by the governor of Julu, but he does nothing all day. His advice goes unheeded, and seeing Ji West in such disorder, he left in despair, seeking refuge with his friend Ju Shou in Ye city. He hasn’t returned in months.”

“Ju Shou, that old stick?” Wang Bo was surprised, then shook his head with a wry smile. “Birds of a feather, those two. If anyone thinks they can win over Tian Feng, they’re dreaming. Besides, both died early when Yuan Shao’s group fell, and Yuan Shao never really listened to them, except in his early campaign against Gongsun Zan. No matter! I’ll have another chance. Best not to increase my body count—Tian Feng has always treated me well.”

Coming back to himself, Wang Bo saw Du Yuan and Yu Du staring at him in silence, and realized he had drifted off again. Embarrassed, he smiled, “Please, brothers, continue!” They laughed and resumed their conversation as they walked.

At some happy moment, all burst into laughter. Wang Bo glanced back—and was instantly transfixed by a scene of beauty.

A rosy face, eyes shining with a deep violet-black luster, framed by long lashes, a delicate nose, and lips like gentle waves, parting to reveal teeth like pearls... Though only glimpsed for an instant—quickly hidden by its owner—the exquisite face was etched into Wang Bo’s mind as if carved by a knife.

Such beauty belonged to a woman—so why did it appear on a boy’s face? Before Wang Bo could puzzle it out, Yu Du, noticing his distraction, hurried over to ask what was wrong, glancing at his brother hiding behind him.

Wang Bo quickly forced himself to look away, insisting it was nothing, though his former enthusiasm was clearly gone. Sensing the change, Du Yuan and the others soon excused themselves and, accompanied by Yang Feng, headed for the logistics office.

Back in his tent, Wang Bo could not get that fresh, ethereal smile out of his mind. Even in a world as connected as his previous life, he had never seen such a stunning man. Surely Du Yuan wouldn’t lie to him; but if Yu Du’s “brother” was really a woman in disguise, what was her purpose? Could she be Yu Du’s wife, or perhaps his concubine?