The battle in the house ended quickly. The nine soldiers, caught off guard by the sudden assault, barely managed any resistance before being eliminated by Qin Ming and his group.
After collecting the loot and surveying the bloodied scene, the trio decided to relocate.
However, just as they stepped out of the house, they halted abruptly.
Tarma, following behind with a cigarette dangling from his lips, instinctively raised his light machine gun, his sharp eyes scanning the eerie silence around them.
Sensing danger, the three retreated back into the building, their expressions tense.
At the door, Qin Ming drew his revolver and fired a volley of shots into the distance.
The thunderous gunfire shattered the stillness, sending clouds of dust rising from the bullet-pocked walls beyond.
As the dust began to settle, shadows emerged from behind the crumbling walls.
Archers notched their arrows, and spearmen leveled their weapons, forming a tight encirclement around the house.
Qin Ming and his companions exchanged glances, their expressions grim as they prepared for another fight.
Just as the standoff teetered on the brink of violence, one figure among the enemy stepped forward, raising a hand to halt his troops.
Facing the trio, the man cupped his fists and called out:
"May I ask who you are and which force you serve?"
Qin Ming, his revolver still raised, twitched his brow at the unexpected inquiry.
"That's what I should be asking you. Who are you?"
"I am Zhou Cang, Blade-Bearer of General Guan Yu, one of the Five Tiger Generals!"
Qin Ming blinked, caught off guard. He turned to Ghost Lady, their eyes meeting in mutual confusion.
Zhou Cang? He's not supposed to exist in the original Dynasty Warriors 2 storyline...
After a moment of thought, Qin Ming spun his revolver and holstered it, then cupped his fists in return.
"I'm Hyena, this is Ghost Lady, and that's my follower. Our village was burned to the ground by the Wei army, so we're taking revenge."
"Ah, brothers, I see!" Zhou Cang chuckled and signaled his men to lower their weapons as he stepped out from behind the wall.
Though Zhou Cang was cautious, Qin Ming's story seemed plausible enough. After all, it was unlikely that Wei soldiers would slaughter their own patrol units.
Zhou Cang had been observing the trio ever since they entered the village but had hesitated to reveal himself until he confirmed their allegiance.
Now that he had witnessed their brutal efficiency against the patrol, Zhou Cang deemed it safe to approach.
As Zhou Cang and his men closed the distance, Qin Ming discreetly adjusted his glasses, activating their scanning function.
The holographic display lit up with Zhou Cang's stats:
Name: Zhou Cang (Dynasty Warriors 2)
Blade Mastery (C-grade)
Mountain Cleave (C-grade)
Dragon Leap (C-grade)
Description: A trusted lieutenant of Guan Yu, known for his immense stamina and overwhelming strength.
While Qin Ming assessed Zhou Cang's stats, Zhou Cang studied the trio in return.
After a moment, Zhou Cang nodded, seemingly satisfied, and cupped his fists again.
"If you harbor a grudge against the Wei army, then we're on the same side. I humbly invite you to join our efforts to drive them out. What do you say?"
"Your efforts? You mean under Guan Yu?"
"That's right! Though our army was scattered, General Guan has already begun rallying forces for a counterattack. If you seek vengeance, why not join us? There's strength in numbers!"
Qin Ming and Ghost Lady exchanged a glance, weighing the offer.
Their mission was to eliminate Li Dian, the first-act boss. Gaining the support of the Shu faction could greatly simplify their task.
Nodding in unison, the pair cupped their fists toward Zhou Cang.
"Then we gratefully accept your invitation, General!"
Ding!Faction Activated: Shu Army!
Special Titles Unlocked:
Title Quest 1: Duel at the Frontlines (Defeat First Act Boss Li Dian solo.)
Reward: Green Title – Shu Vanguard (+8 to all attributes).
Title Quest 2: One Against a Thousand (Breach Li Dian's camp without Shu Army assistance.)
Reward: Green Title – Unstoppable (+15 Strength).
Title Quest 3: Slay Xiahou Dun at Bowang Slope (Lure out and eliminate Second Act Boss Xiahou Dun.)
Reward: Blue Title – Tiger General of Shu (Begin each world with Shu faction allegiance and +100 initial favor with Shu faction members).
The prompts echoed in Qin Ming's mind, the data unfurling before his eyes.
His gaze locked onto the blue title reward, his heart racing.
A blue title! And one with such extraordinary effects!
Although it offered no attribute bonuses, its strategic value was immense. Being aligned with the protagonist faction and starting with 100 favor points was a game-changing advantage.
100 favor points—familiarity level.
It wasn't "close friendship," but it was leagues better than starting at zero.
With such a head start, forming alliances would be significantly easier. Negotiating, requesting aid, and even manipulating plot characters would all become feasible.
The implications were staggering.
Qin Ming's eyes gleamed with determination as his fists clenched.
He had made up his mind.
If there was even the slightest opportunity, he would secure the Tiger General of Shu title—no matter the cost.