Across the bridge of peace lies Mechu Forest, and even further in is Ihuoin Mechu village. Where twenty-four-year-old Weilong Zhao prepared to enter his father's war room. He had prepared for days to finally make the announcement to his father and his generals of what he had planned to do.
Killing the Abbot and destroying Ishu Chu.
Before Weilong could enter the room, his brother planted his hand on the door, in an attempt to stop him. Liang Zhao was the younger brother of Weilong and second heir to the throne, most of the time he let Weilong do whatever he wanted. But not this time. It went against everything he stood for.
"Get out of my way brother." said Weilong scoldingly.
"If you enter that room and tell father of what you plan to do, he will have no choice but to say yes. He can't show weakness in front of his generals." Liang said sternly while getting in front of the door.
"You think I don't know that. That's precisely why I'm doing it foolish brother. Besides, wouldn't he agree with my plans?" Weilong said confidently.
Liang was only nineteen years of age, but he was smarter and wiser than his brother.
Liang responded quickly, "You are the fool if you cannot see into your own father's heart. He has lost his spark, he no longer wishes for war, only peace. How can you not see that?"
"Nonsense. Besides, even if what you say is true, this is what the people want, to finally be rid of the Ishu Chu scum and their worthless Abbot! I will walk in there and speak my piece, and you will not stop me!" Weilong said angrily as he raised his fist.
Liang activated his magic in response.
"So, we're playing that way huh?!" Liang responded, not entirely shocked his brother would resort to magic instead of hand-to-hand combat.
Weilong activated his flame abilities, and his fist became quickly engulfed in fire.
They stared at each other angrily. And just as the door from the war room opened both boys charged at each other, luckily it was Lord Kai Zhao who walked out the door after hearing yelling. He quickly realized the situation and stepped in, stopping both boys with his hands despite being eighty years old.
"ENOUGH!" His voice boomed, it straightened out his two sons instantly. "What is the meaning of this commotion? The audacity to interrupt an important meeting in the war room, if this is not important both of you will be punished!"
Weilong brushed off his coat and attempted to speak.
"Well father, I've come to speak to you ab—
But he was cut off by brother, "about how proud of you we are!" Liang said with a wide grin.
The Lord smiled at his sons, "If that is all you are dismissed, never do this again."
Weilong rushed into the war room to get his father's attention,
"Father please, that was not all. I have a plan to take down Ishu Chu Village." Weilong said loudly enough to get everyone's attention.
The generals in the room instantly focused their attention on Weilong. Lord Zhao was slightly disappointed, but he tried his best to hide it in his face. Liang just palmed his face and shook his head.
"Listen up. I've already sent spies to infiltrate Ishu Chu; they've resided there for a year now and are enlisted in the military there."
"They've sent me reports that the Abbot was injured in a training session and is weakened. He spends all day in his chambers."
"There are also three new warriors to look out for, one has already become a vessel, the other seems to be talented, and one is skilled with a sword. But there shouldn't be much resistance, the monks of the military have become lazy and slacked in training due to less battles lately."
"This is our chance, if you give the word, I will assassinate the Abbot and set fire to Ishu Chu Village!"
All the generals grinned with excitement and were fully on board with the plan. It seemed like it would be set in motion, all they needed was the okay from Lord Zhao. With no choice after so much pressure, Lord Zhao gave in and allowed his son to carry out his plan, and now with the backing of so many generals he would have more troops to use in his plan.
It would be simple; in the dead of night a medium sized group of troops would cross the bridge of peace and set fire to Nenchu forest. It would be a diversion as an elite group of troops in high numbers would sneak over to Ishu Chu and attack. In the commotion Weilong Zhang would sneak into the Abbot's chambers and assassinate him in his weakened state. He explained all this to the generals and told them it would take place in two days.
As Weilong walked out of the war room he grinned down at his brother.
"Happy now?" Liang said, clearly frustrated.
Weilong responded to him smartly, "Overjoyed brother. Finally, we journey into the wind."
Liang walked angrily to the training room, trying to blow off some steam. General Wen Siyuan was there as well, working on his electricity magic. He bowed once Liang entered the room, "how many times have I told you that you don't have to do that Siyuan." Liang said.
"My apologies young lord, but you are the prince, I have to." Siyuan said.
Liang shook his head, "Whatever, I need to blow off some steam Siyuan. My brother irritates me, I don't know why he doesn't understand that father does not wish for battle anymore, instead we hunger for peace."
"One day, I'm sure he will come around. But I would watch out for the others, especially General Zhang Xuanming. I hear he works with the Hu family." Liang thinks about what to do, "Have General Shiming spy on Hu Junlie. I fear if the rumors are right, they could try to overthrow my father." Liang clenches his fist, "I have to get stronger. There will be a battle soon, a decisive one, I fear. As I am now, I won't be able to stand a chance."
In the armory, three generals talk about the future of Kai Zhao's reign…
Leng Shiming sharpened his blade. "The emperor waits too long. The people will question his resolve."
Bo Dazheng inspected his gauntlets. "Or maybe they're tired of war, of sending their children to die. After all those battles back then, I don't wish for anymore. I want the future to be brighter for my children, not to be raised by old folk who are stuck in the old days."
General Huo Jianfeng scoffed, "Consider me one of those old folks then, because all I hear is a weak old man who's gone soft. Not me. I want battle. Spoils. Glory. Ishu Chu has long been in my sights."
Bo slammed his fist down. "You're a slave to war, Huo! Have you ever considered what comes after? How do you intend to live your life?" You intend to risk your life every day for as long as you live?" General Huo storms out of the room, cursing General Dazheng on his way out. "These young guns and their thirst for battle. It'll be the death of me old friend, I swear it will be." Dazheng says.
Leng stared at the ceiling. "You've forced me to think, old friend. I've spent my life fighting, killing, just to keep the king on the throne."
He sighed.
"And now… I'm tired."
Bo chuckled softly. "Then come with me to Elyndra. I'll open a restaurant and show you getting fat and trying all those foods ended up not being for nothing. Imagine that."
Leng laughed. "Maybe it wasn't."