Chapter 71: Good News

In the following days, Jiang Xiaomu nursed his wounds while studying strategic deployments with the deputy commander, Xiong Kuohai, and a few others.

During this period, Yun Jinian again sent people to deliver some supplements and medicinal herbs, appearing to show great concern for Jiang Xiaomu, but

in fact he was monitoring his every move.

Jiang Xiaomu frowned, his finger tracing the winding river as he pondered the upcoming strategic deployments in his mind.

"Report! Sir, there are a few people outside the tent requesting to see you, saying they are your acquaintances."

A slightly tense voice came from outside the tent.

"Acquaintances?" A flicker of wariness crossed his eyes, and he silently gripped the dagger hidden under the table.

"Let them in."

Jiang Xiaomu said in a low voice, his tone betraying no emotional fluctuation.

The tent flap was lifted, and the few people who walked in left Jiang Xiaomu stunned.

Leading them was a petite figure—his sister Jiang Xiaoyu, whom he had been thinking of day and night.

Behind her followed the agile Ye Ying, and several burly men wielding strange weapons, their faces stern.

These individuals exuded a strong killing intent, with strange runes etched on their faces.

Jiang Xiaomu looked at this sudden "group of relatives and friends," and for a moment he didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

He thought to himself: "They came running over just to sightsee."

"Xiaoyu, Ying, how did you come? And these few..."

Jiang Xiaomu pointed at those murderous-looking burly men, his tone full of questions.

Jiang Xiaoyu flew into Jiang Xiaomu's embrace, tightly hugging him as she spoke with a sobbing tone:

"Brother, I was worried about you! I heard you were injured, and I couldn't stay still for a moment."

"I brought Sister Ying and a few... friends to come see you."

"Friends?" Jiang Xiaomu raised an eyebrow, his gaze sweeping over those burly men.

He secretly thought: "These guys have a powerful aura; they are clearly ruthless characters who kill without hesitation."

"Even King Yama would have to take a detour upon seeing them; they certainly don't look like easy opponents."

Ye Ying stepped forward, bowed slightly, and explained:

"Sir, these are all commanders of my Ghost Face Army."

"They are highly skilled in martial arts and can lend you their strength."

"Quite the crew!" Jiang Xiaomu gave a wry smile.

"Who knows how many more ruthless figures are hidden in the Ghost Face Army that I don't know about? Last time, that Dong Zhang struck with vicious cruelty."

"Compared to me, they surpass me without falling short!"

Jiang Xiaomu recalled Dong Zhang's Eight-Arm Fist Technique and the Black-rank Pagoda; the bloody, brutal scene still chilled him to this day.

Ye Ying flicked her hair, still wearing a cold expression as she said:

"In the Ghost Face Army, experts are as numerous as clouds, and their methods are ruthless."

"Sir, there will be plenty of time later to gradually introduce them to you."

Having said that, she waved her hand, and the several Ghost Face Army commanders behind her retreated like ghosts, silently and without a sound.

Jiang Xiaoyu still clung tightly to Jiang Xiaomu's arm, like a spoiled little cat.

"Brother, are you really alright? Did they bully you?"

Jiang Xiaoyu lifted her head, her big, watery eyes full of worry for her brother.

Jiang Xiaomu gently patted her head and spoke softly:

"Don't worry, I'm fine."

"But you—how did you suddenly run over here? This place isn't exactly safe."

"I'm just worried about you!" Jiang Xiaoyu pouted.

"I heard you were injured, so I rushed over overnight."

Jiang Xiaomu felt warm inside; this girl really makes people worry.

He turned his head toward Ye Ying, "Ying, what news did you just mention?"

Ye Ying nodded, her expression solemn as she said:

"According to our gathered intelligence, Li Zhen's offensive against Yun Cheng has been stalled, and he has made no progress."

"Now, the leaders of several armed factions affiliated with Lixiongtu"

"have already developed thoughts of retreat, and are secretly contacting each other to discuss withdrawing from the siege plan."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Xiaomu instantly understood Ye Ying's meaning.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity; if we can make good use of these dissatisfied forces, we might be able to break the current stalemate.

"What kind of people are these forces?"

Jiang Xiaomu asked further.

Ye Ying pulled out a sheepskin map from her bosom and spread it on the table.

On the map, several regions were marked in different colors, each region bearing a name.

"These forces are respectively Ma Ning of Ning'an Stronghold, Wei Tong of the Blood Wolf Gang, and Sha Hu of the Sand Gate Gang."

"Each occupies several important strongholds around Yun Cheng, and their strength should not be underestimated."

Jiang Xiaomu examined the map carefully, tapping his finger lightly on it as he quickly calculated in his mind.

"What are the characteristics of these three individuals?"

Ye Ying pondered for a moment, then said:

"Ma Ning is cunning and suspicious, but relatively cautious."

Wei Tong is ferocious and violent, killing has become his nature.

Sha Hu is greedy for wealth and lustful, but also easily driven by profit.

Moreover, this Sha Hu's uncle is the former leader of the Sand Gate Gang.

Sha Kui, known as the Old Fox in the underworld, has now retired from the martial world!

"Interesting." Jiang Xiaomu curled the corner of his mouth into a cold smile.

Looks like these three are no good.

However, precisely because of that, we have a chance to use them.

He turned his head to look at Jiang Xiaoyu, a sly glint flashing in his eyes.

"Xiao Yu, you've come at just the right time; Brother has a task to entrust to you."

Upon hearing that, Jiang Xiaoyu immediately became spirited, straightened her back, looking eager to try.

"Brother, tell me, what task? I guarantee I'll complete it!"

Jiang Xiaomu leaned close to her ear and whispered a few words.

Jiang Xiaoyu's eyes widened more and more; finally she couldn't help covering her mouth and laughing.

"Brother, this trick of yours is too nasty!"

"Nasty? Dealing with such people, how can we not be nasty?" Jiang Xiaomu raised his eyebrows.

"All's fair in war, understand?"

"Understood, understood!"

Jiang Xiaoyu nodded repeatedly.

Ye Ying watched the siblings whispering from the side, unable to help feeling curious.

Over the next few days, Jiang Xiaomu had Jiang Xiaoyu find several beggars, taking them around to spread rumors.

They said Li Zhen had been defeated in battle, Lixiongtu's cause was lost, and Yun Cheng was already recruiting troops and buying horses, preparing to counterattack Qingzhoucheng.

At the same time, he secretly sent people to bribe Ma Ning's, Wei Tong's, and Sha Hu's forces, offering them great profits to sow discord among them.

Jiang Xiaomu's plan proceeded very smoothly.

These three fellows each harbored their own ulterior motives, mutually suspicious.

Adding Jiang Xiaomu's scheme to sow discord, their conflicts quickly intensified.

"Bang!" A loud crash, the delicate porcelain cup shattered to pieces.

"Damn it! Ma Ning! Wei Tong! You sons of bitches!"

Sha Hu roared angrily, his voice hoarse, veins bulging on his forehead.

The attendant standing nearby trembled with fear, not daring to utter a sound.

"Chief, please calm your anger!" the attendant urged cautiously.

"Getting angry now won't help; better think about how to respond."

"What the hell to respond? How to respond?"