But contrary to the original plot, this wizard's tower began to crumble after his death. According to Gandalf, the tower stood only because of Saruman's wizardly support; once he died, his spire naturally fell to dust.

“A pity about the contents of that tower,” Zheng Zha said regretfully to Gandalf, based on what the wizard had said. “The collection of any wizard is certainly incredibly rich, but a Chief Wizard’s hoard could be described as rivaling a nation’s treasury. Who knows how many Power Stones or other legendary magical artifacts were stored in there.”

Gandalf actually became embarrassed. He felt that Zheng Zha and the others were not obligated to participate in this battle against Mordor, and they had only been dragged into it because of his request. As mercenaries, the Power Stones he had previously offered were clearly insufficient payment. Unlike Saruman, a White Wizard, he, being only recently ascended to that rank, possessed no surplus wealth. Thus, he could only say, “As soon as the battle with Mordor is concluded, I will find a way to give you sufficient compensation. Rest assured, Zheng Zha, your teammates will not have died in vain.”

Zheng Zha gave a casual affirmation, his mind already drifting toward finding time to return to the world of The Lord of the Rings later to excavate everything within Isengard. While the wizard's tower could collapse and vanish instantly, its contents would not disappear so swiftly; it was, in any case, a massive buried fortune.

There was little more to discuss regarding Isengard. The group returned from Isengard to the capital of Rohan, followed naturally by an ecstatic celebration among the military and populace. The victory in what should have been a war of annihilation filled the hearts of Rohan’s people with elation. Furthermore, King Théoden of Rohan had regained his senses and was rapidly gathering the forces previously scattered or exiled. Within a short week, the entire kingdom mustered seven thousand cavalrymen; even after deducting the wounded and sick, they possessed an elite force of five thousand horsemen. Such an army was formidable in Middle-earth, at least posing a threat to the Orc legions of Mordor.

“But why?” King Théoden roared. “Why should I march to Gondor’s aid? To rescue those supposed allies who never came to our rescue? Tell me! By what right must I do this?” Gandalf and the others fell silent. Perhaps Zheng Zha and his group could not comprehend it, but to the people of this world, an ally was someone who was bound to fight for you in critical times.

When the other party abandoned their pact, it was already generous not to denounce them and sever ties; yet now, they expected Rohan to bleed for them? Nothing could be so easily attained. King Théoden was merely exercising the authority that was rightfully his.

Gandalf spoke softly, “But if Gondor is destroyed, we will be next, neighbor’s lips gone, teeth feel cold.”

“No!” Théoden looked at Gandalf seriously. “But honor is more important! If the Kingdom of Rohan forgets the ruthlessness of Gondor, forgets their failure to send aid, and rushes over there begging for favor—Rohan will have no dignity! Therefore, we will not send aid. Unless—unless Gondor lights the ancient beacons and tells us, in their own mouths, that they face extinction and require the blood of Rohan to save them! Otherwise, even if Mordor tramples Gondor flat, not a single soldier from Rohan will move!” This was Théoden’s answer. Helpless, Gandalf resolved to go to Gondor first, intending to persuade the Steward of Gondor to light the ancient beacons, thereby uniting the forces of Men.

Simultaneously, he forbade Aragorn from accompanying him. Since the Steward still ruled Gondor, Aragorn’s rash arrival could lead to unpredictable consequences.

“Aragorn, you must take the other path to Gondor. There lies Gondor’s last and greatest strength. Seize that power, and then you will understand the true meaning of being a King of Men.”

This was what Gandalf said before leaving. He then departed the capital of Rohan with Merry. As for why he brought Merry, only those familiar with the plot, like Zheng Zha, could understand the deeper implications.

(Is the plan to have Merry sneak in and light the beacon if the Steward refuses? Isn't that the same as the original plot?) Because Zheng Zha had simulated Xiao Honglü’s way of thinking, he knew the battle for Gondor was crucial, almost entirely influencing the power the Central Continent team would gain afterward. Thus, he felt compelled to accompany Gandalf on his journey to Gondor.

“We must separate now. Jialan and I will go to Gondor. Our first purpose is to protect Gandalf and Merry, and the second is to ensure victory in the battle for Minas Tirith. But that is not the key issue. The critical problem remains: preventing an attack from the other two teams. With the power of the fourth stage of the Gene Lock unlocked, even though I cannot fully control it, the strength is immense. Arriving at Gondor ahead of time will also serve as a deterrent to the two teams there. Zhao Yingkong, Zhang Heng, Cheng Xiao—you three will accompany Aragorn. Based on the plot of the original film, those undead creatures are immensely powerful. You must help him secure the promise of allegiance from that force, no matter what. Of course, your lives must come first.” Zheng Zha spoke seriously to the three before him.

Cheng Xiao laughed heartily. “Relax. As long as I have a breath left, I will definitely protect Sister Yingkong! As for Zhang Heng—wherever you die, I won’t be protecting a man!” Zheng Zha gripped the collar of Cheng Xiao’s tunic. “I need you all to survive, not to watch you once again play the hero by standing in front of a woman! Survival is more important than anything, more important than anything else! Live! Let’s all live together!” Cheng Xiao nodded helplessly. When Zheng Zha released his collar, he grumbled about his clothes being torn, but one could see a trace of heartfelt emotion in his eyes.

“Then I’ll see you in Minas Tirith. Let’s all live!” Zheng Zha pulled his reins, and the skeletal warhorse beneath him reared up before galloping away. Zheng Zha and Jialan gradually receded into the distance, following closely behind Gandalf’s White Horse, racing toward Gondor.

This road led to Gondor, and given the speed of these two mounts, they could reach the capital in three days. Thus, the four rode in silence, pressing toward Minas Tirith, hoping to light the beacon before Mordor could dispatch its troops, so that Rohan’s cavalry could assemble in the shortest time possible to reinforce Gondor.

After the four had traveled for about two days, Zheng Zha suddenly asked Gandalf loudly, “Gandalf, is that spatial pouch of yours still on you? Or did you leave it with Legolas?” Gandalf, riding the White Horse, took a moment to collect his thoughts. “Ah, I left it with Legolas. He seems to have forgotten to give it back to me. Is there a problem?” Zheng Zha froze for a moment, shaking his head slightly. “No, it’s nothing. Perhaps I’m being overly cautious.” Jialan, sitting in his embrace, suddenly asked, “Did something happen? What did you suspect?”

“Well, I have a feeling. I always felt Chu Xuan couldn't have died so easily. Even though I received the notification about a point deduction, with that level of strategic acumen, this is likely just another one of his schemes—not only calculating us all, treating us all as pawns, but perhaps even calculating himself. Without seeing his corpse, I feel like that man is still alive. This feeling is truly…” Zheng Zha said with a bitter smile. He then pulled his reins, increasing the speed of his skeletal warhorse. He continued, “No use thinking about it now. If he’s not dead, interesting things are bound to happen. Thinking more won't help. If he truly is dead, what I need to do is face the challenges more actively, otherwise, the Central Continent team will have no hope!”

Meanwhile, as Zheng Zha and Gandalf rode toward Gondor with one companion each, the people of Rohan, though not yet ready to march, were not idle. Every day, they trained their strength. This was especially true for the two whose weapons had just been unsealed. Aside from feeling the reduced weight when lifting their weapons, the true power contained within them was beginning to manifest. For instance, Andúril, Flame of the West, was not just sharp; now unsealed, it could bypass battle aura entirely. Regardless of whether the opponent possessed battle aura on their person or their weapon, its annihilation effect could instantly shatter the opponent’s battle aura layer. It was likely that the Hupo blade was no less formidable. However, Zhao Yingkong had not yet discovered the secret technique Zheng Zha had mentioned—that one devastating move.

Zhang Heng also discovered some subtle uses for the bow and arrows in his hands. Therefore, he specifically sought out the Elven Prince Legolas, hoping the master archer could offer him some assistance. When he found the Elven Prince, Legolas was staring intently into the distance at a dark-clad rider. The rider appeared somewhat slender and wore no armor, simply riding his horse steadily away from the city.

“Who is that? He looks strangely familiar,” Zhang Heng murmured.

Legolas startled, returning to himself, and gave Zhang Heng an awkward smile. “A messenger bringing news of victory.”

Jumping to