My sister is Luna

Ba Shang.

Liu Bang brought Cain here, while Guiguzi returned to the Xuanwei Forest.

Ba Shang is located in the southern part of Bai Jing Forest. It is a medium-sized city that was once affiliated with Yun Meng City. It has a total population of over 100,000. Now it has been occupied by Liu Bang's 10,000 rebel troops and is no longer under the control of Yun Meng City.

Soldiers in cloth armor stood patrolling the city walls. The dim light made them look as strong as if they were cast in bronze. They stood in rows and moved in orderly columns, deterring outsiders from making any rash moves.

Liu Bang greeted the people on the city wall and was then allowed to pass.

Upon entering the city gate, compared to Yunmeng City, this place felt completely new to Cain, more vibrant and full of life. He had never imagined that the same region could have such a drastically different appearance.

Everywhere you look, there's a constant flow of people: vendors hawking their wares, tourists, farmers heading to their fields, and children playing and laughing...

The cacophony of voices from the bustling forest filled Cain's ears, a stark contrast to the solemnity and tranquility of Yunmeng City. Yet, Cain felt a profound sense of peace within him.

This is the kind of city people should live in. He thought to himself.

Perhaps due to his past life's education, Cain disliked the oppression of that faith. In his eyes, the faith system of Donghuang Taiyi was no different from a cult, which he found utterly detestable.

The people here are not as devout as those in Yunmeng City, but they live for themselves.

The houses are not as magnificent and luxurious as those in Yunmeng City; though simple, they are better than the lofty divine abode.

The people here are content, their faces relaxed, and there is a hopeful light in their eyes. They are free from the oppression of the Eastern God.

Unlike most people in Yunmeng City, whose eyes are empty and whose steps are unsteady, whose blind faith in God surpasses their own, and who try to grasp at that elusive glimmer, the devout and wise are ultimately a minority. The people here are more down-to-earth and have a truly living vitality.

The oppressive atmosphere that Cloud Dream City brought to Cain found relief here.

"King of Han".

Those who passed by all nodded to Liu Bang, their eyes filled with admiration.

Liu Bang responded with a friendly smile. He looked at the city he had personally conquered and the people he had governed living in peace and prosperity, and felt very proud.

Who would have thought that a mere village head would one day become a king, even though he only had one city and a few surrounding villages.

But as long as I recruit talented people and follow the will of the people, what can possibly be difficult for me? I am indeed a natural-born king. What is the Eastern Emperor compared to me? I will take this entire world for myself…

No, we must not be arrogant or complacent. Zhang Liang and Xiao He said that arrogance is the easiest way to cause trouble, and we must be calm and composed in dealing with the world!

Liu Bang shook his head, quickly composing himself.

Liu Bang was an ordinary man, but he had a keen eye for people, which was his only skill. As a result, he was also ambitious, and as his power and ability gradually increased, his ambition was not satisfied with the status quo and was expanding. He was also eager to find talented people.

Kain could sense that Liu Bang had a grand and lofty ambition, but also a sinister side. He was complex and contradictory; he could raise the banner high and lead the charge for the sake of the world with great passion and fervor, but he could also be ruthless and cunning for the throne, resorting to any means necessary.

Liu Bang had a keen sense of history. Looking at the gradually declining Yunmeng City, he felt a strong sense of historical mission, or even destiny. He believed that he had to complete this mission himself, as it was in his best interest. This strong emotion would make him kick down anyone who stood in his way.

Everything was based on self-interest. Liu Bang had no noble character; he was just an ordinary person with great ambitions who pursued profit.

On the same interests, Cain could become a close friend of Liu Bang, but once he turned his back on him, Liu Bang would treat him coldly.

Therefore, Cain decided not to develop a close relationship with Liu Bang, but some business dealings and collaborations were still possible.

Soon, the two arrived at the military camp.

The soldiers were drilling, their shouts deafening.

Three people came out of the main tent.

Xiao He was dressed simply, with a gentle and refined demeanor and a hidden wisdom in his eyes. Beside him stood Zhang Liang, a handsome and fair-skinned scholar who looked like a beautiful woman.

"Boss, you're finally back." The last man, Fan Kuai, a big, burly man with a face full of scars, stepped forward and gave Liu Bang a bear hug.

"Haha, Fan Kuai, you're still the same as ever, I'm very happy." Liu Bang gently pushed Fan Kuai away, then looked at Zhang Liang and the other man.

"Your Majesty, I wonder if this journey will be able to ascertain the truth?" Xiao He bowed. Although he and Liu Bang were from the same hometown and had a very good relationship, he still considered himself a subject.

"It seems to be true. I've been staying in Yunmeng City for the past few days, and based on the situation, Donghuang Taiyi has indeed fallen into a deep sleep for some reason. All the residents are living in fear, and even the daily procession is being carried out by other gods. This is the perfect opportunity to keep him from ever waking up."

Liu Bang was overjoyed. He had been accumulating strength for this very moment. Donghuang Taiyi had no time to worry about anything else. This way, they could unite with the Chu army on the other side of the river. With the help of the divine shaman, the chances of capturing Yunmeng City were much higher. Finally, they could surround and kill Donghuang and seize the country.

"I have a feeling something's amiss, so let's proceed with caution," Zhang Liang said after a moment's thought.

“Zhang Liang is right, better safe than sorry. I will choose the best time. Xiao He, you should write a letter to Xiang Yu to discuss the important matter of sending troops.” Liu Bang also calmed down.

"Yes."

"Oh dear, I forgot to introduce someone!" Liu Bang then remembered Cain, whom he had left out.

"This is a friend I met in Yunmeng City, Cain."

Cain greeted everyone one by one.

"My name is Fan Kuai. If you need anything, just come to me. I'll protect you." Fan Kuai was a rough and straightforward man. Since he was Liu Bang's friend, he was also Fan Kuai's friend.

"Cao Wushang, I know you're the most well-informed gossipmonger. Tell Cain everything you know." Liu Bang didn't waste any time and summoned someone, knowing Cain's purpose.

"Yes, Your Majesty." A man with shifty eyes ran over with a grin.

"Cao Wushang, you must take good care of Cain. I have other matters to attend to, so I won't chat any longer." After saying this, Liu Bang led Zhang Liang and Xiao He into the main tent.

"Yes, Your Majesty, no problem."

"Your Majesty, his name is Cain. Could he be...?" Xiao He asked with some surprise as he entered the tent.

"Even if we can't use the great hero who saved the Great Wall, it would be good to make friends with him," Liu Bang said with a smile.

“His presence here, with the entire Yunmengze under lockdown, means he wants to get out. To a large extent, standing with us will give us more strength.”

And outside.

Cao Wushang led Cain to two seats where they could watch the soldiers drill.

"Brother, just ask me anything you want to know, as long as I know the answer." Cao Wushang didn't waste any more words.

"Do you know Lin Xiang'er?" Cain just wanted to know what his former friend had gone through so he could go back and find her.

“Lin Xiang’er…” Cao Wushang’s expression suddenly became somewhat strange:

"She was the most famous topic before. She was pretty and had a satisfactory marriage. Alas, marriage is supposed to be a happy occasion, but on her wedding night, her whole family was killed, turning it into a funeral! Now, no one knows where she is. Most likely, she has either gone mad or become a lowly beggar. It's really terrifying to think about now. I wonder why you asked about her, brother?"

“What exactly happened that night?” Cain asked.

Cao Wushang, sensing the situation, stopped being curious and continued:

"It is said that in the middle of the night that night, several screams came from the newlywed room. When the servants who heard the screams went in to take a look, good heavens, Lin Xiang'er's husband and parents had all died there, their bodies drained of blood, their faces horribly disfigured, and blood splattered all over the room. Only Lin Xiang'er was sitting blankly on the bed. This human tragedy was known to everyone in an instant."

"The next day, the Yin-Yang School sent people to investigate. Five people died mysteriously, and only one survived, causing panic among the people around them. Then the Yin-Yang School issued a solemn statement: It was caused by a demon possessing Lin Xiang'er, which has now been eliminated, so there is no need to worry."

"The incident is over, but everyone says she's a jinx who brought misfortune to those around her. They say this woman must have done something blasphemous or immoral to attract the devil's possession."

"Unfortunately, the Yin-Yang School only cared about handling the situation, not the aftermath. They just made a few feigned words of regret and left. The sudden downfall and tragedy of the Lin and Li families made Lin Xiang'er feared and disliked. Who would want a cursed widow? Lin Xiang'er disappeared amidst everyone's pointing fingers..."

Cain listened expressionlessly, but his eyes grew increasingly deep.

……