This official is so weak

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

thYKVLWOchOMOLk

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

ErSYWORvlGLZMwr

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

gnKhrWGMcnqRbXh

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—TnQUytURfSwGbdTFuFKwRaokVtZXye

lXiWyRvPBdzWvmy

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

GARrvGXWlfuehhP

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

MWXiMdSdjnTWiVc

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.TLYpnUCpcmXumNEJKyeVcWAwSYGTmy

rhCtvuSToRblmEP

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

kUTafkwWSeRsEdm

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.VWAzkhRXfzwTYCAgjsHVEStVLbWbzx

SqZlwbFwTsTVLDd

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

ZWMWwSYhyIhuCMh

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

CzXJkXRKDOWEZWS

…SZQDNIuqBnyPVDdiJwriroxmqYJJQQ

VOXIfStYGerSrCg

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

jrKUwWKXNlFgYpM

“Hurry up!”HxbzYssFumadqiyrpfCGJKzkNupdNT

BLloTdxirnPhmMj

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

HnpvFUCRCJjfmFK

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.SnHlaBjMTOlrkrYJnSzcdWxpqjLtuL

AVfNZShenCYMBKK

He glanced at himself after he finished changing.gIKhQbUQiHavhwCAmGhDmfmmDpXXNF

lQAogLfGNPjogxA

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

vfIiLwySGqnpEDd

Just then, another shout came from outside.jXfCMPkyxQkRLtsEIdFYybHvMuoBEA

hSurhcVNhRqDvrt

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

ZMqlQLoNfzKszjc

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

mwvEItuggPIKoBu

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

SfRDKnZusRjClHo

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.ccrhrINYnxHeTNpvENKibGixhxyzJO

lxQEpnNPqetKmMK

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

RNPnUoGWFQEPbkB

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

tZnBSVXVERUcrhm

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

WbgPGHyOaBCWziD

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.eKZwdHWQVIPbzhHJYgqpBTemvvHxIF

TcGYoJoLspFobqQ

…Why are they staring at him like that?tkhlVmIGsPXLWmhFGMRSuJCknGOKgc

XvuNCwNXFtrtkLb

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

YrfYglyKmXGUjyb

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

dVseEswnVSZumUO

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

XlkPxBmPfkYXEvE

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.oXSrRnPUTQPXwuNTyZsyBzStjOuauH

gledLAMbkcRAika

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

libsZRvIIaqsYfn

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

jCXLSPDVwCbhbAd

“King! Urgent news!”WDeiNgvBPSfpnZxHjvoEIUMnVXpisK

cNzMpcLWzJXrypJ

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

kzupPUjvpYhzNyT

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—ZbqaSceekVHbclenOrIEmkrThyHkxk

brImNQKUrKCQZfW

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

vpgQnXXRCkwZvqM

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

NhhNmTDWwDigsQS

“Your emperor is quite something.”cfzeZMdqSXAcHJnXxDxwxqlqaXntUb

ALbsVgLqlXHJQjw

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

SNpDVyXjwsnxpDN

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

PqoAbHiHBSFzOCQ

What did that mean?jAcIWyKcADdeYXFjqCoMAJcoMjgHSS

KCXctnFLfdVbgmU

What did Li Wuting do???EAMQtUuaaejLouptJmIsNHdzffCxYz

orUKWwneFeaPBrC

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:bojclPCAnKcKwXNblWQtfxUuAroJfA

ewxGbKFDxYZCOYq

“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—”CaPZMStfUweDkXkFNdBJzyGAIdalsh

CjiqZICwOdDLJjk

Ning Rushen’s heart skipped a beat.aXXNnrGHTtpatCNrFLyppUtuncOWQz

udxLHcYPNrqmOOY

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”…ZdOlHplgMZyRUIBlbhAvufGXiBrQrX

ogeYpOoMBVoXlNO

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

eXyuRqkvqeCMPzC

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

dubepqFGTyMFXJh

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

tJgvQwZSaEciiyW

“…”BaeTxnefRwaVOFfviYAxdnTtcxxvcT

hFIJfBHJoLuFPIf

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

WtpVXoYPXUtpxfq

By now, King Heku had also left.hQVhExCERJnkfCcoNvGkGhMZXyOKQd

wevRGMJajvIbvAO

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

CkpGiLQwoxQQVOb

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.”jKKBvhTGKXZgpMXtdXbYaQIHZhmUxy

pohOvrmYtdtJkvQ

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

fzpmFaUJGGpFMfP

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

frOLCNiMJsNqecz

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?”mtGDgfGDGfKNWuEyCmQeaoknjjmUrT

sZHSqBqibmYMDEK

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

ckDEeKYTxPgIKXZ

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?”mjYCEgGYkLJRFkEustQnoPEYWCrReq

fpezWCZIcnmkaXW

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

XnhkesNJfcxJbCt

The two continued whispering to each other.uuudpyxsGqQgFkjhBAKOMzksZpNkfo

GgEeVMgsAemrUeB

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

WyOuvxatxyOBdGA

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

iBNCMWwVggenYHU

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

nVGXpLyWypxPFhf

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.KHRwxOBFYjTDUkdUnCxQeqBHdwtiyT

WiRJOfAUirjxBuF

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.”gMNIYwDAlivZtBKlBvpOlWQCtylrTu

OmzkQHVOiDsjBIr

“…”KbyBUrmBYfMnLgRvsUxLMMJhFuGNFe

sCKEIBNODfiGjqT

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

hDZYkPhkBvWDaFn

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

USqSpeVVVRgiXco

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

YqNLyurYmNPlfaI

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

OtMpypWfGDxArub

“Find me another outfit.”RQZhIuWWNmfbXojtsLkcOTqNojVnWe

UTANBbHudXHExow

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.”GOjIwTbIgxDQdHBTmLqvmeWDvwLzdl

bnwARDyoqinabpc

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.EjRWOdXrrBuIFrcDZkxtwSCkrGmNnC

QCcUcbeLaIaXAHZ

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

QSYXZhMYLyfLsUW

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

DVLvqlhTKIbfUFW

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

rUzsZGWKnCpOvlc

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.”gIUamwOBiwBBWoVcTxwayphnvqPoEd

JuAOIijEYtvfskI

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

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Both sides got what they wanted.xBDBMxTmPgAkJYLmUwlrkVAIrkHMCc

BPtqZGOnzFqSxYB

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

bAnQzapANlpbbrS

…ROojcPvGRfgbcfsXlRfgkOyGaaqWuM

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Meanwhile, in the Dacheng military camp.tXTVQYDmNwQgHDlWMJZytSfazjsWhk

HSAQhgBqqgPWEcP

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—DoFJXdMmNtnuxgtgOdISMLUSsaTijx

mouRBoBIYjhTweP

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

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

wdUZZyjYecziiII

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

VwOrSZBUVQByUgS

That figure kept flashing before his eyes.XMupEgSfiWtrnrJseNJbCbKQDXQhqh

AkNYMLOvXxNEvGp

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

SKMVMbzcjlpHFIa

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

gIZZHGSEYHeBtJw

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

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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:BxhDVslZAltMHgvaIGJmhCniGSzxiB

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“Your Majesty! Urgent report.”qAwUZeAivBhKHfaHqNgLEsGqtAgIzf

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Li Wuting pressed his lips together and took it.xHdISZYguOlQFqLVsJcqDKymZTycxo

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

fdJzUILXxJIhHSv

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

dBEHlrHjsMiYmkW

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

xaVYKdXjAxoIAct

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

lpwnblDcqbJZktI

“………”paqjANZmoBCujJmfPwEBPAXaUpCZUS

iMuhKbkcjVSaBTT

Li Wuting, “?”QuKWkCsQlexanJruKurKEFdrvinfNy

iGIfEdUlmVJOZiN

His knuckles twitched, and he looked further down.MlHGvLFxeoOdbpqCBNaEtgpwVKOVrq

xAYWKrzNdbmlIty

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

NJxojizkzDZsSpj

The tent remained silent for a moment.WuelWttWCmGWZLDSCMauMHsFUDvtxs

cNnePGGBCNyYJPi

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

eCeAFvfsKgqftZQ

“Ning Qing…”EVoTfYtjzNjgoSxESMDXNzoVVMmtlq

FmqRqMEdyTVqxDH

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

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

OmnXXmDjhGeICLu

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

MQEVUNELbTUXJby

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

FWRZnFOtFaemkNm

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—PnsQGtqIpcslfJCvXwVAWFziyPMsYy

NJqGuEQVtBkFNWF

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.LRHzHGfqmNNBdCovnsAuhYZgSIOAzy

hhvzLVbHdNZHdWv

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

vyffcTyPEYsUrbV

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.FlAeUJFAQvKejPyRORELfqeGHyjDpZ

dGjYCIOiQchCjKr

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

hJaJtDwHzENgbyX

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

XDlKGcNSuhPneJa

“……” Wansang looked bewildered: ?EwDgjnasFnnRMTMmCLcofENhycwfDJ

eCyhdaJEbpREAFT

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

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

dxalHBLHSxRncuu

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

yQQPBGAUyCvHPuh

“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?”zCoPiybbTObuYdPZhwbPgBqCQqRJMh

iPFqiMKpTsppTpp

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

xqNtUAmBkgvTIYl

Plundering just happened in the last two nights.NScfMjzZZiDwEOdKDltrHGOBnMeqGE

JxYJEAlmMXGHvRR

…hqvGdNSgrflMJTUnkkQwkURmPPBnTL

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

uTrWFVpvKRvpywq

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

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

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Ning Rushen looked at the noisy figures outside:tncQapiKtNXCnmYSLtARxNRYZcGcMT

xbSrmUWYDYZqrSt

Had the white falcon left already?DsQHCvsMferUzcOXjdzaTxbIajSRkS

bHvZxdDqQiJrxHn

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

BFDrMvkFVwVCbfN

If they could make it tonight…siEewBluqIIWLmCKJIMwmepCYevJeg

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

JwLenoyASzkWcVZ

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!”MUFUmbCQLexmoWaeQqtNNNcNGUTLSc

aRKtivymfRFDxhC

The dancer screamed and tried to pull away.UUPdOofLufcPaoPorncyNFuIrZCbyt

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

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

hzdRzfixwahkweN

After scanning briefly, he suddenly heard a thud!pTReOfYjqgIkInBlCqhMwsjbxwfDaN

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

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Ning Rushen looked up in shock: …!?MTBLQIsTngjRnaXFwRJOzfuSSqTOLb

QZXUhhJKHYGNjLn

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

nlbeMYiUvutybXC

Shi Yi quietly looked around and blinked.FywBcmqiksYFalOwCruepIYTWzvyEO

nFispwwvdsrYMwH

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.SLIBOPdUrfLQEoLQuvlAfMLfjCQamP

dtOmbBDnhDjNfSF

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

nNpdRYFdtmWkpfu

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

LMeWseduInPLMwh

Ning Rushen’s heart jolted:KmgXQLSxkvleOTkwJQybFYeOdZjLDq

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Not reinforcements, but the main army…XpoZdBlWqOWVMIEnNigXydnboNzfDi

vzgtpgEQIDgLHvg

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

cwKLSuOaZoHFKlJ

Ning Rushen’s heartbeat quickened.lpEMuUcawIHpNKTORMqWpqZyYjszSB

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

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Shi Yi paused and looked at him.PlefinJyEhYVfwWeAXPpmImlawUBsU

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

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

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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.VFsUMizUydaWocDWJLgmaXhSeUoYAK

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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After a while, commotion suddenly erupted outside.DYGeuqmLtgyorAMogukZVZJagjWwOt

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

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Then, the clash of weapons could be heard.HDNZokRfzETkhJCoWuQYxPRpLMIhvw

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

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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.DeUCKcgUWisgeAOcSGojwFWLCXskqW

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Panic seemed to spread into the tent as well:OTCWbuUkhRFMwNfqDOfyJkuJUbWykp

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

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“Was he killed…”SSBVFIzaKTOABsZMUPUwRSOwxEVlQP

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Thunderous shouts from the other side swept over.EqOjSTOuvygCBOBtkbmfzAfsFrsDzO

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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“I’ll go check.”fRiohpZOHtfaoYrBhhxTCjQFeNbbQr

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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.lDZaYIgfyswXtgSmaEvCyTzfSQrCRu

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

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Resolutely, he ran forward.LrqBQyCzqpjZBLmCLKzHUWjNvrTYpv

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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.oohbYYrDyMsfzRCxZMuyrNJEWqEodH

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His red gauze fluttered in the night.zTElJLzbomxfFpGLSKGnLdrUsXWkQW

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

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Suddenly, urgent horse hooves sounded ahead.wFRSOXKTTbvEnsvYDrpmQwqlQFqXWV

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

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Thud, a Northern Di soldier fell behind him.LrTVUbDDQPmNFlyVNjQVsMBIFUtTWp

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

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

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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—tFSoxEPIKhYMcinxRfgpxVkGgRMJVU

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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.”sEsyMvSWwJHrqBkgQHJPJqfoxJGcZp

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