"Report! Commander-in-Chief, an enemy force is approaching our main camp!"
This was already the third report tonight. Li Yan's face turned livid with anger at the news, and he strode out of his tent, yawning as he went. In truth, he needed no report from his men; he could hear the drums and horns shaking the distant night sky himself. Su Yuchi's real purpose was to disrupt their rest, not raid the camp. Otherwise, why would he make such a fanfare? The moment their forces stirred, the enemy withdrew into Yunyang City.
The Western Sichuan army had only just arrived outside Yunyang City. They had intended to let the soldiers conserve their strength and enjoy a good night's sleep before attacking the next morning. Now, however, it seemed the enemy had no intention of allowing them any rest. The harassment had not stopped all night.
Deputy General Liang Jincheng hurried up to Li Yan, bowed, and cupped his fists. "There is no need to worry, Commander-in-Chief. Yunyang has sent out no more than two thousand men. The moment our Vanguard Camp makes a move, they retreat into the city. Their aim is not to attack our main camp, but to disturb our rest with their drums and horns."
Li Yan could not help cursing. "Shameless, despicable scum! All they know are these petty tricks. Su Yuchi has stolen his reputation by deceiving the world. Does he dare face me in an honorable battle?"
Liang Jincheng was about to speak when a chorus of birdcalls rose into the night sky. Everyone's attention was drawn to the cries overhead, and they looked up together. In the darkness, they could not see clearly; all they could make out was a great dark cloud moving toward the air above their camp.
Li Yan pointed