Once the rations were obtained by Mitsuko's forces they marched out of the city, towards Zhang Yans capital. Night had dawned on the city since then, the night was dark illuminated only by the stars and the full moon as Zheng Jiang stood out of the balcony and looked at them. Her mind flickering to the altercation with Mitsuko in the main hall. She hasn't been able to get it out of her mind, even though she had already left the city. Even though she was on the battlefield numerous times and there were times where she was in danger, yet she never was as frightened for her life as she was then. She felt that fear for a brief moment as she traced her fingers around her neck where she was held at by one of Mitsuko's serpents. As she breathed in and exhaled her voice was somewhat quivering, struggling to comprehend that earlier on today actually happened. She never expected Mitsuko to do that of all things but…what other choice did she have? To go along in open battle? That wasn't part of her normal strategy, guerrilla warfare was her style and that of her soldiers. It was the bandit way. There was no guarantee that any assault on Zhang Yan was the correct play, of course she wanted to do it more than anything else. But…she had to consider her people.

Although there is something even she couldn't deny when Mitsuko brought it up. Zhang Yan knows where she is and will surely attempt another assault. But still…despite everything, she had to put her people first, she had to. She would find a way to keep them safe without putting her soldiers in harms way. Yet…despite herself telling her this, she did not like the idea of it at all but she knew it had to be done. Right? As she was lost in thought a knock on the door brought her back to the present.

'My lady the scouts have reported back may I come in?' She heard Gai Shu's voice muffled beyond the closed door.

'Yes come in.' She ordered. Gai Shu immediately entered the room and closed the door behind her. She turned around to see Gai Shu standing there without Lu Zheng which puzzled her.

'Where's Lu Zheng? She was out on patrol a long time and I expected a long report for it.' Zheng Jiang asked. Gai Shu glanced to the ground for a brief moment.

'I…I will take you to her, please follow me.' Zheng Jiang was confused by his tone of voice but complied with his request.

'Ok, but I don't know why she couldn't come here herself.' Gai Shu and Zheng Jiang silently made their way back into the main hall where no other guards were in sight save 2 scouts that were dispatched to find Lu Zheng…along with her corpse. As soon as her eyes caught Lu Zheng they widened with fear and rushed to her side as soon as possible. She cradled her lifeless body, tears were already threatening to escape her eyes. Gai Shu could only look to the ground and continued to walk towards her as his wife struggled to keep it together.

'What happened?' She questioned the scouts who dared not utter a word. She carefully placed her on the floor before standing up.

'I said what happened!?' Her voice was raised and also becoming hoarse as she demanded to know what happened to her sworn sister. Both the scouts trembled, fearing that the bandit queen will retaliate and focus her wrath on them.

'While patrolling, they were ambushed by Zhang Yans forces. They never stood a chance. We found her body away the troops, it seemed she may have been fleeing when she was caught and struck with an arrow. If she wasn't caught she may have made it all the way back. Though they never saw it coming, we couldn't locate any other survivors my queen.' One mustered up the courage to say. Zheng Jiang said nothing and crouched down next to her sworn sister again and cradling her.

'That is all, thanks for the update you're both dismissed.' Gai Shu dismissed them, they bowed and immediately left leaving Gai Shu and Zheng Jiang alone. He crouched next to the corpse and laid a hand on her shoulder knowing that both her wings have now been ripped away from her. By Zhang Yan. He couldn't say anything as he knew he wouldn't make things better by trying to comfort her. The guilt he felt a year upon knowing his sister's death when he first came back to the city crept back to haunt him once again. Another of his wife's friends died, he blamed himself for if he was there sooner none of this wouldn't have happened, he tells himself.

'…it…it happened again.' Zheng Jiang quietly announced.

'What?'

'It happened again…me and Lu Zheng…we got into an argument before she left. She urged me the same as Mitsuko to move out as she…she knew I would reject her proposal to move out.'

'You're being unreasonable!' Lu Zheng yelled at Zheng Jiang at her private quarters.

'How am I!? I'm keeping us alive!'

'Only for that opportunist to slaughter us later on.'

'We don't know that, they could just…forget the path or something when they report, not everyone comes back to the battlefield in one piece especially when they had the advantage.'

'Listen to yourself, listen to how deluded you sound right now?'

'The only reason I sound like I'm deluded if that's what you believe is because that blasted serpent came here at your whim and caused us nothing but trouble.'

'She helped us and you know it!'

'Helped us be discovered more like.'

'Then why did you allow her to stay her and do those tasks for you!?'

'To placate you! To keep you happy.'

'Oh no…I see the fire in your eyes coming back, but its trapped in this cage you made for yourself. Just burn it all down!' Lu Zheng pleaded with her sworn sister. She so desperately needed her to break out and come back. Zheng Jiang shook her head.

'I told you before the bandit queen is dead.'

'To you maybe not to me, and not to our soldiers and certainly not to Zhang Yan. He won't stop until he has all of our heads on pikes. We have to attack him.' Zheng Jiang sighed as she turned around facing away from Lu Zheng.

'No we don't, we just need to-'

'Urgh! This isn't what Gai Li would want and you know it.' Zheng Jiang quickly turned back and rushed forward until Lu Zheng their faces were inches apart.

'You don't want to continue that line of thought.' She warned her.

'And you don't want to keep thinking you're the only one that misses her. Did you forget she was also my sworn sister as well!? Just sitting out here doing nothing wasn't exactly my idea of getting vengeance.'

'And I don't want vengeance either? You think I want nothing more than to slay that infernal man and put an end to his miserable existence? I want nothing more than that, but we also have responsibility to our people.'

'You can't keep hiding behind that excuse forever and you sure as hell can't keep giving Gai Shu a hard time.' Zheng Jiang took a step back, her eyes widen in shock.

'What!? I thought you hated him just as I did.'

'Of course I do, but you can't blame him for being a coward when you're acting like one yourself.'

'What? You dare compare me to him!?' Zheng Jiang was offended and infuriated by her words.

'Do you blame me!? You cling onto your hatred because of what he did and as I say I agree with you about him. Although look at how you're being now, you're being cowardly you're using your responsibility as an excuse because you're afraid.' Zheng Jiang growled but stayed silent, she knew deep down she was correct but still its not something she was prepared to admit.

'That's probably why you starting to dislike our serpent ally, because she's doing what you cannot.' Zheng Jiang filled with rage did the unthinkable. She backhanded her sworn sister. The echo of slap echoed in the room for a couple of seconds before dissipating. Lu Zheng could hardly believe that her own sworn sister would strike at her like that. She covered the area that was harmed with one of her hands, she first looked upon her scornfully until she saw the face of her was one of pure regret and fear. Zheng Jiang took a step back seemingly in horror at what she done.

'I…Lu Zheng-'

'Its fine, I shouldn't have said anything, you're the one in charge for a reason after all. I'll…go outside for some fresh air.' Lu Zheng concluded, her voice noticeably more sorrowful as she walked away and closed the door behind her. Zheng Jiang was left alone as she punched the wall, tears were trapped as she refused to let them escape.

'After we had our…disagreement the next morning she requested a patrol to be dispatched with her leading it, I thought it would be a simple procedure and a way for all of us to clear our heads…I…I didn't think that…that-' Zheng Jiang couldn't hold it in and let her tears finally fall, landing on Lu Zhengs attire. Before she cradled it close to her. Muffling her sounds of grief. Gai Shu only felt like he could watch, his wife wouldn't allow him to comfort her in anyway. He could understand why but it didn't make him feel better.

'Then my lady…what are we to do?' Gai Shu asked after an uncomfortable period of silence passed.

'What?' Zheng jiang asked.

'W-well, should we still proceed to shore our defences my lady or do you have another order for us my lady?' He questioned. Zheng Jiang stayed in silence as through her watery eyes as she looked upon the motionless corpse of her sworn sister. In anger she tightened her grip on the body as attempted to stop herself from shedding any more tears.

'I…I don't know. But I do know this. She and Mitsuko was right about me…I became a coward. I can't continue like that…not anymore.' Zheng jiang let go of Lu Zheng's body and stood up having her hands change into fists and clenched tightly. Meanwhile in the main hall of Zhang Yan's palace Luna was giving a report to Zhang Yan and Jinzha.

'Our scouts have reported an ambush was successful for what seemed to be a patrol but they seemed to spot more soldiers going that way, though they are under the command of the serpent and her allies it looked like. After our initial ambush on the patrol that was coming our way we thought it would be best if we come to you regarding the serpent my lord.' Yu Du gave the report as both he and Luna bowed their head respectfully at both however a loud slam made him look up to see Zhang Yan furious.

'So first of all, the siege on the city was unsuccessful, despite assurances from my so called ally that it would be and now you're saying they're coming to attack us!?' Zhang Yan yelled at both. Making Yu Du cower slightly but not phasing Luna in the slightest. Jinzha stood there with his eyes closed.

'Looks like you're so-called war machine failed. And so are the lives of the men I entrusted upon you to make this siege a success. Yet here we are with the enemy coming onto my lands!'

'My apologies my lord, but rest assured now would be a good time to strike the serpent. Luna you say that the serpent in on her way with how many soldiers?' Jinzha asked Luna who kept her head bowed.

'Not as much as it was during the siege my lord, it could be possible this could be another patrol or a scouting party gathering information.' Luna responded.

'Hmm, so the bandit queen is not with her, just her and her allies right? No sign of the bandit queen?'

'Yes.'

'And you can deal with them I presume Yu Du?' He questioned Yu Du who quickly bowed his head.

'Yes my lord. Give the word and I will gather the men and slay them all just like we did with the others.' Yu Du pledged.

'Very well, lead the ambush and slay them all. I trust your subordinate will also join?' Zhang Yan turned his head towards Jinzha who nodded his head.

'Yes she will, if that is no issue.' Jinzha glances towards Luna who kept her head lowered.

'Of course, not lord Jinzha I will leave at once.'

'Very well, you're both dismissed.' Both Yu Du and Luna exited the main chambers. As they did hang Yan couldn't help but tap one of the rests on his throne as he looked to Jinzha.

'You promised me your so-called monster was enough to take them out. Now we have that demon and her allies marching onto us as we speak. I just received word that the next batch of supplies and soldiers are on their way, who knows what will happen to those now!? I only attacked because I had confidence in you, confidence that seems to have been misplaced.

'My apologies, I did not anticipate your forces were that inadequate.' Jinzha replied calmly.

'INADEQUATE!? You arrogant so called god, you dare call us that when two of your own talented subordinates were slain in that siege. You sent them to look over that and we still failed!' Zhang Yan angrily responded.

'My apologies I did not mean anything by it of course. I just meant I expected more however I believe that would be my error as someone from the mystic realm is all.'

'No of course you didn't, your smug look on your face says it all. Especially for someone who underestimated their enemies.' Zhang Yan pointed out. Jinzha kept his cool, however.

'It matters not, the serpent will be slain when Luna will bring her to me.'

'And if she fails?' Zhang Yan asked, earning an eyebrow raise from Jinzha.

'Then I'll deal with her personally.'

'Oh, I'm sure you will. In that case for insurance, it would be wise to start prepping the defences for that eventuality would it not?'

'Hmm?'

'You seem to be the most experienced when it comes to our adversary, so its only natural for you to lead our defence. You have my permission to organise our defences.'

'I assure you-'

'Your assurances ultimately mean nothing after your subordinates' failure. If she comes back with the body then by all means you can gloat, until then muster up and organise the defences. I'll inform the other officers of this aswell.' Jinzha had no idea what this upstart human was doing, presuming to order him about…however should the serpent defeat Luna and actually siege this place, he would be able to at the very least tire her out before he would deal the finishing blow much easier. If he could goad her into attacking aswell without preparations it would be very beneficial.

'As you wish.' Jinzha bowed his head and left the main palace leaving Zhang Yan alone. Smirking as Jinzha walked away. He didn't realise that Luna was the one that told the information about the mystic realm and when she returned, she told him about his goal to become the yellow emperor. He thought that was just a legend. But if he could somehow kill the serpent…then he would be granted the title of emperor…who would need the mountains when so called gods themselves would answer his beck and call? He chuckled at the possibility of this. If he were the one to go head-to-head with the serpent, chances are they'll tire themselves out, Zhang Yan figured if he wanted to rush the siege without preparations chances are he'll be anxious to face the serpent himself. He'll anticipate them tiring each other out before the finishing blow. Leaving Zhang Yan perfectly rested and able to finish the job.

Then, a new reign will begin. Zhang Yan the yellow emperor. He enjoyed the ring it had to it. He stood up from his throne and started to walk away to inform his officers of his actual plan. They are to not engage with the serpent herself if they can help it and leave her to Jinzha. He didn't know why Luna was so quick to divulge such information to him, all he knows he's going to take advantage of the opportunity given to him.