Take Yubeicheng! The Whole Army Goes South!

After Yuxiang's transformation, Orion's demeanor visibly changed.

"No gifts," he said dismissively, retracting his gaze from the women and dismissing any further distractions. He didn't know if there were any appealing figures among them.

Regarding the other two leaders, there wasn't much to discuss. Gao Shun, the leader of the famed Trap Camp, was an imposing figure with a powerful aura and formidable combat skills.

In contrast, the Shadow Guards were much more subdued. Dressed entirely in black with only their eyes visible, they exuded a chilling presence, like deadly snakes waiting in the shadows. Although they were easy to overlook, they were always poised to deliver a fatal strike when needed.

It was worth noting that despite their thoughts and unique consciousness, the characters summoned by the system had no memories of their past lives. Gao Shun and Xu Zhu, both from the Three Kingdoms era, had no prior knowledge of each other and had never heard of each other's titles. Their sole allegiance was to Orion.

Before the wolf-like Dragon Cavalry, He Long's forces were insignificant. Yuan Zuozong moved swiftly. After completing the lottery draws, he returned with his men and presented a pile of severed heads.

"Lord, He Long and his cronies have been eliminated," Yuan Zuozong reported, kneeling on one knee. "The entire 10,000-strong garrison of Yubei City has been reorganized, and all senior officers have been replaced with our people."

"How did it go? Were there any obstacles?" Orion inquired.

"No. After showing your token, everything went smoothly," Yuan Zuozong assured.

"Very well," Orion replied with a nod. Though Yubei City was a key city in the Northern Territory, it paled in comparison to the northern border's millions of soldiers. With only around 10,000 defenders, the reorganization was straightforward.

[Ding! The host's subordinates killed 6 Martial Kings, 2 Martial Emperors, and 67 great martial arts masters! Obtained 32,700 luck points!]

[Ding! Congratulations to the host for taking control of a city. Reward: 100,000 luck points!]

Orion reviewed the system notifications with a slight sense of indifference. With a total of 130,000 luck points, his interest waned.

He stroked his chin, contemplating. With Yubei City now under his control, it was time to proceed south and settle accounts with the Empress.

"Order the city garrison to defend Yubei City!" Orion commanded. "Dragon Cavalry Army and Trap Camp, move out! Our target is Chang'an City!"

Orion then remembered something and addressed Yuxiang with a calm tone, "Yuxiang, ensure your people secure the palace. Protect everyone inside if any trouble arises."

In this world, he had no close relatives left—just some old acquaintances from his past life. Now, with larger ambitions in mind, he couldn't afford to waste troops on such matters. Yubei City was well-protected with 10,000 defenders and Xiaoyu's oversight. If the Empress went mad, Orion would be forced to abandon the Zhenbei Palace.

Orion's mood steadied as he issued his orders: "Yuan Zuozong! Gao Shun! Relay the order to the entire army: march south!"

"Understood!"

With Orion's command, hundreds of thousands of troops set off without delay.

At the Northern Territory's Yumen Pass, even the ordinary soldiers were skilled martial artists. The Dragon Cavalry and Trap Camp marched swiftly, reaching Yumen Pass—the key gateway between the Northern Territory and the Central Plains—in less than a day.

Yumen Pass was a majestic structure, resembling a colossal dragon resting on the earth. Surrounded by steep peaks, it was a formidable position that was difficult to attack but easy to defend.

"My lord, we have arrived at Yumen Pass!" Yuan Zuozong announced.

"Indeed," Orion nodded, his eyes reflecting deep thought as he recalled all he knew about Yumen Pass. Built during a weakened Zhou Dynasty to resist the Northern Barbarian Empire, it had become largely ornamental since his father had fortified the border further. Yet, with his father's disappearance, the pass's defenses had grown increasingly formidable.

Orion sneered, suspecting that the Empress had plans to invade the Northern Territory.

"My lord! Give me half a day, and I will break through this barrier!" Yuan Zuozong declared confidently.

The Snow Dragon Cavalry was renowned for its strength, and Yuan Zuozong believed they could overcome any defenses at Yumen Pass.

Orion remained silent, observing the pass. It was now heavily guarded, with dozens of elite teams stationed on the walls. Giant crossbows, standard siege weapons used by the Zhou army, were mounted atop the city. These crossbows were powerful enough to threaten even the Wu Zong masters and could inflict severe damage.

Orion frowned slightly. A direct assault would result in substantial losses, with each crossbow shot potentially causing significant casualties. Additionally, national strategic passes were typically imbued with celestial powers that suppressed higher-level martial artists to prevent one-sided battles.

"General Yuan, do you have a strategy to neutralize the giant crossbows?" Orion inquired with a half-smile.

"Ah…" Yuan Zuozong looked troubled. While confident in capturing the city, he was concerned about the potential damage from the crossbows. He hesitated before saying, "My lord, although the giant crossbows are a threat, we Dragoons are not easily deterred. If we approach, this hundred-foot city wall will not be able to hold us."

Orion raised an eyebrow and smiled. "General Yuan, there is no need for a direct charge unless absolutely necessary. Besides, siege warfare is not the cavalry's forte."

Indeed, history showed that cavalry was rarely used to breach fortified defenses directly.