The commander replied, "Rest assured, chief instructor. Everything has been prepared. We also brought two ballistae; they should come in handy against wild beasts."
After returning to the Prince's Mansion, Lin Taichu told the Prince about His Majesty ordering him to retrieve the Kirin Ganoderma from South Mountain.
The prince frowned. "South Mountain is indeed far from peaceful. There are not only wild beasts and bandits, but I've also heard that some Jianghu sects have been active in that area. You must be careful."
Lin Taichu said, "I'm bringing fifty veteran Imperial Guards, along with the ballistae. There shouldn't be a problem. Besides, Your Majesty said that if we run into trouble, we can return first. There's no need to fight to the bitter end."
The prince nodded. "That's good. Once you get there, don't rush to look for the Kirin Ganoderma. First get a clear grasp of the situation in South Mountain, and look after one another with your brothers."
"If you encounter bandits or Jianghu people, avoid them if you can. Only fight if you truly can't avoid it—your main task is to retrieve the Kirin Ganoderma, not fight people." Lin Taichu replied, "I understand. Rest assured, I'll be careful."
Early the next morning, Lin Taichu arrived at the imperial guard camp.
The fifty imperial guard soldiers were already lined up at the entrance waiting. Each carried luggage on his back and held a weapon in hand. The ballistae stood nearby, pushed by two soldiers. Lin Taichu glanced over them and said to the commander, "Set out."
The commander shouted, "Attention!" Then he turned to Lin Taichu. "Chief instructor, the unit is ready. Please give the order."
Lin Taichu said, "Move out. Our destination is South Mountain. Stay alert along the way. Stop every half hour to rest