Chapter 73
A man and a bird stared at each other for a few seconds.abtPNQnIyhfAyrlYfZZlAytqUhqfoW
DybAnbbuBbVYYGfThen, Ning Rushen’s eyes lit up with joy, his heart pounding in excitement:utSwpuAHVlXZyZEjvaYdXsxNcrBjFl
gBaxNpElWnaBioW…Who was it? Who sent him a walkie-talkie in the form of a bird?CtaGNcoYHudVFDCCNdVaNotwrwfFOC
cATNzUvjRNWvAspTaking 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—jMrAEEclDizcKmXNwgeBWEyEIyEfNK
nMMqWQqtngJXybgHe had been racking his brain over how to send a message!shPSxloMccJlgfGKlbpAYtlWzeZbTM
IoyIywDnkiJvyVpHe patted the falcon’s head and said, “Wait.”sxCxwkovnYLQZmlgTHsMfiwZUwOQjw
YGmvnPweEZMTHpIThe 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.glXUoSIIgzFPsrxadMdRorXrbqtswp
AfELsPslwAGWKxdDipping his finger in a bit of the powder, Ning Rushen first reassured the recipient of his safety.MLihNHcMUsWizGkZPvYRqLcfeuwauM
GVOVktopWdaGFNNThen, 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.KdOhgHvctvJuYWtFTyTqjmafZTGyRY
YoPtxbMWVPhTTdmOnce he finished drawing, he tied the cloth strip to the falcon’s leg and patted it, saying, “All done, go quickly.”TdUpIwlcOBdwSCVcEzrPwjrwUfTjSu
CmRKtGRcClLQdnhThe falcon ruffled its feathers, then sneakily slipped out.WAUHYavqwHfmbUhzcSeYeyQZPukELO
oxTIpkwkAbqvJeb…QxKhpRSFdaDzXdUWyjSPOvBJtRnXOM
ErVXllVSChVTvVXAfter a brief commotion, a loud voice called out from outside:mfGQxsOTiaXqwCDpUaCUTdZfoPqIHk
StWErSMbjxpeEaT“Hurry up!”VLtIygohxyRYgsZSNHExMMJTRxGURt
YFRRRWJHvSHOfJMNing Rushen wiped his hands and finished changing his clothes.mZILlaVLJiPKCyeexCFjgTOTxGBoEK
DLejLTibOKSGsEmThe 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.IJrRIoWiuuyEHrTtOtpeEBTgCwLnou
qSHikPGPIlOcWcsHe glanced at himself after he finished changing.YwIVbcYbmTzxMVjjMWEKHMzAMgzITA
qyQRIRRdYBWEUMRThe clothing would reveal glimpses of his waist and legs when he spun around, no wonder it was the attire of a dancing girl.pFGrSuYfWrcPIJgyryGltcqgWFwDAz
IakutmquvbPiExnJust then, another shout came from outside.EIPkrYqOaJnpvcmInZxhmSzYwltKMj
AiiOlBqLWCwySIaNing Rushen casually gathered his black hair and turned to leave.gHJYTvNWRZFIVeEshYsxotuEgHoWuE
HGSQVNsauxkHLHqOutside the tent, a Bei Di soldier at the entrance was about to impatiently urge him again when his voice suddenly caught—xbYyCLYqIpyxVpSTGwRVYyYAODpVvV
XwXbAJcwBbBszttAll he saw was a person with black hair and red clothes, the golden bells tinkling lightly.RWzwMvJUYgqcchLJUOvyHgTtTvvKZl
dhyhTSUBWPZyUvrA 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.gMnMfBDzLpzBdEtUIClQAURLmYoGfV
IprYMcfmZgnAmXFTaking advantage of the soldier’s moment of distraction and not pressing him further, Ning Rushen spoke, “Take me to the main tent.”iPFqxtIzxroRrFqGCnGZVFbavHjlOI
VjCzMucMPZoJSWlThe Bei Di soldier, momentarily forgetting to question him, turned and led the way.jZZjEzFxSGTSYCMSsmFWrUwGLDMMTm
HTxoiHwCTTGDUyuInside the main tent, King Heku and Landa Le were already seated.TbBxtZJUVXPCefRhxOBGhpHTNZdFxK
xJuCNKWZwHrMzpNAs 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.McVMSSGsXAyWtNzSgpHLkzWGCMcFia
azCpRwbsZRNsuEs…Why are they staring at him like that?clEsgxwTUgWQgjgDIdnatQIKyntAzA
tjCpIPVWyMnFgKfNing Rushen glanced around: They wouldn’t really make him dance, would they?dIRWGOilftHJmuViHuarOdtPCjVPpK
DeRTyClKPEzmxpyHe looked to his right at King Heku, who timely slapped the table and said, “Come! Accompany this king for a drink!”yOBmlNlhGhNrYkdugGeLXTqUPzfeZw
TwHLMRDFiGnFGjCNing Rushen eyed the smoked meat on the table and sat down.ucRvseyboqNJQEBwtzrrYNyEhafTld
WGHXkhIvTOnDkfqAlthough 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.PxXHievvSNFtAoPoHnImPuQxJoeNtJ
slSmEJeQrhrzKaKNing Rushen couldn’t understand them, so he busied himself with picking at the fruits and dried meat on the table.OkRrfnifYUeDRENtkSXLEcopstkeSC
NXntDXPNynUsowQJust as he was about 80% full, someone rushed into the tent from outside:GtfgwqXmEahTECoWMwshyDrkeDRscg
rkhdNjwDJdgIbey“King! Urgent news!”CwzdCCXxVXJdShASUVfXSwMHtngQYt
vEXcDVYbPLqaQGxKing Heku paused, setting his wine cup down and walking over, “What is it?”opKTJyoKVDxfyZqPtpdFwihnRZjchj
bSoGznkXiEmSdJFAfter 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—lSsNOEZrhzZLxxVFXsRhNiJQEeEHQF
irZQYWqpznWBYnuNing Rushen, biting into a piece of dried meat: ?VEUYbpbAWZAdEqDscstFwQaoUVKOxa
hXZnyTrAUBNaxeWKing Heku’s eyes were cold as he stared at him for two seconds, then seemed to suppress something, gritting his teeth and growling:tzxyJLMUKjgJTHQtZyYNODSrxxipjt
XlsWOQkeunyiXAy“Your emperor is quite something.”myOejeQUtpqhauOcmUIEyftYRHiqhz
RItHWvmiVhnIJIYAfter saying that, he shouted, “Let’s go!” and hurriedly left the camp.ZTNmybmdIzGsrqqCCrtESzIBgrXzJl
pdPIkmpPEhwdmXUOnce everyone had left, Ning Rushen’s heart was still racing:bjevEmVEPkCKrVgYwRFxwymTZDqPyn
HzeOoEsGKFmartNWhat did that mean?JnEkFVaHTMjWkquGcGwmHAirBISVvf
ucpcNqwVUikhzCMWhat did Li Wuting do???peAWLKpLCdLyifddUVpdIUGKEvwDjW
XoOgvkOFzQcafeRHe 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:CmPXSCvhqdXTomGHZwPuWwwVqCeZzo
mINScKxiayvZMeG“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—”gTLMoJsIzlUqtiwyIgEWfyEpOPjFSp
EwfdGcrABycFzNVNing Rushen’s heart skipped a beat.hIGyozAkfAReKmRCrpdiitpwChYShC
FuvcYlUIisLCUJiHe 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”…YtlCLdYGOgvMOiAbXIvCyKDLnSkOMg
ELmcmmkUQeyFEjpHe swallowed lightly: Could Li Wuting actually be a god?cgdqoQHGVUuXgCTHOYpmBjhujBLTMV
CRNYkOsjNZpeTzDLanda Le was pleased for a moment, then suddenly turned to Ning Rushen, muttering as he studied him:uLJKfnYZaNqpYGFRaByTLyyDcHBWla
dyfAsGPfgHrroJR“Power comes from the water… Indeed, it’s already coming true so quickly!”XxvpjAlOOhiezzyxekzfqZkwCxNXcP
OphPRSAShLQzssb“…”WsVUFjuuDdPKbmTyvheXZkJnYGbGgF
eGQDjySHXyCnpsRNing Rushen met his gaze, pulling his thoughts back and feigning a nonchalant response.LPNpAEvChcyxqheDhJNolBaYPETUFx
FtfcuINznArTcfTBy now, King Heku had also left.FiJFdvVVuhLCvseDHRtUrqgOoujTNC
JnooJdHCdzJGTpFSeeing Ning Rushen still dressed in the dance attire, Landa Le waved his hand, “Alright, go and change out of that outfit.”LaXMhiuDaHIceexBAZVyojScpqAuck
MDdyuElKUNAPeBcAs 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.”PnHPqCUjWMFNVPqPSIlhgztcGbKeZY
wZPVuSCqPRiOGUw“Burned!?” Landa Le exclaimed in both surprise and anger, “You—”riCgGwrDhdGrPlaQSyKycHsnWTPmZi
vhpivOIPuyBPTfb“I did it for your sake, Crown Prince!”bgodcIkJPbFePeUpDzCAKHeaAmcMfv
IKQJLzzSdhNYoiXThe 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?”FjyeMdYSnSfhYosYKCEBaBaClJeXcA
GTALAiLqDxYAXgoHe continued, “The longer that red gauze stays on someone, the worse the divine punishment could get.”nyKWpXwapEGmCmhLiQHDXpgLxHCvSM
hahRxMHrEXWiXgwLanda 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?”OofjmMkdhzNKJLTUVZdpHYPFLJVagZ
sXWAbYcUhGNUhMb“Of course not! We’ve benefited from it, haven’t we?”YRiyjaYiSqDZmuopUCDfULVQAKnbdv
zdtLwyctLZiqgRDThe two continued whispering to each other.fPpMVlvygZicTSBHtPSoYGdquhvcpE
hfLEDCpBacwEJcKNing Rushen couldn’t hold back and said, “Crown Prince, may I leave now?”aySysrGLiFtqRUZitLLeTZqVsmsRXS
wMpROxEPaezgwwTLanda Le immediately stopped talking, “But what about your clothes…”ITiBqkvXLEaxtHVQfqjUXaBLRmghmY
YGouMxntaRporVGNing Rushen felt a pang of anxiety, “What about them?”VuLbaJgkcfEcdOnlKSIAjeizowZaSY
pbXAcjXkRCmZBlsHe 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.uvUByJINdgMROqOxbVhntCUgLMneag
JDkHPRYxAhQCxHnLanda Le said, “The soldiers were looking for cloth to use for kindling and didn’t realize it was your clothing, so they burned it.”KCUpbgljADaCMUzqfSAJMSrYpMffbR
GHxJVtdpIvPELPx“…”CzrcAwWTtyTdOVIfBGTrsjFBpJpCrB
JCwEAUePqLdMNsQThey found the cloth in the corner of the dance tent.LcRVelmPbfHnmTeyPXbQOXJWrKicSK
IPHjkCGebbsTYPTNing Rushen glanced at the guilty-looking deputy general beside him and immediately understood who was behind this.DIuddqiFsjaJRCZXAIaMXICeXLkXWx
uEcFHnhjGzurjeyHe narrowed his eyes: *That son of a bitch.*otDzibCDyfMaBrlpCcwqrOZfemXYof
WfhblshZyKqFSCaBut fortunately, this accident had helped him get rid of the evidence.XASGQXzNJYbcFRMIBHPiTpVjSzCZVg
PqBZKWOJyrWqggJ“Find me another outfit.”OlieEkfvGnIxqbMIYWIuvPqsfjdgpp
SLrnoLoOALKHSzbLanda 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.”BgiEQWrhQQcoIYNivrXEiKYKINoJsw
TLodFKPLaAlRldxNing 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.uFWcbYqZmjaZAtibfLiHGPNVEqJqQd
aWFjdtsdVFThHZULanda Le began to feel uneasy under the gaze and quickly offered:EnoUuotJdxnMkmHTpdCvykhWZrcSHm
JujofEKlqFOVJGK“How about this, do you need anything else? Smoked meat, or perhaps some milk wine…”nfuITvaNBdIewNxAwctXrBXdgRnMtz
NPXJxiBPlVtegZVNing Rushen’s mind stirred, but he shook his head, “No need.”YzXjnmPXTJjdeRFfnJQykOnhXSTBno
TyclFJxtUOUPfRiHe 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.”tXPwMlULpUeZmrMkNxTjEItRNegmbn
abmdNQcYFYRoeBoLanda Le thought for a moment, “Alright.”hqprJolPrEuqeXEbsJLgVvfKhUSfwR
BHOltkCDZQVhTjgBoth sides got what they wanted.GdNLSdJtuZyKFljsDWdgvUiAFUsRUo
KHiGpdYoFhsjYxUNing Rushen quickly gathered his belongings, feeling satisfied as he moved into the dancers’ tent.jjUlhlQoKkfOWTGROYzcnykRCvcmeh
PViAsHMPpvRuiCg…ZpcWecyOuolYaeItOAVjawolLhQqya
qdoTqASeiPTmKsZMeanwhile, in the Dacheng military camp.hMhGhGSYJqnliPmIsjznwBokvqOQgg
pDUBWWBodWdomtSThey 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—lPfbQRKrZazEmtsNPQLjwxbCckKXgc
aFVCMBLgAfdLezbYet in the central command tent, their emperor, whom they revered as a god of war, showed no signs of joy.sveptAtyhfszpVfngOHgSDjqBtfwpj
iIUIRgvrVfNmgTkLi Wuting sat at his desk, supporting his forehead with one hand, his knuckles tightening.ibfJSuLbyECFvREASxcWDJDRKenQpD
NVOgOkklhTqFONHThe candlelight flickered, casting shadows across the furrowed brow and the lowered eyelashes. His usually composed expression betrayed an unusual, genuine anxiety.jZNqseHmhvmLovbvptlNrYkGECLpHS
LAKgFicECgxvxFRThat figure kept flashing before his eyes.qVQHPOHMSmtsRMpfXANIXjsEzqCDtE
qAlEIlBKdbQOPbrHis fingertips trembled slightly, his remarkable self-control the only thing keeping his turbulent emotions in check.eVSsqDIQkShXbqrZRIzZHvysMvqcvU
JPzBfgfXkkkpBNuIn the stillness of the night, the sudden cry of an eagle pierced the sky!tvOqVvbtvyANRUGCvijRgngbRiAtlf
sMjzlagZPYFoJFaLi Wuting’s heart jolted, and he looked up.nXYfoMzBnBlIrKxgOtRiMWCHhKUzpt
ZvrDHxlxTjmXNvgThe 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:ZdymOZmMZHYpRxdbiwRXxcIaVyaHHc
DisArYTSfmeDrwW“Your Majesty! Urgent report.”qHxRveJNHABKaQjusHDExIieaMhvqX
tGUOtPrGzBfOCcQLi Wuting pressed his lips together and took it.NvtCaMcWWLOKRnYdAUCJmNWKFKLWFa
sHYDexvVuPXTVyHHis gaze fell on the cloth for a moment before he took a deep breath, forcing himself to stay calm as he unfolded it.YoUEqtLxsmmIycviwbWNuWAakJMnxF
BWsoSWGyJuStnfNThe snow-white fabric dazzled the eyes for a moment.zgzjawAWhqKjsuDtFmrYynCBJFuYrQ
gxjIqyhUtEfkOxFThen, he saw the familiar handwriting, the message hastily written:wlWJyidiLZPAdBrcTtZswCJYmrCUoA
GuoWCdzcLwTAvJM“I’m in the Di camp, have become a god, don’t worry.”HIpSjMmcCjEEuosAfOlPrUzTlsdmvS
rtjwELssPWKFlAf“………”rIVlSKRqjHSvRobBSlMETXHMGOBhDQ
eLWktXwgRHOwLkqLi Wuting, “?”gpAEUpKXYYazlfaTzBzLIGddPGUytp
uoLiEcLCUuWRuBuHis knuckles twitched, and he looked further down.OKjMJFBllQbQFynAuJsRKjtllPflYR
LMRbApiNBXOWvNpBelow was a map, a few strokes marking out the location of Landa Le’s camp and the distribution of the tents.VKqMspzqINHjgmlBwIjiblovmhmJld
yTJbRPprsmGbtrSThe tent remained silent for a moment.wvXjcaPGiaSyWIZTNgFjSzJCQhiyvs
WaifznZnCbzFmWQThe emperor’s long-tense expression suddenly relaxed, and rubbing his brow, he let out an unexpected, low chuckle:rlillQQfqSCbkwokkriwFTmhnIrAcv
tyCKqhjbKTggvCe“Ning Qing…”EtVFBAnQSGmXZiPrJLwJcgBsApOKLD
LhjLYCCJTFgyErkHuo Mian looked on, bewildered, “What is it, Your Majesty?”YUGxorUboMBoMPcHtDSyxDdUURzwSh
lojAqmhMolxdoLYLi Wuting quickly rolled up the cloth, his expression calming as he stood, “Summon the generals. We’re breaking camp!”QfkTySABNHYieObvryVVhhforsCqjn
pyOnYPTUSDXdrLwIn Landa Le’s camp, in the dancers’ tent.OGFdAdsSfjpFxjlWEGJGoyDbKzMCla
TTgncKqjSNXEyOqAfter Ning Rushen settled in, he spent two calm days there.PevvxdtRWrygPkjAbiXyMAiCXncZlx
kmkQtEWdZRNxUXFDuring 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—GOQZyZtCjRFlCClqfRjtpvYubmlBNL
HVBMlwvXTKYwpQrAs 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.rjsNKVdgIqTVxvaIXuKZHyEkfLTKzs
LQMjZoMLxBPPYhcNow, he was nestled in a corner of the tent.IylPrRkKqsfKYFChKlDiZAxUDYdKKS
tKhzxyqLjuaWYSPNearby 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.TsmvFrFgsMwtHGAurNIypZvUcGEQKQ
samZCfNHNleTpKN“I’m a shepherdess, taken with my sheep. What about you?”KvImmnktvaJOsUzmPCcCCYBOrHhQSg
zJgpLThNZaraLMQNing Rushen replied, “I’m a grain officer, stolen with the grain carts.”WLLYPDBieBtfyBsusjJkxmHdDFpEiT
RgDRGbQuXYBDqsr“……” Wansang looked bewildered: ?zDuouWCMjOBEbzXeWbRFaUaxURiXbE
ONkXTfGJJUZwUkCSeeing that she didn’t seem to understand, Ning Rushen sighed inwardly:YkeIZprSWKAaYKUgzVhLYwPeaYLBTD
dnDsFXkcIgRzQnkIt’s no wonder she didn’t get it; he didn’t fully understand it himself.LAakeMfrsBaNiHNGvccnGauJIPxTEF
xKyHZkwOoDnXYhrNing Rushen changed the subject, “By the way, is there anything unusual happening in the camp?”fFITpIYIUZpOhLgCcpEcrvIizeYiRl
TzYDBZNoIDlifbY“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?”UVcFNERNHvYScVrlACBHfRknjARjYf
NfoBSROtRZPuvljNing Rushen’s heart skipped a beat: They don’t ban alcohol?kFNonFESXZFokOpaDYpAMELYZAZGjs
dALAHLdfNAmRmqOPlundering just happened in the last two nights.yCoXIGwAqfSyZUZDcrlsITqHNpKAcU
gItYUSeKLARJGDq…rRqUVGMyULAUfMwnSnPJfBPJtWspqI
RgfpvQPRPRWBFmdThat night, the Northern Di soldiers returned with cattle and sheep and indeed held a grand feast.nArpdoFBtMCeTghIJXLuqbsxZhSwjA
YLFMSugedrSaVJMOutside, the firelight was bright, and the noise was deafening.riTESIftuAUYjFOeJSbBHdzgYDNGuZ
aVgMMDhFYdtPxGoThe dancers’ tent was located in a corner of the camp, with dim lighting and relative quiet.ZqiaZIDmknQjqzMFPgNUYTRoaYCBqH
GDIxJdxjzUzfNFDNing Rushen looked at the noisy figures outside:ReRLJmzdwYKSlLgdoKUZVKGPQWNQpH
kVAkWSzbZgLbckYHad the white falcon left already?sUblpMaRVhTsAEJFIOCZboIJvKtcxh
tZRVweItdaaTqjwCounting the time, if the reinforcements from Chang Sui had been dispatched, they should be arriving soon.RtVQfvIWuBSASiqpEkmumXmQTUIcSG
elhbzntwLFwzJETIf they could make it tonight…cRtTwCVHvPnpdshdyNkKjwVymKDWyX
cXfrjNfMDsPXGTXWhile he was thinking, there was suddenly a commotion outside.JjEwDFvUATMoKluTxobwtYotapcBiK
tMKFSbXCVMSshSUA 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!”CNMpsyDGIJpMVVkIBojvIxpLsvbTvI
mGkjnZcybDbmCIVThe dancer screamed and tried to pull away.UpczEICWGggYNcShsXmnKwXwBvLZsU
cfuUUnTpHBQSoXnThe officer cursed a few times and continued to grab people.FutdWeKIRpWHijAtIzPgCsSFyvIBYz
krTDFLlwaewyAnGNing Rushen couldn’t bear to watch. He looked around: Was there any tool for cutting iron like mud…dWpWBKofrhhyJBzvcjbByvXsmCueGL
XBoTCNwjamCHnfdAfter scanning briefly, he suddenly heard a thud!ENgTXUjOVylprFVkAmhgtgnlISXIOB
bvRSRqPTTzgLkCSThen the officer fell to the ground with a muffled sound.dXEJQiMxnJDHmRnVidnHftUExCSLat
eltdpEfzZFxEjiINing Rushen looked up in shock: …!?ZcKvrgLllMkIJrahCAItNGFlbboXLM
kqMraIYAvUfILnLIn the center of the tent stood a familiar figure silently.hSweFduWPYBMluyxmQEDXzHNlTmCml
hYDJRxcFcTQyPdWShi Yi quietly looked around and blinked.kPXsQRwPqLJUUdRNtmluuJAbojOWSy
yvosKErQQEaFqHDA large slotted spoon! Ning Rushen was delighted and made a shushing gesture to the frightened dancers. The dancers all covered their mouths, nodding silently.ANvfZXoBYFJTVEhwSqdOPHkSbajbpx
UkPziMDBEcrTytdHe went over and whispered, “Is it just you?”XPbnmKBSsNyQxpexOmySfjUcOwaqWN
WoGqQZwBTdnAKqqShi Yi replied, “Also Lu Wu, who went to rally the main army.”aYqYAvIjKRBQUkagVRtWEfbzokrcud
TCULlfIRTvzDhpYNing Rushen’s heart jolted:eNplGSYcGcauvcJJnsgxPhdUhyGTRE
rgtYAYCJwXEYYmVNot reinforcements, but the main army…ZTAtdmJDPUORPUQaNuQzjSSVFVsAOm
IETpAXRvLwgPEOaTo confirm his guess, Shi Yi nodded, “His Majesty sent me to find you first.”ISaWCMRBVXpRvtDWHVFHecNZcdqexA
dXElzBxYouHUKAqNing Rushen’s heartbeat quickened.gNIMiNMrEAMoHuRVsAGmkicrkSLBME
XAHSAaJdfaMIANtHe calmed his breathing and resumed his previous thought, writing two characters for Shi Yi: **Camp Howl**.QkJASTSagSesUFlKkPUuUlumOtScCV
kpYRYlmahSmiQWdShi Yi paused and looked at him.xsmxcODwfJocXgpiKlqGxCvUkoRIoX
NxxkMtGcsIFKyeBNing Rushen pointed to the fallen officer by his feet, “Throw him out, he’ll come in handy.”kBslkLwuhbikfQuodoSwHxSQgTsZhU
CRKbJCDJvbOZsTjHe then wrote: **Set Fire**.AuWQrYlqIeeYBJTrcUmEVfAWegioVU
ohGVhtwiZCHnKAHAlthough 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.fRAupQokZWmCPHrWXGUezBFkyNkndi
RVrQhaJEyOobWOUBefore the main army arrived, they could hopefully deplete a good portion of their forces.xOHGKWZQpEhHWeKdsefdsHQRCYDILw
WKtzjGBwYRrTSNsShi Yi considered for a moment and nodded, “I’ll go to the farthest place from here. Stay here and be careful.”zlduTTtapcDICcCCPiOZvdwhOWmnKM
ESpPoUJiNsfxpNzHe said this, taking the officer with him, and disappeared from the tent in an instant.LFibjIAtvWjPTEwyHvZWynITzuYIpd
XdrqBTgyYUSZcDyAfter they left, the dancers finally regained their composure.RtzyBKyfzNEhjQuTrAHSSLheycmmBX
UAOBPZqSrKMabxzNing Rushen turned to give instructions, “If anything happens, run toward the far end of the camp.”EKJyQRlYxcXkjTivFtslAyOMKtcvnI
UiJPAmxOErbAPdQWansang whispered, “Is someone coming to rescue us?”NbmIREGayKinOqCBnIscSfiEUpTFkv
SkWxSLePfogOBqlNing Rushen took a deep breath, his red gauze fluttering like fire, his gaze steady:QuIlBGgbDbggGbJGUyOMQHiLsJqpkc
sKceikZrxFTBkIQ“Yes, they’re coming to take us home.”iSOuEwhBuyBypJEfWVtyEcUbvoaABS
lOrodMZguNJPBFPAfter a while, commotion suddenly erupted outside.vVTQUHSzUPkMFxXxXzowvrXrjRJkXV
mliXAKBmYWyGQPaPeople in the camp were running in all directions, with the sounds of fire crackling in the wind and a general uproar of panic.XRgebldsDMnHgYLphFqxhmVhIfOfSQ
frmfNNSwhnUksMzThen, the clash of weapons could be heard.FnGPWsoJMwwNlQQETUWQOTyUCtIkCj
sSBhVHsdARXjvxNNing Rushen broke into a sweat, guessing that Shi Yi had succeeded.EpyiPQbyxkrsgCIfBWnRBbleeZLJzF
fhRJhsmBYvadxehHe listened intently to the growing noise outside, which only got louder. Even the guards stationed at their side and the patrolling soldiers ran off.DKrJBpAJYEimeReUGhcXvzrHMBADCg
OimPInpBHkjvbsyPanic seemed to spread into the tent as well:dLdXIBTnfVFcSGdTkylEIVxrKMnPhc
uJMgkDQBwgHYJkb“I think I heard Wu Han Da’s scream.”NwcfMFKszUsFQIUItHUqiizLeDLMTY
NynFLRwRElcjOHX“Was he killed…”EQxltSkcsCwbbjPvDyTxxXYIpvkoBq
WlVUaEZBLeGTiztNing Rushen looked at the anxious faces of the dancers and reassured them, “Stay here and don’t run outside.”MwoHFqzjooePvmvTrkCCLStSpfOHcP
CQIvrnxUaPwYkoUFor now, they hadn’t been directly affected.RkcRUitqHbtXolaIYjxIymKrHNbGvb
zNtxDdHLKDvAbOcBut the chaos in the same camp was still very close.cPwVWxeSVZVdeLCzUARVtSnMXPwFDe
LtbrDVqfGbNMLReTime seemed to stretch endlessly. The noise continued to grow louder, coming closer to them.hLEWWBGcFJpgcPQDxqGhXypoScIBJS
caZQRbkQWSmiZoWAfter an unknown period, the ground began to tremble.OjPVVTPmiRLXOOLRKEzVMcvXjpeUBF
aZDGHEORmXTtSghNing Rushen felt a stir in his heart, moving closer to the entrance, listening to the sounds from afar—cAqdCdBbnMIKZFxmXsMOvUYlPwRHNJ
oBvmYyfZFmroSwfThunderous shouts from the other side swept over.KhnSIoqqeWAhvBSzjVuVbnYTLTxXyP
KQMETWKJSSEAXIeThe familiar shouts of “kill” echoed across the wasteland and the night.DIzcmhSViYULprhMOyQYuRVpviRnVK
XtzawfRbhSsoMIQHe couldn’t contain his excitement: the main army had arrived!lguqFtNdBlGnGRZVWuXBHcAAbnNLlt
KaGcNPFvvUxyHlrThe Dingyuan army surged into the camp like a black cloud of flames.IwtgQCOJMygkEzgcdZCKSiimNkaEwy
zjMLokYxNfZxLlcAt the same time, the raging fire and the fighting in the camp finally reached them.zYAgkNYcsHlGoorzNoUNYSeEyfjqyd
ytPqjcnoQmTcYTdThrough the tent, he could see the glaring light of the fire.BYFWEieRCTZexIEehojIiIcPotdnWm
nbhmfnzXJFUrcyMInside the tent, a dancer trembled and asked, “Should we run? What’s happening outside?”jTEUGUNPAGfdBcAAziPGuEYqRFAgGI
HumooWyqWxdvxLANing Rushen was unsure, but if the Northern Di soldiers and the fire arrived first, they would be trapped.mEuJPODgFqcQdFVzymWecFsbgrbBRX
WIMlSHWBquGhqQk“I’ll go check.”glkuzcSbtefYqJeBeGhtcEgkiwQxMO
IiMvNtNHjPopNkFThe dancers behind him were worried, “Be careful!”LmKYRWmMVjGnofiyUjJmVBYGozaVUE
nmxTMvyGjzRnDbxNing Rushen took a deep breath and lifted the curtain to go outside.whTtgCmrcbTxovRWTlKXrlSjVezcDY
zunFrFPlodmFxqaOnce outside, it was already a sea of fire.QuQcMOyNXwmASCVeovMkzshshGCwrE
wembMAccXBdUvimFlames licked the tent poles, crackling through the night, and the tents collapsed with a loud crash.uAYTHNxBcniWalqWBsKkFElDGZVweK
MMuUCVIfwCfGeOtNorthern Di banners were broken, and the ground was littered with broken wood and iron.TrNdEuNOqXJzzDubBgbfaapbjYLNfB
nZxSDRcLftqiqPRNot far off, several Northern Di soldiers were fighting fiercely.SLZcjuYhpEnlOzbUPPJTIQNKYtHyKq
yAPrIFJBgUoJLcHThe 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.IwpVnGOxTZUWTJllQoJNxMlLbKjNbk
HfzpboknGndyJqHNing Rushen was startled and glanced at the dancer-filled tent with no escape route.rYWdMZDnIiVKtHZjPRjovXqJlooLlM
ZRUHBJhBRNgHhyYResolutely, he ran forward.SiPTGbBolyvGJKbBkINRTYOiuJynUx
xYmHFNxTRkHFKhcHe wove through scattered wooden planks, with fire burning around him and the stench of blood in the air. The sounds of battle were deafening.aoYXFrOzrYcDXFkGDQIKEhMJzHYbMi
BBKWDRMXTLDHdoWHis red gauze fluttered in the night.qIyQmIigbnaaRSchiJNiMnaGPXQeOC
rzcnoZlZiYvwDpONing Rushen’s heart pounded, and he could even feel the approaching Northern Di soldiers behind him.IOSgRmRwgvoxcDAnFjwrvnlpNbYtVL
vVKZJdKqfqYrukJSuddenly, urgent horse hooves sounded ahead.obUECburBQZhAfGjmWnFccJbndyikN
qvRLgVYmpdmYieZHe looked up just in time to see an arrow fly past his head—evWxDmzejeqCjBstbRmlrrKoGDGdlI
PdKStleuWneJYpxThud, a Northern Di soldier fell behind him.FJDkunGvdVHgeDAUKRSfDgnyzXJLCe
EwgKNeyhRHSkjnCA tall horse, cutting through the firelight, raced toward him. Its rider wore black attire and silver armor, wielding a bright imperial sword.nwIslZSCKBJEBNNzzwOffPREasqXAT
JjcxocvMQfmVCstNing Rushen’s heart skipped a beat as he recognized the familiar, cold face of Li Wuting.ppRotrpyIaCCTvmbTcadWmOPzTTlwS
XPkAwlrikWJLwNqTheir 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—vxgeQyUiNWOMYiDVdbdtQiUniQXNYJ
sgeBGYJewAmCUhKA 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.”FhhFnHFwcUHxzRbjRvRXUawfrBpmBi
mbQesaoNqSGNKDnSyErsIQXhSsLWzjCXyxTlgzuVMVFDE