Chapter 012
Chapter 12: Scouting Ahead
Meng Shan and his two companions stood unmoving, even after hearing Li Mu Sheng’s words.
Seeing their hesitation, Li Mu Sheng raised an eyebrow, openly displaying his displeasure.
“Haha, what’s this? Do you perhaps suspect Miss Cang and me of being villains?”
Meng Shan examined Li Mu Sheng carefully but found it difficult to discern his true depth. Eventually, he shook his head and said, “We appreciate the young master’s kindness, but we have important matters to attend to. It’s not convenient for us to travel together.”
The woman in green robes and the scholar beside Meng Shan remained silent, their faces guarded. Clearly, they harbored deep suspicion towards Cang Yin Yue and Li Mu Sheng, especially after Cang Yin Yue revealed Meng Shan’s identity. Their wariness had only grown stronger.
“How boring.” Li Mu Sheng shook his head and decided to ignore them. With a casual tap on his pack mule, he continued along the mountain path ahead.
As he passed Meng Shan, he came within a foot of the man’s blade, yet Li Mu Sheng rode by boldly, as if unaware of the danger.
Meng Shan and the woman in green robes exchanged uncertain glances, but neither took action in the end.
Watching this exchange closely, Cang Yin Yue gave a slight nod, seemingly satisfied with the two’s restraint. Without further words, she followed Li Mu Sheng.
After traveling some distance, Cang Yin Yue suddenly spoke, her voice cool, as she stared at Li Mu Sheng’s back.
“You really enjoy making decisions on your own, inviting them to travel together. Are you sure they meant us no harm? If I hadn’t intimidated them earlier, perhaps they would have tried to silence us forever in this wilderness!”
Hearing her words, Li Mu Sheng turned back, glanced at the trio still trailing far behind, and smiled meaningfully.
“I don’t care what they were thinking. After all, they couldn’t kill me even if they tried.”
“You seem quite confident,” Cang Yin Yue returned with a cold smile.
In truth, she believed that although Meng Shan and the young woman were Innate Experts, neither could withstand more than ten moves from her. Likewise, they would be defenseless against Li Mu Sheng’s unique skill in sealing acupoints.
“Once we pass through Chong Province, we should quicken our pace,” Cang Yin Yue advised carefully. “Those three are suspicious, and it’s best to avoid trouble.”
Li Mu Sheng nodded thoughtfully from atop his mule, stroking his chin as he considered aloud, “I noticed the scholar was dressed poorly, thin and pale. He doesn’t seem to be from a wealthy or noble family, probably born into hardship. Yet he has two Innate Experts protecting him—quite unusual, don’t you think? Why would they guard a mere poor scholar, unless he has a special identity?”
His gaze suddenly sharpened as he looked at Cang Yin Yue.
“Miss Cang, did you notice? That scholar’s situation closely mirrors my own, and we are roughly the same age. Moreover, their destination clearly is Shang Yang City, the Imperial Capital.”
At this, Cang Yin Yue frowned slightly, pondering his words. “I understand your suspicion, and it makes sense, but could there truly be such a coincidence?”
Li Mu Sheng chuckled lightly. “Without coincidence, stories would hardly exist. Perhaps it truly is fate.”
Just then, his expression grew serious. He stopped his mule abruptly and lowered his voice.
“Speaking of coincidences, this road ahead seems blocked.”
Cang Yin Yue had yet to grasp his meaning when she saw Li Mu Sheng leap gracefully onto a nearby tree, shading his eyes as he looked into the distance.
“Miss Cang, come and look. Someone ahead has built a roadblock directly in our path.”
Surprised, Cang Yin Yue swiftly joined him on the branch, her movements elegant and smooth. Following his gaze, she saw a simple wooden fortress set up on a distant hillside, guarded by about a dozen people. It blocked the only path through the surrounding forests.
A puzzled expression appeared on her face as she glanced at Li Mu Sheng. “You noticed this even while riding your mule? From such a distance?”
“My martial arts are profound, my eyes as sharp as an eagle’s. Is that strange?” Li Mu Sheng shrugged casually. “But right now, I’d rather know whether we should find another way or charge straight through.”
Cang Yin Yue studied the fortress carefully. After a moment, she shook her head decisively.
“It’s suspicious for these people to set a checkpoint in such an isolated place. For caution’s sake, we shouldn’t force our way through directly.”
Glancing briefly behind them, her eyes flickered coldly. “Better to let those three behind us scout the path first.”
Li Mu Sheng instantly understood Cang Yin Yue’s intention. [This young lady truly remains as cunning as ever.]
“Well, if that’s your decision, we’ll just have to let those three play guinea pigs.”
They leaped down quietly, mounted their mules, and continued onward a short distance before suddenly slipping unnoticed into the trees beside the road.
The trio behind them remained unaware of this move.
“Commander Zhao, have you figured out where those two come from?” the woman in green robes, Yuan Mei, asked in a low voice once Li Mu Sheng and Cang Yin Yue were out of sight.
Meng Shan glanced thoughtfully at the scholar beside him and shook his head.
“That young man never revealed his internal Qi, so I couldn’t grasp his strength. However, that woman is very knowledgeable, clearly familiar with the Great Li army’s affairs. She must be connected either to the military or the imperial court. And she herself is an Innate Expert. Such a master wouldn’t mean much in Shang Yang City, but encountering her here—I wasn’t completely confident of defeating her. Otherwise, I would have signaled you to strike.”
Yuan Mei’s eyes glittered coldly. “Our mission must remain secret at all costs. If we get the chance, we should eliminate them. If word leaks out, the general’s plans might be endangered.”
Meng Shan considered briefly, then nodded. “We’ll wait for a suitable opportunity. If we strike, we must ensure absolute success.”
He thought of how Cang Yin Yue had identified him. Allowing her to return to the Imperial Capital would surely reveal their mission. Turning to the scholar, Meng Shan narrowed his eyes and spoke cautiously.
“Your Highness, the road to the Imperial Capital is long and perilous. Please endure a little longer. Once we reach Shang Yang City, you’ll be safe.”
The scholar hastily bowed, grateful. “This humble scholar thanks you both for your protection. After meeting my father, I promise to reward you greatly.”
Meng Shan and Yuan Mei exchanged meaningful glances, their smiles mysterious and full of hidden meaning.
(End of Chapter)