Chapter 381: Suspicious Villager

Jiang Jiang Mingyu stood restlessly before the tent flap, his tightly furrowed brows showing he was urgently urging the main army to quicken their pace. With arms crossed, he kicked the ground heavily and rapidly with his boot tips, shouting loudly, "Faster, even faster!" His voice trembled slightly from anxiety. The sun behind him had already begun to tilt westward, leaving little daylight remaining. Jiang Jiang Mingyu looked up at the sky, frowning as he calculated the time.

Soldiers carrying packs trudged past Jiang Jiang Mingyu. These days of long-distance travel had left many physically exhausted, but seeing Jiang Jiang Mingyu's anxious state, they still forced themselves to quicken their steps. Jiang Jiang Mingyu clenched his fists before his chest, his brows locked tight, urging the soldiers on repeatedly to march quickly.

"We must reach our destination before dark! What is this, are you crawling like a pack of turtles!" Jiang Jiang Mingyu shouted in reprimand, his voice carrying obvious dissatisfaction. The soldiers hung their heads in dejection, sweat beading on their foreheads, yet dared not stop, only numbly dragging their weary legs forward.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu paced anxiously in place, occasionally pointing his cane forward to urge the soldiers on. His face had darkened from its initial anxiety, his brows locked tight, and fire flickering in his eyes. When another squad of soldiers passed by slowly, Jiang Jiang Mingyu suddenly shouted loudly, "If the marching speed is not increased immediately, I will put you all under house arrest for reflection!"

The soldiers were all pale-faced and dared not stop to rest. They had reached their physical limits but could only force their spirits up to carry heavily forward. Their feet ached, their calves cramped, and the packs on their backs felt as heavy as a thousand pounds. Yet whenever Jiang Jiang Mingyu's angry gaze swept over them, they straightened their spines and dragged their limp bodies forward with difficulty.

The sun gradually tilted westward, and Jiang Jiang Mingyu still furrowed his brows, driving the main army through the mountain ravine. Suddenly, a soldier ran over panting, leaning on his knees and stopping before Jiang Jiang Mingyu, sweat dripping from his forehead. He looked up at Jiang Jiang Mingyu and said excitedly, "Your Majesty, we have caught a suspicious person!" Jiang Jiang Mingyu's originally anxious expression changed instantly, a fierce light bursting from his eyes, a cold sneer curling his lips slightly, as he strode forward.

There, a man in tattered clothes and full of fatigue was bound hand and foot and dragged over, thrown heavily onto the ground before Jiang Jiang Mingyu, kicking up a small cloud of dust. The man's face was sallow, his clothes in rags, his beard unkempt, and his hair messy, looking extremely wretched. He glanced up at Jiang Jiang Mingyu, his eyes filled with terror and despair, as if he had already seen his doom. He trembled all over, his lips chattering uncontrollably, fearing this nearly mad commander might skin him alive in a fit of rage.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu stood with arms crossed, sizing the man up and down. The man had clearly never seen Jiang Jiang Mingyu in person but had heard of his notorious reputation. As Jiang Jiang Mingyu's army pushed deeper, stories of his ruthless killings had spread through the few remaining prefectures of the Southern Border. Facing this killing god, the man was naturally terrified, fearing that one small mistake would cost him his life.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu stared down at him from above, hands clasped before his chest, sizing the man up and down. A cold sneer played on his lips, his eyes full of suspicion, as if confirming whether the man was a spy sent by the enemy. After a long while, he spoke slowly, his icy tone making the kneeling man shiver.

"Speak, who are you? Are you a spy sent by Jia Tong of Tagang?" Jiang Jiang Mingyu narrowed his eyes, his tone revealing deep suspicion. He stared unblinkingly at the man, as if trying to spot a flaw on his face. If he truly was a spy, it meant Jia Tong had already learned their whereabouts, and this mountain ravine had been traversed in vain.

The man shook his head desperately, his eyes filled with terror, shaking his head while explaining that he was merely a mountain dweller from nearby. Judging by his wretched appearance and panicked expression, he did not seem to be lying. Jiang Jiang Mingyu snorted, sneering coldly, "This place is still half a day's walk from Tagang. Why would a mountain dweller like you run all the way here? Don't lie to me!" He raised his voice, his momentum fierce.

The mountain dweller trembled in fear, explaining incoherently that his old mother was seriously ill, he knew a little medicine, and had come specifically to the mountains to gather herbs. The accompanying soldier confirmed that he had just seen this man searching for herbs all over the hillside, which did not seem false. The mountain dweller detailed his mother's condition and voluntarily produced all the personal items he carried. This finally made Jiang Jiang Mingyu believe his words; this man truly seemed to be just a simple mountain dweller.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu looked up at the steep mountains surrounding them and suddenly asked, "You, a commoner of this ravine, should be very familiar with the routes within Tagang City, correct?"

His tone was calm and serious, his gaze sharp as a torch, piercing directly at the man squatting on the ground. The moment this thought flashed, he eagerly posed the question, as if he had already grasped the key to opening Tagang's gates.

A hint of difficulty flashed across the man's face, but he still nodded hurriedly, stammering, "Re-reply, my lord, this humble one has indeed been to the city a few times and is somewhat familiar with the paths inside..."

His voice grew quieter and quieter, his body stiff, his gaze wandering, showing not the slightest relaxation despite Jiang Jiang Mingyu's question.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu's eyes lit up upon hearing this, his mind already plotting the route into the city. He crossed his arms, sizing the man up and down. "In that case, you must also know very clearly the location of the Tagang main camp." He continued, his words full of probing, his sharp gaze seeming to try to see through the man.

"I do not know why my lord asks this..." The man was suddenly startled, his face instantly pale as paper. He instinctively stepped back two paces, stammering, "Could it be that my lord wants this humble one to guide you into Tagang? How could this humble one help the people of One Da Jiang fight our own people of the Southern Border..."

His voice grew weaker and weaker, having already guessed Jiang Jiang Mingyu's intent, his face full of panic. Jiang Jiang Mingyu did not deny it, merely staring at him coldly, his eyes revealing a killing intent that made one's bones chill.

"I say, you fellow, speak faster, or I will cut off your leg tendons right now!" Tu Tu Kesiluo shouted from the side, drawing the long sword at his waist and pointing it at the man. Cold light shot in all directions, radiating a ruthless glow, making the man's face look deathly pale.

The man shivered all over, trembling, his thick beard quivering. He spoke incoherently, stammering a promise that he could guide the way, begging only that his aged mother be spared.

A cold sneer curled Jiang Jiang Mingyu's lips, and he nodded in satisfaction. He promised the man that as long as he guided the way obediently, someone would be sent to look after his old mother. A hint of hesitation flashed in the man's eyes; he still found it hard to believe.

"Do you think I am fooling you?" Jiang Jiang Mingyu snorted coldly. "I do not care about a commoner from a poor mountain ravine like you! This is the greatest favor I can offer you; weigh it yourself!"

The disdain and majesty in his tone made the man dare not hesitate any longer, and he could only nod and agree with trembling limbs.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu's expression then softened slightly, and he even chuckled softly. He patted the man's shoulder, his tone becoming somewhat gentler: "I value a person's filial piety the most; rest assured."

The man felt as if a heavy burden had been lifted, finally confirming the direction and acting as a guide. Jiang Jiang Mingyu flicked his sleeve, turned his head, and strode forward to follow.

Tu Tu Kesiluo, however, remained suspicious. He leaned close to Jiang Jiang Mingyu and asked in a low voice, "Big brother, is this man truly trustworthy? Should I kill him now to cut off future trouble?" The sword was already drawn, its cold light grim.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu waved his hand, giving the same low instruction: "Do not be careless! Watch him and the surrounding environment closely all the way; if there is anything suspicious, kill him immediately, leave no survivors!" He patted Tu Tu Kesiluo's shoulder, a smile of absolute confidence on his face.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu's look of certainty was not without reason. He still had an ace up his sleeve that he had not yet revealed. Even if this person truly was a spy, what of it? For Jiang Jiang Mingyu, it was no problem at all.

He was full of confidence, his gaze firm, his mind already drawing up the blueprint for capturing Tagang. This prosperous city was about to fall into his hands!

The sky was already dark, and the man led the main army along a rugged path. The woods were gloomy, weeds thick, and faint traces of broken walls and ruins were visible on both sides of the narrow, winding mountain road. This was originally the main supply line to Tagang, but it had gradually become desolate during the years of war.

The man led the way, taking heavy steps, his head covered in sweat, his expression exhausted. He had walked more than ten li accompanying the army over mountains and hills that day, and as a guide, he was utterly drained. Suddenly, he raised his head, pointed forward, and said in a low voice, "Your Majesty, those flickering lights over there are Tagang City." A hint of relief was in his tone.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu quickly narrowed his eyes to gaze into the distance, vaguely seeing the hazy light filtering from above the distant city walls, like fireflies in the night. His heart stirred, and he quickly kicked his mount, urging it to the man's side. "You said earlier that your home is not far outside the city, right? It should not be too far now, correct?" He could not suppress his inner excitement, his tone somewhat impatient.

The man looked blank, not understanding where this remark came from, but still nodded honestly, his voice echoing in the silent mountain forest: "Reply, my lord, my home is in a small village three li away."

Upon hearing this, a deep, unfathomable cold sneer appeared on Jiang Jiang Mingyu's lips, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes. He waved casually, instructing his confidant behind him, "E Bu, you immediately take two men to follow this guide to his village and bring his old mother here." His last words were enunciated clearly, his tone chilling.

The man's face changed instantly, immediately understanding Jiang Jiang Mingyu's intent. He clenched his hands tightly, his nails digging into his palms, his teeth gritted shut, cold sweat streaming down his forehead. If his mother was captured, he would have no choice but to obey. He wanted to struggle, wanted to resist, but dared not make a sound. Because at this very moment, Tu Tu Kesiluo was staring at him relentlessly, the long sword in his hand gleaming coldly, ready to disembowel him at any moment.

Not long after, E Bu and others carried over an old woman with a withered face. The old woman was already on her last breath, unaware of what was happening, her thin body swaying on the stretcher, thus being "rescued" to Jiang Jiang Mingyu's side without any power to resist. The man's heart ached, his eyes turning red; he took a deep breath and sighed inwardly. Fortune was not on his side; he and his mother could only be at the mercy of others... At this moment, his heart was dead.

This day's march was a huge drain on everyone. The heat was unbearable, dust flying, and the soldiers at the rear were all sweating profusely, stumbling, and looking haggard. The main army had already walked more than ten li of mountain road, everyone exhausted, longing for this trek to end soon. Yet Jiang Jiang Mingyu had no intention of stopping; he rode back and forth, urging sternly, "Continue forward! Must reach the foot of Tagang City before the fourth watch! Once the surprise attack succeeds, you can rest well with the city's resources. We must win quickly now! Move!"

Although the soldiers were exhausted and their steps unsteady, they dared not slacken. The clashing of blades and spears produced a cold sound, and they once again gritted their teeth and set foot on the road to Tagang...

Time passed quickly, and by the end of the third watch, Jiang Jiang Mingyu's forces finally arrived in the dense, verdant mountain forest outside Tagang City. Insect chirps filled the forest, the moonlight like water, shrouding this troop in a hazy mist.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu sat on his horse, his eyes bright and sharp. He said in a deep voice, "It is time. Tu Tu Kesiluo, you take men to climb the city wall, eliminate the guards, and then open the city gates." His tone was firm and powerful, exuding heroic spirit.

A cold sneer curled Tu Tu Kesiluo's lips; his right hand gripped the sharp sword at his waist, his muscles coiled and ready, like a fierce tiger poised to pounce: "I can hardly wait to taste the flesh and blood of Tagang's guards."

"E Bu, you and I will follow closely behind. As soon as Tu Tu Kesiluo opens the city gates, follow the guide into the city immediately and head straight for the Tagang main camp. Move fast, win quickly!" Jiang Jiang Mingyu continued, his tone revealing anxiety.

E Bu's tiger-like figure shivered slightly; his right hand gripping the great blade, he said coldly, "I can hardly wait to see the heads of Tagang's soldiers rolling on the ground."

"He Jing, once at the main camp, immediately encircle them and order the archers to occupy advantageous terrain. If they do not surrender, shoot all the commanding officers; I do not believe they will not surrender!" Jiang Jiang Mingyu's eyes shot cold light in all directions, ruthless and merciless.

He Jing nodded silently, his right hand resting on his bow, his expression cold as iron.

Tu Tu Kesiluo wasted no time, mounted his horse with his spear, and led the fifty sturdy soldiers behind him, silently creeping toward Tagang's city walls. These soldiers each had steel blades wrapped around their waists and held sharp swords, radiating a chilling killing intent; under the moonlight, they looked like fifty bloodthirsty beasts.

It was now the fourth watch; the guards on the city wall were already slumped over, many even snoring intermittently, fast asleep and unconscious. Only a few dozing soldiers stood sporadically on the wall. The wall was severely damaged, only thirty to forty zhang high, appearing as nothing before Tu Tu Kesiluo and his men.

Tu Tu Kesiluo waved his hand and gave a low order: "Up!" The fifty soldiers, their eyes glowing red, their bodies wrapped in grimness, grabbed their flying tiger claws and began to climb the city wall silently, moving with the agility of cats and fixing their targets like starving wolves.

With a barely audible roar from Tu Tu Kesiluo, the fifty agile soldiers climbed the city wall as quickly as fifty spiders, their speed astonishing.

Tu Tu Kesiluo was highly skilled in martial arts and possessed remarkable lightness skill; before others had even climbed halfway, he had already darted onto the city wall like a fierce black panther. His eyes shot cold, sharp light; with both hands gripping a heavy, dark sword, he hacked and slashed wildly at the sleeping guards on the wall, moving as if through an empty world.

With two "swish-swish" sounds, the heads of two guards flew off, fresh hot blood splashing all over Tu Tu Kesiluo. Before the remaining guards could react to what was happening, dozens more beast-like enemies climbed the wall, their eyes revealing a chilling killing intent, rushing forward to tear them apart alive. The guards' faces changed instantly, filled with terror; before they could resist, they were slaughtered to the last man.

Wherever Tu Tu Kesiluo went, blood flew and bones piled up; the guards fell one by one, unable to even utter a scream, dying on the spot. Every sword swing and every move of Tu Tu Kesiluo was incredibly precise, making almost no noise; the entire city wall remained as deathly silent as before, as if the life-and-death struggle had just been an illusion.

At the same time, those fifty One Da Jiang soldiers finally climbed the city wall without any surprise. These were Tu Tu Kesiluo's personal guards; Tu Tu Kesiluo often trained them personally, so their skills were far beyond those of ordinary people.

With the last enemy beheaded, Tu Tu Kesiluo sheathed his long sword and gripped the iron gate controlling the city entrance tightly. His brows locked, muscles bulging, as if using all his strength. With a "Boom," the iron gate, which normally required thirty-five strong men to open, was now opened by him alone.

Seeing this, Jiang Jiang Mingyu quickly drew his royal sword, the tip reflecting the firelight. His expression was grave; he lowered his voice, "Guide, it is up to you. Enter the city quietly; absolutely do not alert the enemy. Go quickly!" Anxiety shone in his eyes; thinking of his old mother still being "specially cared for" in the military camp, he could not help but sigh.

The guide nodded, leaped over the iron gate first, and entered the sleeping city. Except for the heavy footsteps of the One Da Jiang soldiers, all around was deathly silent, as if the entire world had fallen asleep.

They groped forward along the dim streets, walking for half a day yet seeing no sign of the Tagang main camp. Tu Tu Kesiluo gradually grew displeased, clenching his fists and asking the guide in a low voice how much farther it was, his voice low and irritable. The guide hurriedly waved his hand, signaling him to lower his voice, fearing that a loud voice would wake the sleeping enemy and bring death upon him and his mother.

"Less than one li left." The guide's reply was as faint as a mosquito's buzz.

After turning a corner, the ever-vigilant Tu Tu Kesiluo finally saw rows of white tents in the distance, with campfires flickering in the night. He narrowed his eyes, like an old eagle searching for prey.

"He Jing," he said in a low voice, "deploy the archers immediately. E Bu, Che Gang, Gou Dan—once He Jing is ready, begin the encirclement at once." His tone carried suppressed excitement.

With the personnel in position, Jiang Jiang Mingyu raised the Wang Sword high, a faint light flickering in his eyes. "Someone light the fires and beat the war drums!" he roared.

The booming war drums instantly woke the sleeping camp. As the Southern Border soldiers rushed out of their tents, they saw countless arrowheads reflecting the firelight aimed at them. Jiang Jiang Mingyu's face was expressionless, his voice as cold as ice: "Lay down your weapons and your lives will be spared; continue to resist, and all shall perish together!"