Lure the Enemy Deep

The Qianniu Guards raced soundlessly through the tunnel.

General Huan Bin urged them on repeatedly. "Quickly, quickly!"

Di Renjie turned his gaze toward Li Xiao beside him.

Li Xiao said softly, "My lord, once we take the Crown Prince's Palace, what should we do next?"

Di Renjie let out a long breath. "First, rescue the Crown Prince and wipe out all the Serpent Spirit rebels lurking within the palace. I imagine they will not remain idle."

Suddenly, Li Xiao said to Xiao Mei beside him, "There may be fighting later. Xiao Mei, protect my lord."

At the end of the tunnel, a flight of stone steps led straight up to a hidden door overhead. The Qianniu Guards halted.

Behind them, Di Renjie, Li Xiao, Huan Bin, Xiao Mei, and the false Li Xian approached.

Di Renjie looked up at the hidden door above and asked the false Li Xian, "Is this the place?"

The false Li Xian said softly, "The Side Hall is above."

Di Renjie said to Huan Bin, "Order the troops to extinguish their torches!"

Huan Bin quietly relayed the command to those behind him.

The soldiers passed the order down one by one, and the torches were extinguished row by row.

The tunnel was plunged into darkness.

Di Renjie said softly, "Move at once!"

Huan Bin said, "My lord, it is too dangerous above. Please remain in the tunnel for now. Once I have led the troops in clearing the area, you may come up."

Di Renjie nodded. "Very well. Remember, rescue the Crown Prince first, then capture the rebels!"

Li Xiao looked at Huan Bin. "General, rest assured. With Xiao Mei and me here, nothing will happen."

Huan Bin nodded. "My lord, I entrust the safety of Lord Di to you."

Li Xiao nodded. "Rest