When Qiu Yan arrived at Gathering Righteousness Mountain, it was just noon.
"Marquis, let me go up first to announce our arrival and have the bandit army come out to receive you." Ding Guan, the general sent from the New Army to guard him, looked up and surveyed the mountain from afar. He spotted traces of numerous hidden sentry posts and knew danger lurked at every step. Turning back, he bowed to Qiu Yan and offered his suggestion.
He had been dispatched from the New Army camp, accompanied by more than twenty soldiers, all standouts in the army. Though few in number, they were skilled in coordinated combat and well versed in military formations. They could be considered a small, elite force.
These men were likewise thrilled to accompany Qiu Yan as temporary guards for the Marquis of Pacifying the Realm. Unlike the conflicted feelings held by the upper ranks of the Military School toward Qiu Yan, among the common soldiers, Qiu Yan was an outright military legend—he had accomplished what countless military men had dreamed of.
They did not know, however, that before these men had been sent here, Qiu Yan's blunt words had thrown the entire leadership and decision-making ranks of the New Army into turmoil, even altering the whole plan of advance.
Meeting Ding Guan's gaze, Qiu Yan, seated on horseback, shook his head. "There is no need. On our way here, we passed through a succession of waterways, all of them already filled with ambushers and scouts. The leaders on the mountain must have received word long ago; there is no need to notify them further." Ding Guan said, "That may be so, but though this mountain does not appear particularly precipitous, it is well suited for laying traps. We cannot let down our guard! Please