A tense atmosphere permeated the main stronghold of Heilongzhai.

Wang Dejun sat in the main seat, his brows furrowed, his heart churning like a stormy sea, unable to find peace.

Despite his boastful words that he was not afraid of Qian Zihao's threats, he couldn't help but feel uneasy in the face of the pressure from the 5,000-strong army.

Chen Zhennan stood to the side, his eyes sharp, discerning Wang Dejun's thoughts.

He smiled slightly, breaking the heavy atmosphere with a forced, relaxed chuckle.

Wang Dejun frowned slightly and couldn't help but ask, "Zijun, what are you laughing at?"

Chen Zhennan stepped forward slightly and said loudly, "I know what you're worried about, brother. If you really have the courage to fight against the government troops, I'm willing to offer a plan to defeat Qian Zihao's five thousand troops!"

Upon hearing this, the bandits below were all stunned. The air froze instantly, as if even the wind had stopped.

Some people sneered, especially Luo Heng, the third leader. He stood up, a mocking smile on his face, his tone full of contempt.

“Mr. Chen, I don’t mean to discourage you, but although our Black Dragon Stronghold has 3,500 people, we have only just come together and our morale is not high. Qian Zihao’s 5,000 troops are well-trained and well-fed. How can we possibly win?”

Upon hearing this, even Wang Dejun hesitated slightly. The Prince of Ning's army was well-trained, and it was indeed difficult to defeat them with only 3,500 men.

However, Chen Zhennan smiled instead of getting angry, his gaze as deep as a lake, revealing a firmness and confidence.

He slowly walked towards Wang Dejun and said firmly, "Brother, it doesn't matter if they don't believe me, your attitude is what matters. If you want, I can make Qian Zihao's five thousand troops perish here at Dongliu Mountain!"

Wang Dejun took a deep breath, coughed, and tried to calm himself down. He glanced around and saw everyone holding their breath, waiting for his decision.

After thinking for a while, Wang Dejun gritted his teeth and said, "I have already killed Liu Guancai, there is no turning back. So, it would be best if we could negotiate with Qian Zihao. If not... then we can talk about how to defeat Qian Zihao."

Upon hearing this, Chen Zhennan quickly showed a somewhat helpless expression and let out a long sigh.

"Although the bandits in Pengyang County were supported by Prince Ning, and the people all know about the collusion between officials and bandits, in the end, an official is an official, and a bandit is a bandit. Black Dragon Stronghold now has 3,500 men, practically ruling over the region. Qian Zihao will absolutely not allow us to exist!"

Wang Dejun frowned, his anxiety surging like a tide. He said in a low voice, "But if we lose, so many of our Black Dragon Village brothers will die. I can't afford to gamble."

“That’s right, Big Brother is right.”

Luo Heng chimed in, loudly proclaiming, "Moreover, Ningzhou still has the Prince of Ning's 80,000-strong army; it's better to negotiate!"

Upon hearing this, Chen Zhennan couldn't help but let out a mocking laugh, as if he had heard the most ridiculous joke in the world.

Turning to Luo Heng, Chen Zhennan sneered, "Peace talks? A tall tree cannot provide shade, and a single tree cannot form a forest! If we show even the slightest cowardice, we will face utter ruin!"

His words struck like a heavy hammer blow to everyone's hearts.

Wang Dejun and Luo Heng's expressions instantly turned serious, undoubtedly struck at the heart of the matter by those words.

"That's all I can say, brother. You don't have much time to think about it."

After listening to Chen Zhennan's words, Wang Dejun pondered for a moment and finally said that he would need to think about it for another day.

Chen Zhennan said nothing more, turned around and slowly walked out of Dazhai. His steps were calm and composed, as if everything was under control.

After dark, Chen Zhennan was just about to rest when there was a knock on the door.

"Zijun, I'd like to discuss what happened during the day with you."

Wang Dejun's voice came from outside the door. Chen Zhennan raised an eyebrow and slightly curled the corners of his mouth: "It's Big Brother. The door isn't locked. Come in."

Wang Dejun pushed open the door and walked in, his brows furrowed and his expression somewhat somber.

Chen Zhennan got up from the wooden bed, turned around and poured him a cup of hot tea. The aroma of the tea filled the air. Then he sat down opposite Wang Dejun.

After taking a sip of tea, Wang Dejun slowly said, "Zijun, I've decided to take your advice, but there's still one problem. If it can't be resolved, I still can't start a war with Qian Zihao."

Chen Zhennan frowned slightly and said seriously, "Brother, please speak freely. As long as it is something I can solve, I will do my best."

Wang Dejun nodded, a glimmer of hope mixed with unease in his eyes.

"Now there is only one problem: if you can really defeat Qian Zihao's five thousand elite troops, how will Prince Ning's army deal with it? If Prince Ning leads his army to suppress the bandits, my Black Dragon Stronghold will be completely wiped out."

"Oh?" Chen Zhennan feigned mystery, a cryptic smile playing on his lips.

"So that's what you're worried about, brother. Have you ever heard of Chen Zhennan?"

Wang Dejun raised his eyes slightly, somewhat puzzled. "Of course I've heard of it. How could my Great Martial War God not know? But what does this have to do with Chen Zhennan?"

Chen Zhennan chuckled, a glint of wisdom in his eyes. "I've heard that Chen Zhennan has already conquered Mingzhou, and his next target is Ningzhou. How could the Prince of Ning possibly send a large army to suppress the bandits?"

Wang Dejun's brows relaxed slightly, seemingly touched by Chen Zhennan's words, but then a trace of worry appeared on his face: "But if Chen Zhennan conquers Ningzhou, won't I still die without a burial place?"

"Tsk!" Chen Zhennan sneered. "As long as Chen Zhennan attacks Ningzhou, you can coordinate with him from the inside and outside, and you'll be a hero. Wouldn't that be better?"

Upon hearing this, a hint of joy and anticipation gradually appeared on Wang Dejun's face, and his eyes became firm.

"What you said makes sense. If that's the best approach, then what should I do next?"

Chen Zhennan slowly got up, walked slowly to the window, pretending to be thinking, but he already had a plan in mind.

After a moment of contemplation, Chen Zhennan suddenly turned around and extended a finger.

"The best way is to send a challenge to Qian Zihao tomorrow. The letter must be firm and arrogant, saying that you, Wang Dejun, are waiting for him to come and suppress the bandits at Dongliushan so that we can settle this score!"

Wang Dejun was somewhat surprised, not expecting Chen Zhennan to take the initiative to provoke him.

"Okay, I'll do as you say. So, what do I need to prepare?"

"As long as you follow my instructions, everything will be fine. Don't worry, we can prepare tomorrow."

Upon hearing this, Wang Dejun stood up and said, "Alright, I'll go write the letter now."

After saying that, Wang Dejun turned and walked out of the room. A short while later, Yan Shiyu walked in with a slight smile.

"Commander, Wang Dejun has taken the bait. What's next?"

Chen Zhennan stretched and turned back to sit on the bed.

"Proceed according to plan, don't rush. It's not me who will kill Wang Dejun, it's him. The higher you fly, the harder you fall. He must think he's incredibly awesome right now."