"Unique? That's quite flattering."
"This isn't just something I'm saying to recruit you. In fact, these are my sincere words." Daniel Davis stood up, walked to the window, and opened it, gazing at the bright moon hanging in the sky. It was late at night, a time of peace and quiet.
"Although, whether in terms of beauty or martial arts, you, Daniel Davis, are not the best." As soon as Daniel Davis said this, Daniel Davis couldn't help but frown. While she was aware of this herself, hearing it directly from someone else naturally didn't sit well with her.
Daniel Davis wasn't lying. In terms of appearance, Daniel Davis was indeed a rare beauty, but she still fell short of the top-tier beauties. Even Shan Wanjing was more beautiful than her, not to mention figures like Shang Xiuniang, Shi Feixuan, and Wanwan.
In terms of martial arts, it was even more obvious. Daniel Davis was, at best, a preeminent expert, while Shi Feixuan, Wanwan, Shang Xiuniang, and Dugu Feng were all grandmaster-level experts. Even Song Yuzhi and Shan Wanjing, though slightly weaker, were still stronger than Daniel Davis in pure martial arts.
Among the younger generation of the four great families, the Dugu family was the weakest because none of their younger members had reached the grandmaster level. Dugu Feng's strength surpassed most, but as a woman destined to marry out of the family, she couldn't lead the Dugu family.
In contrast, the other three great families each had multiple young grandmaster-level experts. The Li family's Li Shimin and his brothers were all grandmaster-level figures, though their actual combat prowess depended on the situation. As the saying goes, "A ruler does not stand under a dangerous wall." Li Shimin, for example, had almost no real combat experience.
Of course, this was normal. At this point, Li Shimin was somewhat like Fusu or Huhai—practicing martial arts to strengthen his body. If he ever had to fight personally, it would mean the situation had become extremely dire.
"However, you have one thing that those others cannot match: you are the first woman in this era to truly lead troops and participate in the struggle for the world."
This was something Daniel Davis realized after analyzing the information he had about figures like Shi Feixuan and Wanwan. While Shi Feixuan and Wanwan were involved in the struggle for the world, as were Song Yuzhi and Dugu Feng, they operated behind the scenes. Daniel Davis was the only one who had actually been on the battlefield.
In this male-dominated era, this was truly remarkable. Don't be fooled by Shi Feixuan's high status as the current representative of Cihang Jingzhai. If it came to sacrificing her, Cihang Jingzhai would do so without hesitation, just like they did with Bi Xiuxin in the past.
The so-called "sacrificing oneself to subdue demons" was just a nice way of putting it.
This was similar to Dongjun Yanfei of the Yin-Yang School in "Qin's Moon." No matter how extraordinary her beauty, it didn't change her fate.
In fact, Wanwan was in a similar situation. The demonic sects were even more ruthless than Cihang Jingzhai. Although Daniel Davis had a slightly better opinion of the demonic sects, he couldn't ignore their true nature. Just look at what happened to Shan Meixian in the past.
In a way, the demonic sects were quite tragic. Back then, Zhu Yuyan lost to Bi Xiuxin, and in Wanwan's generation, she seemed to have lost to Shi Feixuan by a narrow margin. The reason it was only a narrow margin was that, in the end, Xu Ziling chose Shi Qingxuan, not Shi Feixuan.
Fortunately, Wanwan managed to turn things around through her disciple. Even though Duanmu Ling was said to surpass Shi Feixuan in talent, she could only lament her fate.
In this male-dominated world, especially in the struggle for the throne, where women rarely had a chance to shine on the battlefield, Daniel Davis's current reputation was truly remarkable. Throughout Chinese history, female generals were exceedingly rare. Even Hua Mulan had to disguise herself as a man.
This was the real reason Daniel Davis had come here in the middle of the night.
"You should be well aware that no matter how high your reputation is now, neither Li Mi nor anyone else will truly value you. Li Mi is only using you because of the current situation. Once he gains enough power, you will gradually fade from the stage of the world. In the end, you'll be left to manage the household and raise children."
For most women, managing the household and raising children might be considered a happy life. But Daniel Davis, are you sure this is what you want?"
In the original story, despite her reluctance, Daniel Davis eventually married Xu Shiji, and the titles "Strategist Daniel" and "Beautiful Strategist" disappeared.
"Of course, this is just my speculation about you. Although I know some things about you, I can't possibly know exactly what you think. If you ultimately wish to live a happy life managing the household and raising children, then consider today as if I never came. Those two talismans are my apology.
If you don't want that kind of life, come find me. I can assure you that in this world, only I can give you a stage to showcase your talents."
That's right, only he could do this. Even Li Shimin couldn't. After all, Li Shimin had too many talented people around him—Fang Xuanling, Du Ruhui, Zhangsun Wuji, Yuchi Jingde, Li Jing, and so on.
After saying this, Daniel Davis disappeared in an instant. The next step was up to Daniel Davis.
"Ah, Xu Shiji, Li Shiji, Li Ji, my apologies."
Floating in mid-air, Daniel Davis thought of Daniel Davis's husband in the original story and sighed softly. This man, who went by three names, was no ordinary figure. In terms of military strategy, he was second only to Li Jing.
At this point, if Daniel Davis tried to recruit him, there was a very high chance of success. If he used Daniel Davis as leverage, it would be a sure thing. After all, this man was deeply in love with Daniel Davis.
Whether for Li Mi or Li Shimin, Xu Shiji's value far exceeded that of Daniel Davis. Using Daniel Davis to win over Xu Shiji was a very cost-effective move. Of course, Daniel Davis could also be used to control Xu Shiji.
However, for Daniel Davis, there was no doubt that Daniel Davis's importance far exceeded that of Xu Shiji. Using a woman to win someone over was beneath Daniel Davis.
As he had told Daniel Davis earlier, if she chose the same path as in the original story, he wouldn't mind. Although he highly valued Daniel Davis, he didn't absolutely need her. If necessary, he could always bring Tian Yan from the Great Qin.
If that didn't work, Mo Ya, Bai Feng, or even Han Fei could be brought over. As for military strategy, there was still Li Mu from the Great Qin, who was currently idle.
Li Mu, one of the Four Great Generals of the Warring States period, against Li Jing and Li Shimin—now that would be interesting. Of course, this was just Daniel Davis's idle imagination.
In terms of strength, once he developed his power, even if he didn't personally intervene, he could easily crush this era. With such a vast difference in strength, even a non-famous general could defeat Li Jing.
"Lord Mi."
After Daniel Davis left, Daniel Davis picked up the two talismans he had left behind and murmured softly to herself. Daniel Davis was extremely loyal to Li Mi. In the original story, even after Li Mi's defeat and surrender to the Li family, when he tried to make a comeback, Daniel Davis still wanted to warn him and save his life.
But back then, Daniel Davis had no choice. Now, things were different. Daniel Davis had given her a choice. As for what she would choose, that was up to her.
"It's quite lively here."
On Weishan Lake, under the bright moonlight, the lake surface should have been shimmering with a peaceful glow. But now, it was filled with flames and the sounds of battle. Over a dozen ships of varying sizes were围攻 a lavishly decorated ship in the center.
"The Haisha Gang and the Yuwen family are attacking the Dongming Sect for the ledger."
After leaving Daniel Davis, Daniel Davis had headed to the Dongming Sect's location. He had already gathered information about their whereabouts. He hadn't expected to arrive at such a coincidental time.
Daniel Davis didn't join the fight. Although the Dongming Sect was outnumbered by the Haisha Gang and the Yuwen family, their strength far surpassed their opponents. Especially Madam Dongming, who was fighting two powerful grandmaster-level experts single-handedly, her long sleeves dancing in the air.
From the icy energy emanating from one of the fighters' fists, it was clear he was a Yuwen family expert. The Yuwen family's "Ice Profound Energy" was famous throughout the martial world.
The other fighter was likely the leader of the Haisha Gang. As the leader of one of the "Eight Gangs and Ten Societies," grandmaster-level strength was a must.
"Those two are quite lucky. The 'Longevity Scripture' is truly impressive."
Daniel Davis soon shifted his attention from Shan Meixian to the Twin Heroes. Relying on the unique innate energy cultivated through the "Longevity Scripture," the two had stolen the ledger while the Dongming Sect was busy fighting. They swam underwater toward another part of the lake.
There, a ship with all its lights extinguished was waiting—a ship belonging to the Li family. Li Shimin and Li Xiuning were on board. Shortly after Kou Zhong and Xu Zilian boarded, the ship quietly left Weishan Lake under the cover of night.
"Those two little brats! I won't let them off this time!"
On the Fragrant Ship, Shan Wanjing was furious after learning from the old man guarding the ledger that Kou Zhong and Xu Zilian had stolen it. The Dongming Sect had sought out the Twin Heroes not for any ulterior motive but to thank them for warning them during their first encounter with the Haisha Gang and the Yuwen family.
Although Shan Meixian had originated from the demonic sects, she had completely severed ties with them. The Dongming Sect, which she founded, was clear about gratitude and grudges—they repaid kindness and avenged wrongs.
"The 'Longevity Scripture' truly lives up to its name." Shan Meixian, however, wasn't too angry. The ledger might be important to the Li and Yuwen families, but for the Dongming Sect, it wasn't a big deal. She was more interested in how the Twin Heroes had managed to steal it from Old Shang. Although Old Shang had held back, the gap in strength was still significant.
At this point, Emperor Yang of Sui was still alive. Although the four great families were making moves behind the scenes, none had openly rebelled. After all, none of them were fools. The first to act would be the first to fall.
The ledger was a tool for framing opponents. Ironically, while the Yuwen family attacked the Dongming Sect, they had also done business with them in secret. The ledger contained records of their weapon purchases.
Among the four great families, only the Dugu family had little business with the Dongming Sect.
Strictly speaking, the Yuwen and Li families had the same goal this time. However, Li Shimin was luckier, having encountered the Twin Heroes. Otherwise, they might have taken action themselves while the Yuwen family and the Haisha Gang were busy.
In contrast, the Yuwen family's luck was poor—they had tried to steal a chicken only to lose their rice.
However, due to Daniel Davis's interference, Xiang Yushan had died early, making it difficult for the Twin Heroes to use the ledger against the Yuwen family. Strictly speaking, they might not even get the chance.
Emperor Yang of Sui was still the emperor. Even though most of the world was in rebellion, he was still the nominal ruler of the Central Plains. Ordinary people rarely had the chance to see him.
"I'm going to catch them and get the ledger back."
Although Shan Meixian didn't care much, Shan Wanjing was very concerned. She was about to lead a team to chase Kou Zhong and Xu Zilian when a maid came to report that Daniel Davis of the Taoist Heavenly Sect had come to visit. This immediately made Shan Wanjing forget about chasing the Twin Heroes.
"What brings you to the Dongming Sect, sir? I should mention that the Dongming Sect does not participate in the struggle for the world." As a faction primarily engaged in weapon sales, the Dongming Sect naturally didn't need to take sides. However, just because they didn't want to didn't mean others wouldn't try to win them over.
After all, gaining the Dongming Sect's support would mean access to a large supply of weapons. Soldiers couldn't be expected to fight empty-handed.
The Flying Horse Ranch was in a similar position. Horses were scarce in the Central Plains, and warhorses from the Flying Horse Ranch were crucial for forming cavalry. Neutrality meant competing based on wealth.
However, this would only be important for now. Once Daniel Davis began his operations, the Flying Horse Ranch's significance would likely diminish.
"Shall we talk alone?"
Daniel Davis glanced around the cabin, focusing on the few men present, and spoke softly. Although the Dongming Sect was founded by Shan Meixian, the Shang family of Ryukyu Island also held considerable influence within the sect. After all, Shan Wanjing's fiancé was from the Shang family.
"Alright." After a moment of thought, Shan Meixian nodded slightly. Although Shan Wanjing was unhappy, she still left the cabin.
"You may speak now." Once the cabin was empty, Shan Meixian immediately spoke.
"Do you want to kill Bian Buhu?" Daniel Davis suddenly asked.
"What did you say?" Shan Meixian's calm expression immediately changed upon hearing Bian Buhu's name.
"If the Dongming Sect joins me, I can help you kill Bian Buhu."
"I'm sorry, but I must take responsibility for the Dongming Sect."
After a long pause, Shan Meixian shook her head and declined Daniel Davis's offer. If this had been over a decade ago, Shan Meixian would have done anything to kill Bian Buhu. But now, the situation was different. While she still dreamed of killing Bian Buhu, she also had to consider her daughter and the Dongming Sect.
Taking sides in the struggle for the world was not a good idea for the Dongming Sect, located far away on Ryukyu Island.
"You seem to have misunderstood something. I'm not asking the Dongming Sect to join me for the sake of the Central Plains' struggle. For me, the struggle for the Central Plains holds no challenge. I'm thinking about the future. Once I unify the Central Plains, whether it's Goguryeo, the Turks, or even distant Persia, all will eventually come under Central Plains rule. My goal is to unify the entire world."
Just as Shan Meixian was looking at Daniel Davis as if he were a madman, her expression froze when she saw something emerge from his body.
A black dragon burst forth from Daniel Davis's body, and in moments, the entire cabin was filled with the presence of the black dragon.
(End of Chapter)
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