The strategist showed none of the embarrassment of having his scheme exposed. He merely shook his head and said, "Alas, one cannot discuss ice with summer insects. Time is so precious, yet you waste it so recklessly—and even look down on our character. You truly think too little of us mountain kings of the new age. Fine. Since you have come from afar to deliver supplies to us, we will make do and hear you out."
Then he reined his horse over to the Big Leader's side and whispered in his ear for a while. The Big Leader nodded, and only then did the strategist speak again. "Since it has been decided, who will you send for the first round? This big fellow?"
Shi Niu's eyes flew wide with anger. Raising his head, he was about to step forward when Aunt Qin stopped him.
Shi Niu returned to the carriage in confusion. Ou Yan said, "Shi Niu, there is no need to be angry. We are only having a bit of fun anyway. Could there really be anyone among those bandits who can defeat either you or Aunt Qin? Still, I fear they may use some trickery. Let He Tianshu go test the waters first."
Shi Niu froze. "He Tianshu? Can he do it?"
Aunt Qin smiled. "Though He Tianshu is not one of the sect's high-ranking disciples, he is still at the captain level and far stronger than most disciples. It is fitting for him to go first. There cannot be many among these wild men who can defeat him. Even if he loses, there is no need for us to worry. Aren't you still here? Of these three men, perhaps none of them is even your match."
Shi Niu did not have many opinions in such matters. "You