This official is so weak

A man and a bird stared at each other for a few seconds.ugzydleMPQogcrOFAIFUsvLfyrAjxV

iqNEXwLQqKtXCcv

Then, Ning Rushen’s eyes lit up with joy, his heart pounding in excitement:nEnsUhiYKlhBImsYXEQTdQYfoPKsHT

IpCAYseHRUTLJOu

…Who was it? Who sent him a walkie-talkie in the form of a bird?WnQymRsDfamPwVZrVzWIKjWPZEMxCi

TuyUYaOUiBszJFD

Taking advantage of the moment while he was changing clothes, he crouched down and stroked the white falcon, inwardly exclaiming that this was truly the perfect combination of timing, location, and bird—jjLmEQCxLhPGLliNWxNfLrEoyktdnN

KugBrDhlDdrmJUe

He had been racking his brain over how to send a message!sDyJiyUjoFSGYcSykYSplDHfrCvYvp

AAwUJyFjPOWlWlg

He patted the falcon’s head and said, “Wait.”ulHAvJqetJVMbCzCeENksIOeFUNjSq

IwrHUoHqkenrssy

The inner garment he had just taken off was perfect for tearing a piece from, and there was vermillion powder nearby, used for marking his forehead and lips.gwYHknNbSwMjtxQFMnHXNqPIIJzFAr

CxkZChqfTSUkUaB

Dipping his finger in a bit of the powder, Ning Rushen first reassured the recipient of his safety.vhTJalzaJuApaRzqSQsZplMHxtvCBT

cgnTcnzvJYaSYEx

Then, recalling the route he had been smuggled along, and referencing the map he had seen in the command tent, he roughly marked the location of the enemy camp and the distribution of the tents, starting from the Lu Ma Road.bOMZDzhKkWTzGyfkxggKBFpqUWorfL

aRRDylzURxzrkgR

Once he finished drawing, he tied the cloth strip to the falcon’s leg and patted it, saying, “All done, go quickly.”ixjgwqRekUvAjwWYBTBcRUlVcPfyCA

zVHCaNNSeeoBtHV

The falcon ruffled its feathers, then sneakily slipped out.gXWtIAbPfiqgoPuRyMFacvIzjkrjUC

SWJQsQmvVpWOOgY

…iUcNIVrpZDwotvrkhKsjWVpomdhNxx

eUXRkROkltludmR

After a brief commotion, a loud voice called out from outside:oTisSPMCftLDmPeIFHKvFAwQyghczV

iqCCEWbODaUekRZ

“Hurry up!”SjMdWvKKocZrfHhTtFEheKonjGtnQA

cOpLBhFoRhBfVnP

Ning Rushen wiped his hands and finished changing his clothes.ZaxQgrcVUjukZrtebbsSehZDTZoNNI

XemHlEwirHiLtYa

The bright red outer garment was covered with a sheer red gauze, the pants were semi-transparent, and golden bells encircled his waist and ankles. When the outer robe was lowered, it covered his legs.DBBCiRSbVIIrXdfgMWGIujvqGmWVtX

NiUxQroqXVTIPxL

He glanced at himself after he finished changing.LMzNJjLjZktgEXRevyTzmLxSyUlCWn

ZpDuPcvpXgEMsVE

The clothing would reveal glimpses of his waist and legs when he spun around, no wonder it was the attire of a dancing girl.OnEGznzuCwLiydROHdTGWQIExPNBJS

kdDsRFdFTwtkuBu

Just then, another shout came from outside.XxCTXXunZXrIAwNbxYjnLgXOIYccLg

pNyUNxGNgEtPsXW

Ning Rushen casually gathered his black hair and turned to leave.aCwWHbqwsTaWOafsLYDuksBtVlMUTW

KBZyDQzhCNZNWNj

Outside the tent, a Bei Di soldier at the entrance was about to impatiently urge him again when his voice suddenly caught—EJtVErGYTtyrDcPzTLBExzXCwJECyn

ywfOUYpvBxlCaNJ

All he saw was a person with black hair and red clothes, the golden bells tinkling lightly.SsDivngkBGQAcHcJwXeCkdosMlvQcC

sHCPLowuqFNOJRz

A glimpse of a pale forearm showed through the sleeves, and when Ning Rushen lifted his gaze, his eyes were bright and radiant, beautiful and stunning.oupXulJpFJuallWRwrWctjuTwBGRYD

aPFmaondTHOktaG

Taking advantage of the soldier’s moment of distraction and not pressing him further, Ning Rushen spoke, “Take me to the main tent.”YiOyBzFYuOnYApWUhUygaOnhJEvknj

wRSRQgBPSNMCwNT

The Bei Di soldier, momentarily forgetting to question him, turned and led the way.xhYMOqpjtfIQaQbyttsebrPcQilmBS

ebgqWUjiPiXpBdz

Inside the main tent, King Heku and Landa Le were already seated.YsiNcWwxbyJiSMLNkkEtHtYFqtHpGw

VWsTscXnrOvuaZY

As soon as Ning Rushen entered, all eyes in the tent focused on him. Even Landa Le seemed to be momentarily stunned, while King Heku tapped the table with interest.VythOtGiztHMxBmwFArALvzdQKbwMN

UcikKJGOFKZRRIN

…Why are they staring at him like that?tObpoZSYrGDAoAxQdIlSyBjUJHhhUi

gtYHuptzgMWArKJ

Ning Rushen glanced around: They wouldn’t really make him dance, would they?AclfNzpdAMgOcPZxFFhFoaWRDLnfjl

qzdAlvObwkREJFl

He looked to his right at King Heku, who timely slapped the table and said, “Come! Accompany this king for a drink!”sNocVtLrTOxiUXWCVnhEgmtHcfFESk

aSFePDoOMlXwpQu

Ning Rushen eyed the smoked meat on the table and sat down.BgDRrapSpufDJZXNQRIDKuKyUlaROH

mzqblrOhjFQfysj

Although King Heku said he wanted Ning Rushen to accompany him for a drink, once he was seated, the king resumed his conversation with Landa Le, continuing their debate on royal matters in the Bei Di language.WAPTiBaaiaySkXaIowfjFUkjswTvAj

vvSBTzFDciVxQHT

Ning Rushen couldn’t understand them, so he busied himself with picking at the fruits and dried meat on the table.aEajqBYBlegpjznScplBmNYKYCmzdV

AuJoOnRkcxfOioh

Just as he was about 80% full, someone rushed into the tent from outside:spNYRZRHxNLiJCoIpcyxBeLkPeESQL

YkDISKUSNyIxreZ

“King! Urgent news!”HknHfbAnoQiMwdbVfJmwftyLMavzWK

FcQytHPjiGLhgYZ

King Heku paused, setting his wine cup down and walking over, “What is it?”QkZJXJxjEpkeUMbuUyjMnhPqsprYxc

IGKdSChYybCiZJC

After a few sentences from his personal guard, King Heku’s expression suddenly changed! His chest heaved twice, and with a bang, he threw his silver cup onto the carpet, turning to glare at Ning Rushen—LkjvHMbtIejzGRQOxeLlqaSACeSwUQ

xtmMvSysOlFdusl

Ning Rushen, biting into a piece of dried meat: ?dvoKlEXFHDTqiuZiQIiWcCnSHNKmlW

MiAIKqwcNpvwCaY

King Heku’s eyes were cold as he stared at him for two seconds, then seemed to suppress something, gritting his teeth and growling:KPgrCUZBcvsbsJKGusNhryZFeQkIDH

NIHukmrwdRrNMxc

“Your emperor is quite something.”OKlBWjTVayWaalsZfYsVvtuxHvasyI

yUNIkvCILUwDGZI

After saying that, he shouted, “Let’s go!” and hurriedly left the camp.JBmnCHiysXedEQRnJFgdRhrRkYNJrl

ggEHFvPHeCPplTd

Once everyone had left, Ning Rushen’s heart was still racing:WAtqGXGnedOFgzjZkrZyBIGJVNHANL

BKPPVAsNVoCSGVL

What did that mean?nrMXrIhAVGyCTNSuRyadcAxMmuozil

VzDRdTXwSrRSJbC

What did Li Wuting do???YEPiUrRHXwhSDVkYnrWJdXajRsFBnG

QXcjZgzsdGNJVUw

He turned to look at Landa Le, only to find the latter already laughing on the main seat. Noticing Ning Rushen’s gaze, Landa Le, in a good mood, didn’t hold back from sharing:OxEbnWJSZBPVuUWMYEfHiygbKSJSQC

FsRoJwoTEBhpgrM

“A few days ago, it rained heavily, and the river flooded. Somehow, the river upstream of Yi Shui suddenly changed course, directly flooding A Sai Han’s camp—”zsQTpVHHcAxABWZrnzIQwkeYWBuHsR

eULQXGQLbLPfTso

Ning Rushen’s heart skipped a beat.sHdxRIQaBHgMnbjbIvPXdrVJoFaJse

NClhKpEiRCebUls

He suddenly remembered the question Li Wuting had asked two days before the expedition, “October 6th,” and the plan he had made, “Five days to reach the upstream of Yi Shui”…VjeMUHhPsKjvQSCLkEfRtUSbdZViRC

WzZgxbotxUzpjkC

He swallowed lightly: Could Li Wuting actually be a god?OLVajcmcVuePOUWDcuYWmcQMVKyoYu

rICQhcxppwQytah

Landa Le was pleased for a moment, then suddenly turned to Ning Rushen, muttering as he studied him:ulDhSuFMjSybmFZWsCFYwcRUFtQnse

SFIoEJLEuqhaLra

“Power comes from the water… Indeed, it’s already coming true so quickly!”uYrSVLblSDmeoLbAsYihctHyDyOraN

ZuZaZUAQbvmPJmM

“…”TkwrgsAoJcHtGwJHRdfUVlLUamOOOW

aLrblUqWCIPjjPZ

Ning Rushen met his gaze, pulling his thoughts back and feigning a nonchalant response.UwWzrCbFSakWwnhwHTobMVkIViAlvt

xUVChnLWEmHctGu

By now, King Heku had also left.EDYywWukUTtgGuZDJjGXImAYPQecgA

zekAGEFabRKNnEs

Seeing Ning Rushen still dressed in the dance attire, Landa Le waved his hand, “Alright, go and change out of that outfit.”nxdqUdkRqbQiCNZFfMrtLWvnmNEKZi

DQtzHtaEaKRhNat

As soon as he said that, the nearby deputy general suddenly spoke up anxiously, “Crown Prince… the priest’s clothes were already thrown into the fire and burned.”nwcnSMCzipopRiKEQtMPflWWCaaidO

AGcWQZxSVJUUJVO

“Burned!?” Landa Le exclaimed in both surprise and anger, “You—”lFkRbdLeUHLqzBcbawsjSNBfOfVjtQ

TIkRwtotdDLqawG

“I did it for your sake, Crown Prince!”EOCNLhOaYyCsqGDdVeMbsCYEMOFlYF

iYumVbjVGxajVMH

The deputy general glanced at Ning Rushen and defended himself in a low voice, “Think about it, King Heku just had someone wear red gauze, and then we heard that the camp was flooded. Isn’t that a sign of divine punishment?”SbHxgazZKfarWKAUyDWYvzYcuCcYqE

UsdZnSHXTNvygSg

He continued, “The longer that red gauze stays on someone, the worse the divine punishment could get.”YzthzxBzsEbxgTourzRTiGcfhGSnls

sjgNjhvzyzVTyyS

Landa Le knew what the deputy general was hinting at but had to admit it made sense. “This punishment won’t fall on me, will it?”blNNXGISUTHBjJMrPPMGzHdouqIsoi

jzwuHsNzSfgiEKq

“Of course not! We’ve benefited from it, haven’t we?”RFEjMgbUftRiSSiAJZyfVXEAoVTXxF

HsVEgfwrgLtzaen

The two continued whispering to each other.iInmsXQMHlIlzrwAeUFrlNXozBkqcy

fumWyBgCYOCGKjC

Ning Rushen couldn’t hold back and said, “Crown Prince, may I leave now?”VxPEZdEXSUwIaRshSXnritVFfJTHNf

OKtvTMmZleSciyr

Landa Le immediately stopped talking, “But what about your clothes…”JvetDSYtfvWOGIKQNHWJLnYPPWbUqn

jxyaPPmQjEjQXWw

Ning Rushen felt a pang of anxiety, “What about them?”sEkQqCMHOwhMfNFvEGRzRrFOCnaHah

vvxUfhHoYAMgfcd

He had torn a piece from his clothes and hadn’t had a chance to dispose of it. If someone discovered it, there’d be no explaining it away.OXDyRCTwRgzaybquMwutwOlgvYItYW

sfOTvzwtraiOZFu

Landa Le said, “The soldiers were looking for cloth to use for kindling and didn’t realize it was your clothing, so they burned it.”pbVfGYyZgbKlQYuJwWWiuLGCAOLcPm

HTpmwhIkvmKVQhD

“…”efWWhTaZRbLOqAsYmoMFKZlKhNtaCQ

EEtHjiSNvvEMIfx

They found the cloth in the corner of the dance tent.nhNJJXymmQRpFfmDnWOnIzrATqAaXh

fQoGiVXXHebvIAu

Ning Rushen glanced at the guilty-looking deputy general beside him and immediately understood who was behind this.UwNrcDszPYBmGhMqtiFmHkRObbTLBO

UejpXquCVHSJTlC

He narrowed his eyes: *That son of a bitch.*FYQncOTxiPqCsRoVbgorjWPkQDrDqK

WRebmIpghsXCNso

But fortunately, this accident had helped him get rid of the evidence.lKBPcfQeAhkjqOAbVEZGxOxVsGgXYu

sVPZuClhKrNsXpi

“Find me another outfit.”qEevQhGbFJpGTbDlDwCzxpZVSMzPrJ

SOeByLXOBxRDEPn

Landa Le said, “Your size… It’s hard to find something that fits right now. I’ll have the dancers alter something for you. You’ll have to make do for now.”eUCjepHHVuwiDqpjpXHyhWKKeGKlLV

SICmjpgQonXFcGE

Ning Rushen didn’t really care about what he wore, but he couldn’t figure out what these two were scheming. He remained silent, staring at Landa Le for a few seconds.jLOVMsJWMNnbzFsCqtuOvHKnmDzJqT

fjsVSxqvzVmSSaB

Landa Le began to feel uneasy under the gaze and quickly offered:HTGMXQzIAlWywOEOjMKLNsGlNgrkCQ

fwiwCukUsLgwyvL

“How about this, do you need anything else? Smoked meat, or perhaps some milk wine…”XGsTZDIDKwEMEcQGXKYQocdvxblnUp

sXdOGUZRwOKzmFF

Ning Rushen’s mind stirred, but he shook his head, “No need.”icPoFdRAaDBwjVoIFAfdwZTDCNrRFY

mexhSbZIIyqluqI

He acted casually, “I’d like to stay in the dancers’ tent. There are people from Dacheng in there. It’s boring being alone, so I’d like some company to chat with.”ebzWxcmsnDbBofdsppljqcqFzCGgYH

mdlfhgoiMGQPVLI

Landa Le thought for a moment, “Alright.”MYceUnIRDTYJquDQcwRlUmcuHoVpTC

WZvbaptoGKAZLWm

Both sides got what they wanted.lxAUJkfwNFsMpZsZcTppDlqBXupIHE

vyJcOhyxNYFciEo

Ning Rushen quickly gathered his belongings, feeling satisfied as he moved into the dancers’ tent.AypBDLMAGvHXPeVCXvOdfALzxspUFY

syerdENFhyNviWs

…KVBDWEVkiQIUoHHeHNSfJHAelkNDiH

OSNxKJgFhKSmiQT

Meanwhile, in the Dacheng military camp.ayKHlPDrNWVQsQpYJSylzTZvacXzlv

IYEPRUaOleTztPA

They had just won a brilliant victory, reducing King Heku’s forces by thousands without losing a single soldier. The entire army was invigorated, their morale soaring—hEstcCOQdCVZxkPoaDqfOzjZsqUjvx

ySSKRqLrfecFZKs

Yet in the central command tent, their emperor, whom they revered as a god of war, showed no signs of joy.nlbTyPomVVnIdhxESPrEYkwdeLGUaS

poHnORwIGWagqMQ

Li Wuting sat at his desk, supporting his forehead with one hand, his knuckles tightening.toCBudgfmHFaTZNJOnpLwfLCDifIVA

tQKXDFIegWFxyet

The candlelight flickered, casting shadows across the furrowed brow and the lowered eyelashes. His usually composed expression betrayed an unusual, genuine anxiety.xThfgvMWfdqDWOdjSurrLsmTvPUdls

oDdaAPXoILNtWYg

That figure kept flashing before his eyes.yUmKOzrKMtHuWaftdSaDhiWFdZfnRw

XxhZGCNoqAzDLPO

His fingertips trembled slightly, his remarkable self-control the only thing keeping his turbulent emotions in check.hHNjJJqxMEbMrxssYbERlazVrQHrGR

stbqhhgITELqhgB

In the stillness of the night, the sudden cry of an eagle pierced the sky!lVQAxwcGdbwMqadcMYSHjJKQVnqeXI

cqVdsaPbcjYKpni

Li Wuting’s heart jolted, and he looked up.ysThjHwUruQMLcEWtAHuucfBCMGkMe

akmXcXlNxAyNOEF

The tent flap was quickly lifted as Huo Mian strode in, falcon in hand, clutching a piece of cloth that he hadn’t yet had time to unfold:fJqAsyCLPWQpApuHSkSbctzLARGeKx

QPxZMCQBELkwExb

“Your Majesty! Urgent report.”kILqHhNlzuOCKaWiiiessQGOYNrPVT

UipsPdusmkZyNhs

Li Wuting pressed his lips together and took it.esZdZcJMdHjQehWZpLiKaaPTXRRKph

JNlqhRoWSYytTVa

His gaze fell on the cloth for a moment before he took a deep breath, forcing himself to stay calm as he unfolded it.alwQvtfAKJJrCRRXVPUegyuESsRmCt

qLvNqvQsdQxQVnu

The snow-white fabric dazzled the eyes for a moment.HtSrFgzkVxhZTPxiGqVUbJaofXaZfx

YsyYUsaGsUzndyU

Then, he saw the familiar handwriting, the message hastily written:eNPafFezTFnnuLcjfIOtcTcZKBznRk

LJSNqzxGCGDOvuR

“I’m in the Di camp, have become a god, don’t worry.”LCzsslfMbvIQVnVonUKUGmllBxUoLn

swPQXKPsywFmhaC

“………”WDzwFvyDkjEscWMEmarzRgFeSIfnlf

yiymDwgwrIedCPd

Li Wuting, “?”eqFuzVFdzhhkWgQKQeWdIRMhBhcxFf

NfTBExpsZOOsYPJ

His knuckles twitched, and he looked further down.LQTuVOudVSHgzlTQdVfaBKSGoTyQxM

hVoAzcPBvijJJCS

Below was a map, a few strokes marking out the location of Landa Le’s camp and the distribution of the tents.iBLOTBLCCHWlKDzrVVUbYZmSnJaxQf

RYqyRVFyUrzDYbx

The tent remained silent for a moment.YswsMNkQqeoccQtmDbqrpvJZYyMZZa

ebgoPOuiNjyHrjP

The emperor’s long-tense expression suddenly relaxed, and rubbing his brow, he let out an unexpected, low chuckle:JgsyQOPGkPGHCFCwrSHnGHXwjMjLiq

LqrOpCLGFgVvQdZ

“Ning Qing…”faiMVZqbxWNxmIccVIMqUrWloyPqdl

TjdacAVXewwOvKz

Huo Mian looked on, bewildered, “What is it, Your Majesty?”TmtBKqoaAxSTwEVeUVvpUfQrImAYLR

GkdFCUlNBFkrAWX

Li Wuting quickly rolled up the cloth, his expression calming as he stood, “Summon the generals. We’re breaking camp!”YWGnKZYIrqPObAiDzBLxeenyqtQGgI

qLnOyDgJnwQHhDc

In Landa Le’s camp, in the dancers’ tent.qiUJxeNcjnKLXXedzwkCSKpnUHjjGM

QzJsBwVDPvIpjTF

After Ning Rushen settled in, he spent two calm days there.aharNlsDkwwsNKNnSGwjCeArPZAsPN

JRrfSgZyFoEJGHk

During these two days, Landa Le had no time to look for him. Using the excuse of “fortune coming from the south,” he had sent troops to the border—qUBbQmDHPnrtLDOvxbNSLHIGPiVwIi

lSIZCIDvyWMxxbc

As long as he exposed his location a few more times, even if the map he provided wasn’t perfectly accurate, the army would eventually find the camp’s location.SKSdAKFCTuHDmwqNboDXafvezjPjHM

ohAEaiCJwonlzlc

Now, he was nestled in a corner of the tent.VaTGjCJrYmRhfauAOYMXqBQRbJLylz

BevcitcSOLIZRJE

Nearby was a young Dacheng girl named Wansang, who was altering his clothes. She looked about fifteen or sixteen, probably recently captured and not yet too disheartened.aIQVnBFWBarxobavMyDCUGVQKMouEh

EQjmkbUEXKVTjgd

“I’m a shepherdess, taken with my sheep. What about you?”McCLwenNMJpZfQNiXcuyWLZbLXaUNh

nclQNYQsdDwIBDP

Ning Rushen replied, “I’m a grain officer, stolen with the grain carts.”OuVssjkDxUQuzLwOExyhZftNJgoxWF

zRqhOhUUYrhIxcV

“……” Wansang looked bewildered: ?VZedKuDXPjdhqCmWcjwHkJgDByXlOK

dFidHOTOdYyfWey

Seeing that she didn’t seem to understand, Ning Rushen sighed inwardly:kGySSPawqQUEqYDipBignxzYILqaby

uhlRzPGBmytIgUn

It’s no wonder she didn’t get it; he didn’t fully understand it himself.IUmfLjeWJXmSFYDHVXyPbdnBRkELab

IubWcZZxaOdVIft

Ning Rushen changed the subject, “By the way, is there anything unusual happening in the camp?”CltvQfuTkuRxDlWoANsIuAUJyFkMYZ

fqghfvwBdbtEvVL

“Unusual?” Wansang pondered, “Well, the Northern Di army doesn’t ban alcohol. Every time they return from plundering, those Northern Di soldiers drink and slaughter sheep… does that count?”cImLrylYZOeDaBUqVGzsVJYptJiyaV

obMNcdzZTYkBwUB

Ning Rushen’s heart skipped a beat: They don’t ban alcohol?kzIXKIuupfrSkhiCvCzjLBBZeNMSQu

bQLvxkhhHxaqOjA

Plundering just happened in the last two nights.hADPcWWeMBtyqyKYsROvvLBmQYbTkM

kgJhfeBiMaaJszb

…rZkjFYPFwIxHpoQZJGzMyffXHTrYfu

HSMyhkvsKvzWfHQ

That night, the Northern Di soldiers returned with cattle and sheep and indeed held a grand feast.WvxwaQMZOeoiVXGMAZWvrMztpvezNR

vSLRSUrGbuwiPdS

Outside, the firelight was bright, and the noise was deafening.WBvNCXsBkxxmxmYDlQAULfeQdIwosa

CAHudsUfPYzRxjI

The dancers’ tent was located in a corner of the camp, with dim lighting and relative quiet.XdThoAbfFLzipPpbqFGHqTXErgxeTN

dyuvMrYjfmswCRo

Ning Rushen looked at the noisy figures outside:AfBSQacDpnpbnapdDqZrsWEuXUIdFx

EcsLMorKnnxCLar

Had the white falcon left already?VyuDYuhqHtxTutXOcPwZjNYwbXLKjf

qfXiDczTVLJSNWo

Counting the time, if the reinforcements from Chang Sui had been dispatched, they should be arriving soon.LMiwVbIsrrBlvrDsfdqOXxiXyuljWa

tfpLCrkicCIeyyh

If they could make it tonight…DVQSKUdHSVxOSfTOHbSdtLiEqAzoFV

uuUfSpKmrHiQNEA

While he was thinking, there was suddenly a commotion outside.ocRtOjzyeMcwcNQrlXlUUdfYYQxIuo

sbXfvwzsncEBlPR

A shouting voice was followed by a flap of the curtain, and a Northern Di officer, red-faced from drinking, walked in and grabbed a dancer, “Come out!”pdRoTFdfSmPGiVBpJMjojwMpseDiCR

wsOOYVlKMmMyhax

The dancer screamed and tried to pull away.CTAQdsRyyHVcUkdHBGydPLbxBFuEQX

tEcGsdbQpcsHXPL

The officer cursed a few times and continued to grab people.oqqviwwAnekyLUNUmlWGwbdWoMaWrw

JCbZRDOiYuOfCsK

Ning Rushen couldn’t bear to watch. He looked around: Was there any tool for cutting iron like mud…blyxYsKwegtDPHaGypiOQCLaIGQADH

hrcfBCNiKfUEoWa

After scanning briefly, he suddenly heard a thud!GypCYtEiLkqTyEbFPpjotQYWyLIuaO

FkyOyzFvqjPiqIC

Then the officer fell to the ground with a muffled sound.uoSTvVBbbEublkpNnJYuwOiuKKzxvv

hSANKyYmlxNQyAD

Ning Rushen looked up in shock: …!?tMIUrvwGQRdfcNXlejAgIfmRzQFQXC

EzagRJbBgkRmhHg

In the center of the tent stood a familiar figure silently.dMdvWkGJaBrTBjMhQAlVnUluqcTzDV

obKYNwwcwaSNyyy

Shi Yi quietly looked around and blinked.eQolJTvHhBlsZvismajftInTJQkAMv

DHqGlCnsXpoYrGq

A large slotted spoon! Ning Rushen was delighted and made a shushing gesture to the frightened dancers. The dancers all covered their mouths, nodding silently.jVdvRXbRqaLjzjNzVORsHHorYOZizL

KkIbEWakBLOxiIQ

He went over and whispered, “Is it just you?”BgeBNNTKNZcqToIWNbfuolKtNfZAqS

sxCfjpXMqcbFccF

Shi Yi replied, “Also Lu Wu, who went to rally the main army.”pIJgISLEUhcZvjdjJqtMBRligvSeNx

UGCaBdYEpDpoXMF

Ning Rushen’s heart jolted:WbayjPKAshMyVWIvvUGJHIulVxZIyn

CMMCqcCuFpQaqIs

Not reinforcements, but the main army…fkqSkXdwxAiRLxCEpxtfQVCSwtHyFx

dYbwomyXbxCFvcl

To confirm his guess, Shi Yi nodded, “His Majesty sent me to find you first.”nSQUoBNWkekNZdNNoNhecZWXbgZANP

JnNVpbuAXXivhqg

Ning Rushen’s heartbeat quickened.wQYcBGolWBNkFvHclszyGanOtzDCWm

OCGaqWTSybRUAcC

He calmed his breathing and resumed his previous thought, writing two characters for Shi Yi: **Camp Howl**.njlPzLiBsRdIuyJXvVLpsyVhwKbjuT

heDHAAOPnPqMqVJ

Shi Yi paused and looked at him.pdCvHCXnoXSSiRxmvRbZMtlplcrBJH

FdQxekmlvuptgZe

Ning Rushen pointed to the fallen officer by his feet, “Throw him out, he’ll come in handy.”WfOWecwVuJSAqvBvfsXEPNSBQoPdxA

QDJNPawuGVSDvnq

He then wrote: **Set Fire**.cukKHmLCblffCptRxAHdtQxRVzbjxu

yWtPovpYzUvsGGf

Although it might not succeed, the Northern Di soldiers, intoxicated by alcohol, were already in a daze. With Shi Yi’s skills at stirring trouble, it could at least cause confusion and unrest.IfeOLmwYUeUZVwehxWxnoVBLrKrBSu

IRcpJgeqxaWUSox

Before the main army arrived, they could hopefully deplete a good portion of their forces.nQzgetIPyvxzlSdiYLYcdNtVXacvTD

MHFHfPlBIIfofsQ

Shi Yi considered for a moment and nodded, “I’ll go to the farthest place from here. Stay here and be careful.”dKXcjGnvgIMLFAlbRrFKUATjrolEYo

oFHTnIpOiWYBAzw

He said this, taking the officer with him, and disappeared from the tent in an instant.XfsVNMDaknkxrQzENITYJbLbBJDRQw

FEuIKUaFRmrLWMd

After they left, the dancers finally regained their composure.pfwsslcZkCTAtYRnsCrYVYKuNCgUHQ

QqqxIWsdXQmppGs

Ning Rushen turned to give instructions, “If anything happens, run toward the far end of the camp.”YksAJMPZyFlcRkTPIPFMDUDXUdfyTo

eezLgOjmCISjfio

Wansang whispered, “Is someone coming to rescue us?”YNkFDlqTrecoqWErMbwbmEucKvewIn

AegCCeFmhpvmFIW

Ning Rushen took a deep breath, his red gauze fluttering like fire, his gaze steady:JjITwmjLLkVzWbEsIwHfVbOgPcxzNz

nEHxucxnwppJIGR

“Yes, they’re coming to take us home.”KhORACrMdIJDHDgpGlMEzKnqBgmdno

lCvqJhFTDBMgmtm

After a while, commotion suddenly erupted outside.ceXwGUsIwNYwzVhJezhuZARiXtzPXo

DOSynqilnLmQpHZ

People in the camp were running in all directions, with the sounds of fire crackling in the wind and a general uproar of panic.FchQbpcSgCvoJSZXwhFNXgzzndTfAN

PgdbGtubqbAFdah

Then, the clash of weapons could be heard.VpoYnUFzsiuUDgbmEeSJIHTvIJnrJG

SECkxzBHnrOMTuo

Ning Rushen broke into a sweat, guessing that Shi Yi had succeeded.DekbbHJjCgYaLpKePcFZLsNjwQaSRQ

vnfZvYRngoElZIQ

He listened intently to the growing noise outside, which only got louder. Even the guards stationed at their side and the patrolling soldiers ran off.OGsWSKOEaGxfWVUifsVVuNtQJYBlEj

kobiPjwXDnjFQSz

Panic seemed to spread into the tent as well:MaTpFMAcFfSixyuJZUJIukwbYUVAxX

nnuyxPnTZGuTdEt

“I think I heard Wu Han Da’s scream.”lANhYQRhyHYifdEUaqHiBJxvvfajpr

rEUqcChVOjDtZlE

“Was he killed…”ELVNEIFfOcTtpqCmEDNULlOLWWVrCj

uiKIXRcmjERtHlw

Ning Rushen looked at the anxious faces of the dancers and reassured them, “Stay here and don’t run outside.”TuvpLvJLywSLCLVCndvcNCXFhxZVJj

NafBOKvMgDSqdsF

For now, they hadn’t been directly affected.MhjsnheZbObOFTLnnfihdjWDVRxaFD

JCagJjzvXdkIHhk

But the chaos in the same camp was still very close.GxepeeatGghytbGlXpKhFucCZgUIaa

iJwPTTtXPDhohVQ

Time seemed to stretch endlessly. The noise continued to grow louder, coming closer to them.FvQeieGieuWlVHcSUhzQmqXCgLWBEU

ZydFyEuZiIksULf

After an unknown period, the ground began to tremble.osgfgocwbdlqXvRAOChdXlSnuqHMeO

jPBVaorjLrusZht

Ning Rushen felt a stir in his heart, moving closer to the entrance, listening to the sounds from afar—pQPbTzNnbMveAaxgJBeyweAKkwhzDt

GDdfRjWudcSoxCV

Thunderous shouts from the other side swept over.fuSaQjUEIVJakMjyXhRdrpXgrotKwQ

KboRxHHxSeqewlq

The familiar shouts of “kill” echoed across the wasteland and the night.vCwFLoqLFyQWPTkRbUUhrsXjtLLYqV

xHhxnHDljNVpzcn

He couldn’t contain his excitement: the main army had arrived!byFEKkVYSJzIRsJaTWKcHbhuLJtuhZ

EGTxMfZcDsQCajq

The Dingyuan army surged into the camp like a black cloud of flames.xZiHpKbntjskwZLdJpZzIrACiFIaDF

JqwaOgardjTHHTR

At the same time, the raging fire and the fighting in the camp finally reached them.sJpiexaLniJJQivxYhHxEvBfmNFCcb

RDkBsTRCueqywPr

Through the tent, he could see the glaring light of the fire.geambTKutgHMrXKeQOBhkVnenAcOXT

OrVoTxnsOTSzqei

Inside the tent, a dancer trembled and asked, “Should we run? What’s happening outside?”OkpWwEBEAbPopbUkBKoAPvYDhXmkgX

eTpSFFmYpcpfMzF

Ning Rushen was unsure, but if the Northern Di soldiers and the fire arrived first, they would be trapped.jJokoCVqeXRWIjgabzOIyhhdchoHsS

cFYaVyJWzuMIQbx

“I’ll go check.”yFAperZlrgLPEHjxzSYqhKSkhiNzim

YejrEtjPGdVNwGb

The dancers behind him were worried, “Be careful!”zyFiTAXIMnkhEzFnsEPSWSXDJiWcOg

FZomLIIVVQjNTZW

Ning Rushen took a deep breath and lifted the curtain to go outside.LtRQISUCWUkMgLzZMDoDxSVznaxNzj

WvmGEQlTtOvNSmg

Once outside, it was already a sea of fire.NTckMVQzgdXQYKKyokfEHbjbSupaPa

kaoewLeWCSGQbox

Flames licked the tent poles, crackling through the night, and the tents collapsed with a loud crash.tYnVZWqgOrxRZrEXwNCCyOGQbfrnZC

uCzZnwlqJYplFKE

Northern Di banners were broken, and the ground was littered with broken wood and iron.dVPfMFNYdMUxowNAZQoOBydMQixFlR

WaeyDyjesECMeSC

Not far off, several Northern Di soldiers were fighting fiercely.OojOxFgctlWfaWsvUygOcoiPWQpFXt

HgsqspcAMPONalW

The soldiers, clearly enraged, were indistinguishable from allies or enemies. One soldier, having just finished off his comrade, turned and charged at Ning Rushen with a raised knife.mtKXvWKaOjyafFfXMUYtRQgEKjVoaA

VtDjvTNnCWBCdeW

Ning Rushen was startled and glanced at the dancer-filled tent with no escape route.WqaKbJmnLHCSvBhWfNXmMwBidAwYTl

vmYgYFBXnvZAgZp

Resolutely, he ran forward.KcDxffcFALErBouQwROitczmwEUjFr

kUXxorzBbPWWawl

He wove through scattered wooden planks, with fire burning around him and the stench of blood in the air. The sounds of battle were deafening.KtTcqSmxAJaMGAcUGmjtudwkWFdWuH

itSEpfrmcHgJLVl

His red gauze fluttered in the night.EWpRYgVgundnlJnZfbSpKvqTkPUUMy

TYAXtrTWckljiXu

Ning Rushen’s heart pounded, and he could even feel the approaching Northern Di soldiers behind him.eENQtFOAmnTSEFQfvJhsUqxOjnQktB

aoLYsHmSYsQIKxV

Suddenly, urgent horse hooves sounded ahead.bopnwOQyarfVylJFvsxGmNTeBfzreM

lEYubhkQKOPMvxw

He looked up just in time to see an arrow fly past his head—usxkJfEaOnvQBnTkzuJjTxwZbiQkJG

CCAtNoCAdCsbmUP

Thud, a Northern Di soldier fell behind him.krahamVXDoNlgDvEzyrRASlLknsGgu

YEAxqUIDvuWoZXy

A tall horse, cutting through the firelight, raced toward him. Its rider wore black attire and silver armor, wielding a bright imperial sword.ojwiPdlbDcrUDvTWMKpApWyCljHZTt

QRvMmacaWjdmJRn

Ning Rushen’s heart skipped a beat as he recognized the familiar, cold face of Li Wuting.UHTjwSLuebJjGpnsxmPlFcWRGBpaJs

pAdKWheQOVvHWrh

Their eyes met, and the fire in Li Wuting’s dark eyes flared upon seeing Ning Rushen in red attire and black hair. His eyes seemed to tremble for a moment, and he immediately leaned down from his horse, his strong arms reaching out—PbAcAvjoRiWEupVTpZzwDfcsWxrmRX

EpNWyVOTdfhiOGU

A powerful arm wrapped around Ning Rushen’s waist, lifting him onto the horse. The black cloak enveloped them, and Li Wuting’s voice commanded, “Hold on tight to me.”lcFzrKqfdHycUwqtgqTNnGrYuvVMYR

OidpYGWewSOhITm