Chapter 15: The Test of Strength

The dawn sky was barely lightening when Zhang Xing awoke, his breath clouding in the cold mountain air. Around him, the camp was beginning to stir, men sharpening their weapons, others preparing supplies for the test that lay ahead. Today would be the day they proved themselves worthy to the mountain clans, or they would be cast out as weaklings, unfit to lead any rebellion.

Li He was already up, pacing near the fire pit. "I didn't sleep a wink," he muttered as Zhang Xing approached, his eyes shadowed with worry. "The mountain clans aren't just testing us—they're looking for a reason to reject us."

Zhang Xing strapped on his sword, his expression calm though his mind was anything but. "They've survived here for generations, Li. They don't trust outsiders. We need to show them we're not just another band of rebels that'll crumble at the first sign of real danger."

Li He grunted, but nodded. "You think they'll keep their word if we win?"

Zhang Xing's gaze drifted to the cluster of mountain warriors on the other side of the camp, silently observing their every move. The mountain leader, Hai Tao, stood among them, his imposing figure radiating authority. The mountain clansmen were skilled and feared fighters, and Zhang Xing knew they didn't offer their trust easily. "If we prove ourselves in this test, they'll respect us. And respect is the foundation of any alliance."

Before Li He could respond, Hai Tao approached, his expression stern and unreadable. "Zhang Xing," he said in a gravelly voice, "today will determine whether we stand as allies or go our separate ways. The empire's patrol will pass through the lower valley by noon. If you and your men can ambush and defeat them, we will consider your proposal."

Zhang Xing bowed slightly, a gesture of respect. "We accept the challenge. My men are ready."

Hai Tao's eyes glinted, the faintest hint of approval visible before his expression turned hard again. "Remember, Zhang Xing, we do not fight alongside cowards. You must strike hard and fast. Show no mercy."

With a nod, Zhang Xing signaled to Li He and the rest of his team. They gathered quickly, their faces determined. This test wasn't just about defeating the patrol—it was about gaining the respect of a people who could tip the balance of their rebellion.

The mountain pass was narrow, flanked by steep cliffs that made it the perfect spot for an ambush. Zhang Xing and his fighters took their positions, hidden among the rocks and trees. His heart beat steadily, his mind sharp with focus.

"We only have one chance to get this right," he whispered to Li He, who crouched beside him. "If we're too hasty, they'll regroup. If we wait too long, they'll escape."

Li He scanned the path below, where the imperial patrol would soon appear. "When do we strike?"

Zhang Xing's eyes never left the pass. "When they're in the dead center. We block the exit and trap them between us. No one gets out."

The moments stretched on, tension building as the sound of marching feet and the clatter of weapons grew nearer. Zhang Xing's heart quickened when he saw the first of the soldiers—imperial troops in dark armor, about twenty in all, unaware they were walking into a trap.

He held up his hand, signaling his men to hold their position. The patrol marched deeper into the pass, their faces weary from days of travel. Zhang Xing's eyes narrowed. He could see their weaknesses—soldiers who had been fighting too long, men who were tired and likely unprepared for a surprise attack.

"Wait," Zhang Xing whispered, though every fiber of his being wanted to spring into action.

The imperial soldiers continued forward, oblivious to the danger above them. When the entire group was finally in the center of the pass, Zhang Xing dropped his hand. "Now."

In an instant, his archers unleashed a hail of arrows from the ridges above, striking down the first row of soldiers before they even had a chance to cry out. Panic rippled through the patrol, soldiers shouting as they scrambled to raise their shields, but it was too late. Zhang Xing and his fighters surged down the steep slope, charging into the fray with their swords drawn.

Zhang Xing's blade struck with precision, cutting through the disoriented soldiers like a wolf among sheep. The imperials were unprepared for such a swift and coordinated assault, and their formation quickly broke apart.

Li He fought fiercely at Zhang Xing's side, fending off soldiers with powerful, wide swings of his sword. "We've got them!" he shouted, slashing through another enemy.

Zhang Xing's focus never wavered. He moved through the chaos with purpose, cutting down enemies as he sought out the patrol's leader. The officer, distinguishable by his more elaborate armor, was struggling to rally his men, but Zhang Xing reached him before he could regroup.

Their eyes met, and Zhang Xing saw the flash of fear in the officer's face before he raised his sword. With one swift, deadly strike, Zhang Xing cut him down.

The remaining soldiers, seeing their leader fall, threw down their weapons in surrender. The battle had lasted mere minutes, but its impact was undeniable. Zhang Xing's men, though fewer in number, had decisively overwhelmed the imperial patrol.

Panting, Zhang Xing wiped the sweat from his brow and surveyed the scene. His fighters stood among the fallen, victorious but solemn. They knew this was only a small part of the larger war to come.

Li He approached, breathing heavily. "We did it," he said, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction. "They never stood a chance."

Zhang Xing nodded, though his mind was already moving ahead. "This was only the beginning, Li. We've proven our strength, but the real fight is still coming. The empire won't let this defeat go unanswered."

As they regrouped, Hai Tao and several mountain warriors appeared at the ridge, watching the aftermath. Zhang Xing walked up to them, meeting Hai Tao's gaze head-on.

"You have passed our test," Hai Tao said, his voice steady. "You and your men fight with skill and honor. The mountain clans will join your cause."

Zhang Xing felt a surge of relief and gratitude, but he kept his face composed. "Together, we can defeat the empire."

Hai Tao nodded slowly. "But remember this, Zhang Xing—alliances are built on trust, but trust is fragile. Lead us well, and we will follow. Fail, and the mountains will bury you."

Zhang Xing met his gaze, unflinching. "I won't fail."

As the sun rose higher, casting light over the bloodstained path, Zhang Xing felt the weight of his responsibility grow. The mountain clans had joined them, but it was just one piece of a larger puzzle. The empire was vast, and this victory, while crucial, was only a small step in the long and bloody road ahead.

But for the first time, Zhang Xing felt the winds of change shifting in their favor.