The first light of dawn washed over the land of Qin as thousands of soldiers assembled beneath fluttering black banners. The thunder of war drums echoed across the valleys, signaling the beginning of another campaign in the Warring States.
Today, the Qin army marched toward the She Gan Plains.
At the head of ten thousand elite soldiers rode General Hyou Ren.
Clad in black armor with crimson accents, he carried neither a glaive nor a heavy spear like many of Qin's renowned generals. A masterfully forged sword hung at his left hip, while a powerful longbow and a quiver of black-feathered arrows rested across his back. His calm expression concealed the instincts of a predator, his sharp eyes studying every hill and valley before him.
Hyou Ren was no ordinary general.
He was the only son of the legendary instinctual general Duke Hyou. Yet he had earned his rank through countless battles rather than inheritance. His victories against mountain tribes, bandits, and enemy border forces had proven his worth. In recognition of his unwavering service and remarkable contributions to Qin, King Sho personally promoted Hyou Ren to the rank of General, declaring that merit alone determined a warrior's place in Qin.
Among Qin's military, Hyou Ren was known as "The Hawk of Qin." His arrows could strike enemy commanders from impossible distances, while his swordsmanship was swift, precise, and ruthless. Unlike his father, whose instinct drove him to charge into the fiercest fighting, Hyou Ren combined instinct with patience, waiting for the decisive moment before delivering a fatal blow.
A cavalry officer galloped to his side and bowed.
"General Hyou Ren, all ten thousand men are prepared. Ready for order to begin its advance."
Hyou Ren gave a slight nod.
"Has Wei revealed their formation?"
"Yes, General. Their main force has occupied the She Gan Plains."
Before another word could be spoken, several scouts raced back toward the Qin army.
"The enemy is in position!"
The scouts dismounted before Duke Hyou.
"Great General! Wei has deployed nearly a hundred and eighty thousand soldiers. Their commanders await our advance."
Duke Hyou's savage grin spread across his face.
"So they've finally come."
He turned toward his son.
"Hyou Ren."
"Yes, Father."
"The battlefield is calling."
Hyou Ren rested his hand upon the hilt of his sword as he looked across the endless plains.
"I know."
Father and son exchanged a silent smile.
No more words were needed.
The drums thundered once more.
"Advance!"
Like a black tide, the armies of Qin marched toward the She Gan Plains. Thousands of soldiers shouted in unison as banners danced beneath the morning sky.
At the front rode General Hyou Ren.
This battle would not be remembered simply as another victory for Qin.
It would become the opening chapter in the legend of General Hyou Ren, the Hawk of Qin.