The owl moved through the night like a ghost, relying on his familiarity with the terrain.

With his years of honed stealth skills, he returned to Jianmen Pass without a sound.

The guards on the city wall were completely unaware of his arrival and continued to watch the distance warily.

Lu Yan was standing on the city wall, gazing at the flickering firelight of the Bei Xiang Kingdom's military camp in the distance, his mind filled with countless thoughts.

"grown ups."

Like a ghost merging into the darkness, the owl appeared silently behind Lu Yan.

The steady voice sounded exceptionally clear in the quiet night.

Lu Yan showed no surprise whatsoever, as if he had already anticipated the arrival of Night Owl.

He slowly turned around, his gaze falling on Night Owl, and asked in a calm tone:

"How's the matter going?"

"My lord, we have obtained Mu Qing's battle plan."

Night Owl took out a rolled-up parchment from his pocket and respectfully handed it to Lu Yan with both hands.

Lu Yan took the parchment and walked to a dim oil lamp inside the city gate tower.

By the dim light, he carefully examined the contents of the parchment.

The candlelight flickered on his angular face, illuminating his deep, pool-like eyes.

A moment later, he raised his head, a cold smile curling at the corner of his mouth.

It's like a hunter spotting prey that has fallen into a trap.

"A feigned retreat, a covert maneuver?"

"Ha, this Mu Qing really thinks he's Zhuge Liang."

He casually tossed the parchment to Li Kui, who was standing to the side.

"Xiao Kui, read it to everyone, let the brothers have a laugh too."

Li Kui took the parchment and walked into the lamplight.

He cleared his throat and read aloud:

"Mu Qing planned to feign a retreat, but in reality, he secretly dispatched an elite force to bypass Jianmen Pass and go behind it."

"Intending to burn our army's food and supplies..."

Li Kui's loud voice echoed in the silent council hall.

Inside the hall, several generals, including Lu Fei, Zhang Xun, and Han Sheng, sat around a table.

Their relaxed expressions turned serious after hearing Li Kui's announcement.

Zhang Xun frowned deeply and said in a deep voice:

"My lord, the enemy's plan is extremely insidious. If they succeed, our army will collapse without a fight."

As he spoke, his fingers unconsciously tapped the table.

The "thump-thump-thump" sound seems to express inner anxiety.

Lu Fei stroked the sword at his waist, his eyes flashing with cold light, and said menacingly:

"My lord, I am willing to lead the cavalry regiment to pursue the enemy and annihilate them completely!"

As he spoke, he leaned forward slightly, as if he were ready to rush out and fight at any moment.

Lu Yan waved his hand, signaling everyone to be quiet.

He looked around at everyone and said in a calm tone:

"The enemy's move is exactly what we wanted."

A glint of light flashed in his eyes, as if everything was under his control.

"Since Mu Qing wants to play dirty tricks, then we'll play along with him."

"Pass down the order to deliberately create an opening and lure the enemy deep into our territory."

As night falls, the stars twinkle, and a crescent moon casts a cool, clear light across the night sky.

Five hundred elite cavalrymen from the Northern Xiang Kingdom were moving silently along a winding mountain road.

They were dressed in black, their faces painted, blending into their surroundings.

Like a ghost, it moves through the night.

At the very front of the group, a burly captain held a map.

Using the faint starlight, I carefully discerned the direction.

"Captain, how much longer until we reach the enemy's supply depot?"

A soldier behind him asked in a low voice, his voice tinged with weariness.

The long march had left even these elite soldiers feeling somewhat tired.

The captain answered without turning his head:

"Almost there, just over this mountain and we'll be there."

He paused, his tone carrying a hint of warning.

"Everyone, stay alert. Be careful when you get there."

"Don't make any noise and alert the enemy."

"yes!"

The soldiers whispered in unison, their voices not loud, but they conveyed an undeniable determination.

The soldiers held their breath and followed closely behind their captain.

The horses' hooves rustled softly on the fallen leaves, the sound quickly carried away by the mountain breeze.

The captain would stop from time to time to carefully observe the surrounding terrain.

After confirming that the route was correct, he waved again to signal the team to move forward.

The mountain road was rugged, with steep cliffs on both sides. The mountain wind howled past, bringing a chill.

"Captain, look!"

A soldier pointed ahead and said in a low voice, while pointing forward.

The captain looked in the direction the soldier was pointing and saw a patch of fire not far ahead.

The firelight stood out starkly against the night sky, illuminating half of it.

"It seems we are approaching the enemy's grain depot."

The captain said in a low voice, a glint of excitement flashing in his eyes.

"Be careful, all of you! Prepare for battle!"

He drew the sword from his waist, its blade reflecting a chilling light under the starlight.

The soldiers drew their weapons, gripped their spears tightly, and stood solemnly.

They slowed their pace and cautiously made their way forward.

The mountain path became increasingly steep, making it more difficult for the horses to move.

The captain dismounted, led his horse forward, and the soldiers followed suit.

"Shh!"

The captain suddenly stopped and made a shushing gesture.

He listened intently, as if he had heard something.

The surroundings were completely silent, with only the rustling of the wind through the leaves.

What was that sound?

A soldier asked in a low voice, a hint of doubt in his eyes.

This chapter is not finished, please click the next page to continue reading!