29 The place where it all began

258 BCE , Qin

A small town called Junko, near Northern border

The people were whispering among themselves as an unknown army passed by them entering the town. The held Qin flags so the people weren't too afraid. At the helm of it was a young boy, riding atop a giant black horse with fiery red manes.

Everyone couldn't help but look at him as he radiated a soothing aura along with might. He smiled at the people and they felt all their uneasyness gone somehow. His 3 companions next to him also looked like valiant generals. This sight would be carved in their minds as long as they lived.

As he reached the town centre where people came to listen what he had to say. Most thought it's the recruitment for the army. They were a small toen without much to offer and they got attacked constantly living near the border.

The boy started to speak," My name is KouRyu and these are my vassals Zhao Yun, Zhang Liao and Zhuge Liang and my army. I have come here today to tell you that I'll soon be titled as the lord of this town and also entire Shangjun. I just wanted to say you can rely on me.

I know it's hard, living in the baren North plagued by Xiongnus and famine. Even if you are not attacked, you die starving and from cold. Not to mention Zhao or Wei trying to take these lands . I also lost my parents to Wei soldiers invasion.

I know what it feels like when you feel your existence don't matter. But I'm telling you, it does!

All of you can change these lands with me and protect it ,all you need to do is follow me!

As your lord, I'll make sure you are protected and fed properly. I shall defend this land and no enemy would ever invade Shangjun ever. I shall create a safe haven here.

As long as you help me rebuild these lands I shall change your lives. Your children will live a safe and happy life here no longer starving again. To ensure that life, I need your help to rebuild and defend these lands, and as long as you help me I shall treat you with respect and dignity . That is my promise to you."

The boy bowed his head.

The people were paying attention and his words and suddenly felt an unknown feeling inside them. Their lifeless eyes all shined with life brightly as the tears streamed down their cheeks listening to this heartfelt speech.

The feeling of being treated with dignity and respect was something unknown and unbelievable for them. Nobility and kings only used them for their purpose and they died for them without asking questions because they had no choice. Their existence didn't matter as they would be nothing but fodder for wars and labor.

The common people seeing such a never before seen act of respect, and the promise of safety and well-being could only kneel down and yell," We are with you , my lord!"

Nobody knew at that time, the boy would one day be the one to unify this vast lands torn by war. He would be the the one to make their king an emperor of three nations and usher a new era that would make them forget the past 500 years of bloodshed.

Present Time , 242 BCE

Wei, near Shangyong (Sanyou)

A Qin army of 120,000 marched towards Sanyou to take this very important key region. It was often said that Sanyou was the heart of China. By taking it, Qin would gain a foothold in the central plains. The army was led by Qin general MouGou . In response, Wei sent out RenPa, previously belonging to Zhao Three great Heavens, along with Wei general FuuGan.

Wei relied upon RenPa to defend them despite him having no loyalty to Wei. He just cherished the chance of waging war again.

His four heavenly kings Genpo, Kaishibou, Kyoen and Rinko accompanied him to the battlefield while General MouGou had his lieutenant generals Ousen and Kanki. Along with them was three promising young captains , Shin , Ouhon and Mouten.

While Mouten and Shin got along well, Ouhon had an arrogant demeanor which caused a clash between him and Shin.

He could not accept Shin becoming a 1000 man commander before him and having some of OuKi's troops who wre known to be the 2nd strongest of Qin. He tried to outshine Shin on their way while taking the small castles and Shin tried to call him names often while Mouten player the mediator.

Before the battle began however, tragedy struck Qin camp as most of their 1000 man commanders were assassinated. This created a vacuum in leadership. MouGou chose to promote Ouhon and Mouten to 1000 man commanders and Shin was promoted to temporary brigade commander with 3,000 troops.

The battlefield was vast and had a mix of mountains, forests and open fields. Ousen chose the mountains as base while Kanki set up HQ in the forests. MouGou was located at the centre atop a hill facing the open fields.

The battle of first day was something unexpected for Qin. Even before the war began, very few doubted that MouGou would lose. He was facing RenPa after all. But the first day would be something that surprised not only Wei, but also Qin. And the key to it would be three newly promoted youngsters of Qin.

*Before the Battle *

Shin grumbled as Ouhon entered the tent. Mouten greeted him and started to speak," Thanks for coming Shin and Ouhon. I believe we have something to discuss that would help all of us steal the limelight. Together we have 5,000 soldiers which can turn the tide critically.

So I have taken the liberty of coming up with a plan. We will head straight left as soon as we get the order to charge . The centre has Rinko and Fuugan but Rinko has the task of attacking while Fuugan sends reinforcements and manages HQ.

Kaishibou is facing Kanki , while Kyoen got Ousen. So I believe they will send Genpo to the front and then switch him with others. We can let the others face the vanguard and we will bypass them to directly go to Central HQ of Fuugan and take his head.

Shin gasped while Ouhon looked interested and asked," How do you plan to do that? The HQ will be well defended. At least 10,000 soldiers. Even with 5000, this is difficult."

Shin replied instead," You plan to light a fire that helps other follow it?"

Mouten looked curiously at Shin and replied," It is similar to that. Wow Shin, I didn't take you as the smart and insightful type."

Shin started yelling and Ouhon was about to pop a vein as he spoke," will you idiots stop goofing around and tell the plan, or I'll leave."

Mouten replied seriously," I'll charge first and my unit will swerve towards right to create a gap. Ouhon, your unit will swerve left which would make a gap in the center. That's where Shin comes in with the bulk of the forces. It must the one after another .

Ouhon looked pissed and replied," I won't make way for this dumbass so he can steal the glory."

Mouten replied seriously," as the first two to strike, we have the chance to target Fuugan more. But but if we go for it on our own , it would be costly.

Shin although will have an opening, he will need to cut his way through most of them. Main force needs soldiers which Shin got the most. This is about winning the war , not just personal glory . I would help my grandpa win this difficult war. So I am asking you for help."

Shin smacked Mouten's shoulder and replied," count on me buddy."

Ouhon nodded and replied," I'll help because you won't pull this off without me."

Mouten laughed and replied," then let us have a toast to us, the future generals of Qin !"

*Flashback Ends

As they planned , Shin , Mouten and Ouhon charged past the Wei army when they were told to support the centre and the surprised Wei soldiers were too slow to react as they ran past them while the rest of the Qin attacked the centre.

Fuugan smirked as he saw them rushing and and spoke," What a bunch of reckless kids. Shower them with arrows."

The arrows were loose and they fell upon Mouten and Ouhon's unit but they suddenly swerved and most of them missed. Fuugan was surprised and saw that the two units pushing his right and left wings to make a gap . He yelled to fill that gap, but before the soldiers could, Shin rode through it slammed upon the Wei soldiers.

The HQ was in panic as the defense lines broke . Fuugan tried to rally them but as more and soldiers fell, the gap was widening. Fuugan didn't want to ask from Rinko or Genpo as they were outsiders. He didn't let his pride be harmed and chose to deal with it on his own

That would prove to be deadly as the three commanders was more capable than his soldiers. Ouhon bypassed the left wing and got close to Fuugan and so Fuugan tried to retreat right.

But Mouten also caught up there so he had no choice but to abandon HQ and retreat behind.

But he ignored one crucial thing, the charging Hi Shin unit that broke through the middle. Shin yelled as he threw a spear taken from a dead soldier towards Fuugan. It tore through Fuugan's guard who tried to stop it and pierced into Fuugan who let out a loud yell and dropped from his horse.

Shin grinned wildly as he yelled to Fuugan," take that, that's what I learned from Yun bro, you egg headed bastard."

Qin soldiers cheered and Wei soldiers ran away as they lost all morale. In the centre where Rinko was fighting, he scrunched his brows as he gave the order to fall back and regroup.

The first day, It was Qin who surprisingly won as they took down one of the Wei commanding generals. They lost about 5,000 soldiers in total while Wei lost more than 10,000. And the credit would go to three youngsters who would later be known as the Three pillars of the Qin Empire.