In the tent, Yang Yan sat cross-legged on a cushion, taking the tea offered by the Deputy Chief of the Court of Judicature and Revision. He said, “The one who attacked the official ship was a black flood dragon, likely from the dragon faction of the northern demon tribes. It was quite powerful, at the fourth rank. I couldn’t beat it in the water.”

Not being a talkative person, he succinctly finished speaking, giving a comparison of his strength to the opponent’s, then fell silent.

Chu Xianglong’s face changed dramatically.

Hearing about the existence of a fourth-rank flood dragon, the Deputy Chief, and others showed strange expressions, a mix of shock, fear, and anxiety.

Captain Chen furrowed his brow and said, “General Chu, do you know the background of that flood dragon?”

As he spoke, he scrutinized Chu Xianglong with narrowed eyes.

Everyone turned to look, and the invisible pressure made it impossible for Chu Xianglong to remain silent. After hesitating, he said in a deep voice:

“Black flood dragon, fourth rank, if I’m not mistaken, it should be the Lord of Tang Mountain.”

He indeed knows the black flood dragon… Xu Qi An’s eyes flickered slightly. The enemy that set up the ambush at Flowing Stone Beach was from the northern demon tribes. Since the northern demon tribes had made a move, what about the northern barbarian tribes that were always in league with them?

Moreover, the Consort’s journey to the Northern Border was kept secret, and the official ship had been traveling north at high speed. Logically, the northern demon tribes shouldn’t have been able to set up an ambush in advance.

Unless they knew about the Consort’s northern journey beforehand.

Our number one beauty of Da Feng is indeed not simple, worthy of the barbarian tribes making such a big fuss to set up an ambush deep in enemy territory… Judging from Chu Xianglong’s expression just now, he seemed extremely surprised, clearly also shocked by the northern demon tribes’ action… Countless thoughts flashed through Xu Qi An’s mind.

Captain Chen asked in a low voice, “Jin Gong Yang, besides the black flood dragon, were there any other enemies?”

Yang Yan shook his head, “None detected.”

Everyone breathed a sigh of relief. The Deputy Chief felt much more at ease, saying, “If it’s only one fourth-rank expert, we don’t need to worry too much…”

As soon as he finished speaking, Xu Qi An sneered and said, “The northern barbarian tribes and northern demon tribes are in league with each other. Since the demon tribes have made a move, can the barbarian tribes be far behind?

“If I’m not mistaken, there are probably experts lying in ambush at all the major passes leading to the Northern Border. Trust me, unless we abandon our carriages and supplies and cross mountains and ridges, we will inevitably be ambushed again sooner or later.”

In these times, there were only a few official roads, while there were countless sheep trails. But those small paths trodden by people were difficult even for horses to traverse, let alone carriages and flatbed carts carrying supplies.

In ancient times, highway robbers only needed to occupy one official road to rob passing merchant caravans and travelers along the way, making a fortune.

Hearing this, the two Censors and the Deputy Chief quickly looked towards Captain Chen. They no longer trusted Chu Xianglong.

Although Captain Chen held a low official position, he was an experienced martial artist and one of their own. His opinion was the most trustworthy.

Captain Chen nodded slightly and said in a low voice, “Lord Xu’s analysis is very reasonable and likely factual. I even think, since there was a fourth-rank expert on the water route, what about the other ambush points? Might there also be a fourth-rank expert or even more?

“The northern barbarian tribes and demon tribes combined could easily mobilize a certain number of fourth-rank experts.”

In the jianghu, a fourth-rank expert was a formidable figure, a local tyrant. But in the court, while fourth-rank experts weren’t as common as cows, they were certainly not lacking.

This was simple logic. If there were more fourth-rank experts in the jianghu than in the court, then the court wouldn’t be ruling the world.

The northern barbarian tribes and demon tribes were equivalent to a united northern government.

“What, what should we do?” The three civil officials became somewhat anxious.

If the enemy had just two fourth-rank experts, their group would be in danger. If there were three, they would be completely wiped out.

The atmosphere in the tent became silent and serious.

The three civil officials and Captain Chen frowned deeply. Despite having a hundred Imperial Guards outside, along with their guards, it didn’t give them any sense of security.

The delegation’s guard force was already very substantial, with a hundred Imperial Guards, dozens of personal guards, four Silver Gongs, eight Bronze Gongs, and one fourth-rank Gold Gong.

Such a force, as long as it wasn’t targeted by a major power, could move freely throughout Da Feng, and even retreat safely from the north and northeast.

When Inspector Zhang led a team to Yun Province earlier, it was of a similar scale and traveled safely without incident.

But the current situation was that they were likely facing a joint ambush by the northern demon tribes and barbarian tribes, backed by a powerful force controlling the north.

“Why do the northern barbarian tribes and demon tribes want to intercept and kill the Consort? And how did they set up the ambush in advance?” Captain Chen stared sharply at Chu Xianglong.

“That’s not for you to know,” Chu Xianglong snorted coldly.

Captain Chen angrily said, “If you knew early on that the enemy was the northern demon tribes and barbarian tribes, why didn’t you send Imperial Guards as escorts instead of hiding in the delegation?”

The dire situation had made him furious, no longer considering Chu Xianglong’s status, his attitude was confrontational.

Indeed, if there was some mental preparation for encountering an ambush, wouldn’t it have been safer to directly dispatch Imperial Guards as escorts? After all, this was still Da Feng territory. Sending a large-scale Imperial Guard force to escort the Consort, even if the northern barbarian tribes and demon tribes mobilized fourth-rank experts, they would only end up in failure. The Imperial Guards would surely carry large-scale lethal weapons, and there were many experts within the army itself…

But Emperor Yuan Jing let the Consort secretly infiltrate the delegation, with no one knowing, leaving the capital in secret… A shocking thought flashed through Xu Qi An’s mind:

They were guarding against enemies within the court!

Someone within the court didn’t want the Consort to go to the Northern Border to see the Marquis of Huai… What would happen if the Consort went north? There was indeed a deeper story behind this.

Also, how did the demon tribes and barbarian tribes know in advance and set up the ambush?

These clues were chaotic, without any clear leads, making his headache to think about it.

Hearing the argument between Chu Xianglong and the three civil officials in his ears, Xu Qi An pinched the bridge of his nose, immersed in his thoughts:

“I have a simpler method, which is to set a trap and actively lure the high-ranking experts from the barbarian tribes and demon tribes, then extract information from them.”

The more Xu Qi An thought about it, the more feasible this plan seemed. First, he had the Vajra Unbreakable technique, which was comparable to or even surpassed the fourth rank. In a one-on-one fight with a fourth-rank expert, even if he couldn’t win, it would be difficult for the opponent to kill him.

After all, martial artists didn’t have attacks targeting the primordial spirit. If it were a fourth-rank Taoist, Xu Qi An would turn and run without a second thought. After all, his primordial spirit level was still at the sixth rank.

Even though his primordial spirit was stronger than most sixth-rank experts, it was impossible to be a match for a fourth-rank Taoist expert.

Secondly, he had the magic book gifted by the Confucian school. In game terms, this would be an ultra-rare skill scroll.

Although his level was low, he could still pay to win.

In the battle between humans and celestials, it was precisely because of the effect of the Confucian magic book that he was able to compensate for the weakness of his primordial spirit and defeat Li Miao Zhen and Chu Yuan Zhen.

Finally, he still had the Buddha Shen Shu within him, which was his greatest confidence.

However, the existence of Buddha Shen Shu couldn’t be revealed. Even if summoned, it had to be done without teammates present, otherwise, it would require killing to silence… If it was just to save the Consort, it wouldn’t require him to go to such lengths… Xu Qi An rubbed his chin with his index finger and thumb.

Saving the Consort was just incidental; his goal was to extract information.

“The north is the Marquis of Zhenbei’s territory. Going there directly would plunge us into their surveillance zone. All actions would be under their noses.

“In that case, I either don’t investigate the case or have to confront the Marquis of Zhenbei head-on.”

For a logical and meticulous reasoning expert, it was impossible to put oneself in such a passive situation.

He had to obtain more clues and intelligence before reaching the north, to formulate a plan and launch an investigation.

At this point, the argument had ended.

Chu Xianglong spread a map on the ground and said in a deep voice, “Jin Gong Yang, were you followed on your way here?”

Yang Yan shook his head.

As a peak fourth-rank expert, not many could track him. A martial artist’s intuition was not for show.

Chu Xianglong breathed a sigh of relief and nodded, “Very good, then we still have a chance. In this situation, we definitely can’t go back. We should reach Jiang Province City as soon as possible and seek help from the Provincial Administration Commissioner and the Jiang Province Military Commander. Ask them to mobilize the garrison forces for defense.”

Everyone nodded slowly.

Jiang Province City was a provincial capital, not lacking in military strength or expertise. Once they entered Jiang Province City, they would be safe. If the fourth-rank experts from the barbarian tribes and demon tribes dared to kill their way into the city, they would surely have no way back.

“As long as we can successfully reach Jiang Province City, we can seek help from the court, or directly mobilize Jiang Province’s army to escort the Consort to the north,” Chu Xianglong said.

“That makes sense,” the Deputy Chief nodded slowly.

“So next, we need to plan our marching route,” Chu Xianglong pointed at the map and said:

“The quickest route to Jiang Province is the official road we’re currently on. We could reach it in two days. But this road is also the most dangerous. So we need to take a detour.”

Captain Chen shook his head and objected, “A detour is equally dangerous. We have too many people, along with heavy loads and women. We can’t move fast. The enemy, on the other hand, is traveling light with experts. They’ll eventually locate and catch up to us.”

Chu Xianglong smiled and said, “That’s why we need to abandon the carriages, horses, and some of our supplies. We’ll travel light too, and avoid the official roads, engaging in guerrilla-style movement.”

This was undeniably a very smart decision.

Although the enemy had experts, they couldn’t bring an army while infiltrating enemy territory for an ambush. This would result in a lack of manpower, making it impossible for them to conduct large-scale searches.

At this moment, Chu Xianglong truly demonstrated the qualities of an experienced military leader.

In military campaigns, such escape situations were not uncommon.

Everyone looked towards Xu Qi An.

He does have some skills. It’s impossible to reach the position of Deputy General to the Marquis of Zhenbei without being capable… Xu Qi An also felt that this arrangement was currently the best choice.

“I have no objections,” he said calmly.

Chu Xianglong smiled smugly, his gaze towards the lead official Xu containing challenge and contempt as if saying:

Young boy, you’re still too green. Learn from this.

Immediately, the officials left the tent, gathered their forces, issued orders, and prepared to march through the night.

Chu Xianglong woke up the maids, then stopped by the Consort’s carriage and bowed, saying, “Your Highness, something has happened.”

A few seconds later, a woman’s calm voice came from the carriage: “What is it?”

Chu Xianglong said in a low voice, “The ship was ambushed on the water route and has sunk. We’re still in danger, and the enemy might be in pursuit.”

The maids, rubbing their eyes as they left the carriage, heard this and exclaimed in shock.

The old auntie, mixed in with the maids, shrank back in fear, her eyes flashing with panic.

Chu Xianglong continued, “This general has decided to take the mountain path to avoid pursuit. I request Your Highness to prepare quickly. We’ll leave tonight.”

The old auntie hurriedly returned to the carriage to pack luggage and rations, her survival instinct terrifyingly strong.

The other maids soon reacted and began busying themselves with their tasks.

…

Abandoning some of their heavy loads, carrying dry food and clean water, the delegation left the official road. They crossed fields and plains, climbed over ridges, and began an arduous trek.

Yang Yan led the team at the front, while Xu Qi An and the Imperial Guards brought up the rear.

At dawn, the group took a brief rest at the foot of a mountain to replenish food and recover strength.

Xu Qi An chewed on a tasteless baked flatbread and took a sip of water, grateful that he hadn’t brought his little mare along. Otherwise, he would have had to abandon his beloved mount.

Soft footsteps approached. He turned to see the exhausted old auntie.

She stood at a distance, hesitating. Seeing Xu Qi An look her way, she steeled herself, strode over, and sat down beside him, saying in a low voice:

“Can we safely reach the Northern Border?”

Xu Qi An replied, “You’re a maid from the Marquis’s mansion. You should ask Chu Xianglong this question.”

I don’t trust him… She hugged her water bottle, her gaze sweeping over the crowd with worry. She said softly, “I’m a bit scared.”

She was very afraid, so she instinctively came to find Xu Qi An. Perhaps in her heart, in this delegation, the one who could truly make her feel safe wasn’t Gold Gong Yang Yan, nor Chu Xianglong who was fiercely loyal to the Marquis of Zhenbei.

It was this young Night Watchman who had been teasing her all along the way; it was that Silver Gong who had made a stunning debut in the magical battle; it was that man who had subdued both heaven and man on the Wei River.

“Are you afraid of dying?” Xu Qi An asked expressionlessly.

She nodded, then shook her head.

“Chu Xianglong’s plan is sound. With luck, we can safely reach Jiang Province. Once we’re there, we’ll be safe. Besides, what’s there to fear for a little maid like you? If things look bad, just run away. Would a fourth-rank expert bother with you?”

Xu Qi An mocked her cowardice.

“I’m afraid I won’t make it to Jiang Province,” she sighed.

After traveling through the night for just over two hours, her legs were already weak and she could barely walk.

“Shall I carry you?” Xu Qi An suggested.

She shook her head.

“If… if the pursuers intercept us, will you…” she changed her words, “Will the Night Watchmen protect the Consort?”

As she asked this question, her eyes sparkled with hopeful light, like they contained stars.

It seemed as if her heart would be at ease as long as Xu Qi An gave an affirmative answer.

“Of course not,” Xu Qi An flatly refused. “Our mission is to investigate the case, not to protect the Consort. The Consort’s life or death is none of our concern. If the enemy is too strong, we’ll just escape ourselves. After all, their target is the Consort.”

I see… The light in her eyes gradually dimmed. She silently stood up and returned to her position, hugging her knees.

She was among the crowd, yet out of place with those around her, appearing lonely and pitiful.

…

A quarter of an hour later, Chu Xianglong stood up and said loudly, “Let’s continue moving.”

The well-trained Imperial Guards and personal guards silently rose, shouldered their packs, readied their weapons, and prepared to set out.

As soon as he finished speaking, Xu Qi An’s hair suddenly stood on end. The next moment, an image naturally appeared in his mind: a huge boulder crashing down from the forest above.

Almost simultaneously, Yang Yan at the front suddenly looked up, his gaze burning as he stared at the mountain behind them.

Whoosh…

A boulder about two zhang high was hurled down from the mountain, aimed at the core of the group.

Among the delegation, the other martial artists were a beat slower. They only sensed something when the boulder was already in the air. The ordinary soldiers and maids hadn’t even reacted yet.