Chapter 73
A man and a bird stared at each other for a few seconds.osNjPWMWiaFDNMliLIMMuRQtuQKrWN
fUsqLAtrJCuWoISThen, Ning Rushen’s eyes lit up with joy, his heart pounding in excitement:wfjSEOkDTFncQCZeTCfLxVqTkpssGa
jmKZaOdYvTJBRTV…Who was it? Who sent him a walkie-talkie in the form of a bird?YVMEZcTqdWsSfZyAhwZRxIKAEfTUyV
dprausIVAEckrLaTaking 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—QqYeTgYUSxrmMKEikXvhVtbcOFPrsM
xtfavSKpjmrkEisHe had been racking his brain over how to send a message!LjGzFfWbFcEMceTRbChWUbDidCbPTN
TTGKgXRMnjPyOFnHe patted the falcon’s head and said, “Wait.”hHRekOTrQKgbqpqnuosjsNGRZRDNMM
bJjJoHYNCkKRMIOThe 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.vswkvvjkCMVECCUHxeOqwiwlVbJhDY
rynCQUuStHOZgxRDipping his finger in a bit of the powder, Ning Rushen first reassured the recipient of his safety.BIPmSeUFogDcBZRjptOaMAXVHnpamR
YFnQJUPGzdvGHRFThen, 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.FVRVkTDuYTmliwbOiNCenmzplEDGrf
XMzWOCKFsmeOjHvOnce he finished drawing, he tied the cloth strip to the falcon’s leg and patted it, saying, “All done, go quickly.”ocxKUzCEyyifkZEovuYWfEQCbXMxJX
HMOijRblMGcsFvgThe falcon ruffled its feathers, then sneakily slipped out.nrLqJWvCxYRPNSmCIPyKXnjpmQnXhP
LcCOOKYbCSspjQt…UKcBBxcufPXnXCGKBGtswphsQAToml
LWbGWXqeWHfjsQJAfter a brief commotion, a loud voice called out from outside:mSoKOHZDqslDNCAUAKIKdnsaicNjKN
LyoKKPYDKgvFovl“Hurry up!”NxrHlkWgsNwfOXjUJDrkdxpfmrbcXA
lAdzLSbwGUtOyaQNing Rushen wiped his hands and finished changing his clothes.DNYFzcLKfeITNXEsdeTcuDjYMZaTYE
aiSuNijODGkFGPkThe 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.XBXzTVSRYJQBUVLKHcZIoFGTYZcxrq
yivsMaLnfgjLjvqHe glanced at himself after he finished changing.zpnRrYzufeXURnnHEojwPWxpBLpRmk
voKgHEaBmrYLHqtThe clothing would reveal glimpses of his waist and legs when he spun around, no wonder it was the attire of a dancing girl.dthXLVSKJNEBcVPWdMWfBKadxSUOXQ
pVKGgUbBEnZzYhWJust then, another shout came from outside.nNrwlshSYLzNaxbmCnCWcNNBKqGDKH
jnSVViRHVVDQtkxNing Rushen casually gathered his black hair and turned to leave.wyUIefsYyVzquCKGNrTByPxRYicIkU
wkPmCMCXayNDMxlOutside the tent, a Bei Di soldier at the entrance was about to impatiently urge him again when his voice suddenly caught—jckgRsOepvwtrjjDSuCRExStgqPVjJ
kbHCoNIbAQVonhpAll he saw was a person with black hair and red clothes, the golden bells tinkling lightly.ysQrCZAqghwhIJANigbjiGNFqPDvVF
ARMklwRmJmIwKAPA 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.YlxgSfjkgsjvalKWCJvgiyWMIMJfci
xGUDKzWrSkgouHrTaking advantage of the soldier’s moment of distraction and not pressing him further, Ning Rushen spoke, “Take me to the main tent.”ngmywomVNZMnCoonxiuULGorcrZZrC
LAjuxqMvILedTXRThe Bei Di soldier, momentarily forgetting to question him, turned and led the way.MtcWeZgQNRpnSkYWwlsNHVPLazAWbw
YNOQFNeFuINwPhzInside the main tent, King Heku and Landa Le were already seated.DoVYJXVmJwLylgAlyojKApkWNzHWVM
gSqRoiTPafAXFldAs 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.VUozNiqFgUxUlWTQDdVCYtKJNtnXkR
hexWlQVRMfLcXvz…Why are they staring at him like that?sPtcUtXhNtauwlwUCGPrdBJAVZNwqd
ptvrUCiVaQzyrgaNing Rushen glanced around: They wouldn’t really make him dance, would they?CkYxcJVrpgRYTUmtzcLRcsRaDBczXK
KvhgoyJwatwmPLXHe looked to his right at King Heku, who timely slapped the table and said, “Come! Accompany this king for a drink!”utgjFkwEhvFHJkoiDYWGdldnuqTnuo
cChZSlWhtUiGAHtNing Rushen eyed the smoked meat on the table and sat down.rNPqIaGnGpXpxExwlpncNYYPFofchk
qrgnWEsyBHWSdJpAlthough 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.WRYDbVSEsCZrWfZFSspDdSTAZxNzTY
qaPXmAYbWftrNPINing Rushen couldn’t understand them, so he busied himself with picking at the fruits and dried meat on the table.lSKIdfFYVcCHMyWiHLkHzvebPvMTOZ
XUUQUCFNRIagUDwJust as he was about 80% full, someone rushed into the tent from outside:CcolDwjRgReDLnKhQkaZAJvkWUkohe
dXPXxFMzwXpCrFi“King! Urgent news!”QWcVRjbOKgCjCNYaWxpqgOMIbhEIyW
ZBqjKnFMlZdhfNZKing Heku paused, setting his wine cup down and walking over, “What is it?”gZZgeFDxySuWsPTjOGEPGpAHvrikJe
dUpYTHzSBnFzTblAfter 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—FiewRKlXKlZibRoJtAJMHuNSmwPwRs
ufpUdPYKLQIwRCzNing Rushen, biting into a piece of dried meat: ?faYcYWkDvTNZJioTurStwGBrlfGnwu
PIIBULsIjsxbhHJKing Heku’s eyes were cold as he stared at him for two seconds, then seemed to suppress something, gritting his teeth and growling:HtOmrxZFNcmekKZoIBPZAjVaCgjmuv
wyrWvWSqsWzATXr“Your emperor is quite something.”yrHcTqGCprGiaNyowTkKgFpFEJrHon
ZYpARoEbHwThHJpAfter saying that, he shouted, “Let’s go!” and hurriedly left the camp.NMROMbLGqJxnpHPFFLWratJRBsieOA
XCsNnQnAxbsiNIhOnce everyone had left, Ning Rushen’s heart was still racing:tzAUCCyPQxpiokapUOZcRjlvTnquCt
MWxgAfPkpsJXnxmWhat did that mean?ePWWPQIpmlHozEqzxVWRPwoaRAbQHy
cEcvFUuZfvVNyhHWhat did Li Wuting do???OYvvUioSUviFNkQkTEHkbglFMjuhGk
JQGXqnbvuwfIpjvHe 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:rXnJlLTRBTBNNgbxPkOvNyfhqdYqMO
hmEhfkquWpPFhSi“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—”LCCjesHlGrVlNAhkvDziTorSuhsqPM
JEwehTJHaFjXXtoNing Rushen’s heart skipped a beat.KQJFhjGZwjnIMwEitaVAARJRsimoAJ
GDPEayeNJQovnwmHe 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”…yklQqbglWtAcHgAMLCcGBIfRxsyGOX
pJWoWWbsfoWzPlrHe swallowed lightly: Could Li Wuting actually be a god?CZzpHqfokBLcwimjgKQagYBFnztxhC
yEUWOtgKfjbaNKHLanda Le was pleased for a moment, then suddenly turned to Ning Rushen, muttering as he studied him:EUGfkvXrRbODugyeeDTgROpFwtDGza
KdjSEWKgfwsRXBI“Power comes from the water… Indeed, it’s already coming true so quickly!”zCoDMZuUQVJAOfiSTeuQFjdpRIaCAS
UcXMnyuZMsHMKqB“…”unasNyOjGyQbdpuEqHezZVYdoxsWiP
OFPkewJaJrHeelRNing Rushen met his gaze, pulling his thoughts back and feigning a nonchalant response.owIPnoMsBGWpTEMtkVkoJlPBITesoV
UpiaZqmpNjMBZzLBy now, King Heku had also left.XczYPVZPewaPRUpyGmLIfyipGYcZZI
zIgfTjdFSBzxsTVSeeing Ning Rushen still dressed in the dance attire, Landa Le waved his hand, “Alright, go and change out of that outfit.”yItWlfwEfrbdgJeCgMThtacNIdfBVH
fSEzJfIObgLNVDgAs 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.”MFOXzDkfeYREjdOIQXParVqWRBIrRz
dTdwSyrCFEqnUTT“Burned!?” Landa Le exclaimed in both surprise and anger, “You—”xpZVkaXxbgUYxGPFjCFLLfuaeGNUCP
swevOJRVHgLlrsd“I did it for your sake, Crown Prince!”ehbiydwXMFoCZiUoSFiiusvhHwzOvf
bHCHNHtSJoNRXtbThe 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?”gADRzgczpoCsJEIXkNOseKPcXczFgl
voYmiZzzuIXVRSvHe continued, “The longer that red gauze stays on someone, the worse the divine punishment could get.”rKUoVVGGecEwJWSzAClPbJgEdmdlxK
BdPzGAzAqMtCpXqLanda 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?”pWFcXjaNjvYshpfXtWzttiIcYqZQcY
QWtLoNJcSMYnuRx“Of course not! We’ve benefited from it, haven’t we?”vshUTcIdQbhEuPFjtincqiOAyELsfw
CAKZigLotOqcaJEThe two continued whispering to each other.UaLsaETAytfHqzlSCpTbMzHARBRBUr
TPMTwPbkUJnGvmSNing Rushen couldn’t hold back and said, “Crown Prince, may I leave now?”ztDFOKFZfRupKBJepsOZvqRyEzMCAo
uTcsKCYyrKsTVCLLanda Le immediately stopped talking, “But what about your clothes…”cOUbRHmubjBTYUyfeSTMhUKoilIMga
UJkixrZwBNDeAuSNing Rushen felt a pang of anxiety, “What about them?”mwElRRXkqZBOYCzkjvLuPVWvLOBcWc
ACbREEDMWspecuEHe 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.MJXrdGtJPAvpTIWqDGghtCiVOltOVM
hxKyrCTZsuhLmfzLanda Le said, “The soldiers were looking for cloth to use for kindling and didn’t realize it was your clothing, so they burned it.”KOnHGqWPFCjTxVUWmmQZuVCOtvnPNo
TTOqgJkGeBWDukd“…”xWcHIsjrVBWbYxHLcHOGusrieSFWdh
sWxewUvCoVTdSMVThey found the cloth in the corner of the dance tent.ybYayWIebIxJpyWxeFXyqSKqfKKBVX
FXAwwQchZtJGrXiNing Rushen glanced at the guilty-looking deputy general beside him and immediately understood who was behind this.BMUUCbHrCLaNfIJjyBBVUKqmFpyJUo
zFulwEiwWKMUolqHe narrowed his eyes: *That son of a bitch.*bEtpTkumPVWhAnddwMSYZBYwjATyTi
ukLSdifGzkElCkQBut fortunately, this accident had helped him get rid of the evidence.gBQuZaSDBzTVoNDcDmNQigtQYjRhTL
bDzyOjDFNkMyENb“Find me another outfit.”NGlrwBhNYGPkklZAzSSdUtuJLzJMGv
iacCOKHbTSSlfHfLanda 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.”twqUMWNJMHAaBZzpJYcmetgWleHkdV
vWJSXipLZxsWEtpNing 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.SUcHWQshPMvVLvwrVAQJGjwaOjfStT
BWGbDooIIVFWcGKLanda Le began to feel uneasy under the gaze and quickly offered:VNHjpxOZFmnkZGSobwgRgmhJUTJgPW
CznlGNeiWrVcnxn“How about this, do you need anything else? Smoked meat, or perhaps some milk wine…”omNUmJaHabJIDkUeZlmbhabEXAdBUj
gxDydTKcANMSCqRNing Rushen’s mind stirred, but he shook his head, “No need.”rEceLGjblNoBzGUwoELGlMohvqQRVj
rsAgZRHmvxVnKRxHe 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.”FOrGUDBTjDgqsPCTRKiFOpybrPOqgx
ewqQhRryfuKSJOpLanda Le thought for a moment, “Alright.”rwAmouttPLDHyRoKdYIdghsbZkFxfD
fPBaYdmrMdMYBAqBoth sides got what they wanted.EksRCJoeDrNPcBKnDGfEDVTarbvUXo
cVaOOARaXJpTPQpNing Rushen quickly gathered his belongings, feeling satisfied as he moved into the dancers’ tent.PyEIvKNrdLVnyDHpvzTQgPgNvbMmjo
yytpsOexWBlRXZS…HXBiSlAJIYzrIZpzunuJAxtnoOZkOs
yYfEqVpsZuuazwKMeanwhile, in the Dacheng military camp.bAaNOtdVHqDYtRzNgRbGYYuhFIOUui
INhyKGZeYzJQIIMThey 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—ABsfSnznHrxhxOjpEJjcDhKPPraMZV
tDWOuoKpzMJSdEkYet in the central command tent, their emperor, whom they revered as a god of war, showed no signs of joy.ysHKdcFcDvMqwCyFNChXUmeheoklbg
xYqwVEBTgXhCukcLi Wuting sat at his desk, supporting his forehead with one hand, his knuckles tightening.WXOcMvBquvRSQfKricRmlAzjWSELyb
xVTzVEPLGXekjnGThe candlelight flickered, casting shadows across the furrowed brow and the lowered eyelashes. His usually composed expression betrayed an unusual, genuine anxiety.EVYjltnNAIahtRnUcpHFLiUeHMZvLy
pUMPVnCnEeNKKLBThat figure kept flashing before his eyes.MykxtRcDxoZkpwvdBBylAOiTCbKwhS
tGjUFGQcfRQhGNdHis fingertips trembled slightly, his remarkable self-control the only thing keeping his turbulent emotions in check.LWzJuNxcPuPFpTRZFMvvNpTUyycPZF
efDYSrPqpitoPkRIn the stillness of the night, the sudden cry of an eagle pierced the sky!IADaTLrTyNnwsGQXmhHGOiWyfwntkP
oVsnhXvoCqdyMRkLi Wuting’s heart jolted, and he looked up.uHuoITRhWzNPJurwFKGChszsClqGOT
YQtfxkkPzgkqqUKThe 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:LQljQQkNiTJAiBjNMuzpCnAxAqBgOC
JOiUlxGkwcQMIvc“Your Majesty! Urgent report.”TFkEjuQygnWomQpCrEmozBaPxIBZJv
zIilDDXJQjxSuWQLi Wuting pressed his lips together and took it.guEYuGGeUMGVhVpgHFeAVIpAGxOrsE
VvDXxlBxnBXVEEbHis gaze fell on the cloth for a moment before he took a deep breath, forcing himself to stay calm as he unfolded it.OjsVDVkniDFNZBazvHvcUVigGJCyRQ
VCUqUeTBTGACsgLThe snow-white fabric dazzled the eyes for a moment.JgIMCGJiYxrbYwwPHqwyYFEMahbnOc
jUSuBfhrXcDNcPVThen, he saw the familiar handwriting, the message hastily written:otyvtLqKCelpxIuRFmrJkDZuoWzvus
ODnMVtDDLFZxKBr“I’m in the Di camp, have become a god, don’t worry.”PKhoAHqPvvxSTBIOLbjXhgilRcWUjA
UsjkQMhOZIQaaju“………”zriRPZNUBJdEmClawCFoLqtosIdNDD
MucBHBAEtquTUAULi Wuting, “?”rBQXougVXgoroybrdQZAvuVJTUlrLU
ChIhwsfcVgXJSpOHis knuckles twitched, and he looked further down.DeHqBCkSdZneBYQAmQLnQpEAbWLRcn
xiBXgUwSLBcOEgyBelow was a map, a few strokes marking out the location of Landa Le’s camp and the distribution of the tents.bCKRUZVkkkzAWGyuqjzYLxXCapZWiJ
zevwxIoxFbGNfkUThe tent remained silent for a moment.fqLvWRkYwfPnDPNyzTRHToVLubxOhe
SGDlxBwAfUOhQoPThe emperor’s long-tense expression suddenly relaxed, and rubbing his brow, he let out an unexpected, low chuckle:aRVKHMwETOWSDIyvaojOqFifjGsQlV
wnpvbphZvmEfYjb“Ning Qing…”ZUiTsxebiCbpOCDZihsKfNuBwyUhkw
fjUkVYEpryozLBNHuo Mian looked on, bewildered, “What is it, Your Majesty?”iUqcWoLvWLtIoMFesZIAEevcVcpbyv
qmGbveNVSycKNSPLi Wuting quickly rolled up the cloth, his expression calming as he stood, “Summon the generals. We’re breaking camp!”nXmKlVtkjHGlyToJpvwvcDwinfdEQn
sXPKKnIerQTswPkIn Landa Le’s camp, in the dancers’ tent.GTZpoUYuQxKNpGepTjpNGQzKnIkYJB
azcTlLtPIYPdZSAAfter Ning Rushen settled in, he spent two calm days there.HorfDzjKuujmOqZIXaeUAZwthwKdvx
xpAQILWblMUoxGrDuring 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—VKLweuhChWjcaiWrNufjGbrwCOqAQV
EdEbONiZJsmeIxaAs 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.pnNUxWeOSliDPjDhufffdpqjdoRjTv
VnJLgCfdldauiAINow, he was nestled in a corner of the tent.wmXXfmDkqjgYtVqPAOoonIQCQMfzhl
CsxUUJcuaebClsnNearby 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.GEoFvpBzzMxMsFWmRmETEYKqXxSJGM
cRxbDtrWarWKEIo“I’m a shepherdess, taken with my sheep. What about you?”SUBpmjCwMWxWvSeHQJhnpSawVJZLcX
msVxGjUkCUnJnZsNing Rushen replied, “I’m a grain officer, stolen with the grain carts.”MckbZsTMQBibUvepzMsFmCXemUBAlI
kilaMcDCXJJEqyr“……” Wansang looked bewildered: ?ccGVucORGWfAtZafPjnLcalNlDARiY
dMwdFCJLZzcGYJcSeeing that she didn’t seem to understand, Ning Rushen sighed inwardly:KsoeQYUFxfWwGNqcRLcNjrHnrxROLD
TVjvgtdNIUIbrJtIt’s no wonder she didn’t get it; he didn’t fully understand it himself.aaamKiSLxOvDwnXMSbwgSrhQpzlsZr
gEQLaYAIaCdbmKhNing Rushen changed the subject, “By the way, is there anything unusual happening in the camp?”uMZfmMMehMWjVrXlGXJlMyuIpSmQeE
dvkntJvdiwaMmQE“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?”zNkLZqjvVutVlCgYWZemPzPkUaDXIY
zjNYYNKlFeadQSZNing Rushen’s heart skipped a beat: They don’t ban alcohol?ohZSPnnzoKITOBXGdwyyxQfdRUvUTm
tUVrKjsdXSROYFPPlundering just happened in the last two nights.vtvQapixKqSbCcuMAPasSkvdTVNsvj
WimjFyPfShIyTYK…zgKpUiFqEJjwpETZqRtJUpweNMajMD
TlVRBvWEfuKQVqQThat night, the Northern Di soldiers returned with cattle and sheep and indeed held a grand feast.bzuhPZFIDVUtEjUIvMZYbPMoHZScmg
xJrJJuFoStZQukiOutside, the firelight was bright, and the noise was deafening.GtgPEbKhwZibCtMkfYhAPLkdsqBGvf
QhMMPXqYlAUnIpgThe dancers’ tent was located in a corner of the camp, with dim lighting and relative quiet.ekFfwgFaqqzsQMIAlHqvAkOtklFGyG
yfcTXcwgVFQOHORNing Rushen looked at the noisy figures outside:rsNUsZOWNPRYMLVzMvOXgHEEWBGwED
ylqVmNrQUTZBxUdHad the white falcon left already?hYgQDqtRYrcFMRnqTcftGGWrAdJTPV
qGNrPCwzXGaHPnHCounting the time, if the reinforcements from Chang Sui had been dispatched, they should be arriving soon.QzePZZmSMcjtePjSktfWOOEanBzOzk
JWbIXrTrviHPGjBIf they could make it tonight…vmPZCIPzMsukefpywwqPDCjxRZijaI
XcaBaKavngpnrGtWhile he was thinking, there was suddenly a commotion outside.LLfmZUQraWMtlDreQROgOVeNhjWKKt
lKpePCTeUuQUeGiA 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!”bWGuLmnMxOeoqQTvWDgFRaHBodkMNd
TaxpLQkwhRwhIYwThe dancer screamed and tried to pull away.ptPpVMxdApkJsvVjdUvROUnYbMXOiP
jszMOpUmnhLgbcCThe officer cursed a few times and continued to grab people.TAirfCxJNHvujNGWBuBOPxPDwqpXMJ
ZbEeTRfLNqbFrPzNing Rushen couldn’t bear to watch. He looked around: Was there any tool for cutting iron like mud…jfhkgITsOHtJmsKBIvPXFKzgWyiOLm
doJDerGxNhWTexJAfter scanning briefly, he suddenly heard a thud!fWYUqJLBxTHhXJhLoxldHUeTIyJoWn
diJYEJoKoSUqKkhThen the officer fell to the ground with a muffled sound.IcgDdmQEXRgnKcJDyBLRBCVsHkXjys
pWkQlAVhCzPyiukNing Rushen looked up in shock: …!?HcvPeZPWzHXrYNtCjoQeoSFQYHSJzh
iDOVWrTIkrKYUWcIn the center of the tent stood a familiar figure silently.fPadgznwGPnTzkIpYxiuUtgQVKjOom
bNyjXqheoagCTqKShi Yi quietly looked around and blinked.zlmTLyCUpNXrRahFnhDPArhpaZbgeZ
hOCndlxhtZzCOWYA large slotted spoon! Ning Rushen was delighted and made a shushing gesture to the frightened dancers. The dancers all covered their mouths, nodding silently.tsDHfuWOxyGKCtOeqZXYHJYVkzXvWG
CRUijQaiNeTbjXAHe went over and whispered, “Is it just you?”iCTFqWDfUWWxbFcetzqbJmeUWeYLjJ
iXJFlRhjCjyPXaUShi Yi replied, “Also Lu Wu, who went to rally the main army.”PyuWVxhvAhyKOnrHfkbSanZIGytxZn
VkaAivfxsXJaOWZNing Rushen’s heart jolted:zQXVwdlQTXgfEKLHPooqliYlOCFpDB
bwitKiTjwmUQiYmNot reinforcements, but the main army…XTCNjtnvIgLdlJDkJWUvwrfRvAAwce
qsCGAOWhvwPZJfbTo confirm his guess, Shi Yi nodded, “His Majesty sent me to find you first.”wAbJyMVVZPYwFfZPblIrGjGAIngUaO
JjsHwXeZwKhbzGDNing Rushen’s heartbeat quickened.OpwJgDvJoOVjZZvdPagWJRHqdzhJOG
TOxUzldajvriTiDHe calmed his breathing and resumed his previous thought, writing two characters for Shi Yi: **Camp Howl**.wQFNzbAWDvHEYyZjOuSWdTZDKONvjN
ZkBoVniTBfCjaDoShi Yi paused and looked at him.qOLFqDkhifpvutHEzcghQLGEqXXrbB
QlSCwDBtKdrRDtNNing Rushen pointed to the fallen officer by his feet, “Throw him out, he’ll come in handy.”vTueLkGAobZFKCIwICXbjBiwYRBKAZ
HUvJymZjFBtxfbEHe then wrote: **Set Fire**.YFbRiMwhuEUycAaOnRywTOiwiVznLk
jPjBzMrWKNTIQdOAlthough 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.XtsQNJHjTtRjvRiBQxYoQgZeshVjGY
GYlZyfMTsthMCAYBefore the main army arrived, they could hopefully deplete a good portion of their forces.wovnULYJtNPJAKEHYDAWPnroOHsMuE
xuFldLQTUHkUKRZShi Yi considered for a moment and nodded, “I’ll go to the farthest place from here. Stay here and be careful.”ABBAOScLGGGRLvZgwbUgKljjQctfmW
tCAozVnbxCOGzFEHe said this, taking the officer with him, and disappeared from the tent in an instant.frSckGktghDQqolZxytlREjwafHGzn
mJalzpYbWUeohKqAfter they left, the dancers finally regained their composure.sxpPijScXtpPTxWVzQiBQLkmpFKxXA
JFuudSqJzJUgNgkNing Rushen turned to give instructions, “If anything happens, run toward the far end of the camp.”jAhwRIfClmvnWhIrgIrjcIrstLJkMu
kaTTqfSMcwUmgNFWansang whispered, “Is someone coming to rescue us?”QIKtLuoEnjathPVLRdIhJHpsTYYGgI
rTjIzINAfEzYVIFNing Rushen took a deep breath, his red gauze fluttering like fire, his gaze steady:jqnjnqtrQKxzPcpCNcDQZHuOEARETg
ZvweEVjOmOmljFM“Yes, they’re coming to take us home.”AFWSEiggPGKSROAKaFMGBKJlfitsdD
BTQOeUvRHSASAgTAfter a while, commotion suddenly erupted outside.EcyyVbikIpCtoQnZPlgdIAmcQlPFQX
DoKAmjIvrQUsUeSPeople in the camp were running in all directions, with the sounds of fire crackling in the wind and a general uproar of panic.KIzzOOKMqZaOFqAeyxMpJjhlKzhNad
XiTStaQhpkrzWiAThen, the clash of weapons could be heard.npZKztNEGjJQsXxhsbByOAMJGIvgAI
JAYLNDABFjJmCFENing Rushen broke into a sweat, guessing that Shi Yi had succeeded.wSdGNsAWSPWMDcBfiSYQGbpsURUXGD
rnxqshLeIFNLOGMHe listened intently to the growing noise outside, which only got louder. Even the guards stationed at their side and the patrolling soldiers ran off.ZjLiypYcJDnmqlIjMAlOwsTudQFgid
nZuHljMJPSivpipPanic seemed to spread into the tent as well:eHfFFCIOdHTMfazUyZLpKYfMmaOQGm
YEgpHWjOVadtmXn“I think I heard Wu Han Da’s scream.”kSQyyqPYeYtQfLvApPmSYDujZjvnEp
PIejrXgNhnlfitJ“Was he killed…”IZeAuVsSQlmTJZKydYunmAOhrmxKRY
wvpwChDkDxpcYZHNing Rushen looked at the anxious faces of the dancers and reassured them, “Stay here and don’t run outside.”EjSVCTWhPYaFCPakoqfjpYvVKhNCIW
woYyyUuutFxcxFrFor now, they hadn’t been directly affected.HhWonstUaJFVSDdMUbcYdauOaVjqBb
GMGKplENZlPosWrBut the chaos in the same camp was still very close.ThzrJsXeaAyUewsQasQvfmEMjdQfvg
vAoPccCLWqOjHyyTime seemed to stretch endlessly. The noise continued to grow louder, coming closer to them.wJoZfgYqndiwqtPMTsuUwSwLeDiAMU
ppvbgWENaLMoYQEAfter an unknown period, the ground began to tremble.VGVxVFxUlIfdqOQmGMkRMCeCtKOGbw
vDrdXYtiYrKHiItNing Rushen felt a stir in his heart, moving closer to the entrance, listening to the sounds from afar—RVvBgrgZjfYqVncPfCWgoijZTkqTls
FmQCatnLtuongpQThunderous shouts from the other side swept over.iYhlYiUEyBSDskqyRLhEeEzIugRTix
UQnhUyXSyplFSjPThe familiar shouts of “kill” echoed across the wasteland and the night.KjuBSkMVpArkisBUuSrhmGrKskkhGi
nSFBEdLZVJSMvOVHe couldn’t contain his excitement: the main army had arrived!bGzLyluYiyciqoqpFNuUiOCGrgbSMp
bcqsoWrVLHTYYiNThe Dingyuan army surged into the camp like a black cloud of flames.VpQxlrdVTtwRLOZEWpYrsEoBhrSuYW
MJYaMtjLdOmuEKwAt the same time, the raging fire and the fighting in the camp finally reached them.iPSYeKVYDEbmsYoKCrveVqKJibZJGJ
sIBrIKtnCLDRINpThrough the tent, he could see the glaring light of the fire.rnPwPsACnREtxgzwuAKPivmKmiwloi
nAzdTsxdbQNFyrYInside the tent, a dancer trembled and asked, “Should we run? What’s happening outside?”tJvyVydEAysmVxChfwQxrgmbdkWOiG
NetfVdOCFXDMlqzNing Rushen was unsure, but if the Northern Di soldiers and the fire arrived first, they would be trapped.krpmNzldxxSWDcGuUZlflzIkjUmgrL
BWWSulOVkpmnqEd“I’ll go check.”dnKSpCKWEEgejhThJumOSOlCwPiZKy
fJcjNiNEViEjgjtThe dancers behind him were worried, “Be careful!”IosTzwXxzmSYxbPxClcyKzLjmJZyuf
HKNuwdzxUtOjUDSNing Rushen took a deep breath and lifted the curtain to go outside.tirQcSWlzPMBXVKFELjMvdVxrAACuB
vpRnFozZXbmRpUyOnce outside, it was already a sea of fire.EtgxANstVGMODzwRcQuUhkJdPdMMPM
GKIuyUfiESmsLdLFlames licked the tent poles, crackling through the night, and the tents collapsed with a loud crash.htAdddolNjXJMhgbvtXrmSiQAnhcuF
HdlvpprwmzoagayNorthern Di banners were broken, and the ground was littered with broken wood and iron.VxIAbbFWRfnVXGlOoffwXxVGEBxBJp
pzpnLElvAsWBKJxNot far off, several Northern Di soldiers were fighting fiercely.PyMUFrNnbcAHDTTRaxacGVgCcseQHD
DcUHCzXpLAESIVWThe 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.yQvGxYazmjYhjmFqfzSIqKZPUMrqYF
dULxmwlaWpGqEGeNing Rushen was startled and glanced at the dancer-filled tent with no escape route.BuFAqvqnNnNiTHWVsWlwLJiujGfuWG
DlMrTwAiLrkwQUxResolutely, he ran forward.UofryueOLPpRrHafPyTTJnIJYJjSzl
gSsEtTXeDzmUFCPHe wove through scattered wooden planks, with fire burning around him and the stench of blood in the air. The sounds of battle were deafening.FecyxoiVXBVuVYoLZeXwywrlzkagfB
gBrpwlUaobeLISnHis red gauze fluttered in the night.DsRqFzkwFqKPfIvZAfLPWrwzovXStU
uUAkbBtxnDyxMdGNing Rushen’s heart pounded, and he could even feel the approaching Northern Di soldiers behind him.VjKHWQhqWUQHBpVBtTllNWASfJjuCf
IxSiyQoTVsZpQhmSuddenly, urgent horse hooves sounded ahead.asGeOdAXuKKNHvhUmLSkfoZvTdHeRg
rUUihNbBcLCjgaPHe looked up just in time to see an arrow fly past his head—rwLXgAASHKKwOGYRTACWIwYSKJJypB
BhdQENsKJWWkZVBThud, a Northern Di soldier fell behind him.GcXqEjbfAsCnFIcmwOxPKliAxieare
cAPufeAFhXrkInAA tall horse, cutting through the firelight, raced toward him. Its rider wore black attire and silver armor, wielding a bright imperial sword.mEwBipydzuspEMQKfdqJTYcuguPaVx
JIEpVvNCqaAxVziNing Rushen’s heart skipped a beat as he recognized the familiar, cold face of Li Wuting.NiscNgMsFfTYPiGGhhIREWOKhGpWQO
nFpmfiAcGsuIlgbTheir 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—kwviDaefRGHtJyjvCtHThdnHwLKHaY
DFLPsejKUXcYPvyA 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.”akIGQPKdHDTwsSMslIWGxxkMDwEpoU
DYrhKrViOSTmXxQyCMwcjhiEFCSApmuplCqDRsDsOPmXW