Lu Ming set off with five thousand troops.
These five thousand soldiers were all his most elite guards, the lowest-ranking already at the second stage of their class advancement.
Each troop type, depending on their weapon, would evolve into different classes, ultimately reaching their final class depending on individual fortune.
The differences between classes were not drastic; it was merely a matter of being overwhelmed.
However, Lu Ming wasn't worried about the advancement paths of his personal guards. With steady advancement, even the most ordinary class would be comparable to a second-rate general and could hold their own against a first-rate one.
Special advancement items were naturally reserved for his followers.
He himself could advance classes infinitely, so he wasn't concerned about that.
To deal with other warlords, one elite force was enough; the other troop types were merely support.
Ace troops and elite soldiers had always been essential for warlords vying for supremacy.
Liu Bei's elite White-Eared Soldiers, escorting him, always managed to escape death.
Dong Zhuo's Flying Bear Army, heavily armored cavalry, crushed the enemy on the battlefield; composed entirely of battle-hardened veterans, their fighting power was not to be underestimated.
Throughout the journey, younger sister Lu Qing chattered incessantly.
She was closer to her sister-in-law, Wang Yi, so their conversation was particularly intimate.
Auntie also chatted with Wang Yi along the way; it was unclear what they discussed, but they seemed to be getting along very well.
Lu Ming, on the other hand, was still exploring the map.
Every new place he arrived at, he liked to explore, looking for its unique features.
Each map had unique resources, whether it was minerals, unique plants, or unique items. Discovering each place was beneficial.
Moreover, the map could mark directions; if they encountered an ambush, they could escape in time—many advantages indeed.
Zhou Cang followed behind Lu Ming, carrying his weapon, loyally and dutifully serving him. Gan Ning led the army at the front, while Huang Zhong led the Flying Feather Battalion to ensure flank security.
Ma Chao looked at the troops before him with a solemn expression. He could sense the chilling aura emanating from this army, the aura of elite troops.
This killing intent—this was the mark of elite soldiers. Orders were obeyed without question; everyone focused solely on marching, orderly and disciplined, as if they were a single, perfectly coordinated unit.
"Meng Qi, do you know why I have been able to defeat all enemy armies and laugh last?" Lu Ming suddenly asked, catching Ma Chao off guard, leaving him momentarily speechless. (Meng Qi is Ma Chao's Nickname)
The warhorses galloped, neighing intermittently, the rustling of armor against armor creating a soft, metallic sound.
Ma Chao felt an aura of approaching death enveloping him; it seemed he was about to face another invincible war god.
He had initially thought he would not be afraid, nor would he yield.
Unexpectedly, when faced with this situation again, he still trembled with fear.
When Ma Chao could no longer hold on to the reins, and even his strength failed him, Lu Ming restrained his breathing, allowing Ma Chao to gasp for air, as if he were about to suffocate.
Now, breathing heavily, Ma Chao looked at Lu Ming with intense fear in his eyes. The difference between them was so obvious?
Yes, it was that obvious!
Lu Ming could easily defeat almost any general. Even the so-called invincible Lü Bu couldn't last more than a few moves against him.
He was already beyond the reach of ordinary people. Dealing with these generals was a piece of cake; he could manipulate them at will.
Usurping the Han dynasty was not a simple matter. Many factors needed to be considered, and one person couldn't handle so many things alone. He needed someone to help him, and someone trustworthy at that.
Otherwise, he might end up like Zhang Jiao, betrayed by his disciple the moment he was about to raise an army—a disgrace indeed.
It's also a case of failing at the last hurdle, almost achieving complete overthrow.
"Thank you for your mercy, sir," Ma Chao said to Lu Ming, still shaken after calming down. He was truly terrified, his mind filled with nightmares.
"Meng Qi, are you willing to pledge your allegiance to me, to pacify this chaotic world together, and to establish unparalleled achievements?" Lu Ming followed the usual procedure, sniffing around, not expecting anything in return.
"Ding, Ma Chao has submitted."
"Meng Qi is willing to pledge his loyalty to his lord." Ma Chao clasped his hands in a fist salute, now utterly terrified.
The difference between him and Lu Ming, which was initially like the difference between a bicycle and a motorcycle, had now become like the difference between a scooter and an airplane.
This was a gap Ma Chao felt he could never overcome in his lifetime.
When the gap is large enough, this fierce tiger of Xiliang, who wants to be the leader but lacks the ability, can be subdued.
"Good, you have not betrayed me, and I will not betray you," Lu Ming said, helping Ma Chao up.
"Meng Qi will surely be loyal to the death," Ma Chao said decisively. Having been validated by fear, he had completely submitted and harbored no further thoughts.
The army marched into Wuwei County, where a Qiang tribe blocked their path.
Lu Ming, accompanied by his aunt Ai Duo, stepped forward and looked at the man before them. "This is Qiang territory; outsiders are not permitted."
"I represent the Mei Qiang, and I am the chief of the Mei Qiang tribe. Please allow us to pass; we are also here for a gathering," Lu Ming said lazily. He hadn't expected anyone to block their way; it seemed the Qiang people really cared about this gathering.
"You?" The captain sized up Lu Ming, then sneered, "Get lost! Han Dynasty officials and corrupt soldiers are not allowed inside!"
"Can't you understand human language? Do you have to resort to violence?" Lu Ming shook his head and said to Ma Chao, "Meng Qi, kill him, then lead the men and slaughter this place."
"Yes!" Ma Chao had barely finished speaking when he spurred his horse, and the warhorse charged forward, a silver spear thrusting out, the sudden attack sending the guard captain flying.
The swordsmen and shield bearers behind him pressed forward, while the archers aimed at the enemy's head, nocked their arrows, and shot them straight through!
In less than half an hour, the Qiang soldiers stationed there were completely slaughtered. Lu Ming even released two soldiers whose noses and ears had been cut off, letting them go back to report.
Throughout the entire process, Aunt Aiduo remained silent, simply riding quietly on her horse, her eyes occasionally glancing at Lu Ming.
She only now realized just how ruthless her nephew was when dealing with enemies!