Striking the Grass to Startle the Snake (First Update, Please Vote)

The Zhenhai Army's camp lay snug against the Red Clad Army's, connected by a gate, and formed a pincer with the Nine Mountains Army, together creating the heart of the rebel forces.

Xu Wei had arranged for Qi Zhengyan and the others to stay in tents near the Red Clad Army and the Nine Mountains Army. They could see soldiers patrolling in intersecting routes—a new rule put in place after Du Huai Shang's death. The largest rebel forces trusted none of their allies; without keeping a close eye on one another, they would constantly worry about becoming prisoners under someone else's watch.

The windproof lanterns illuminated the paths between the camps until they were as bright as day. But in less important areas, the disorderly rebel forces had made no such meticulous arrangements.

Jiang Zhiwei sat cross-legged on the ground, a long sword resting across her knees. Her eyes were half-closed, her eyelashes especially long. With her Heaven-Piercing Sword Heart, she sensed everything around her with perfect clarity, near and far alike.

Meng Qi had already sent word through his clone that they were to help the Red Clad Army investigate the matter of a spy secretly aiding the imperial court. But for now, they had no way to investigate, so they could only wait and watch.

A spy was bound to stir up trouble, sow discord, and gather intelligence. Sooner or later, they would show their hand!

Ruan Yushu sat beside Jiang Zhiwei, the ornate and elegant Seven Immortal Qin leaning against her legs. Her right hand hung at her side, ready to pluck the strings at any moment. Zhao Heng paced back and forth, pondering the various reports Meng Qi had sent.

Meng Qi's clone had little ability to adapt to changing circumstances, and stood stiffly in a