Outside the fortress of Nanhu Prefecture.
Smoke and dust billowed as shouts of slaughter shook the heavens.
As one of the Cui Family's troops, Chen Ye had been assigned to the very front, where he and a contingent from the Xie Family were tasked with luring out the enemy.
"General Chen, the allied commander has sent orders! Once the people from the Heavy Martial Pavilion charge out, your unit is to put up a hard fight before pretending to be outmatched and luring the enemy into the ambush on the right rear. There must be no mistakes!"
The messenger rode over, reined in his horse before Chen Ye, and relayed Xie Xuan'an's military orders.
Chen Ye's heart sank, but he accepted the order. "Understood!"
After seeing Chen Ye receive the order, the messenger did not linger. He wheeled his horse around and galloped back to report.
Chen Ye had his men signal with flags.
Zhuang Chaoyang and the others behind him saw the signal and swiftly formed ranks as they had practiced, standing ready for battle.
Just then, the Heavy Martial Pavilion rebels charged out of the fortress.
Chen Ye narrowed his eyes and examined them carefully. The Heavy Martial Pavilion disciples on the fortress walls all had flushed faces, and a bloodthirsty, vicious Killing Intent radiated from their bodies. They were utterly different from disciples of ordinary martial sects.
A faint unease immediately stirred in his heart.
"Something's not right..."
As those people drew closer, the ominous premonition in his heart grew ever stronger.
Chen Ye quietly instructed Zhuang Chaoyang, Peng Junfu, and the others beside him, "Once the fighting starts, don't get entangled. Retreat immediately and fall back into the ambush. If the situation turns bad, run straight to the rear. Don't fight them head-on."
Zhuang Chaoyang nodded.