Fresh from victory at Duanzhou, Xiao Chiye leads the Libei Armored Cavalry deep into the eastern desert, hoping to deliver a killing blow to Amur and his Biansha Horsemen. Xiao Chiye will gamble everything on this final strike--but even as he forges ahead, Amur's Scorpions lurk in the heart of the empire, poised to strike at everything Xiao Chiye has left behind, including his beloved.
Shen Zechuan, far from defenseless, prepares his Zhongbo troops to confront the capital of Qudu and its girl emperor, Li Jianting. But the coming battle will test more than military might. Shen Zechuan understands better than anyone that the real war will be won or lost in the hearts of the people. Can the nation ever kneel to the son of Shen Wei, the empire's most reviled traitor?