Seeing that all the soldiers present shook their heads, Wang Heng Canglang drew his saber and slashed fiercely at a nearby tree, the blade sinking three inches deep.
Suddenly, Wang Heng turned his head and shouted to the crowd behind him, "Go and drag out everyone from Baihua Tower for interrogation. I must find out the origin of this mysterious person."
While Wang Heng was in a fit of rage, the Lotus Cult Leader had quietly arrived at the East Gate with Tian Wen.
The guards at the East Gate, agitated by the recent horn sound, were extremely tense, their eyes wide open, none daring to be careless.
After about the time it takes to brew a cup of tea, these men showed no signs of loosening up. The Lotus Cult Leader couldn't wait. She whispered to Tian Han, "There are about twenty of them. I'll deal with the ones below the city. Then you'll run up the wall, kill them, and leave the city immediately. Don't worry about me."
Without waiting for Tian Han's agreement, the Lotus Cult Leader leaped out of the darkness.
A figure suddenly appeared, startling the city guards. They immediately shouted, "Hey, who are you?"
The Lotus Cult Leader displayed a sweet smile and said coquettishly, "My lord soldier, you scared me with your loud voice."
Seeing a beautiful young woman, the guards immediately relaxed their guard and asked with a chuckle, "Little beauty, where are you going?"
The Lotus Cult Leader sighed, "I want to go out of the city. I wonder if you gentlemen can make an exception."
Several guards exchanged glances, full of surprise. The one who had spoken earlier waved his hand and said, "No, no. The General has ordered that no one is allowed to leave the city. Miss, you should go back."
The Lotus Cult Leader smiled and took a few more steps forward, taking out a silver ingot from her sleeve and placing it in her palm. "My lords, my father has suddenly fallen seriously ill. Only Doctor Li in Xiaojia Town can cure him."
As she spoke, she was only ten feet away from these soldiers, well within her attack range.
Her excuse clearly made these soldiers drop all their vigilance, but they still waved their hands and said, "No, no. It's useless even if someone is sick. You can't go out. Miss, you should go back."
Before they finished speaking, they saw the Lotus Cult Leader raise her hand. Several glints of cold light flashed.
Four or five soldiers immediately felt their temples go numb and then collapsed to the ground.
The soldiers beside them sensed that something was wrong, drew their weapons, and surrounded the Lotus Cult Leader.
The Lotus Cult Leader laughed heartily, darting through the crowd like a butterfly.
These soldiers could only see a figure flashing before their eyes, but they were powerless against her.
Seizing this opportunity, Tian Wen immediately drew his short knife and crept towards the city wall.
The soldiers on the city wall were watching the Lotus Cult Leader and the guards fight with great interest, unaware of someone approaching from the side. The one on the far end had his mouth covered by Tian Wen and was dragged into the darkness.
He didn't have time to change clothes, so Tian Wen simply took off the man's helmet and put it on himself, then crept onto the city wall.
The attention of the crowd was scattered, and seeing him wearing a helmet, they didn't think much of it. He was able to quietly climb onto the city wall.
There were three guards on the wall, two facing the city's exterior, and one facing the interior.
Tian Wen first approached the soldier facing the interior.
As Tian Wen pretended to pass by, he suddenly swung his short knife across the man's neck.
The man felt a chill on his neck. He wanted to speak but couldn't.
Tian Wen supported him and slowly leaned him against the parapet.
Then he turned to the other two.
After dealing with all three in the same manner, Tian Wen untied a thin rope from his waist, tied it to a battlement, and floated up.
Landing outside the city, Tian Wen put his little finger in his mouth and let out a loud whistle.
The Lotus Cult Leader, who had been toying with the soldiers, was waiting for this signal. Hearing the whistle, she attacked again with lightning speed. In just a moment, more than ten soldiers were all knocked to the ground.
Immediately after, the Lotus Cult Leader leaped onto the city wall. Tian Wen had already killed all three, leaving no obstacles.
The Lotus Cult Leader floated down, holding the thin rope. By this time, reinforcements from afar had woken up and were running towards them, but it was too late.
They could only watch the two disappear into the night.
The news reached Wang Heng's ears again. Seeing more than a dozen soldiers dead at the scene, Wang Heng was utterly enraged.
"Xiao Jingyun, you've gone too far. We'll see about this."
Meanwhile, Xiao Jingyun had already received news that the昭宁 Princess's master had returned from Qingniu County.
Upon hearing it was her, Xiao Jingyun felt a mix of joy and sorrow.
Recalling how she had caused chaos in Qingniu County a few days ago and nearly ruined his plans, Xiao Jingyun was somewhat annoyed. However, by forcing Zhu Meng to turn towards Jizhou after killing several people, she had also made a great contribution.
While he was still hesitating, a soldier brought in the Lotus Cult Leader, followed by Tian Wen.
The two knelt and paid their respects to Xiao Jingyun. Xiao Jingyun waved his hand, "Alright, no need for formalities. Speak freely."
The Lotus Cult Leader stood up. "Your Highness, I believe I have stirred up Qingniu County to a great extent. In a few days, Wang Heng will open the city gates and surrender."
Hearing this, Xiao Jingyun was delighted, but he remained outwardly calm.
"Oh? Then tell me, what is the situation in the city now?"
The Lotus Cult Leader recounted her recent actions. Xiao Jingyun listened and nodded repeatedly.
"Good, well done."
"Tang Lianhua, Tian Wen, you two have worked hard. Go and rest."
The Lotus Cult Leader did not leave. She clasped her fists again and said, "Your Highness, tomorrow night I will be escorting Ma Han and the others out. Please make arrangements early. I will need some men tomorrow."
Xiao Jingyun nodded. "Alright. You tell me directly then, and I will make the arrangements."
The Lotus Cult Leader and Tian Wen left. Xiao Jingyun, however, became excited. He paced back and forth in the tent with his hands behind his back, staring at the map of Qingniu County. Finally, he turned to Zhou Quan beside him and asked, "What is the situation with Zhu Meng now?"
Zhou Quan bowed. "Zhu Meng has occupied Jizhou. It is said that Ge Village has agreed to let him manage Jizhou."
Hearing this, Xiao Jingyun sighed. "Indeed, a wise man knows when to adapt. This Ge Village is blind."
After sighing, he clenched his right fist and lightly hit the table. "We can't delay Qingniu County any longer. We need a swift victory."
Zhou Quan reminded him softly, "No matter how fast, we have to wait for Ma Han and the others to come out tomorrow."
Xiao Jingyun nodded. "Yes. We'll wait another day tomorrow. I hope nothing goes wrong with Hetou Village."
At this moment, Liu Rumei and Princess Zhaoning had already arrived at Hetou Village with their men. Cui Hongyu was still filled with gratitude to see so many people arrive at once.
"Thank you, Miss Liu. Thank you, Your Highness the Princess."
Liu Rumei bowed slightly in return. "Sister Hongyu, did Brother Xiaobei say when he would return?"