Time Travel: Adventures in the Warring States

UntitleChapter 2: Entering the Warring Statesd Part 2

Section 1: Meeting Zhao Yun

Summary: Wang Xuance encounters Zhao Yun, a soldier from the State of Zhao, early in his time in the Warring States period. Zhao Yun is brave and skilled in battle but feels lost under the pressure from Qin. Through a shared experience, they gradually build trust.

The night in the valley was quiet and cold, with only the sounds of insects and the occasional breeze. Wang Xuance stepped out of his makeshift base, gazing at the star-filled sky, contemplating his future plans. He knew that despite having established a basic tech base, he needed reliable allies to make a difference in this era. Suddenly, the distant sound of hooves broke the night's silence.

"Someone's coming?" Wang Xuance's heart tightened. He quickly returned to his base and grabbed a small drone. He tossed the drone into the air, activating it. The drone flew silently through the night sky, soon transmitting the distant scene back to his screen.

On the screen, several Zhao soldiers were riding through the valley, clearly fleeing. A squad of Qin cavalry was in hot pursuit. Both sides looked exhausted, but the Zhao soldiers were clearly outnumbered.

Wang Xuance frowned. Although he didn't want to reveal his base too soon, the situation was dire. The defeat of the Zhao soldiers meant that Qin's forces could soon expand into this area, and he wasn't ready for that.

He quickly made a decision, grabbing a concealed sonic disruptor and running towards the Zhao soldiers.

As he approached, he hid behind a rock and saw a Zhao soldier in armor fighting desperately. The man was tall and sturdy, with a resolute face. He wielded a spear with precision, fending off a Qin cavalryman with a single thrust. However, more enemies were closing in, and his comrades were dwindling.

Wang Xuance's heart stirred. This man was undoubtedly an excellent warrior—and potentially the ally he needed.

He activated the disruptor, emitting a barely audible sonic wave that quickly disoriented the Qin cavalry. The horses became agitated, losing control, and many soldiers fell, causing chaos in their ranks.

Seizing the opportunity, the Zhao soldier swiftly defeated the remaining enemies and led his surviving comrades deeper into the valley.

Seeing the moment was right, Wang Xuance deactivated the disruptor and approached the Zhao soldier. The soldier, seeing him, immediately raised his spear in alarm.

"Who are you?" the Zhao soldier demanded, his eyes filled with suspicion.

Wang Xuance raised his hands to show he meant no harm. "My name is Wang Xuance. I'm not with the Qin army. I helped you drive off the enemies just now."

The soldier hesitated, looking Wang Xuance up and down, frowning. "It was you?"

"Yes. I have some special means," Wang Xuance replied calmly, observing the soldier's reaction. "You must be a commander of Zhao. You seem like an outstanding warrior."

The soldier didn't respond, continuing to scrutinize Wang Xuance warily. But seeing his men still panting and exhausted, he finally lowered his spear.

"I am Zhao Yun, a captain of Zhao. Thank you for your help," Zhao Yun said succinctly, his voice carrying a calm and resolute tone.

Wang Xuance smiled slightly, recognizing Zhao Yun as a trustworthy partner. He stepped closer and lowered his voice. "I can help you out of this predicament, not just tonight, but to change the course of the war."

Zhao Yun narrowed his eyes, clearly skeptical. "Change the course of the war? How?"

"With the technology I possess," Wang Xuance said, pulling a small device from his pocket. He pressed a button, and blue beams of light shot across the night sky, illuminating Zhao Yun's face. It was a small laser detector, far beyond anything of this era.