I walk sideways in the game world

After Ren Xiaoyao and Xia Lin left the elders' residence, they began to prepare for the future adventure. They knew that the power of the town alone could not always resist the foreign enemies, and they had to build a stronger force to gain a foothold in this chaotic land.

"Xiaoyao, what is our next goal?" Xia Lin asked.

"I've observed that there is a mountain stronghold called 'Black Wind Stronghold' to the east of the town. It is easy to defend but difficult to attack. The leader is brave and skilled in martial arts, and he has hundreds of elite soldiers and generals under his command. If we can recruit them for our own use, our strength will be greatly enhanced." Ren Xiaoyao said, pointing to a steep mountain on the map.

"But Black Wind Village has always made a living by looting. I'm afraid they won't surrender to us easily, right?" Xia Lin was a little worried.

"A brute force attack will inevitably result in heavy losses. We must outsmart them." A gleam of light flashed in Ren Xiaoyao's eyes. "I plan to use courtesy first and then force. I will send envoys to negotiate and explain the pros and cons. If they understand the current situation and are willing to cooperate to resist the foreign enemy, we will naturally treat them with courtesy. If they persist in their wrongdoings, we will make further plans."

Xia Lin nodded in agreement, and Ren Xiaoyao immediately arranged for Guard Zhao to lead an elite team, carrying generous gifts, to the Black Wind Village for negotiations.

After Guard Zhao arrived at Black Wind Village, he explained his purpose to the thugs guarding the gate. Lieutenant General Li, the second-in-command of the village, received them skeptically.

"Our village chief never deals with outsiders. If you have anything to say, just tell me." Lieutenant General Li was tall and strong, and spoke in an arrogant tone.

Guard Zhao explained his purpose in a calm and composed manner, and conveyed Ren Xiaoyao's sincerity in wanting to cooperate with Black Wind Village to resist foreign enemies, and presented the gifts he brought.

Lieutenant General Li looked at the dazzling array of treasures before him, a hint of greed flashing in his eyes, but he still looked hesitant: "This matter is of great importance, I can't make the decision. I will make a decision after I report to the village chief."

Guard Zhao and his companions settled in Black Wind Village, awaiting Zhang Yong's response. As the sun set, Lieutenant General Li finally reappeared before them, a mysterious smile on his face. "Our village chief has agreed to see you. Follow me."

Guard Zhao was startled and followed Lieutenant General Li calmly through the winding corridor and into a richly decorated hall.

"I've heard of the great name of Village Chief Zhang for a long time. Seeing him today, I can see that his reputation is well-deserved." Guard Zhao saluted with his fists, but his eyes were fixed on Zhang Yong who was sitting on the tiger-skin chair, trying to read something from his face.

Zhang Yong laughed heartily, his voice resounding like a bell. "Why did your city lord send you here? Just tell me."

Guard Zhao calmed down and was about to speak when he heard hurried footsteps outside the door and a panicked voice rang out: "Report--"

"Report—" A bandit stumbled into the hall and knelt on the ground in panic, "Captain, Captain! A large army has been spotted at the foot of the mountain. They have ill intentions!"

Zhang Yong's face suddenly changed. He stood up and grabbed the bandit by the collar. "Who are you?!"

"Looking at the flag, it seems like... it seems like they are from the Black Tiger Camp!" the bandit answered tremblingly.

"Black Tiger Stronghold?!" The hall erupted in an uproar. Lieutenant General Li explained with a grim expression, "Black Tiger Stronghold is the most powerful stronghold nearby. They've always been eyeing us covetously. This time, they're here with ill intentions!"

Zhang Yong pushed the trembling bandit away and paced back and forth in the hall, his eyes full of gloom. He knew the strength of the Black Tiger Village very well, and the Black Wind Village was no match for it.

"Master Zhang, there's no need to panic," Guard Zhao, who had been silent the entire time, suddenly spoke. His tone was calm and composed, as if he had everything under control. "Our city lord has long anticipated that the Black Tiger Camp would take action. He has come here to discuss a joint fight against the enemy with your camp."

Zhang Yong turned his head sharply to look at Guard Zhao, a glimmer of hope flashing in his eyes, "Are you serious?"

Guard Zhao smiled faintly and said confidently, "Absolutely true. Our city lord has brought a generous gift this time as a token of his sincerity."

He clapped his hands, and several soldiers carrying boxes covered with red silk entered the hall. Guard Zhao lifted the red silk and saw that the boxes were filled with gold, silver, and jewels, dazzling the eyes.

"This is just a deposit," Guard Zhao said, pointing to the treasures in the box. "As long as Village Chief Zhang agrees to cooperate with us, there will be even more generous rewards after the success!"

Zhang Yong looked at the mountain of treasures before him, and his heart was shaken. However, he still did not completely dispel his concerns. "Is your city lord really sure he can deal with the Black Tiger Village?"

"Of course," Guard Zhao said confidently, "Our city lord is a master strategist and possesses extraordinary strength. To show our sincerity, our city lord is at the foot of the mountain, awaiting good news."

"What?!" Zhang Yong was shocked. He didn't expect that Ren Xiaoyao would come to the vicinity of Black Wind Village in person. This courage and sincerity forced him to re-examine the young city lord.

"Captain Zhang, a wise bird chooses the right tree to roost in. Now that the Black Tiger Village is coming with such force, it may be difficult for the Black Wind Village to resist it alone." Xia Lin, who had been standing behind Guard Zhao, suddenly spoke. Her voice was clear and pleasant, but it carried an authority that could not be ignored.

"Who is this..." Zhang Yong looked at Xia Lin in confusion.

"My name is Xia Lin, and I'm the city lord's military advisor." Xia Lin smiled slightly, and her eyes showed the confidence of being able to strategize.

"Military Advisor?" Zhang Yong's heart moved. He looked at Xia Lin with a more inquiring look. "I wonder what advice this military advisor has?"

Xia Lin walked to the center of the hall, pointed at the map hanging on the wall, and spoke freely: "Although the Black Tiger Village is strong in men and horses, we are not without a chance of victory. The Black Wind Village is strategically located, easy to defend but difficult to attack. We can use the terrain to our advantage and deal with them..."

Charlene presented her plan in a clear and organized manner, analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of both sides in detail and proposing a feasible combat plan.

Zhang Yong nodded repeatedly, looking at Xia Lin with admiration. He had originally thought this young military advisor was just a pretty face, but he hadn't expected her to be so brave and resourceful.

"Captain, I believe this military advisor is absolutely right!" Lieutenant General Li also stepped forward to support him. "We will join forces with the City Lord and will surely repel the Black Tiger Camp's attack!"

Zhang Yong pondered for a moment, his eyes sweeping across the crowd in the hall before finally settling on Guard Zhao. "I want to meet your city lord in person."

Guard Zhao smiled slightly, "Chief, please follow me."

As night fell, flames shot up into the sky outside the village, lighting up half the sky.

"Zhaizhu!"

……

As soon as Zhang Yong walked out of the gate of the mountain stronghold, he saw a large group of soldiers standing at the foot of the hillside. They held torches and stood in neat rows, and a murderous aura filled his face.

At the forefront of the soldiers stood a young man in silver armor. He had a tall and straight figure, a handsome face, and his eyes sparkled with wisdom.

"Are you Ren Xiaoyao?" Zhang Yong looked at the young man in front of him and asked in a deep voice.

Ren Xiaoyao smiled slightly and saluted, "It is me. I have long heard of the name of Zhang Zhaizhu."

Zhang Yong looked Ren Xiaoyao up and down, a hint of admiration flashing in his eyes, but he still did not let his guard down. "What are you trying to do by bringing so many people to my Black Wind Village?"

"I came here this time for only one thing..." Ren Xiaoyao said, turning to look at Guard Zhao behind him.

Guard Zhao understood what he meant, took out a brocade box from his arms and slowly opened it. A crystal clear jade pendant lay quietly in the box.

Ren Xiaoyao picked up the jade pendant and handed it to Zhang Yong, "This jade pendant..."

Ren Xiaoyao picked up the jade pendant and handed it to Zhang Yong. "This jade pendant is a family heirloom of my Ren family. It's called 'Dragon Soaring'."

Zhang Yong took the jade pendant with doubt. It felt smooth to the touch, emitting a faint warmth. A lifelike flying dragon was carved on the front, its scales clearly visible, as if it were about to burst through the air. On the back, the character "Ren" (ren) was written in ancient seal script, its brushstrokes sharp and revealing a kingly aura.

"What is the meaning of this thing?" Zhang Yong looked at the jade pendant in his hand, and his doubts grew even more.

Ren Xiaoyao smiled slightly and explained, "This dragon jade pendant represents the sincerity of my Ren family and... the future fate of Black Wind Village."

Zhang Yong's heart trembled. He looked up at Ren Xiaoyao, only to see his gaze was deep, as if he understood everything. He clenched the jade pendant in his hand and turned to walk into the meeting room.

The atmosphere in the hall was solemn. Zhang Yong sat at the head table, his brow furrowed, clutching the dragon jade pendant tightly. Lieutenant General Li and several other leaders sat on either side, their faces etched with anxiety and uneasiness.

"Village leader, this Ren Xiaoyao isn't here with good intentions!" A burly leader was the first to break the silence. "He brought so many people to our Black Wind Village, clearly intending to annex us!"

"Yes, village chief, we can't trust him!" Another leader echoed, "Who knows what he's up to!"

"But..." Lieutenant General Li hesitated for a moment and said, "The Black Tiger Camp is very powerful. We are no match for them. If we can cooperate with Ren Xiaoyao, there may be a glimmer of hope."

"Cooperation? Humph!" The burly boss who had spoken earlier snorted coldly, "How can we seek the skin of a tiger? If he swallows us whole, not even a bone will be left of us!"

"Shut up, everyone!" Zhang Yong slammed the table and roared, "What are you arguing about? Is this the time for discussion?!"

The hall suddenly became quiet, and everyone was silent, not daring to speak again.

Zhang Yong took a deep breath and tried to calm himself. He looked around at everyone and said in a deep voice, "I know everyone is worried, but what I need right now is your opinions, not pointless arguments!"

"Captain, I think we should first find out Ren Xiaoyao's true intentions," Lieutenant General Li spoke first. "If he truly just wants to cooperate with us, then we might as well consider it."

"That's right." The other head nodded in agreement. "We can't make a final statement. Let's see what he says first."

Zhang Yong pondered for a moment and nodded slowly, "Okay, then let's listen to what he wants to say first."

A few days later, Black Wind Village was decorated with lanterns and a festive atmosphere. Zhang Yong and Ren Xiaoyao stood side by side at the entrance of the meeting hall, looking at the lively scene below, both with satisfied smiles on their faces.

After several days of discussion, Zhang Yong finally decided to accept Ren Xiaoyao's proposal and join his forces. Ren Xiaoyao also kept his promise and not only provided a large amount of supplies and weapons, but also sent his men to help Black Wind Village train soldiers and improve its strength.

"Congratulations, Brother Zhang. From now on, we are brothers!" Ren Xiaoyao raised his glass and said to Zhang Yong.

"Haha, Brother Ren, I will rely on you a lot in the future!" Zhang Yong also raised his glass and clinked glasses with Ren Xiaoyao.

The two smiled at each other, raised their heads and drank the wine in their glasses.

However, just as they were celebrating their victory, a mysterious figure appeared outside the village. He was tall and draped in a black cloak, a long sword at his waist, and an icy aura emanated from him. He looked toward the village, a sneer curling his lips as he whispered, "Ren Xiaoyao, do you think you can rest easy now? The game has only just begun..."

Inside the village, the atmosphere was festive, the air overflowing with lights and the aroma of wine. Ren Xiaoyao and Zhang Yong sat side by side at the main seat in the meeting room, clinking glasses, chatting and laughing, celebrating their alliance.

"Brother Zhang, if you and I join forces, this piece of land will be ours sooner or later!" Ren Xiaoyao raised his glass and drank it all in one gulp.

"Brother Ren is extremely talented and popular. I, Zhang Yong, am fortunate to be able to follow him!" Zhang Yong also drank the wine in the glass generously, his eyes full of admiration.

"Report——"

A messenger hurried into the meeting room and knelt on one knee. "Master, there's a man in black outside the stronghold asking to see Master Ren!"

Ren Xiaoyao and Zhang Yong looked at each other, both feeling a little surprised.

"Man in black? Do you know where he came from?" Zhang Yong asked.

"Reporting to the village chief, the man was covered in a black cloak and his face could not be seen clearly. He only said that he had something important to discuss and wanted to see Master Ren. He also said... and also said..." The messenger hesitated.

"What else?" Ren Xiaoyao asked.

"He also said that the matter is of great importance. If I don't see him, Mr. Ren will definitely regret it!" The messenger said courageously.

Ren Xiaoyao frowned slightly, thinking to himself, "This person is so mysterious, yet he specifically asked to see me. Could it be that he's here for me?"

"Xiaoyao, look at this..." Zhang Yong looked at Ren Xiaoyao with a questioning look on his face.

"Since he's here with ill intentions, I'd like to see what he's up to!" A gleam of light flashed in Ren Xiaoyao's eyes. "Please let him in!"

"Yes!" The messenger took the order and left.

A moment later, a figure wearing a black cloak and with an indistinct face walked in. He walked with a steady gait, exuding a cold aura. He wore a long sword at his waist, which, under the light, reflected bursts of cold light, making people shudder.

He walked to the center of the hall, his eyes swept over everyone, and finally landed on Ren Xiaoyao. His voice was low and hoarse: "Are you Ren Xiaoyao?"

"It's me, sir. Who are you?" Ren Xiaoyao stood up and asked neither humbly nor arrogantly.

The man in black did not answer, but slowly took off the cloak on his head, revealing a handsome face, but his eyes were full of resentment and hatred, staring at Ren Xiaoyao.

"It's you!" Ren Xiaoyao's pupils suddenly contracted as he recognized the person.

"Yes, it's me. Do you still remember me? Ren Xiaoyao!" The man in black said gritting his teeth. Every word seemed to be squeezed out from between his teeth, full of deep hatred.

"You are... the son of wealthy businessman Wang?!"