He wanted to make Hua Ren do something bad. He wanted to stain his clean record. He wanted to see him fall from grace, into the muddy ground and laugh at him, spit at him, curse him.
At just 25, Hua Ren had already become the highest ranking General while he was in his late 30s but he was ranking third with Yin Mei as second and Zhen Shu as fourth.
He felt that it wasn't fair and initially thought that Hua Ren whored his way up but only realised after Hua Ren's countless achievements and extensive investigation that Hua Ren had never even been intimate with anyone.
He had gotten to where he was with pure hardwork. It was both admirable and downright infuriating for Hei Long.
Well, all that would soon come to an end for the Ivory Warlord. He gazed at the white clad General, smirking.
Eternal Grain Valley would be where he meets his end.
They soon reached the entrance of the village, which was fortified by tall walls crafted from sturdy bamboo. Three guards stationed outside, brandished spears, directing them towards the approaching generals and soldiers.
"Halt!" bellowed the chief guard, a towering bald figure. "Turn around and depart! Your presence is unwelcome here!"
"Do you truly have the audacity to impede the Generals and Soldiers of the Celestial Kingdom?" General Hei Long inquired, his tone sinister. "Ordering us to turn around and leave. Is death what you seek?"
General Hei Long, with his shaggy dark hair and one eye, atop his big horse, cast an imposing shadow that instilled fear in those before him, prompting the guards to take a hesitant shuffle backward. "Open the gates and grant us entry." He commanded, unsheathing his large sword.
The guards tightened their grips on their weapons, fixing stern gazes on the soldiers. "Absolutely not!"
"Leave immediately or face the consequences!" the chief guard shouted.
From beyond the bamboo wall and among the trees surrounding them, numerous villagers emerged from concealed positions, crossbows in hand, aimed at the Generals and soldiers.
Observing the scene, General Hei Long erupted into laughter. "Do you truly believe you can thwart the Celestial Kingdom's army with mere crossbows? You pesky rebels!"
Captain Liara Fang approached Hua Ren, whispering, "Something isn't right, General. This level of hostility is unusual."
Hua Ren affirmed, "I'm aware. My suspicions arose when the soldiers joined us. Stand by and observe for now."
She nodded, staying close to Hua Ren.
"We're not rebels!" The chief guard spat. "You just label us rebels because we refuse to leave our land! We're innocent! Go back! Tell the Emperor that we shall not move no matter what!"
"What is this about leaving their land?" Hua Ren asked. He wanted to know why they were all so agitated. And why he wasn't aware that the problem was something else?
General Hei Long averted his gaze, not wanting to talk about it.
"Stop acting like you do not know!" The chief guard spat. "Are you not the Ivory Warlord? The best General? How can you not know? We have heard stories of your warmth and compassion. Your kindness and love. How you save people, bringing peace where ever you go. Where are they now that you're forcing us out of our village? Out of our homes? Huh? Where is the peace? Where are they?!"
Hua Ren was aware that they were angry and scared. Although they all held weapons, he could see it in their eyes. No one could go against the Celestial Kingdom's army and live.
"I may be all that you said but I was never informed about this." He said, his tone calm. "General Hei Long and I were sent to just investigate your village. Based on what you're saying, there should be some misunderstanding between your village and the Emperor. If I could just speak to your village head, I'm sure we'll be able to sort things out and find a solution."
"The only solution to this is for you to leave!" The guard by the left shouted. "Leave and never come back!"
"You do know what it means to point your weapons at us, don't you?"General Hei Long said to the chief guard. "Even if we leave now, this will not be the end. Many more like us will still come and you'll eventually give the Emperor what he wants."
"You know what this is about." Hua Ren stated, turning to Hei Long. "Speak."
"It is not your concern," Hei Long dismissed. "Your task is to ascertain whether they are rebels, General, and I believe you have your answer." He pointed his sword at the chief guard. "Anyone wielding a weapon against the Emperor's army is a Rebel!"
"YESSSS!!!!!" His soldiers chorused, taking out their weapons.
Like a flash of lightning, Hua Ren took out one of his three pronged swords and aimed it at Hei Long's neck.
Shocked, Hei Long shouted; "General Hua Ren, what is the meaning of this?!"
"I order you to stand down, Hei Long." Hua Ren commanded, fixing his icy gaze on the barbaric General.
Hei Long was infuriated. "Stand down?! We are the same! We bear the same title!"
"Yet, my position is still higher." Hua Ren said, putting his sword dangerously close to Hei Long's adam's apple. "I am the first General, Hei Long. You will do as I command or suffer the consequences of your disrespect towards me."
"You would kill me?" Hei Long asked, stunned.
The hard look in Hua Ren's eyes was enough. There was no doubt in those white eyes.
General Hei Long gritted his teeth, knowing Hua Ren was not joking. Under the eyes of his soldiers and the village guards, he was forced to sheath his sword. "Stand down, soldiers!" He ordered and they all sheathed their swords.
Satisfied, Hua Ren lowered his sword and turned back to the villagers. "Now, what is this talk about leaving your village?"
The Chief guard finally lowered his weapon. Surely, the stories they had heard about the Ivory Warlord were not lies. He realised that Hua Ren really didn't know what he was talking about earlier. He bowed, showing his respect then proceeded to explain; "Two weeks ago, soldiers arrived, instructing us to evacuate the village, citing the Emperor's decree but this is our hime. We have nowhere else to go so our village chief traveled to the Capital himself to seek an audience with the Emperor. His request was granted and he informed the Emperor of our plight."