A packet of **incense and a dagger—those were all Shi Qingjue had.
Nage placed a hand on his shoulder and said in a low, solemn voice, "Before dawn, I'll send you away. Hide out on the grasslands for a while. We'll make a show of strength here, then meet again later. We'll still be brothers."
"Yes, Big Brother."
More than ten minor leaders came one after another to bid farewell to their new brother. One of them clearly knew about the conditions Shi Qingjue had mentioned and winked at him. "I really envy you. The young lady's fame shakes the world. Even the Northerners and Central Plains people have fallen for her. You, boy..."
Shi Qingjue grinned, but now that the moment had arrived, he was still somewhat nervous.
Nage pushed away the teasing minor leader. "The guards change shifts at the third watch. I've arranged everything. There'll be a brief gap when no one is stationed outside the young lady's tent. You can take the chance to get inside. There are usually two maids attending her. If you want to do the deed, brother, leave no survivors."
"Yes." Shi Qingjue answered, utterly lacking his usual eloquence.
The tent fell silent. Two crisp claps sounded outside. Nage pressed both hands against Shi Qingjue's shoulders. "The future of Iron Mountain's three thousand brothers rests entirely on you." With that, he pushed him out of the tent.
Shi Qingjue hunched over and hurried forward. A minor leader asked, "Can he do it? He looks a little nervous."
"Nervous is good." Nage said coldly. "He's only been a monk again for a few days. Did you expect him to be as calm as the Golden Peng Assassin?"
The minor leader's face reddened slightly. "No. I mean, can he be trusted?"
Nage did not