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Post by Tong Kai on Mar 27, 2011 3:32:28 GMT
Tianxi nodded in agreement. "Thank you and the road shall be finished in swift order." he stated before making a military salute. "If that is all I shall make my leave and gather the necissary men."
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Post by Tong Kai on Apr 6, 2011 3:45:43 GMT
OOC: sorry double post
Upon completing his appointed task Tianxi made his way back to the palace to recieve his first rank. With this he was ready to make his way up the ladders and gain true renown
Sun Ao Long is rank 1
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Post by Ma Chao on Apr 23, 2011 22:56:59 GMT
The Rise of Wu The massive doors of Jian Ye's palace swung open and the sunlight burst into the main hall. A long shadow was cast across the floor and standing there was Sun Ce, the young ruler of Wu. Under his right army was a dented helmet with a tattered red plume. His glorious armor was still shining, but it paled in comparison to what it once was. He entered the hall and moved toward his throne to sit. Yuan Shu had fallen and the armies of Wu had taken all of Jiang Dong. It was a brutal campaign, lasting months, but due to his elite generals the lands were swept clean of the enemy in a rather short time. With the likes of Huang Gai and Li Wang, along with Zhao Fai and the newly acquired Taishi Ci, the armies of Wu ass raped the enemy across the southlands. Sun Ce sat in his throne and thought of the coming turmoil. He had just finished establishing his new kingdom and he already wanted to move against another foe. Lu Bu was to the north and Liu Biao to the west. However, Ce had dispatched Lu Fei and Li Wang as envoys to latter in order to secure his west flank during a possible northern campaign. The hall was relatively quiet compared to the past, but it was due to the expanse of the kingdom. More attendants and officials were required at other cities so Jian Ye was thin on staff. That was not a concern that was a top priority to Sun Ce. He figured more people would join his cause now that there were no immediate threats. The people of the region felt safe knowing that Wu was now one of the most powerful forces in all the land. Soon enough, the young lord would send out a call to his elite generals to gather and prepare for yet another campaign.
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Gan Ning
New Member
*jingle jingle jingle*
Posts: 21
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Post by Gan Ning on Apr 24, 2011 23:10:13 GMT
Well you can tell by the way I use my walk I'm a woman's man no time to talk Music loud and women warm I've been kicked around since I was born And now it's all right, it's ok and you may look the other way We can try to understand Xingba's bells' effect on man ~Jian Ye~ The rumor hadn't met with Xingba's satisfaction at all. And he was not at all happy about having to put his men in this position, either. It frustrated the man to no end. Ning thought back to what had caused him to be where he was now. ~Days Earlier~ The sun was bright. Warm. It would have been incredibly warm if not for the deliciously strong breeze that was not only keeping the temperature manageably cool, but also propelling Xingba's small fleet down the broad Chang Jiang. Xingba himself was happily and drunkenly lounging on the bow of the lead ship, working on his tan. It was nearly time to turn over, he thought to himself. Time to at least sit up and have a drink, which is exactly what he did. The polished wooden jug sat beside him on the deck of the ship, staying fairly warm thanks to the brilliant sunshine pouring down upon it. Ning reached across to grab the handle and tilted the jug sloppily toward his mouth. Wine poured into his mouth, down his chin, and all across his bare chest. Several of his men who saw this burst into laughter, and Ning laughed right along with them. Issa good day, idn't it boys!! Damn right, damn right. Ning fell backwards and laid on his back now, the warmth of the wood feeling good against the warmth of his bronzed skin, and stared up at his brightly dyed silk sails flapping in the wind. Craning his neck around, Ning saw that the men who had laughed with him had completely stopped their work and had begun to do ... something. Ning couldn't quite make it out, but it wasn't what they were supposed to be doing. HEY, you scrubs!! That dinn't mean go all jackhole and get lazy! Get back ta learnin' your letters! I'm done havin' a buncha lazy 'lliterates in my crew! As the men scrambled to get back to their work learning how to properly read and write like good, proper, civilized pirates, Xingba thought he saw something else out of the corner of his eye. Seconds later, it was confirmed by a lookout. Yo, we got a ship comin'!Ning smirked as he stood, wine jug still in hand, and put his other hand to shade his eyes as he checked the horizon. Brave of them, he thought. Surely people knew what red sails on the horizon meant by now? Half of the deck crew had joined Ning at the rails now, and all looked to him for orders. Bring me my bells! Amid cheers, laughter, and random "Yar de har's" the ship was readied for combat. Gan estimated ten minutes before the ship was within shouting distance if they both kept their paces. However, within three minutes, the two ships had drawn close enough for Ning to recognize it as the ship of his old friend Kong Suo. The preparations for coming alongside were quickly made, and Ning jumped across to his friend's ship to embrace him warmly. Liangde!! Good ta see ya again! What brings your sorry self up ta my stretch of river, eh? The solemn look on Suo's face, however, caused Ning to pause silently. Guessin' it ain't just a friendly chat then...Suo shook his head once. My old friend, I bring terrible news for you. We intercepted a merchant just yesterday and he claimed that the forces of Sun Ce, previously focused on consolidating their rule in the south, have mopped up the remnants of their rivals there and dispatched a portion of their forces to deal with pirates on the rivers. Suo sighed and placed a hand on his good friend's shoulder. And apparently someone in the Sun forces has developed a mighty new type of warship that puts our ships to shame...Xingba shrugged off his friend's hand. His first thought would have been to dismiss it outright, if he had not heard the same rumors himself not three days past. And if Liangde was advocating caution, well, the Gentleman Pirate was not known for caution half as much as he was known for his foresight and decisive actions. Ning muttered a curse or seven under his breath, but finally nodded. Whaddya think we should do, Liangde? Xingba didn't like what his friend said next... ~Jian Ye~ Ning strode confidently down the main street of Jian Ye, Suo at his side, a fair portion of his men at his back. Ning had even put a shirt on, and his bells jingling merrily as they walked. The smirk never left his face as they walked, especially since people backed out of his way the second they heard the jingle of the bells at his waist. At least these people have some sense, Xingba thought to himself, even if I don't. Suo's brilliant plan had been just this: turn themselves and their men in to Sun Ce and offer to use their piratical experiences and contacts to bring their brethren away from piracy and into "legitimate" work, more specifically working for the Sun clan. Xingba was not at all confident that this would work, although there was nothing about his appearance or mannerisms that would suggest this was the case. Still cocky, still arrogant, he played the part to its roots, as he always had. It took some measure of guts to walk into the lair of the men trying to hunt him down, and with bells on, no less! All the same, Gan Ning sauntered his way through the city to the gates of the palace and addressed the guards. This would determine his fate... Ya know who I am, and ya know I wouldn't be here without a damn good reason. Lemme in ta see Sun Ce.Suo shook his head at his protege. Still so much to learn. He quickly stepped to the fore, his fine silk robe shining in the sunlight. What my dear Gan Ning meant to say was that we come bearing no ill will to the lord of the southlands, and bring with us an offer, if your lord is willing to hear it.Suo bowed slightly, and Ning, following suit, merely inclined his head, the smirk still on his lips.
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Post by Li Wang on Apr 25, 2011 1:53:56 GMT
A message is dispatched to Li Wang, informing him of his imperial promotion to Field Commander (Rank 3).
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Post by Ma Chao on Apr 25, 2011 13:25:09 GMT
There were two guards stationed at the main gates to the palace. Unlike the other cities of Wu, Jian Ye was massive and had two sets of gates with guards. One was at the main entrance to the city and the other at the palace.
The sound of bells instantly sent chills down the spines of both guards. Word had spread throughout the region of a deadly pirate who wore bells around his waist signaling his diabolical presence. With the dirty pirate was a group of others and they had been navigating the Chang Jiang for months pillaging Wu vessels heading back and forth to Lu Jiang.
Gan Ning’s gruff voice snapped the guards back from their visions of burning ships and floating carcasses. Immediately, one of them grabbed hold a spear and set it at the ready; just in case.
The man with Gan Ning seemed a bit more refined and he spoke up as to not offend the guards. It would not be a good day if the pirates were going to be their stereotypical selves. Sun Ce employed men of skill from all walks of life, even some former pirates, but he would not stand for disrespect from anyone.
“You may enter, but you will be escorted to see our lord.”
The gates began to open and the guards watched the two visitors carefully as they walked through. Two more soldiers were waiting in the courtyard to the palace and all four men moved up the stairs toward the main hall.
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Post by Boydie on Apr 25, 2011 17:54:56 GMT
It had been a long journey on his royal steed but Gai had made the march in a personal best time from the fortress of Jian An to the Capital of Sun Ce’s empire, Jian Ye. Gai had made the same journey numerous time’s at the request of Sun Ce. But this time Ce was totally anonymous to any visit by Gai any time soon.
“General! We have arrived at Jian Ye!” One of Gai personal bodyguard’s said.
“Yes I can see that you idiot!”
Huang Gai had been in a awful mood after learning about Li Wang whereabouts. Li had been sent to as an Envoy to the dog Liu Biao. The same man behind the murder of the departed Sun Jian, the ‘Great Lord’. Now Lord Ce wants an alliance with a beastly murderer. This didn’t sit right with Gai and he would show Sun Ce his wrong doings. Even if his outspoken advisory costs him his life.
The palace was vast. The main entrance is heavy guarded by the Jian Ye palace guard, an elite unit trained by Huang Gai himself to protect Sun Ce after conquering the province. Gai galloped towards the iron gates. The palace guards swiftly readied they’re weapon’s.
“HALT!” One of the guards shouted.
Gai pulled up fast. “It is me, Grand Commander Huang Gai!”
The guard’s held they’re ground, but put they're weapon's away from sight expect from one guard. A cold sweat dripped down one of the guard's forehead has he spoke, forgetting to put his sword back in its scabbard.
“General! We weren’t informed about your visit! Lord Sun Ce is currently in a conference with a potential new officer!”
Huang Gai stepped off his steed and walked slowly towards the guard, fixing his eyes on the sword.
“If you continue to point your short sword towards me… I will have you executed on the spot you stand!”
The guard quickly realised his major mistake and swiftly put his sword into his scabbard and bowed so slow his forehead almost touched the polished floor.
“Grand Commander. Please forgive me. I didn’t mean any disrespects.”
Huang Gai rolled his eyes, and grabbed the man. The man shriek loudly.
“Get up! Now go and inform Lord Sun Ce that I have arrived for him to hear my declamation!”
The guard bowed again before running deep into the palace to find Sun Ce.
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Gan Ning
New Member
*jingle jingle jingle*
Posts: 21
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Post by Gan Ning on Apr 25, 2011 22:29:26 GMT
Xingba raised an eyebrow at the guards as a mere two of them escorted his merry band of brigands through the city. Outwardly he shrugged his indifference, while inwardly he deduced some of the other safeguards Sun Ce would no doubt have in place in his new capital city. It was a fun exercise and passed the time until they reached the palace courtyard.
As they approached the palace, Ning took one of his lieutenants roughly by the arm and spoke instructions. Find yerselves a nice, quiet place to do nice, quiet things while I'm talkin' ta Sun Ce. If I hear 'bout any ruckus, it'll be yer own head on my prow, ya dig? The swarthy pirate's face blanched, but he nodded his understanding, and Xingba's men disappeared a moment later. That left Gan Ning and Kong Suo alone with the guardsmen as they entered the courtyard.
Up the many stairs and through massive doors they led Xingba and Liangde, up through a large hallway and finally into a room hung with banners. In this room was a throne. On that throne sat the imposing (even to Gan Ning) visage of Sun Ce himself. Xingba took this opportunity to carefully observe this man he had heard so much about recently. Battle-worn armor shined in the light, a plumed helm at his side told of many battles entered, and many victories managed.
Ning looked at Suo, who nodded silently. Suo reached to his waist and unbuckled his sheathed sword, a movement that drew a momentary intake of alarmed breath from the guards nearby. Suo had yet to take his eyes off of the imposing figure seated before him, and very purposefully held his sword at arm's length to his side, which a guard quickly moved to collect. Ning saw this action and mimicked his compatriot and friend, steeling himself for what would come next. It was to him and life-changing moment. After his own sword had been collected, Ning moved forward a few paces to separate himself from the massive frame of the main door, and bowed respectfully as Suo had taught him.
Ning's bells jingled softly as he did so, and his voice sounded rough and low as it echoed around the hall. He tried to speak as properly as he could in the presence of the lord of Wu. Lord Sun Ce, I'm Gan Ning. My friend's called Kong Suo. We're... uhh, pirates, my lord. But please don't be judgin' us too fast. We got an offer to put before your lordship.
Ning swallowed hard against the feeling of helplessness rising within him. What was he doing here? So what if they had a big fleet of shiny new warships? He could find other places to be, right? But what then? Just keep being the same as he always had been? Wasn't he trying to do the exact opposite? Why else would he have begun teaching his piratical pals how to read and write? No, he wanted to end his life of drifting and become something more. Kong Suo had shown him that all those years ago. Ning just hadn't found the right guy to serve yet (or anyone who'd have him, for that matter). Maybe this Sun Ce would be different...
Lord Sun, me an' Liangde here wanna turn over a new leaf, so ta speak. We bin' talkin' for a while now, and he's been teaching me what he knows about bein' all scholarly and gentleman-like, and I like what I've learned so far. Tried to quit the pirate life a while back to join Liu Biao, but that didn't happen. Hopin' you can see some real talent when you, uhhh, see it. Xingba was floundering, and he knew it. He was never much for words, and everything he said just sounded hollow in light of his most recent employment.
He glanced over at Kong Liangde, who noticed the cue and immediately stepped in with a bow. My Lord Sun Ce, what my good friend Gan Xingba is stumbling over is simply this: we wish to serve you, if you would have us, and would offer you this. We know of your desire to rid the waters of your territory of pirates like ourselves, but have newly established your dominion over this area. With your forces spread out to bring peace and stability to the region and consolidate your new power, surely you have better use for your own men than chasing down pirates. Use us, instead. We know the waters well, we know the men you would hunt. Pirates are not all as evil and self-serving as you may have been led to believe, and if Gan and I were to bring word of your, shall we say, magnanimity? We would be sure to clear out much of the pirate threat, and bring many able sailors and warriors into your fold. I humbly bring this offer before you, and hope that it might meet with your satisfaction. Liangde bowed once more, and Xingba immediately followed suit, relieved that his friend could actually put a full sentence together. Now, would Sun Ce accept this proposal, or would their own heads decorate the walls of Jian Ye?
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Post by Ma Chao on Apr 26, 2011 1:16:09 GMT
The sun was descending in the west and its remaining rays were shining on Jian Ye's palace. Sun Ce had to squint when he looked toward the group entering the main hall and he could only make out the dark silhouettes of four men. They approached the throne and soon Bofu could discern who was now present before him. Two of his guards were accompanying two other men, visitors to the city it seemed.
As soon as Sun Ce had returned to the city, it was bursting with new life. There was also the concern that things would be out of order and it was as if many officials as well as servants were on edge. Many of them hustled and bustled through the hall, carrying orders from Bofu or just moving toward another part of the palace.
The commotion surrounding the meeting immediately came to a halt when Gan Ning moved forward to speak. At first, the subtle ringing of his bells had caught some attention. However, the mention of pirates entered into the collective ear of all present and they nearly shit themselves. Eyes buldged and whispers began to spread like a virus through the room. Any women that were in the area were ushered away and valuables were watched over carefully.
Sun Ce stood at the mention of pirates. He had recently sent multiple generals to deal with the threat and now two stood before him. It would take but a wave of his hand and their lives would be cut short. However, the young lord was utterly impressed. Had it not been for Kong Suo, the two may have been killed. Bofu thought that Gan Ning's bravery and new morals were commendable, but it was Kong Suo's well spoken words that amazed him. Suo was a perfect compliment to his friend who was rough around the edges, so to speak.
"It is well known that I employ men of talent and worth", he said, turning to place his helmet upon the throne.
"I have men serving who have killed others in their daily lives. They wanted to make up for their nefarious acts by fighting for their kingdom. A worthy endeavor, indeed."
Sun Ce moved down the few stairs in front of the throne and approached both men. Their weapons had already been confiscated, but many guards stood at the ready as their lord moved toward Gan Ning and Kong Suo.
"Your plan is sound and better than what we already have in place. The new path you have both chosen to follow is worthy, but now you must prove your talent."
A sigh of relief washed over the hall and many of the officials went back to their business. Still, others watched in awe. They had never seen a man such as Gan Ning in person before. Parents of naughty children would ring bells at night to scare their children to sleep. It was akin to a crowd of onlookers surrounding a wild tiger.
"Make yourselves at home in the officer district of the city, then set out on your task. I will have a few men traveling with you and they will report back to me with your accomplishments."
Sun Ce nodded to both men and then to a few attendants that would lead them through the large city. It was then that he noticed a messenger making haste into the hall.
The messenger informed Sun Ce that the Grand Commander of Wu, Huang Gai, was in Jian Ye. Immediately, the staff present were ordered to prepare a feast.
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Gan Ning
New Member
*jingle jingle jingle*
Posts: 21
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Post by Gan Ning on Apr 26, 2011 10:24:09 GMT
Ning and Duo bowed low, a wash of relief drifting over Gan Ning. Now it was time to get some work done. Ya won't regret yet decision, Lord Sun. Of that, ye can be certain. We'll be back quick as we can.
The two men followed the attendants who led them out of the palace. With a word, Ning sent Duo to gather the men they had brought with them, while Ning took the men Sun Ce had assigned to come with him to their small fleet of ships. Now the fun begins...
((Crappy post, but on my phone omw to work. I'll start the task this afternoon))
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Post by NPC Account on Apr 28, 2011 10:09:13 GMT
Liu Biao had sent Cai Mao to visit his new ally Sun Ce. The Tiger Cub had given Liu Biao many great gifts and he had felt the need to return the favor. He entrusted the duty to Cai Mao. As Cai Mao approached the palace, he bowed before the guards. "I come to deliver these goods and a message to Lord Sun Ce by orders of Lord Liu Biao in honor of our alliance. I request that you allow me to pass and fulfill my duty."Cai Mao waited impatiently as one of the guards disappeared inside. He hoped the guard would hurry as he personally desired to view some of the city before returning home.
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Post by Ma Chao on Apr 28, 2011 13:44:44 GMT
The two guards had heard of the recent alliance brought to fruition by Li Wang. Liu Biao was now and ally to Wu. The new situation did not sit well with Huang Gai and the veteran let his lord know what was on his mind. Gai had voiced his concern over Sun Ce's decision and also scolded him for allowing Sun Jian's murderer to join forces with them. However, it was a necessary move to keep the western flank secure.
"One moment", a guard stated before turning to talk to someone through the gate. He was checking with his superior to see if anyone was expecting a messenger from Liu Biao.
"Welcome to Jian Ye."
The gates began to open and Cai Mao was allowed in. He would be allowed through the palace ground gates as well and then he could move towards the main hall where Sun Ce was located.
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Post by Boydie on Apr 28, 2011 13:47:37 GMT
OCC: Oh shit, you posted first, 3min's between each post.
The Jian Ye guard stood at attention as Gai quickly walked towards the heavily decorated doors of the palace’s main hall, it was made of the finest timber in the land. Slowly the doors opened as the Grand Commander strolled into the grand hall. The room was well and warm as the sun’s ray’s entered the large windows. It always felt quite majestic to Huang Gai who was used to the fortress of Jian An.
Sitting on his throne was of course, Lord Sun Ce. Gai gave his Lord the standard protocol to greeting Sun Ce, he had to show his respects. The whole reason he was here could get him executed, he would question his lord’s proposal to an alliance with the murder Liu Biao. Gai spoke, tiring to hide his rage. But the rage in his eye’s told the story.
“Lord Bofu. The reason for my abrupt appearance is due to a conspicuous proposal with the so called member of the family of Han emperors, Liu Biao. I and the people of Jian An are struggling to apprehend the future of Wu with such a false alliance, I cannot be conscious of such a fact! He is the criminal behind our Great Lord murder and hundreds of your royal soldiers! He is our enemy! Not our ally!”
Gai had a tear running down the side of his face, not due to the fear of death, but how his Lord had betrayed him, his people and especially his father. Huang Gai waited on one major bollocking from his Lord. Not fearing death in the extreme circumstance’s Gai opposed an alliance with the dog Liu Biao.
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Post by NPC Account on Apr 28, 2011 20:13:54 GMT
When the guard returned Cai Mao bowed again. He understood that this alliance was tentative at best and had no desire to upset anyone within Jian Ye. He slowly made his way into a the palace toward the main hall with his hand-cart loaded with silk, wine, and fine grains. As Cai Mao approached the main hall he could hear a concersation underway that he dared not interrupt. It would seem as though my suspicions were correct. The people of Sun Ce's lands who found loyalty to his father disapprove of our alliance. They are blinded by hatred and vengeance; they to not understand the necessity of our alliance. One must admire Sun Ce for his courage and wisdom.Cai Mao leaned against the wall and decided to wait until this officer had finished his meeting with Sun Ce before entering himself; he had no desire to upset the man before his lord, and he felt his presence alone might do that.
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Post by Ma Chao on Apr 29, 2011 0:39:54 GMT
::Huang Gai::
Gan Ning had just left, after being promoted to the Admiral of the Wu Navy, before Huang Gai stormed into the main hall. Sun Ce was informed by a messenger only minutes before due to the Grand Commander arriving at Jian Ye unannounced. The veteran clearly did not agree with the recent alliance and it was written all over his face. Ce knew that the situation was about to turn for the worse. Immediately, he ordered everyone out of the main hall.
"Leave us."
Huang Gai said his piece and his sadness almost brought tears to Sun Ce's eyes. However, to question his loyalty to Wu and especially to his father was daring. Any other would have been executed.
"You have been like an uncle to me, like family. How can one so close to this honorable clan question my loyalty after all I have done in my father's name?"
The young lord got to his feet and unsheathed a small dagger that he kept concealed. He shook his head and walked towards Huang Gai.
"You are blinded by fury, Gongfu. Remember that I am surrounded by brilliant tacticians like my sworn brother, Gongjin."
Sun Ce stopped in front of his veteran and looked down at the dagger.
"I merely wished to secure our flank while we focus on that wild beast, Lu Bu."
Taking the blade, Sun Ce sliced his hand and let the blood flow freely onto the palace floor.
"I swear to you in blood, Gongfu, we will avenge my father. Liu Biao is but a small bug compared to that of Lu Bu."
Sun Ce could only hope that Huang Gai would understand his intentions. The death of his father would never be forgotten, nor the killer.
:: Cai Mao::
The envoy of Liu Biao, Cai Mao, had stumbled upon the heated conversation between Sun Ce and Huang Gai. What, exactly, he heard was not known. What was known, was that there were two guards stationed at the palace doors just as there were at the gates to the city and also the palace grounds.
"Step back, please."
One of the guards moved towards Cai Mao and the other entered into the hall, closing the doors behind him.
He knew that his life could be in jeopardy due to the tension within the hall. Either one of the two men in front of him could go into rage mode and destroy him.
"M..my lord? There is an envoy here from our ally Liu Biao."
Sun Ce's expression was priceless. His palace guard had legendary timing and said the worse possible thing. The leader's only reaction was to act and kill two birds with one stone. He tossed the blood stained dagger in a fit of anger, but he also aimed to save the guard's life. The blade cut through the air and caught the fabric of the guard's cape above his left shoulder, pinning him to the door.
Hopefully, Huang Gai would not destroy the man in a fit of anger.
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