Chapter 65 Chapter 65: Setting a Trap? Who is the One in the Trap?
Chapter 65: Setting a Trap? Who is the One in the Trap?
Wei Yanwu held his pipe between three fingers, grinning widely with his large mouth.
The two men exchanged a few words.
"Alright, Lord Wei has come from afar. We can't entertain guests in this wasteland. How about following me to the General's Mansion to continue our conversation?"
"Very well, very well. General Zuo, lead the way."
"Please."
Wei Yanwu's entourage on the surface was not large, consisting only of Wen Yue and two subordinates.
Under the escort of several rows of soldiers, everyone headed towards Yumen.
The military presence was imposing, and the wind was strong!
Logically speaking, with such battle-hardened Yumen soldiers as escorts, no bandits should dare to make a move.
But—
Thud! Thud! Thud!
Hundreds of Shanhai Zhong members unexpectedly sprang from the sand that had been inspected multiple times, bursting out of the ground.
Yellow sand soared into the sky; they had clearly been lying in wait for a long time.
Originium Arts related to sand and stone allowed them to remain hidden underground for extended periods, even evading the Yumen soldiers' preliminary inspections. Creating chaos within the city to divert Yumen's attention was precisely for today.
If both Zuo Xuanliao and Wei Yanwu died here today, the two Nomadic Cities would certainly come to a standstill for a period, with both sides' higher-ups suspecting each other.
By then, it would be much easier for their Shanhai Zhong to infiltrate. With some maneuvering, they might even extend their reach to higher levels!
Clang—
"Protect the General!"
The Yumen soldiers formed ranks, transforming into a military formation that tightly protected Zuo Xuanliao, Wei Yanwu, and the others at the center.
"General Zuo's welcoming ceremony is quite special."
Wei Yanwu stroked his beard, his tone meaningful.
"Hmm, this group of bandits has been troubling my Yumen for a long time. Though not a major issue, they are endlessly annoying. I didn't expect them to be ambushing us here today."
Did Zuo Xuanliao really not expect it?
Wei Yanwu, being an old fox himself, didn't believe it. But it didn't matter. Since a trap had been set, Zuo Xuanliao naturally wouldn't have any slip-ups.
In an instant, Yumen soldiers and the Shanhai Zhong clashed in battle.
"Aren't you going to help?"
"It's not time yet. If we scare the 'fish' away, he won't be happy."
Kevin and Ling conversed. With their eyesight, they could see everything clearly.
Although she had guarded the border for a hundred years, her identity was still too sensitive. Both Zuo Xuanliao and the imperial court held a degree of wariness towards her. So, she would not act unless necessary, as long as those below hadn't messed up...
She wasn't anxious at all. Even though Zuo Xuanliao was surrounded now, these few bandits weren't even enough to force out his hidden cards.
Those who can become generals—which one doesn't have a dirty mind?
"These bandits should have vanished ten years ago."
Zuo Xuanliao leaned on his sword, his eyes carrying a murderous aura. Back then, these Shanhai Zhong members disguised themselves as chivalrous warriors and martial artists to infiltrate the city, taking countless civilian and soldier lives.
Now that they were resurfacing, they must have other plans. Naturally, they needed to be captured in one fell swoop.
Going with the flow, he and Wei Yanwu became the "bait" to lure out the enemy.
Of course, since he dared to put himself in danger, he had naturally made complete preparations. These people alone weren't enough to kill him.
"Chief Wei, should we help?"
"Stay calm, Jiu. General Zuo's subordinates will handle it."
Wei Yanwu reassured his subordinate.
He had no intention of intervening. Acting now would be slapping Yumen in the face. Lungmen never did business at a loss.
"Kill!"
Unlike the ordinary Shanhai Zhong composed of bandits and thieves, those ambushing here were elites.
They released strange-looking Di beasts that lunged at the Yumen soldiers, tearing and biting. Full-body armor effectively blocked these Di beasts' attacks but inevitably slowed their movements and steps.
The Shanhai Zhong agents hidden among the crowd also began to act. Often, soldiers would be decapitated by a single slash the moment they spotted the red windproof fur hat.
Surrounded by sand and dust used to conceal their figures, their blades carried a semblance of "divine power." The first strike upon revealing themselves always easily sliced through thick shields and armor as if they were made of paper.
"Over ten years have passed, and they still only have these tricks."
Even though the Yumen soldiers were at a disadvantage, Zuo Xuanliao showed no panic. On the contrary, his gaze seemed to carry a hint of... disappointment?
"If this is all they have... close the net."
A signal firework exploded in mid-air; its specially made pigment was exceptionally eye-catching even in daylight.
Boom! Rumble!
The gates of Yumen City swung open. A large group of Yumen soldiers driving peculiar vehicles instantly broke through the Shanhai Zhong barrier at the city gates and sped towards this location at incredible speed.
"Damn it! Those fools actually failed to stop them!"
The Shanhai Zhong Amiya cursed. Of course, he could guess this was a trap. But Zuo Xuanliao's "bait" was simply too tempting. Even knowing it was a trap, this Amiya was willing to gamble.
Moreover, after lying low for many years, the Shanhai Zhong's strength around Yumen had actually developed quite well, giving him some confidence.
Confidence that he could eliminate Zuo Xuanliao before his reinforcements arrived. If he could truly achieve that, it would be a great merit!
If "that person" learned of it, there would certainly be rewards.
Unfortunately, fantasies remain just fantasies...
The battlefield was stained with blood, marked by swords and blades. Yumen soldiers efficiently cleaned up the battlefield and collected scattered armor and weapons.
"I didn't expect such an incident to occur. I hope Lord Wei will be magnanimous."
Cleaning up one's own home before welcoming guests—what Zuo Xuanliao did wasn't actually too late. If these people hadn't been lured out today,
then during this period of connecting and trading supplies with Lungmen, things would likely be even more unsettled. If it affected trade between the two cities by then, it would be difficult to find a good method to gather them all together.
You can catch thieves for a thousand days, but you can't guard against them for a thousand days.
Indecision invites disaster; his methods were always ruthless enough.
"Easy to say, easy to say. Yumen truly lives up to being a key border city of Yan. The soldiers dare to charge ahead; it really opened my eyes."
Wei Yanwu stroked his beard and grinned.
"I've alarmed Lord Wei. The General's Mansion has already prepared a banquet to welcome you and wash away the dust of your journey. Please."
This time it was a genuine "please," including the uneventful journey back.
But—
On the city wall,
"Is it over already?"
Gulp gulp gulp—
Ling drank several mouthfuls of wine, somewhat surprised. She thought Zuo Xuanliao informing her meant something major was happening.
And it turned out to be just this?
"Well then, never mind him. Miss Fiammetta, how much of the aura of the desert sunset have you comprehended?"
"Hmm..."
Fiammetta frowned in deep thought. She had recently become very interested in Yan's poetry and songs.
Ling had accidentally discovered her poetry drafts when coming to drink with Kevin and took an interest in offering guidance, considering it as payment for Kevin's wine.
"Let's put aside poetry matters for now..."
Kevin silently stood up. Almost simultaneously, a figure abruptly appeared on the city wall; two gazes locked onto each other.
No comments yet
Be the first to share your thoughts!