Chapter -14 Capital

A few months later, Leylin was bathing in a tub of water infused with herbs when a messenger bird arrived and perched on his outstretched arm. Leylin took the parchment attached to the bird and rewarded it with some grains before reading the message.

After reading the message, Leylin emerged from the tub and dressed himself. He ordered Xin, who was practicing nearby, to prepare for a journey to the capital. While Xin readied for the trip, Leylin approached Jun and Zhi, who had returned from Ouki's castle after learning all they could. Leylin instructed Jun and Zhi to take care of the unit and ensure they trained even harder in his absence.

Once preparations were complete, Xin and Leylin bid farewell to the camp and rode their horses toward the direction of the Qin capital.

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A few months earlier in Ouki's castle, Ouki observed two young kids practicing complex warfare techniques, challenging each other by drawing on the soil with sticks. Toru approached Ouki from behind and observed the scene.

"What do you think of them, Toru?" Ouki inquired.

"They have absorbed everything in the castle library. They've heard countless battle histories and learned numerous formations. Our strategists are unable to answer the questions they pose. In my view, they are warfare prodigies, sir," Toru responded.

"Fufufufu... I don't know where Lin found them, but besides their learning capabilities and intelligence, they possess fierce determination. Moreover, they've begun thinking like seasoned strategists, formulating battle simulations. I am truly curious to see how they will reshape the future of Qin—or if they will be erased from history. Fufufufu..." Ouki mused with amusement, recognizing the potential impact of these young talents on Qin's destiny.

"But sir, why didn't Lin ask himself or his unit to train under you as a general? It could result in great strength, and you didn't refuse," Toru asked.

"Toru, little Lin knows that I would agree to train him and his unit, but he didn't want that. He didn't want to train under anyone else; he wants to create his own path for his unit," Ouki explained, 

"If a unit trains under a general, like for example under Duke Hyou, they may gain strength and also inherit his recklessness, as with other generals," 

"He wants his unit to be unique and inherit his path. He cannot leave his unit untrained to come to us for training, which is why he chose not to pursue that route," Ouki replied, acknowledging Leylin's desire for his unit to develop its own identity and follow a distinct path shaped by his leadership and vision.

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In the capital, when Leylin and Xin arrived, they heard hot news that Chancellor Ryo Fui had returned to the capital.