The day of the final assault arrived as scheduled. In the center of the meeting hall, a five-foot square sheepskin map was spread on a square table. Mu Qingyan stood behind the table, facing five people arranged in a fan shape: Lian Shi, You Guanyue, Wang Tianfeng, Tang Qing, and Liu Jiangfeng.
“You’ll set out at the beginning of the You hour this evening, reaching Yaoyue Gate by the end of the You hour. Launch the attack at the Xu hour,” Mu Qingyan instructed, pointing to each location on the map. “After Yaoyue Gate, you’ll encounter Tuizhi Gate, Taiqing Gate, Yangxu Gate, and finally Yuhua Gate, beyond which lies the main hall of Jile Palace.”
He continued, “Nie Zhe is a coward at heart. He’ll surely gather his elite forces around himself, meaning the defenses will weaken the further you are from Jile Palace. Yaoyue and Tuizhi Gates will have at most two ‘tigers’ and two ‘leopards’ guarding them, so breaking through shouldn’t be difficult. However, Taiqing and Yangxu Gates will be more challenging. I’m considering going ahead to clear out the stronger enemies at these gates for you…”
Despite his youth, Mu Qingyan exuded an air of stern authority. His meticulous planning and decisive actions led to continuous victories, earning him the respect of all his followers. Hearing a hint of doubt in his voice, as if he lacked confidence in his new subordinates, stirred everyone’s emotions.
Wang Tianfeng spoke first: “In our previous attacks on the four main altars, you’ve always been there to support us, eliminating any formidable enemies we encountered. That’s why we haven’t suffered any casualties so far. Now, with more people joining us daily, our forces are stronger than ever. If we can’t even break through the first few gates, we might as well go home and look after our children instead of claiming to serve you!”
Everyone laughed at this.
Liu Jiangfeng added, “Don’t worry, my lord. I’ve sent out spies, and all reports bring good news. That coward Nie Zhe didn’t react when we attacked the four main altars, thinking he could wear us down. He doesn’t realize that people’s hearts are more crucial than strong fortifications. He even abandoned loyal followers like Xiong Qianjin, allowing the four altars to fall. Now, apart from those inhuman beasts, who would still be willing to die for him?”
Tang Qing chimed in, “Nie Zhe has usurped the position of cult leader for years without talent or virtue. He’s done nothing but play power games and buy loyalty with gold. Just watch what happens in tonight’s battle, my lord.”
Mu Qingyan nodded.
Wang Tianfeng lightly patted You Guanyue, “What’s wrong with you today? Usually, you’re the most talkative, but today you haven’t said a word. You look like a wandering ghost. Did you see one last night?”
You Guanyue forced a smile.
As a diligent mid-level leader, he had risen before dawn to inspect everything. However, when passing the east stairway, he had seen their young, handsome new lord in plain sleeping clothes, his long black hair loose, carrying a pillow out of Miss Feng Xiaozhao’s room.
You Guanyue’s jaw had dropped—he had always thought their new lord was a dignified and serious person.
Caught in the act, Mu Qingyan had remained unperturbed, even greeting him as he walked past in his long nightgown.
Since then, You Guanyue had been distracted.
“Indeed, Guanyue seems absent-minded today,” Mu Qingyan remarked, his hands behind his back and his gaze penetrating.
Encountering his lord’s electric stare, You Guanyue hastily replied, “I just feel certain of our victory in this battle. There’s no doubt about it. I was also just recalling an interesting matter…”
“What matter?” Lian Shi inquired.
You Guanyue pointed to a spot on the map: “The first gate is called Yaoyue (Inviting Moon). Isn’t that just waiting for me to go there?!” (A wordplay on his name, which contains the character for “moon”)
Everyone burst into laughter, with Wang Tianfeng playfully punching him, “You and your jokes!”
Mu Qingyan smiled slightly, while You Guanyue didn’t dare to look at him.
As the group discussed in the front hall, behind Mu Qingyan, separated by sixteen ornate wooden screens, sat Cai Zhao, Song Yuzhi, and Shangguan Haonan in a small back hall.
After listening for a while, Song Yuzhi asked, puzzled, “What are the ‘two tigers and two leopards’? And what are these ‘inhuman beasts’ they mentioned?”
Cai Zhao shook her head, not knowing, but Shangguan Haonan explained, “These are nicknames for Nie Zhe’s inner circle, known as the ‘Ten Tigers, Six Leopards, and Four Heavenly Dogs.’ These ten individuals were either notorious bandits or reclusive murderers with countless blood debts.”
Cai Zhao quickly caught on: “So the ‘Four Heavenly Dogs’ are the most formidable, and the ‘Ten Tigers’ are the weakest?”
Shangguan Haonan laughed heartily: “Miss Feng, you’re very perceptive. That’s exactly right. The ‘Ten Tigers’ mostly guard various gates, while Nie Zhe keeps the ‘Six Leopards and Four Heavenly Dogs’ close by his side, especially now.”
Song Yuzhi pondered: “I’ve never heard of these people in your cult before.”
Shangguan Haonan sighed, “Although our cult’s methods can be ruthless, we’ve never stooped as low as those ten beasts. Nie Zhe gradually gathered them over the years to eliminate his opponents.”
Song Yuzhi nodded: “No wonder your cult has been in turmoil these years. It turns out you’ve been plagued by internal strife.” He had been concealing his identity, carefully choosing his words, but still revealed some implications.
Shangguan Haonan’s eyebrows rose, his expression displeased: “The Six Northern Sects may not have had internal conflicts, but they haven’t exactly thrived either! Every family business has its bad apples. Once we remove these pests, everything will be fine.”
Cai Zhao sighed inwardly, thinking that Young Master Song truly lacked tact, always bringing up the wrong topics.
However, the young master had his strengths—he never paid attention to others’ facial expressions. Oblivious to Shangguan Haonan’s displeasure, Song Yuzhi continued, “If I were Nie Zhe, I’d concentrate all my forces in one place for a decisive battle. Wouldn’t that give a better chance of victory? Spreading forces across multiple gates just makes it easier to be defeated piece by piece, doesn’t it?”
Cai Zhao interjected, “You said ‘if I were.’ But there are no ‘ifs’ in this world. Brother Song, you’re brave and skilled in battle, fearing nothing. Is Nie Zhe like that? As a cult leader, he’s cautious to a fault, hoping to keep the fighting far from himself. He’s counting on the gates to wear down his opponents, so he can face an exhausted enemy at Jile Palace’s doorstep.”
Shangguan Haonan’s expression softened slightly: “Well said, Miss Feng.”
Song Yuzhi frowned: “If that’s the case, wouldn’t our gate-by-gate assault play right into Nie Zhe’s hands?”
Cai Zhao glanced at the ceiling beams: “Not necessarily. I believe Lord Mu must have a clever strategy up his sleeve.”
“What makes you say that, Sister?” Shangguan Haonan asked.
Cai Zhao nodded towards Shangguan Haonan, suggesting, “Brother, why don’t you ask our esteemed guest his name?”
Song Yuzhi turned to him, “May I ask your name, sir?”
“Shangguan Haonan,” he replied proudly.
Song Yuzhi was shocked, “What did you say? You’re actually…”
Before he could finish, the meeting in the front hall concluded. You Guanyue entered, asking Cai Zhao and the others to come out. Wang Tianfeng, Tang Qing, and Liu Jiangfeng had already left with their orders.
Mu Qingyan looked up from the map, “I trust you all heard. The main attack begins this evening. We should set out early to reach Jile Palace before the Xu hour.”
Song Yuzhi raised his eyebrows, “Thank you, Lord Mu, for allowing me to contribute. But at this point, shouldn’t you be more forthcoming? These past two days, I’ve heard rumors that ‘Xuanwu Altar Master Shangguan Haonan was killed by Lord Mu himself.’ There’s even a morgue set up in the west courtyard where a young lady cried for half a day. Yet, Altar Master Shangguan is clearly alive. What’s going on?”
You Guanyue sighed, “Tsk, tsk. I told you we should have kept it from those girls. If they truly believed Altar Master Shangguan was dead, their crying would have been more convincing. Crying only half a day for a dead man shows a lack of sincerity.”
“You dare to frighten my beloved wives!” Shangguan Haonan nearly jumped up. “Yingying and Honghong are timid, and Yanyan is stubborn. If they truly believed it, and something happened to them, I’ll skin you alive and feed you to the dogs!”
“Oh my, ‘beloved wives.’ Such deep love,” You Guanyue sneered.
Shangguan Haonan was so angry he nearly grabbed You Guanyue.
You Guanyue’s dislike for Shangguan Haonan was understandable. Though their skills were comparable, their life experiences were worlds apart.
You Guanyue was sold to the cult as a child slave, an orphan with no support. Shangguan Haonan was a pampered young master, beloved by his parents and protected by the remaining followers of the Yaoguang and Kaiyang factions.
You Guanyue had to resort to personal favors for promotions, ultimately losing out in the competition for favor due to maintaining his bottom line. Shangguan Haonan, with his pristine image, was promoted to the top position of Xuanwu Altar Master without Nie Zhe even touching his finger.
You Guanyue felt ashamed, only daring to address his love interest as “brother” or “master.” Shangguan Haonan, meanwhile, enjoyed multiple relationships, praised by all for his affection.
The injustice of the world was truly heartrending!
Mu Qingyan watched the scene unfold with amusement until Cai Zhao nudged him. He then put on a stern face and stopped the argument between You Guanyue and Shangguan Haonan.
“We’re facing the enemy. We should be united, not fighting among ourselves,” he said solemnly. Then, turning to Cai Zhao, he whispered, “They won’t be fighting together in this battle anyway, so a little squabble doesn’t matter.”
Cai Zhao leaned in close to his ear, “Just because they’re not fighting together doesn’t mean you can sit back and enjoy their argument. You’re going to be the cult leader!”
Mu Qingyan shrugged and turned to address everyone, “You Guanyue and Lian Shi will lead the attack on the gates. You Guanyue will be in charge, with Lian Shi as his deputy.”
Lian Shi accepted the order without hesitation.
You Guanyue was both surprised and delighted, “I’m honored by your trust, my lord. But I’m worried about your safety. Perhaps I should accompany you instead?”
Mu Qingyan shook his head, “Lian Shi is straightforward and doesn’t overthink. You need to handle the details, keeping the forces at the first few gates occupied, advancing slowly.”
You Guanyue nodded firmly, “I understand. The goal is to make Nie Zhe believe he still has a chance of winning, that we’re just one push away from exhausting our forces and mutual destruction with the gate defenders.”
“Correct,” Mu Qingyan said approvingly. He then turned to Shangguan Haonan, “Haonan, you’ll take the risk of coming with me.”
Shangguan Haonan responded confidently, “You can count on me, my lord.” Then he hesitated, “I do know a secret passage into Jile Palace, but its entrance is west of Taiqing Gate. Do we need to advance with the army first?”
Mu Qingyan said it wasn’t necessary and pointed to the map, “I have a way to reach this point directly. Then we’ll bypass the sentries and watchtowers, going through here…”
Song Yuzhi quietly stepped back, muttering to himself, “So that’s how it is.”
Cai Zhao also stepped back, whispering, “Brother Song finally understands?”
Song Yuzhi nodded, “No wonder he insisted on frontal attacks on the four main altars before. No wonder he spread the news of Altar Master Shangguan’s death. It was all for today’s sneak attack.”
People are creatures of habit. Mu Qingyan’s consistent frontal attacks and public declarations of honorably defeating Nie Zhe to reclaim the cult leader position had directed Nie Zhe’s attention to the front.
Song Yuzhi turned to Cai Zhao, “Sister Zhao, did you just learn about this yesterday, or have you known for a while?”
Cai Zhao smiled wryly, “Me? I’ve known for quite some time.”
“How did you figure it out? Did you ask Lord Mu?”
Cai Zhao was at a loss for words. She couldn’t say that she hadn’t actually figured it out, but rather knew that Mu Qingyan’s peculiar nature meant he couldn’t maintain a facade of stability and righteousness forever.
She understood that Mu Qingyan would eventually launch a surprise attack. While frontal advances were slow, they could eventually reach Jile Palace. But what if Nie Zhe fled or took his own life before then?
Mu Qingyan wouldn’t allow Nie Zhe an easy death. He wanted to capture Nie Zhe and deal with him slowly…
After a long pause, she finally answered, “I just guessed.”
Song Yuzhi, having experienced Mu Qingyan’s duplicity these past days and seeing his sister’s strange expression, seemed to realize something. He lowered his voice, “Have you always known that Lord Mu isn’t the honorable person he appears to be…”
“What are you two talking about?” Mu Qingyan suddenly turned around.
Cai Zhao put on a big smile, “Brother finally understands your well-intentioned plans, my lord. I was just telling him that he should trust in your character and abilities.”
Song Yuzhi stared at Cai Zhao expressionlessly, while she pretended not to notice.