Everyone was shocked when they heard Prefect Xu's mission.
Hunting down Northern Wei spies was far more dangerous than competing in the Martial Examination. Those spies wouldn't show any mercy, and one false move could cost them their lives.
The Martial Scholars exchanged uneasy glances. Even Zhou Yonghua and Lu Wei furrowed their brows.
As the legitimate heirs of Noble Families in the county city, they naturally knew how strong the Northern Wei spies were.
The spies were at least First-Rank Martial Masters, and among them were quite a few powerful high-level Martial Masters.
With their Fourth-Rank Martial Master Realm cultivation, they could at most protect themselves. Thinking they could wipe out the spies in Baiyue County was sheer delusion.
Prefect Xu scanned the crowd. Seeing the hesitation on everyone's faces, he spoke solemnly.
"Everyone, although this mission is somewhat dangerous, as Martial Scholars of the Great Yan Dynasty, you have a duty to drive out foreign enemies!"
"However, if you truly don't want to go, I won't force you."
When he finished speaking, varying degrees of embarrassment appeared on everyone's faces.
But just then, a voice suddenly rang out from the crowd. "Your Excellency, I'll take this mission. I've hated Northern Wei for a long time!"
At that, everyone turned toward the voice and saw a resolute-looking man step forward.
He wasn't from a Noble Family, nor was he the son of an official. He came from a humble background.
Seeing someone volunteer for the mission, Prefect Xu immediately smiled. "Haha, good! That's how the martial artists of Great Yan should be!"
After the young man from a humble background spoke up first, several other Martial Scholars without influential connections also volunteered for the mission.
Meanwhile, the disciples from powerful Noble Families remained silent.
It wasn't that they lacked courage; they simply valued their lives more.
After all, refusing Prefect Xu's mission wouldn't cost them their Martial Scholar title.
Lu Feng, who had been watching from the sidelines, raised his hand. "Your Excellency, what do we have to do to complete this mission to eliminate the enemy spies? We don't even know where they're hiding."
When Lu Feng spoke, Zhou Yonghua, Lu Wei, and several other Noble Family disciples all turned their attention to him.
As the top contender in this Martial Examination, he had taken the initiative to ask about the mission to eliminate the spies. That alone showed where he stood.
If even the Martial Examination's top contender was willing to take the mission, it would be difficult for the Noble Family disciples to refuse.
Prefect Xu turned to Lu Feng, approval in his eyes. "Mm, that's a good question. But this matter is classified. I can only tell the Martial Scholars who accept the mission. Do you understand?"
Lu Feng nodded. "I understand. In that case, I, Lu Feng, am willing to accept this mission as well."
From Prefect Xu's words, he could tell that the man already knew where the enemy spies were hiding.
With his current strength, dealing with those spies in the Martial Master Realm would be easy.
If he could wipe them out, he would not only earn merit but also help bring peace to Baiyue County.
Seeing Lu Feng accept the mission, Zhou Yonghua, Lu Wei, and the others also cupped their hands toward Prefect Xu and volunteered.
Of the twenty Martial Scholars, all nineteen who were able to respond agreed. The one Lu Feng had knocked unconscious couldn't give his consent.
Seeing this, Prefect Xu raised a hand in invitation. "Since you've all agreed, come with me."
With that, Prefect Xu led them to a room in the Prefectural Yamen.
As soon as they entered, they saw a map of Baiyue County laid out at the far end of the room.
Prefect Xu walked over to the map and said, "Everyone, this is a map of Baiyue County. Look here."
As he spoke, Prefect Xu pointed to the center of the map.
A drawing of a city appeared there, with the words "Baiyue County City" written below it on the left.
"This is where we are now. According to the reports I've received, the spies who slipped into Baiyue County have established a small base on White Tiger Mountain, right beside the county city. There are at least twenty spies there!"
Quite a few people looked surprised at this.
Zhou Yonghua seemed to realize something. "So it's White Tiger Mountain! No wonder merchant caravans have been running into trouble nearby lately. Those Northern Wei spies must be behind it!"
Prefect Xu nodded. "That's right, Young Master Zhou! If you can successfully take out this spy base, I'll report your achievements to the Imperial Court and request rewards for you."
At this, Lu Feng raised an eyebrow and asked, "Your Excellency, if the authorities already know where the spies are, why not send troops to wipe them out?"
Prefect Xu sighed. "Alas, Lu Feng, there's something you don't understand. If I send troops to surround and destroy them, the Northern Wei spies will get wind of it and flee in advance. It'll be much harder to wipe them all out then."
"I see. It seems I was looking at things too simply."
Baiyue County City had more than ten thousand guards. They would surely be enough to surround and destroy a spy base.
But the Northern Wei spies were all powerful Martial Masters. Escaping from ordinary soldiers would be easy for them.
After explaining, Prefect Xu looked at everyone again. "All right. Now that you know where the target is, I'll give you three days to rest and prepare. On the fourth day, I'll be waiting for you at the North Gate at the hour of Chen. Don't disappoint me!"
At that, everyone cupped their hands in salute.
"Yes, we understand!"
After learning the details of the mission, they left the Prefectural Yamen.
At the yamen gate, Lu Feng was looking around for Wang Chen when Lu Wei suddenly walked over.
"Lu Feng, congratulations on taking first place in the Martial Examination!"
Lu Feng smiled faintly. "Haha, congratulations to you too. And congratulations to you, Miss Lu, on winning second place!"
Lu Wei remained composed, as if taking second place in the Martial Examination were nothing more than a small matter.
"Lu Feng, since you're acquainted with my cousin Lu Yan, I'd like to invite you to visit the Lu Family tomorrow. Would you be willing to do me the honor?"
Lu Feng immediately thought of Chief Clerk Lu Yan. He nodded. "I'm grateful for your kind invitation, Miss Lu. I'd be glad to come."
When he agreed, Lu Wei smiled sweetly. "Wonderful. Then I'll look forward to welcoming you tomorrow at noon."
After they finished speaking, Lu Wei left the Prefectural Yamen with several attendants.
Watching her leave, Lu Feng began wondering what gift he should bring tomorrow.
After all, Lu Yan had helped him quite a bit, so he really ought to put some thought into the gift.
As he pondered, Wang Chen's voice suddenly came from behind him. "Lu Feng, what are you thinking about?"
Lu Feng turned and saw Wang Chen holding out a bowl of water.
He smiled faintly, took the bowl, and drank. "Thanks, Brother Wang."
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