"Ten Thousand Poisons Sect had the most people, around fifteen hundred. They occupied the area around the City Lord's Mansion. Hundred Herbs Hall was near the eastern granary, with around a thousand people."
"Qingdan Sect and Iron Sword Sect joined forces and occupied the western armory. Together, they had over a thousand people. The rest were scattered factions, fewer than a thousand altogether, waging guerrilla warfare in the south of the city."
"Ten Thousand Poisons Sect was the most arrogant. Yesterday, they even seized two cartloads of medicinal herbs from Hundred Herbs Hall. The two sides nearly came to blows."
Lin Taichu studied the map and said after some thought, "We'll strike Ten Thousand Poisons Sect first. They have the most people, and they were the first to seize territory. Once we take them out, the others will definitely rein themselves in."
He picked up a brush and drew a circle on the map. "Ten Thousand Poisons Sect is gathered at the City Lord's Mansion. The terrain there is high, easy to defend and hard to attack. But most of their men live in tents outside, and their defenses are lax."
"We'll move at midnight. First, set fire to their tents and throw them into disarray. Then we'll charge in from three directions. The left and right flanks will feint, while the center will strike directly at their headquarters."
Everyone nodded in agreement.
Lin Taichu continued, "Li Hu, stay in Sunset City and guard our home."
"Qian Ming, lead a thousand men on the left flank. Zhao Hu, lead a thousand on the right. I'll take the rest through the center. Remember, capture as many alive as possible. Don't slaughter innocents, but if anyone resists, show no mercy."
"Understood!" Qian Ming and Zhao Hu answered in unison.
That night, the