Clearly, these two individuals were once War Generals in the Zhao state who commanded great renown: Li Mu and Sima Shang.
On the day Guo Kai set an ambush to kill Li Mu, had Yanting not intervened, both men would surely have perished.
"Shangjiangjun. We've been held here for over half a year now. Why hasn't the person behind this come to see us yet?" Sima Shang asked, looking at Li Mu. "What exactly are their intentions?"
Upon hearing this, Li Mu was quite indifferent. "You've asked that dozens of times over the past half-year. I eat and sleep in the same conditions you do; how would I know?"
"However, we can be sure that the person behind all this will eventually come to meet us," he continued. "Otherwise, they wouldn't have gone to such great lengths to save us, much less let us live this long. Just wait."
Sima Shang nodded, his face etched with sorrow. "After all this time, I wonder if Zhao still stands."
At the mention of the Zhao state, a shade of sorrow also crossed Li Mu's face. "Whether the state exists or not is irrelevant to us now. Zhao has already abandoned us."
At these words, both men fell silent. The fact that the King of Zhao had arranged an ambush to kill them was naturally heartbreaking. Though their hearts were once full of patriotic passion, that feeling was now gone.
At that moment, a messenger suddenly arrived outside the stronghold.
"Yama. The Master has returned."
A Yan Court Secret Agent hurried over, speaking to the black-clad figure training new agents.
Upon hearing this, Ying Bu's heart leaped with joy. He immediately waved his hand. "The Master has returned! Everyone, stop what you're doing!"
All the Dark Guards halted their activities, a sense of apprehension in their hearts. Before Qin's war against the Zhao state, the first two batches of Yan Court Secret Agents had met Zhao Feng. The subsequent recruits, however, had never seen him.
"The man in charge is finally here," Li Mu said, rising from his seated position. Sima Shang did the same.
The two men turned their gaze toward the entrance of the stronghold. Having been imprisoned here for so long, they were naturally very curious about who the person behind the scenes really was. Now, at last, the mystery was about to be unveiled.
Under the watchful eyes of everyone present, a group of black-armored trusted aides parted to make way. Zhao Feng, dressed in a black military uniform, slowly walked into the Yanting stronghold.
"Greetings, Master."
All the Yan Court Secret Agents in the stronghold knelt and bowed to Zhao Feng, their gazes fervent and respectful.
Upon joining Yanting, one's loyalty was the first thing to be scrutinized by Zhao Feng. He would periodically check the fidelity of the Yan Court Secret Agents. If any were found to be disloyal, a list would be sent to Ying Bu, who would then dispose of them.
Zhao Feng showed no leniency to the disloyal, who might betray him at any moment. Possessing his faction panel allowed him to succeed at every turn, controlling hearts and ensuring loyalty.
"All may rise," Zhao Feng commanded with a powerful voice after scanning the crowd.
"Thank you, Master," everyone shouted in unison.
"Master." Ying Bu walked over quickly.
"Well done," Zhao Feng praised. "You have worked hard to develop Yanting."
Yanting was now firmly established and had developed a true hierarchical structure. Zhao Feng had handed over its stewardship to the now-matured Ying Bu. He was indeed capable, and for that reason, he became the first Yama of Yanting.
"Your subordinate vows to serve you to the death, Master," Ying Bu said respectfully.
Zhao Feng nodded without saying more. What he had bestowed upon Ying Bu was already the greatest reward in all of Yanting; no further words were needed.
Zhao Feng's gaze then shifted toward Li Mu and Sima Shang, and he slowly walked over to them.
Watching Zhao Feng approach step by step, Li Mu and Sima Shang wore exceedingly complex expressions, especially Li Mu.
"This man looks awfully familiar, as if I've seen him somewhere before," Sima Shang remarked, a sense of recognition dawning on him as he gazed at the approaching Zhao Feng.
"The Qin General, Zhao Feng," Li Mu uttered.
"What? It's really him?" Sima Shang was shocked, not having anticipated this at all. As he began to recall the past, the portrait he had once seen in Dai Territory immediately merged with Zhao Feng's appearance in his mind.
I didn't expect it to be him... the one hailed as the Qin General with the greatest potential. He's privately assembled such a covert force? At that moment, Li Mu was deeply shaken.
Soon, Zhao Feng stood before Li Mu.
"General Li Mu, your reputation is well-known. Today, I am finally graced with your presence," Zhao Feng said with a slight smile.
"Zhao Feng?" Li Mu still inquired tentatively.
"It seems General Li Mu is aware of who I am," Zhao Feng smiled faintly.
"Beheading Bao Yuan, defeating Wei Wuji, and even General Lian Po met his end at your hands. Who across the world does not know of your renown?" Li Mu spoke with a hint of emotion.
Seeing how young Zhao Feng was, yet realizing the military achievements to his name were enough to overshadow countless other generals, was a truly sobering thought.
Zhao Feng smiled faintly and signaled with his hand. Immediately, someone brought over three cushions and a table, setting a flask of wine upon it.
"Sit," Zhao Feng invited with a light smile, taking his seat.
Li Mu and Sima Shang exchanged glances before taking their seats as well. They were naturally aware of their situation; if Zhao Feng wanted them dead, he would have killed them already. The fact that he had kept them here meant he surely had a purpose.
Now, having finally met the man himself, they naturally wanted to clarify their circumstances.
"We have never met, yet there exists a feud between us as enemies."