In the pool-dark night, several figures patrolled the area with torches raised. These four scouts were veterans who had followed Qi Qing for years. Experienced, with eyes as keen as owls', sharp ears, and noses like hounds', they could detect the enemy from the slightest disturbance in the night.
Apparently having finished their patrol route for the night, the four stopped and set their torches on the ground to take a brief rest. Some drank water and ate rations, while others loosened their trousers to relieve themselves.
Suddenly, a whistle cut through the air, and all four fell. Before they could even make a sound, their bodies toppled straight to the ground and lay still.
Four people emerged from the woods. Looking at the four corpses with their eyes still open, Aikimu praised him generously. "Impressive, Nameless. Your throwing-knife technique is truly remarkable. You controlled four knives at once with such precision. Even someone as skilled as Xibizete probably couldn't have pierced each of their hearts with a single throw."
"You flatter me, my lord. It's only through Elemental Power that I can handle metal objects so deftly." As Zeng Mu spoke, he crouched and began searching the four bodies.
Unfortunately, they carried no important clues, only a few cigarettes and some dry rations. It seemed they were merely veteran scouts on a routine patrol.
"To think they have well-trained veteran scouts stationed within five li of the city. The Qi Kingdom's army really is on high alert," someone observed.
"Yes. We must be even more careful with every step from here on. Everyone stay behind Baron Nameless. Understood?"
"Yes."
The four continued onward. Sure enough, they soon discovered another squad of veteran scouts. After swiftly and silently disposing of them as well, they continued sneaking forward. About fifteen minutes