The Tables Have Turned

Lan Yuan rose at the shout. Looking warily at the severed snake by Gao Ling's feet, he said, "This rocky shoal lies close to the sea. How could there be snakes here?"

"Who can say in such a wild and barbaric land? Boyang, be careful yourself. I'll go out and inspect the camp first."

Gao Ling picked up the broken snake. Just as he lifted the tent flap, he saw Shamoke hurrying over.

"Young General, a great many venomous snakes have suddenly appeared in the main camp!" Shamoke shouted as he ran.

Lan Yuan instinctively sensed that something was wrong, yet he did not panic. Rinan Commandery had no shortage of poisonous insects and venomous snakes, and Lan Tian had prepared for them from the very beginning.

"Pass the order: have every camp apply realgar powder and scatter insect-repelling medicine around the main camp. The Cham people may be behind this." Lan Yuan's expression was grave.

"Yes." Gao Ling clasped his fists and was about to leave when Lan Yuan called him back again. "Send more men to patrol and stand guard. While clearing out the invading venomous snakes and vicious insects, do not cause panic among the soldiers."

Shamoke hurriedly added, "Young General, there is no need to worry. My tribesmen are used to poisonous insects and savage beasts. Even without repellent powder, they fear nothing. I have already sent men to start catching the snakes."

Lan Yuan nodded. "Snakes would not have come to our camp for no reason. It seems the Cham people must be up to something, and these men should be nearby. I intend to have Chu Qing's scouts search at once. General Sha, why not come with us?"

"I could ask for nothing better." Shamoke clasped his fists.

Linyi Kingdom's Spirit Snake General had