Bai Zhu squatted in front of the man who had released the pigeon, tapping the note in his hand twice against the man's chest.
"Hey! Stop pretending to be mute."
The knife-wielding man stared at Bai Zhu, a pair of stinking socks stuffed in his mouth. Tears filled his eyes, as if asking, Do I look like I'm pretending?
The other man was tied beside a tree, Light Rope wrapped around his neck, his face already flushed red.
"I'm asking you a question." Bai Zhu turned to look at him.
Just then, Piyu hurried over.
"Where are they?"
"They're all here." Bai Zhu pointed at the three people on the ground. "Tight-lipped bunch. No matter who I asked, they refused to say a word."
Piyu looked at the bound men, then at Bai Zhu. She stepped forward and touched his forehead.
"Did resting for a few days give you some kind of brain disease? You tied them up like this—how were they supposed to talk?"
"What does them not talking have to do with how I tied them up?"
"I can't be bothered arguing with you. Villagers are coming this way."
Piyu turned to look back.
Several figures carrying bamboo baskets had appeared in the distance. This place was not far from the main road, and the commotion caused by the three sentries had already drawn their attention.
Knov walked to the cliff face and pressed a hand against the rock.
"Bring them over."
Bai Zhu raised his hand and recalled the Light Rope. The three sentries had only just regained their freedom of movement when an opening appeared beside Knov.
Bai Zhu grabbed them by their collars.
**"Don't run around after you get inside. There's no one guarding the place for now. If you can get out of Knov's