Xia Changming surveyed the surrounding watchtowers and said, "Every part of our lodgings is under their surveillance. Once they decide to attack, they can launch their assault from the towers and use arrows to seal off the entire Butterfly Garden."
Hu Xiaotian smiled. "The more they believe everything is in their grasp, the easier it is for them to grow careless. Everything has two sides. Wherever there's an advantage, there's a disadvantage."
Just then, Liang Yinghao approached them and said respectfully, "My lord, everything has been arranged."
Hu Xiaotian nodded. "Let's talk inside!" He also asked Xia Changming to invite Qiao Fangzheng, Zhan Peng, and Long Xiyue in.
Once everyone had arrived, Hu Xiaotian told them that troops had begun gathering in the watchtowers.
Long Xiyue's delicate brows knitted slightly. "Could Ganuo have let slip the truth about Xiao Ou?"
"Perhaps she didn't mean to," Hu Xiaotian said. "She wants to be with her daughter too desperately, but she doesn't understand Baheer's jackal-and-wolf nature."
Qiao Fangzheng asked, "Are they planning to attack us?"
"We can't rule it out," Hu Xiaotian said. "Bage's death back then was suspicious. I've learned a few things. Baheer and Ganuo were once lovers, but Ganuo later married Bage. With that hatred over losing his woman, he had ample reason to murder his own elder brother."
Qiao Fangzheng said, "If he dares lay a hand on us, I'll take his wretched life."
Long Xiyue said, "There are too many of them. This is Fire Tree City, after all, and there are only fifteen of us. We can't stand against so many people. Why don't we leave first, let them think we're gone, then wheel back and strike when they least expect it?"
Everyone nodded. Long Xiyue's suggestion made perfect sense: avoid the enemy's sharpest edge and