Chapter Three: The Malefactor of Ancient Times

The group set off on their journey—Zifan astride a white horse, lance in hand, his figure striking against the morning light, while Guo Jia followed, clad in robes of pristine white. They made a fine pair of young men indeed.

Suddenly, the fierce roars and sounds of a struggle echoed from the nearby woods. Zifan promptly ordered the troops to halt, his curiosity piqued. Spurring his horse forward, with Guo Jia close behind, he witnessed a burly man with a blackened face wrestling atop a tiger’s back—like a god descended to earth. This man was of imposing stature, his complexion as dark as night, and his strength remarkable. Wielding a pair of massive halberds, he seemed the very reincarnation of the ancient warrior E Lai.

Zifan regarded the man closely and saw his formidable build. Amidst the chaos, the man’s voice boomed: “Beast, I have hunted you for three days and nights. At last, you are within my grasp! Where will you run now?”

With that, the man lunged at the great tiger, striking it with his fist and seizing its tail. The tiger, enraged, snapped its jaws at him, but each time its attacks met only empty air. Frustrated, it let out a thunderous roar.

“Brave warrior, allow me to assist you!” Zifan called, galloping forward. Drawing his saber, he slashed at the tiger’s flank. The beast howled in pain, its eyes blazing, and whirled to lunge at Zifan.

But before it could reach him, the burly man—none other than Dian Wei—yanked the tiger's tail with all his might. The king of the forest could not tolerate such humiliation; in a fury, it pounced upon Dian Wei. Yet Dian Wei, with practiced ease, swung himself onto the tiger’s back, seized its head with one hand and pinned a paw with the other. His fists landed blow after blow—blood streaming from the tiger’s nose, mouth, and head—until at last the beast fell still and Dian Wei ceased his assault.

“I am Jiwu of Chenliu, styled Dian Wei,” the man said, bowing to Zifan. “Thank you, General, for your assistance. I am on my way to Liang City to join the army, but I carry the burden of a man’s death on my hands. I do not know if the army would accept a fugitive such as I.”

Zifan was overjoyed—what luck to come upon such a warrior! “I am the newly appointed Sima of Liang City,” he replied. “Would you swear allegiance to me, join me on the battlefield, and earn glory?”

Dian Wei was taken aback but quickly composed himself. “Dian Wei pays respects to my lord,” he said, kneeling. Zifan hastened to lift him. “Brother Dian, your arrival delights me! I am in need of a loyal bodyguard, and your valor is unmatched. To defeat a fierce tiger single-handed—truly, you are my E Lai!”

Dian Wei nodded and rose, gratitude shining in his eyes. “Thank you for your kindness, my lord. Though I am but a rough man, ignorant of culture, I am indebted to you for recognizing my worth. I have nothing with which to repay you…”

System Notification:
Congratulations, my lord, for recruiting Dian Wei. For each able general you recruit, the system will present you with a mysterious gift package.

A mysterious gift package? Zifan was startled. “Where is it? Give it to me immediately!”

Ding! Would the host like to open the mysterious gift package?

Open.

Unable to contain his excitement, Zifan agreed.

Ding! Congratulations, host, you have received the Strength of the Overlord...

Ding! Congratulations, host, you have received 100 summoning points...

Ding! Congratulations, host, you have received the Cavalry Training Manual...

Ding! Congratulations, host, you have received the Yang Family Spear Technique...

Summoning points? What are these for? What’s the use of summoning points?

Summoning points can be used in the store to purchase whatever you desire. Would the host like to open the store?

Yes.

Ding!

Ironclad Army, one thousand men – 500 summoning points

Qi Family Army, one thousand men – 500 summoning points

Yue Family Army, one thousand men – 700 summoning points

Eighteen Riders of Yan Yun – 100 summoning points…

Zifan mused that, since there was no immediate danger and with Dian Wei as his personal guard, it would be better to save the summoning for a time of need.

Soon, they entered Liang City. Zifan proceeded to the county administrative office and promptly appointed Guo Jia as Chief Clerk, entrusting him with all governance. Zifan himself devoted his time to cultivating martial skill, for in these turbulent times, mastery of the martial arts was essential for survival.

Though he now possessed the Strength of the Overlord and his prior military service had left him reasonably fit, in such chaotic days self-preservation was paramount. He trained ceaselessly with the Yang Family Spear, mastering its swift and powerful techniques.

Time passed swiftly. In half a month, under Guo Jia’s administration, Liangzhou flourished. Zifan, with the aid of the system, trained day and night with the Yang Family Spear until he achieved mastery.

He then summoned Ding Feng, handing him the Cavalry Training Manual. Upon reading it, Ding Feng was astonished. “My lord, I know not whence you acquired this book, but it contains myriad cavalry formations, including many long lost to time. With this manual, I vow to train the finest armored cavalry for you.”

“I have been diligently practicing the Yang Family Spear. General Ding, would you care to spar with me?” Zifan asked, mimicking Bruce Lee’s signature gesture, his fingers flicking lightly.

“My lord, how could I dare?” Ding Feng replied, laughing as he looked at Zifan’s delicate appearance. “Are you afraid of losing? Or do you simply not wish to spar with me?” Zifan teased.

“No, my lord, I... I fear I might accidentally injure you, and I would not dare bear such responsibility.”

“No matter, I simply wish to test my skill.”

“If you insist, my lord, then I shall accompany you.” Ding Feng, seeing Zifan’s confident demeanor, had no choice but to accept. Yet, from his stance, it was clear he did not take Zifan seriously.

Very well...

With that, Zifan pointed his spear, moving with the swiftness of lightning. In a flash, he thrust at Ding Feng. Ding Feng raised his blade, but the impact left his arm numb. Startled, he realized things were not as simple as he had thought, and soon found himself on the defensive.

“My lord, your strength is remarkable...”

“Again!” Zifan urged, pressing the attack. Ding Feng, frustrated by the onslaught, fought back with all his might.

The two exchanged dozens of blows. The air crackled with the force of their strikes. Gradually, Ding Feng’s stamina gave out, his breath coming in ragged gasps—while Zifan remained composed and unruffled. At last, Ding Feng raised both hands in surrender. “Enough! Enough! I yield, my lord. I underestimated you and beg your forgiveness.”

Off to the side, Dian Wei remarked darkly, “My lord’s spear technique is truly formidable. In just half a month, you have attained such mastery. Incredible! I must learn from you in the future.”

Ding! The host has defeated Ding Feng...

You have been awarded a distillery...

Two hundred cavalrymen...

The Twin Flowers of Peerless Beauty—Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao...

Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao! Zifan ignored the rest—cavalry, distillery, what were those compared to this?

“System! Where are my Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao now?”

They are waiting outside. They are now your personal maids.

“Da Qiao, Xiao Qiao, come in!” Zifan called.

“Coming, coming!” Two petite girls entered, their skin flawless, their figures graceful. They curtsied. “Greetings, young master. How may we serve you?”

Zifan, who in his previous life had never known a woman, stood there dumbstruck, his eyes shining as he stared at the two adorable girls, not knowing what to do.

Seeing this, Da Qiao and Xiao Qiao blushed, lowering their heads with shy smiles. “Young master, is something the matter? Have we done something wrong? Please give us your instructions.”

“No, no, I just wanted to see if you were here. Go, go, have some fun…”

Host: Can you not be so obvious? That piggish look—have you never seen a woman before? How embarrassing.

Though Liangzhou City prospered under his rule, Zifan’s treasury was nearly empty. How could he raise funds to recruit soldiers and spare the people from suffering?