Chapter 1471 - 1144: Surprise Attack!

The gates of Hulao Pass gradually closed with a dull thud.

Xue Lin immediately ordered the over one hundred soldiers who had followed him to charge out to return to their ranks. Then he strode up the city tower, where he found Yu Wenye and the others still standing. Upon seeing him return, Yu Wenye gave a light nod and said, "Good."

Xue Lin panted lightly twice and said, "But, Your Highness, is that all?"

Yu Wenye glanced at him without speaking. Instead, Shen Wuzheng beside him instructed the soldiers behind to quickly bring towels and cloths to wipe Xue Lin’s armor. Just now, he had almost reached the middle of the Sishui River, and the river water soaked his boots, leaving wet marks all the way back.

Xue Lin could only murmur, "Thank you, Shen Canjun."

Yu Wenye continued to look ahead. The Sishui River, which Xue Lin had just crossed, gradually returned to tranquility, the flowing water shimmering under the sunlight. On the opposite bank, Xiao Yuansui’s army did the same. Just when Xue Lin charged out of Hulao Pass and set foot in the Sishui River, the troops visibly became alert, especially the front-row soldiers who quickly raised their shields, while thousands of archers behind them all pulled their bowstrings taut.

But the moment Xue Lin retreated, they seemed to relax like previously drawn bowstrings slackening, becoming lax once more.

Some even sat down on the spot, saying one after another, "That coward doesn’t dare to come fight."

"Then how long do we have to wait?"

"Is there any water? I’m thirsty."

Water bags were passed around in the crowd and were quickly emptied in moments.

Yu Wenye looked up at the sky again. The sun was at its zenith, and perhaps the recent prolonged rainy days had depleted the autumn coolness; today was especially hot, even somewhat scorching. Those like Yu Wenye and Shen Tu Tai, who were robust and naturally afraid of the heat, found their clothes soaked with sweat in no time. Even Shen Wuzheng had to frequently wipe his sweat with a handkerchief.

At that moment, Shen Tu Tai suddenly thought of something and looked around—Shantong’er was missing.

Hadn’t he just come with Yu Wenye? Where had he gone at this time?

Just as he was feeling puzzled, Xue Lin, having dried himself, felt cooler from the evaporating water, yet couldn’t dispel the heat in his heart, he quietly asked again, "Your Highness, are we not going to—"

Before he could finish, footsteps sounded from behind.

Everyone turned to look, and it was Shantong’er leading up the monk named Jue Yun. Meanwhile, at the base of the city tower, the monks who had accompanied him earlier had all gathered at the city gate.

Shantong’er said, "Your Highness, I’ve brought Brother Jue Yun and the other brothers."

Only then did Shen Tu Tai understand that it was Yu Wenye who had sent Shantong’er to call for reinforcements.

But calling this group of monks...

The monk named Jue Yun stepped forward, pressing his palms together, "Greetings to Prince Qin."

Because of today’s heat, he wore a single-shoulder monk’s robe, exposing his left shoulder and a muscular arm, appearing very robust and strong. Yu Wenye nodded at him and said, "I have yet to thank you all for your assistance a few days back, but today, I have another favor to ask of you."

Jue Yun asked, "What instructions do you have, Your Highness?"

Yu Wenye said, "I would like to ask you to cross the Sishui River and run a few laps in front of Xiao Yuansui’s army."

"What?"

Jue Yun was taken aback.

Not only him, but Xue Lin was also momentarily stunned, staring at Yu Wenye with wide eyes.

Just now, when he led over a hundred people to charge out, he wasn’t allowed to cross the Sishui River. Yet now, these monks were to cross the river but not to engage the enemy, only to run a few laps in front of Xiao Yuansui’s army?

What is this supposed to mean?

Before he or Jue Yun could speak, Yu Wenye said, "Rest assured, based on my calculations, Xiao Yuansui’s army will not mobilize against a team of merely a dozen people. Additionally, I will provide you with horses. As soon as they make any movement, I will immediately send someone to cross the river and bring you back. Remember, do not engage with them."

"..."

"Of course, whether they move or not, I will arrange for your return."

After saying this, he looked at Shen Tu Tai, "You may go down and prepare now."

This time, Shen Tu Tai seemed to fully understand, promptly cupping his hands in acknowledgment and then turning to descend the city tower.

Jue Yun, who had entered monastic life from childhood and practiced martial arts, knew nothing of battlefield strategies. He had only heard of the wisdom and martial prowess of Prince Qin from Shantong’er and other refugees. After thinking for a moment, he replied, "Alright."