This creature actually had the ability to burrow through the ground. It was likely the one who had stolen the steamed buns and planted the poisonous insect.

The creature seemed quite strong, struggling until the celestial binding rope was taut. Seeing it still resisting, Feng Miaojun formed several hand seals, causing the binding rope to tighten suddenly, nearly strangling the creature.

“Stop, stop!” The resistance at the other end of the rope ceased, allowing Feng Miaojun to drag it out from the ground.

Looking closely, they saw it was a miniature monkey, only as big as a palm, with red eyes and soft white fur, its body immaculately clean, looking like a toy.

Chen Dachang said coldly, “What a vicious heart.” To look so adorable yet have such a malicious nature!

Before they could speak further, the monkey spoke first: “Release me, or great disaster will befall you!”

“Oh?” Feng Miaojun found this amusing. “I thought you were a Mountain God, not a Plague God.”

“How could a black carriage driver recognize me?” The little monkey’s eyes widened comically. “You must be a spy sent by the Yan Kingdom!”

Chen Dachang responded, “We are not from Yan.”

“Then you still harbor ill intentions.” The little monkey squeaked, “If you’re smart, release me quickly, or someone will surely come to take your worthless lives!”

Feng Miaojun understood: “I see, you’re a mountain spirit, undoubtedly ordained by the State Preceptor.” White Board had originally been a water deity of the Yao Kingdom, officially appointed through the Yao Kingdom’s State Preceptor before taking his position. This little creature was no exception. “But as the dignified Mountain God, enjoying the incense and offerings of mortals, you stoop to stealing our buns and attempting to harm us. Aren’t you concerned about losing your status?”

The little monkey objected, pointing at Chen Dachang: “He insulted me first, so he deserves punishment!”

Chen Dachang scratched the back of his head, remembering his earlier joke about the statue being “a monkey dressed in robes,” which indeed wasn’t a kind remark.

Feng Miaojun sneered: “Even if his words were ill-chosen, the offense doesn’t warrant death. You, monkey, demand retribution for the slightest grievance—who would appoint you as Mountain God?” Chen Dachang added from the side, “If that statue had been carved honestly in your likeness, there wouldn’t have been such a misunderstanding.”

The little monkey was adorable, but the temple statue depicted a fierce, robust ape. It was unclear what strange thought process the sculptor had followed, even dressing it in an oddly shaped armor.

The only similarity between the two might be that the little monkey also wore a pair of golden wristbands, identical to those on the statue.

“What do you know!” The little monkey opened its mouth, then hesitated, looking from one to the other before suddenly sneering, “You’re trying to trick me into talking, aren’t you?”

Its white fur was soft and clean, and Chen Dachang couldn’t resist patting its head. The little monkey angrily retorted, “Don’t touch me, you’re not worthy!”

Feng Miaojun smiled: “Then who is worthy? Yu Haizhen?”

“Of course…” The little monkey realized its slip after just two words and quickly shut its mouth, but Feng Miaojun understood: “So you do have some connection with her.”

The monkey’s eyes darted around: “All creatures in this city have connections with her.”

“I wish to see her, with no ill intent, only to inquire about certain matters,” Feng Miaojun said directly. “Could you arrange an introduction?”

“I can.” The little monkey nodded vigorously. “Release me, and I’ll go report to her.”

If they let it go, this place would quickly be surrounded, wouldn’t it? Feng Miaojun hadn’t missed the malice flashing in its eyes. This creature was plotting against them, so how could it truly “introduce” them? Very well. “Don’t you have any method of long-distance communication with her?”

“No.”

Feng Miaojun tapped lightly on its wristband, producing a clear sound: “What about this?”

“If you open it, it would alert the State Preceptor.”

“Open it?” Feng Miaojun looked at the monkey, then at the statue in the temple, and understood. “It seems this is a set of shackles. Your power is restrained, isn’t it?”

The little monkey, having been tricked into revealing more, puffed its cheeks in anger: “If you have no ill intentions, why not seek a proper audience?”

“Several official invitations received no response, so I had to use my methods.” Besides, if Yu Haizhen’s pendant was truly a rare family heirloom with powerful divine abilities, how would she explain its details to an outsider? Looking at the current situation… Feng Miaojun glanced toward the south, where smoke from gunpowder lingered persistently in the sky.

Naturally, there was no need to explain such intentions to a monkey. Feng Miaojun handed it to Chen Dachang: “Keep it safe. Someone will find us later.” Since it was a thieving, cunning monkey, she had no use for it and would stick to her original plan. It was already near mid-month. She checked the time, “It’s about time.”

Chen Dachang held the monkey upside down, and seeing it still making threats, he simply stuffed its mouth with a steamed bun and then placed it inside a wine jar.

This was no ordinary jar—it was a magical artifact specifically designed to suppress demons and spirits. It was more than adequate to confine a small monkey that had lost its powers.

Next, Chen Dachang placed a sound-blocking talisman on the jar, ensuring that no matter how much the monkey struggled, no one outside could hear it.

Feng Miaojun didn’t harbor any ill will toward the little creature but didn’t want it to disrupt her plans. Once she obtained the information she wanted from Yu Haizhen, she would release it.

With everything in order, the two black carriage drivers set off again, heading directly south.

That was the direction of the military camp.

As they moved southward, the sounds of artillery fire grew clearer, even causing the ground to tremble.

War was now within reach.

For the army, this was another sleepless night. The camp was bustling with activity, with urgently dispatched troops and laborers rushing everywhere.

At the entrance to the camp, vehicles and horses moved constantly, with supply convoys coming and going in a scene of busy activity.

Normally, black carriages could only operate in civilian areas and weren’t allowed near military zones. However, when Chen Dachang drove directly to the military encampment, not only was he not driven away, but two Xi soldiers ran out from the checkpoint, complaining: “Why have you come so late!” They looked at the driver. “Eh, why are you alone? Where’s the other one?”

Since heavy objects needed to be carried, black carriages always had two drivers assigned, yet this one had only one.

Chen Dachang bowed his head obsequiously: “He got a stomach upset and can’t get off the toilet. I’m strong enough to lift anything!”

The Xi soldier lifted the carriage curtain and looked inside.

Just then, another cannon blast sounded from the front, causing a small wine jar in the carriage to topple over and roll a few times. Apart from that, there were only a few small miscellaneous items in the carriage, clearly not enough space to hide a person.

So he asked no more questions and directly opened the camp gate.

Chen Dachang drove the carriage inside. At that moment, another bell sound came from outside, followed by the clatter of hooves.

Another black carriage approached.

The Xi soldier snorted: “After sending for one forever, either none come or two arrive at once.” He waved his hand, signaling the distant black carriage to leave.

That carriage acknowledged the order and turned to leave.

“Follow me,” a small soldier led the way at the front, keeping far from the carriage. Chen Dachang followed at a leisurely pace.