King of Hundred Victories Saber

Chapter 355 - 149: Zhong Renwang’s Vicious Plot, Shi Feiyang’s Bravery Against Evil Forces (Part 4)

This difference in their steps inevitably cast doubt on their true identities.

Although they wrapped themselves tightly in oversized herdsmen’s clothes, trying to conceal their figures, they could hardly hide the features of the Wokou with their every move. Their actions and demeanor had subtle differences from those of genuine herdsmen, instantly revealing clues to the observant eye.

One of them, with a piece of dirty coarse cloth wrapped around his head, donned a slightly shabby lambskin coat emitting a rancid smell, paired with loose trousers. Such an attire should not differ from that of ordinary herdsmen, yet his face was peculiarly striking.

His elongated face, prominent cheekbones, and small, narrow eyes gleamed with cunning, making him conspicuously out of place in the crowd. The gaze in his eyes exuded a kind of alertness and deceitfulness, clearly marking him as anything but an ordinary herdsman.

As he brushed past others, he habitually bent his body slightly, with both hands unconsciously hanging by his sides, a posture more like a wolf ready to pounce than a herdsman, emanating a dangerous aura all over.

Every movement he made revealed an unusual tension and vigilance.

There was also a group of others, gathering in threes and fours, whispering to each other with heads close together.

Their voices were extremely low, as if afraid of being overheard. Occasionally, a few phrases would be caught, albeit they tried to mimic the local accent deliberately, it was laced with a strong Wokou twang, dragging the intonation long, sounding very odd.

Their eyes were wary, like frightened rabbits, constantly assessing their surroundings.

Whenever officials and soldiers passed by, they fell silent immediately, pretending to look elsewhere nonchalantly, yet the fleeting tension and unease in their eyes were keenly caught by Shi Feiyang.

Their every move seemed so unnatural, inevitably raising doubts about their true intentions.

Shi Feiyang frowned slightly, shallow lines appearing on his forehead. He gently nudged Lin Wanqing and exchanged a meaningful glance with Xie Wen. The three of them understood each other without needing to speak, able to grasp each other’s thoughts effortlessly.

All three knew clearly that those disguised as herdsmen were exactly the Wokou Warriors they had been closely monitoring.

These warriors seemed harmless on the surface but concealed murderous intent.

Their presence was like time bombs hidden in the soil of Yizhou, ready to detonate at any moment.

Now, numerous such Wokou Warriors had already infiltrated Yizhou. A storm appeared to be silently brewing on this seemingly peaceful land. They were like venomous snakes lurking in the shadows, waiting for the perfect moment to strike a fatal blow.

Lin Wanqing gently tugged on Shi Feiyang’s sleeve without showing any emotion, leaning quietly closer, exuding a faint floral scent, she said softly, "Grand Squad Leader, look, winter is not favorable for warfare. Now that the snow has yet to melt and the weather remains cold, these Wokou are certainly waiting for an opportunity. The King of Korea has fled here, the focus of the Imperial troops is on protecting the King, inadvertently neglecting the defense of the city gates and walls." Her voice was gentle and soft as the spring breeze, yet carried an undeniable shrewdness.

Shi Feiyang’s eyes flashed with appreciation, he praised softly, "Wanqing, your thoughts are so meticulous, noticing this so keenly, is truly remarkable. Very good! In my estimation, the Wokou’s strategies in battle would come down to a few moves. Firstly, feigning an assassination of the King to disrupt the deployment of the Imperial troops. Amid the chaos, some Wokou would seize the chance to capture a corner of the city wall, open the city gate, and under the cover of night, allow hidden Wokou around the suburbs to swarm into the city. For now, what we need to do is to quietly gather our disciples without drawing attention. Xie Wen, you’re in charge of probing the Wokou hidden on Bald Peak outside the city. Once they have gathered and are ready to act, we will wipe them out in one fell swoop."

His voice was steady and powerful, structured clearly, showcasing his intelligence and resourcefulness.

Lin Wanqing nodded, her lips curving into a gentle smile, that smile like a flower in full bloom during spring, stunningly beautiful.

Her eyes were filled with infinite tenderness for Shi Feiyang, she whispered, "Everything will be according to the Grand Squad Leader’s arrangement."

Her gaze seemed to say, as long as it’s Shi Feiyang’s decision, she would follow unwaveringly.

Subsequently, the three of them proceeded to execute their separate tasks. Lin Wanqing stayed in Yizhou City, keeping a close watch on the Wokou’s movements; Xie Wen left the city to monitor the activities of the Wokou around Bald Peak. Meanwhile, Shi Feiyang went to neighboring Jinzhou and Gai State for reconnaissance. Each of them carried an important mission, their actions would directly affect the safety of Yizhou.

Lin Wanqing, within the city, using her acuity and wisdom, set up a series of covert posts to ensure the earliest detection of any Wokou movements. Not only did she carefully arrange personnel, but she also participated personally in patrols, with her exceptional insight, no minor anomaly escaped her eyes. She was like a vigilant leopard mother, guarding this land at all times.

Xie Wen disguised as an ordinary woodcutter, traveling daily near Bald Peak, quietly observing the Wokou’s movements. Utilizing his familiarity with the terrain, he skillfully avoided the Wokou patrols, recording the intelligence he gathered one by one, ready to bring it back to Shi Feiyang at the opportune moment.