"Of course, this plan is extremely dangerous," Fenric declared, his tone solemn. "So whether you go or not is entirely up to you. I won't force anyone."
As his voice faded, silence fell over the group of Samsaras.
No one spoke.
This plan… was simply too risky. It left no room for carelessness.
After a long pause, someone finally asked, "Boss Shura, if the assassination of Sun Quan succeeds, how will we escape afterward?"
"Escape?"
Fenric laughed aloud. "Why would we flee? Are you afraid that Sun Quan's subordinates will surround us? Relax—they won't dare make a move. We're envoys of Cao Cao. Very few people in Soochow would risk offending us."
This wasn't just boastful talk.
In the original historical arc, Cao Cao's letter offering peace had shaken many civil and military officials in Soochow. Many had considered surrendering outright!
The only reason Sun Quan didn't yield was because of his unique position.
Others could surrender. He couldn't.
He was the lord of Jiangdong. If he surrendered, he'd lose everything—even if Cao Cao accepted him, he wouldn't retain power.
That was why Sun Quan ultimately chose to ally with Liu Bei and fight to the bitter end.
"We just need to kill Sun Quan," Fenric said boldly. "Then brandish the Prime Minister Cao Cao's name and suppress the court. His subordinates won't dare lift a finger—because to them, it doesn't matter who sits on the throne, as long as they have someone to serve."
He swept his gaze across the room and added loudly, "Our true threat isn't Sun Quan's officers—it's the Samsaras from other factions. As long as we eliminate them, the Soochow people will treat us like heroes!"
The Samsaras were stunned.
At first glance, Fenric's words seemed outrageous—but the more they thought about it, the more plausible it sounded.
Even if this world's history wasn't the same as Earth's, it still had countless dynasties.
And every time an emperor died or a regime shifted, ministers defected without hesitation. Loyalty was often just lip service.
So, expecting true loyalty from Sun Quan's retainers? Laughable.
After a brief silence—
A Samsara stood up. "Boss Shura, I'll join this mission!"
Another voice quickly followed: "Count me in!"
Then more rose to their feet:
"I'm in too!"
"And me!"
"Boss, take me with you!"
"Why should a glorious battle against foreign enemies happen without me?!"
In an instant, dozens more volunteered.
More than two hundred Samsaras—over 70 or 80 percent of the camp—joined up.
Naturally, a few cautious ones chose to remain silent, not daring to step forward.
"Excellent." Fenric smiled in satisfaction. "This number is enough."
After a moment of thought, he added, "I'll speak to the lord and have your names recorded in a special register. We'll call it the 'Death Squad'—let all the troops revere you. This plan is dangerous, and I'm sure the lord will approve."
Everyone's eyes lit up.
If Fenric truly managed to establish the Death Squad formally, their fame would skyrocket.
Those who had already spoken up were overjoyed.
Those who stayed silent… began to feel regret creeping in.
The next day.
Fenric acted immediately and reported the Death Squad plan to Old Cao.
Old Cao was deeply impressed. Not only did he approve the proposal, but he also held a grand toasting ceremony to honor them. He gathered the generals and personally toasted the members of the Death Squad.
Soon, soldiers across the entire camp knew the names of the Death Squad members.
And just like that, every single one of them gained massive prestige.
(Note: Although Old Cao hosted the toasting ceremony, he never disclosed to outsiders that the squad's true mission was to assassinate Sun Quan—so the secret remained safe.)
The members were ecstatic.
Following Boss Shura really meant having meat to eat!
But the biggest winner was undeniably Fenric.
As the leader of the Death Squad, his status soared. The admiration he received outshone everyone else.
After the ceremony, the Death Squad wasted no time—they set off immediately.
The following day.
Fenric led his squad downriver by boat to Cheisang County, deep in the Jiangdong region.
Midway, they were stopped by river patrol guards.
But once Fenric revealed his identity and presented Cao Cao's token, the guards dared not act rashly. They quickly sent word ahead.
Before long, a group of Jiangdong officials arrived and respectfully welcomed Fenric and the others as honored guests.
At that moment, the might of Cao Cao and his million-strong army was on full display.
No one dared to be discourteous.
However, upon reaching Jingcheng (also known as Jingkou, later renamed Zhenjiang), Fenric and his party were met with an unexpected delay—
They were not greeted by Sun Quan.
The official assigned to receive Fenric and his group arranged accommodations at the guest post and then explained respectfully:
"My lords, the Marquis is unwell today. After a day of rest, he will receive you personally tomorrow."
Fenric frowned.
Had his plan been exposed?
The moment the officials from Soochow departed, he immediately sent someone out to investigate.
—
A few hours later, the scout returned.
"Boss Shura, I've found out—Sun Quan isn't sick at all. He's deliberately keeping us waiting while he meets with Liu Bei's envoy!"
"Oh?"
Fenric raised a brow, intrigued. "What's the name of Liu Bei's envoy?"
"His surname is Zhuge. A civil official. He carries a goose-feather fan—even in autumn."
"Zhuge Liang?"
"Yes, that's the name!"
A flash of sharp light passed through Fenric's eyes.
"Do you know where he's staying?"
"Yes. Also at the post house. Not far from here."
Fenric narrowed his eyes, deep in thought.
—--
Moments later, he summoned everyone and closed the doors and windows tightly.
"I want to tell you a story," he began.
"There once was a hero named Ban Chao. He served as an envoy of the Han Dynasty to the kingdom of Shanshan. At first, the king received him with great respect. But later, the king's attitude suddenly changed—aloof, indifferent.
"Ban Chao sensed something was wrong. He said to his men: 'Can't you tell? The king's demeanor has cooled. That must mean envoys from a rival kingdom have arrived, shaking his loyalty.'
'Now we're in danger,' he warned them.
'But—if you don't enter the tiger's den, how can you capture the tiger?'
"So that night, Ban Chao led a surprise raid against the enemy envoys, burning their quarters and killing them all.
"The next day, he presented the enemy envoy's head to the King of Shanshan. At first, the king was enraged. But after weighing the risks, he calmed down, submitted to Han authority, and even sent his own son as a hostage to the empire."
Fenric finished the tale and looked around at his team, eyes gleaming.
"What do you think of my story?"
Anyone with half a brain could tell—Fenric wasn't just telling a story. He was laying out a plan.
For a moment, the room was silent.
Then a young man spoke cautiously: "The idea is feasible, but... very risky. If we assassinate Liu Bei's envoy, Sun Quan will be alerted. How can we also get to him?"
"That's why we split into two groups," Fenric replied calmly. "You'll target the envoy. Don't worry about killing them all—just make sure Zhuge Liang dies."
Fenric knew the significance of Zhuge Liang all too well.
Without him, Liu Bei might never have achieved his ambitions in Shu.
To win this 'team battle,' Fenric had decided to eliminate him first.
"As for Sun Quan... leave him to me."
Gasps rippled through the room.
"Boss, are you planning to assassinate Sun Quan alone?"
"Boss Shura, we know you're strong, but going alone… isn't that too dangerous?"
"Please reconsider! If you fail, we'll all be hunted down!"
The high-level Samsara players tried to dissuade him. They respected Fenric, but also feared for their own lives. If the assassination failed, Sun Quan's wrath would doom them all.
Fenric shook his head.
"I'm not being reckless. Sun Quan's residence is heavily guarded. Any unusual movement will alert him—and he'll flee before we even get close.
"In this situation, fewer people means less risk. Going in alone is safer and more efficient."
The others fell silent.
"I see the logic," one said.
"Yeah… If anyone can pull it off alone, it's Big Boss Shura."
One after another, they nodded—reluctantly approving Fenric's plan.
"Good. Tonight's the night. You'll eliminate Zhuge Liang. I'll handle Sun Quan."
Fenric confirmed the plan.
Then he turned to the scout from earlier. "Brother, I'll need another favor. Find out exactly where Sun Quan is sleeping tonight. If you can, get a map of the residence."
This scout had mastered "Stealth" to a high level—an advanced user of the Basic Skill: Lurking.
Though his combat ability wasn't strong, when it came to gathering intel, he was the best.
"No problem, Boss Shura! Just wait for my good news."
—--
That night.
Fenric stood outside Sun Quan's residence.
The moonlight shimmered on his blade.