Intelligence Returns, The Whole Army is Elated

The black-sleeved figure atop the dune did not move. The wind lifted a corner of his cloak, revealing the standard-issue belt clasp of the allied forces. Bai Zhi sheathed her sword and said softly, "One of ours."

Chen Wuya was still prone on the sand, his right hand pressed against the ground as the Misaligned Force slowly withdrew into his body. He did not rise immediately. Instead, he watched the spot where the sentry stood for two breaths, only slowly pushing himself up after confirming that the man showed no unusual reaction. Blood seeped anew from the split in his right palm, but he did not wipe it away, merely clutching the iron box tighter against his chest.

"Move," he said.

The two advanced along the edge of the ravine, their footsteps exceedingly light. The closer they came to camp, the denser the spacing between patrol torches became, with password calls drifting over in fragments. Bai Zhi hurried a few steps ahead, stopping behind a low slope and giving three soft birdcalls into the darkness. A moment later came the reply: two short chirps like cicadas.

A scout emerged from the shadows. He nodded upon seeing Bai Zhi, his gaze sweeping over the bulge beneath Chen Wuya's robes before he immediately turned to lead the way.

When the guards at the camp gate saw the two returning, they promptly pulled open the barricade. As Chen Wuya crossed the threshold, his feet swayed slightly, and Bai Zhi reached out to support his elbow. He shook his head to show he was fine and walked straight toward the command tent. Soldiers along the way stepped aside, and someone passed the word in a low voice: "They're back."

The command tent was brightly lit, several generals discussing the defenses within. Han Tianba sat