Hu Xiaotian sat on Flying Owl's back, quietly regulating his breathing. Silent moonlight enveloped them both, and beneath the moon, man and owl seemed frozen in place, a picture of tranquil beauty.
Below lay Red Valley County. After nightfall, most of its lights had already gone out. With large numbers of troops stationed inside and outside the county town, the local people had grown exceedingly cautious, and few dared leave town after dark.
Hu Xiaotian opened his eyes and gazed toward the White Dragon River, where the Western Sichuan army's provisions depot stood. Once the Beggar Gang disciples took action, flames would rise from that meadow. It was almost midnight, yet there was still no sign of movement over there.
Not a breath of wind stirred in the night sky. In weather like this, even if they lit the fire, the flames would struggle to spread. Fire borrowed the wind's might. Hu Xiaotian looked up at the bright moon. It was dazzlingly clear, without a cloud in the sky or a trace of wind. He knew the Beggar Gang members were waiting for the wind just as he was.
Above the Provisions Camp, two Snow Eagles glided slowly. Xia Changming kept a constant eye on Long Xiyue. After all, this was her first time riding this Snow Eagle, and he feared an accident might happen. Yet after a brief period of adjustment, Long Xiyue could already control her mount with ease. The Snow Eagle was remarkably obedient. It seemed every creature was indulgent toward beautiful people or things.
The feathers on the Snow Eagle's neck began to tremble slightly. Xia Changming turned and saw Long Xiyue looking at him in delight. "The wind's here!" she said softly.
Xia Changming nodded. The wind grew stronger and stronger, until several points of