Fang Zhen took the lead, with Agatha following behind. Matthew, a Priest, had also come along on horseback, explaining that a priest might be needed to calm the soldiers’ hearts.

In that regard, Matthew was quite courageous.

Under Fang Zhen’s lead, the group charged into Henry’s army camp, radiating killing intent.

The Guards defending the camp were dumbfounded when they saw Fang Zhen charging toward them, too stunned to even think of resisting.

Between Fang Zhen’s imposing warhorse, his own powerful aura, and the fresh memory of him killing two Knights just days before, the camp’s Guards were too intimidated to make a sound.

Fang Zhen’s oppressive presence was like a tank bearing down on infantry from an age of swords and spears. Stopping him would require immense courage, and courage was precisely what Henry’s Army currently lacked the most.

And so, led by Fang Zhen, the Ashton soldiers charged into the camp as if it were completely undefended.

By the time they reached the center of the camp, Henry’s Army finally began to react. Four Knights emerged from their tents one by one. Two were in full plate, but the other two were only partially armored. All of them stared at Fang Zhen with expressions of shock and alarm.

Fang Zhen pulled back on the reins. His warhorse reared, let out a long neigh, and then planted its hooves firmly on the ground.

Fang Zhen stared, expressionless, at the four Knights who hadn’t even had time to mount their horses.

These were Count Henry’s personal vassal Knights.

Seeing that none of them dared to meet his gaze, Fang Zhen spoke. "Send out someone who’s in charge."

One of them, a stout Knight in his forties and the eldest of those with any authority, stepped forward. His face was etched with fear, but he had managed to summon some courage.

"Sir... Fang Zhen," the Knight began, gathering his courage. "What is the meaning of this? Why have you brought soldiers into our camp?"

The Knight was clearly intimidated by Fang Zhen’s powerful presence; his tone was surprisingly mild, and he even used a term of respect.

"Count Henry has passed away unexpectedly. The Mages from our army went to Ashton Castle to find the Countess and you, sir, did they not? Why have you come here leading troops?"

"And where are the Mages?"

The Knight voiced the question on everyone’s mind.

"Hmph. You have the nerve to ask that," Fang Zhen said, his expression grim. "The three Mages attacked the Countess and me. They have been slain!"

"And now, I am here to take command of Count Henry’s army."

"All of you, Knights included, are now without a Lord. The one in charge now... is me."

Fang Zhen’s words immediately caused an uproar.

"What? You killed the Mages?" the Knight who had spoken cried out in alarm.

The other Knights’ faces also showed shock, and even terror.

Mages were notoriously clannish. Even when serving rival nobles, they would spare one another in a confrontation if the situation allowed.

That Fang Zhen not only had the audacity to kill Mages, but also the ability to do so, was deeply shocking.

Furthermore, the three Mages held the highest status within Henry’s Army. Since Fang Zhen appeared to be a Knight himself, Henry’s vassal Knights had assumed he understood this pecking order.

If Fang Zhen dared to kill Mages, he would surely dare to kill a few Knights.

A wave of unease washed over the vassal Knights.

Seeing the unease among the Knights and soldiers, which was threatening to boil over into chaos, Matthew, who had come with the group, felt it was time for him to prove his worth.

Matthew cleared his throat and spoke in a voice as calm and gentle as a sermon. "You need not worry. Knight Fang Zhen does not kill the innocent. Those three Mages met their fate because they attacked the Countess."

"So long as you cooperate, Knight Fang Zhen is actually a very amiable and reasonable man. He will not threaten your safety. By Tade, I swear in His name that you will be in no danger if you cooperate."

Perhaps it was the sight of Matthew’s priestly robes, or perhaps the good public image of the Tade Church, but the effect was noticeable. The restless soldiers and Knights seemed to calm down, their agitation easing.

It had to be said, Matthew was quite useful in such a situation. He had a trustworthy air about him that helped pacify the men and prevent the camp from descending into open revolt.

Hearing this, the expressions on Henry’s vassal Knights’ faces eased somewhat.

They had feared that Fang Zhen would simply seize power and have them all cut down.

"I understand," the Knight who had stepped forward said, taking a deep breath. "But there is something I cannot accept. We are Count Henry’s personal vassal Knights. Though we are only Knights, within the Count’s domain, we are not obligated to answer to a Viscount, nor do we take his orders. We obey only our Count."

"Sir Fang Zhen, you are a great warrior indeed. I admit that. It is a fact that all of us Knights combined would be no match for you."

"However, are you a true nobleman by birth? Even if you were, you are merely a Knight from Viscount Ashton’s Territory. By what right do you presume to take command of us, whose status is no lower than your own?"

"This is unjustifiable and illegitimate. Unless you can provide a proper explanation, you must forgive us, for we cannot willingly accept your command over this army."

Fang Zhen’s gaze swept over the Knights.

They all wore similar, defiant expressions.

This wasn’t surprising.

’In the Nameless World, status is primarily a matter of bloodline. Skill is useless without the right background and heritage.’

’It was like the stories from the Three Kingdoms era. Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei were incredibly capable, but when the eighteen warlords attacked Dong Zhuo, even great warriors like Guan and Zhang were mere Cavalry Archers. They could only stand at the back, waiting for an opportunity to make a name for themselves before they could rise in status.’