Rendezvous Point · Rejoining the Main Force

The stone thrown by the iron spear struck the edge of the black rock with a crisp clack. As expected, the ambusher flinched, his scabbard tilting slightly as his gaze instinctively swept toward the sound. Chen Wuya seized the chance, waved his hand, and barked in a low voice, "Move!"

The vanguard crawled swiftly along the low ground by the riverbank, mud and shredded grass smearing their clothes. Bai Zhi carried a wounded man on her back, her knees scraping over broken stones, yet she did not pause for even half a step. Using the dry riverbed as natural cover, the group inched their way out of sight from the heights.

Fifty paces away, the gentle slope began to rise. Wild grass swayed in the wind, and in the distance, the outlines of rows upon rows of tents could faintly be seen, several battle flags snapping sharply through the night.

"Stop." Chen Wuya lowered his voice, dropped to one knee, and pressed his palm against the damp earth. Misaligned Force slowly seeped underground, sensing vibrations within a hundred paces. After a moment, he raised his head. "There's no ambush ahead, but there's a patrol on the western side. They make a round trip once every cup of tea."

Bai Zhi had yet to catch her breath, her bangs soaked through with sweat. "How much time do we have left?"

"Less than half an hour." He wiped the grime mixed with sweat and blood from his face. "We need to enter the safe zone before their next patrol."

He turned to the two squad members who still had strength left. "You two scout ahead. Tie a strip of cloth to the third dead branch on the left as a marker. Don't make a sound."

The two nodded and moved forward in