Chapter 672 - 209: The Battle Begins

The soldier’s tone was laced with urgency.

The panicked expression on his face, in particular, looked completely genuine.

Wang Teng frowned upon hearing this. "Poisoned?" he asked. "How was he poisoned? And by whom?"

Not just anyone who came to the Observatory could see Daoist Si.

Shen Bai’s status had changed dramatically.

He was now Daoist Si, the most distinguished figure in Lingyun Dao. Therefore, Wang Teng had to get the facts straight before bringing anyone to see Shen Bai.

Minor issues didn’t warrant a meeting. For major ones, he had to report them first and could only bring the visitor into the Observatory after receiving Shen Bai’s permission.

These were the rules, and in Lingyun Dao, the rules had to be followed.

The soldier understood Wang Teng’s implication and quickly explained, "He was harmed by people from the Wild Taoist Sect. They released a strange poison in the military camp. The Marquis had just finished his inspection when he was afflicted. Now he’s lying in the barracks, unable to move."

"We’ve already summoned many physicians, but none of them know what to do."

Wang Teng nodded. "Wait here for a moment. I’ll go up and report to Lord Shen."

Since this concerned the Marquis of Ren De, Wang Teng felt it was necessary to inform Shen Bai.

Everyone knew perfectly well what kind of person the Marquis of Ren De was, but as long as things weren’t out in the open, they had to maintain appearances.

The soldier, having received a response, wiped the sweat from his brow with his sleeve and nodded.

Wang Teng said no more and went up to the top of the five-story building.

As for Ma Yuan, he had already left to deploy their men as per Shen Bai’s instructions.

Outside the room on the fifth floor, Wang Teng stood at the door. Just as he raised his hand to knock, Shen Bai opened it from within.

Shen Bai’s expression was calm. "There’s no need to explain," he said. "I already know what’s happened. Go and assist Ma Yuan with the matter at Lianyun Medicine Mountain. I’ll handle things at the military camp."

Wang Teng was taken aback for a moment, then nodded. "This subordinate obeys."

’His superior had spoken. Even if he had objections, he couldn’t voice them. He just had to do as Shen Bai instructed.’

’After all, Shen Bai was the one in charge in Lingyun Dao.’

Shen Bai had already learned of the situation through his Void-breaking Red Eye, so he understood everything.

Just as he had told Red Makeup, they would need a pretext to lure him away, and now that pretext had arrived.

’Zhang Dao Ling and the Marquis of Ren De are both colluding with the Demonic Forces. The waters of Lingyun Dao run deep, but no matter how deep, they can’t hold me.’

With this in mind, Shen Bai descended the stairs and saw the anxious-looking soldier.

When the soldier saw Shen Bai, a look of delighted surprise crossed his face. He hurried forward, cupped his fists respectfully, and said, "Lord Shen, the Marquis has been struck by a virulent poison. I implore you, Lord Shen, come with me to the military camp and save his life."

His every word was filled with immense respect, and it didn’t seem feigned.

As a minor figure, he had no reason to get involved in the grudges and disputes among the higher-ups, so his attitude toward Shen Bai was not hostile.

Shen Bai nodded. "Wang Teng, assemble the remaining men. Aside from those needed to maintain the Observatory’s operations, everyone else will accompany me to the Marquis of Ren De’s military camp."

Wang Teng, who was standing nearby, bowed. "This subordinate will see to it at once."

Then, Wang Teng began to make preparations as Shen Bai had commanded.

Shen Bai turned his attention to the soldier. A scan with his Void-breaking Red Eye revealed no useful Information.

’That fellow, the Marquis of Ren De, is overly cautious. It’s not surprising that I can’t find any relevant Information.’

Shen Bai didn’t dwell on it. After waiting for about the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, a group of about a hundred Observatory members, led by Ding Quan, had assembled inside the Observatory.

Without any further pleasantries, Shen Bai waved his hand. "Move out," he said to the soldier. "You lead the way."

The soldier had been waiting for a long time. Upon receiving Shen Bai’s command, he didn’t dare to relax for even a moment.

After acknowledging the order, he set off toward the military camp.

Before long, Shen Bai and his men had vanished from Lingyun Dao, disappearing at the end of the street.

Watching Shen Bai and his men depart, Wang Teng suddenly had a thought. ’Damn it! I almost forgot to ask Ma Yuan what message he received.’

’Ma Yuan had received a letter from Shen Bai, but I never got a chance to see it.’

He couldn’t help but feel a tinge of regret.

After all, he was quite curious about the contents of that letter.

But Ma Yuan had already left with seventy percent of their forces, so there was no way for him to ask now.

Wang Teng looked around the now-quiet Observatory, then turned to his routine duties.

...

「Far from Lingyun Dao, on the main road to Lianyun Medicine Mountain.」

Ma Yuan was currently leading a large contingent of Observatory members, marching toward Lianyun Medicine Mountain.

When they encountered common folk along the way, the people immediately cleared a path, afraid of offending the group of Lord Officials.

Nearly seventy percent of their total force was participating in this mission.

’Wang Teng hadn’t come along, but with himself leading the team, this mission should be a sure thing.’

’Right, Lord Shen’s letter. He said to open it after leaving Lingyun Dao. I should see what it says.’

Ma Yuan remembered the envelope Shen Bai had given him. He opened it while continuing on his way.

Inside the envelope was a single sheet of paper.

And on that paper was a dense block of tiny script.