Atticus

"It will only be in your best interest to surrender, tell your men to put down their weapons or your head comes off" Atticus said as his large sword stayed pointed to the neck of the man kneeling in front of him.

"Never" The kneeling man replied with a defiant look.

"I admire your bravery but I also despise your stupidity, you and your men are surrounded, there is no way out but death if you continue to fight." Atticus warned. He wasn't interested in anymore bloodshed and if he truly wanted to end the battle a long time ago it was within his capabilities to do so, but this would mean more blood and death.

"So once again I ask, do you yield?" Atticus asked as he looked at the opposing soldiers, using his stance to break their spirit. Bai Xu felt a sense of defeat as he stayed on his knees in face of a sword ready to rip his life, he took a deep breath and answered.

"What honor is there in cowardice, I am ready to enter the circle of samsara so I have embraced death and I am sure my men feels the same" after this reply Bai Xu felt fulfilled but then his soldiers murmured which hinted at their dissatisfaction with his words. Bai Xu still kept a straight face and closed his eyes waiting for his death to come.

'Clang!' The sharp, metallic clatter of a sword hitting the ground echoed through the silence.

Bai Xu countenance was broken with the sound as his warrior heart shook, he looked towards the culprit and there he was, a soldier of his dropping his arms to surrender to the enemy.

Atticus had expected this, it was the same plot over and over again. Humans in the end of the day don't want to die for another man's cause, he looked to Bai Xu with a questioning expression.

"So?"

Bai Xu suddenly felt tired and with a deep breath he gave his order before the situation got more embarrassing. "I yield, drop your weapons!"

He could at that moment swear that he heard his soldiers voice out relief, those bastards!

"We are done here, old Zhou!" Atticus called out to the Lieutenant of the Royal army and also his second-in-command. "Go get their king, its time to raise up our flags on this lands."

"Yes General!" Zhou Ran bowed then took with him some of the soldiers before going to carry our Atticus's order.

Atticus, a towering figure with a physique befitting a legendary warrior, had carved his name deep into the annals of Eldoria's history. Tales of his heroic feats were the bedtime stories every child grew up hearing, weaving his legacy into the very fabric of the kingdom. The hero of Eldoria, they called him, and his presence in the palace hall was nothing short of awe-inspiring.

Standing at over seven feet in height, Atticus possessed an imposing aura that seemed to radiate with each step he took. It wasn't just his physical stature that left an impression; it was the intangible force of his presence that could send shivers down the spines of those who dared cross his path.

But what made Atticus even more remarkable was the fact that despite his legendary status and accomplishments, one could easily mistake him for a seasoned elder, when in reality, he was in his early thirties. At the astonishingly young age of 25, he had ascended to become the youngest general in Eldoria's history. While he might not have been the most powerful cultivator in the kingdom, his combat prowess remained unquestioned. There was no one under a century years old who could dare challenge his might.

Yet, beneath the armor and the warrior's exterior, Atticus was not just a soldier. He was a husband and a father, a man who had pledged his blood and sweat to the kingdom but also knew the importance of love within the walls of his home.

As Atticus and his elite royal guard made their way through the palace, whispers of reverence followed them like a gentle breeze. They arrived at the grand throne room, where the Emperor, Ling Tian, awaited. Atticus, his steps echoing in the opulent chamber, approached the throne with a respectful bow.

"My king" Atticus spoke with a deep and commanding voice.

Emperor Ling Tian looked at Atticus from his throne as several thoughts ran through his mind. "What are the reports?" He asked, referring to the territorial war Atticus and the soldiers had gone on.

"Successful my Lord with no casualties on our side"Atticus replied respectfully.

"You never cease to surprise me Atticus, good job"

"Just doing my duty my king"

Emperor Ling Tian expression got more serious, "Well that's not the main reason I called you here, I have a mission for you" Ling Tian looked at the royal guards "leave us"

Now alone with Atticus the king continued. "Information has reached my ears about Listrea mobilizing an army, we may have a peace treaty with them but we all know how fragile and useless this things can be "

Atticus wondered a little on how he was unaware of such an important information, he was the general of the entire Eldorian army after all. "Do you have any specific order in mind my king." he inquired.

"Well, I sent a message to them already stating that you would be personally collecting their share of the tribute for this year's continental tournament but I also want you to use this chance and observe what you can" Ling Tian replied.

Atticus nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. "I shall prepare for the journey immediately."

Emperor Ling Tian gave a solemn nod in response. "Good. I trust your judgment, Atticus. Remember, diplomacy can be as potent as your sword, and sometimes even more so."

With that, Atticus left the grand throne room and made his way through the magnificent palace, his heart heavy with the upcoming mission. However, before setting off, he had one more important stop to make – home.

As he arrived at his residence, Atticus was greeted by the sweet aroma of his wife's cooking. A warm smile graced his face as he entered the kitchen to find her diligently preparing a meal.

Xiao Mei was a stunning woman who could topple kingdoms with her beauty. Standing at an impressive 6 feet tall, she possessed regal grace, with long, flowing ebony hair, mesmerizing emerald-green eyes, and features that exuded elegance and strength. Her height, far from a drawback, added to her commanding presence.