Xiao Tianyang's order reached Ma Yuan as quickly as possible.
Jubao was inside the city, so he only needed to lead his troops and take over the city's defenses.
Sun Wu's order to Ma Yuan was also simple: seek out the enemy's traces and act when the opportunity arose.
Though it was only eight simple words, the meaning behind them went far beyond their literal sense.
At the very least, Ma Yuan read two layers of meaning from them.
First, Sun Wu was granting him the authority to make decisions in the field.
Second, he was telling him to find an opportunity to deal the enemy a devastating blow.
In other words, Sun Wu no longer intended merely to drive the enemy back, but to leave them permanently near Hektonmar.
On a certain hill, Ma Yuan stared intently ahead.
"The news that the enemy has split into three forces has already been sent back."
"Each force has one hundred thousand troops. That makes three hundred thousand in total."
"If we want to wipe them all out, we need to find the best possible opportunity to strike."
"If we expose our presence too early, the enemy will become wary. It would be easy to alert them."
He turned his head and ordered, "Liang Lin, immediately lead your unit around to Blackwind Leaf Valley and lie in ambush."
"Your task is simple. When the enemy attacks the city, destroy the War Machines in their rear."
"Understood!"
Liang Lin did not ask any questions. After receiving his orders, he turned and left.
Ma Yuan pondered in place for a moment before continuing, "Ma Xiong, take your men to Thorn Forest and set up an ambush."
"Remember, if you do not receive the signal to attack, then even if the timing is good, you