Chapter 52: Decoys

Chapter 52: Decoys

An unassuming mansion, tucked away just twenty li from Li City, served as Great Jin’s intelligence hub for matters within Li City.

A man garbed in a black robe burst into the modestly adorned hall of the mansion, his face glowing with excitement.

"Sir! Sir! I've brought news!" he exclaimed, unable to contain his eagerness.

A red-robed young man, engrossed in honing his saber skills, halted his practice and slid his weapon back into its sheath. With an indifferent gaze, he turned to face the black-robed man.

"Guo Liu, haven’t I already told you to knock before you enter my room?" The youth's voice dripped with menace.

A flash of fear passed through the eyes of the black-robed man, prompting him to quickly lower his head. "Sir, I apologize profusely. This humble one shall not repeat the mistake."

The black-robed man felt somewhat wronged. This room was his originally personal chamber, and he had long grown accustomed to entering the room without knocking.

“I hope there won't be a next time.” The youth’s voice was icy, "Now, speak. What news have you brought this time?"

"It's about Wu Yuan," the black-robed man breathed a sigh of relief and continued, "The spies I planted have just discovered that the Wu Clan has chartered a large boat. However, it is not intended for cargo, but for passengers."

"A passenger boat?" the youth's eyes sharpened. "Where is it headed?"

“Southdream!” The black-robed man answered, "I have dispatched individuals to gather more information from the boat's owner. In the next two days, the vessel will sail downstream on the Southdragon River, traverse the Southcloud Canal, and cross the Great Wanqiu Swamp to reach Southdream City."

“Is it Wu Yuan?” The youth asked lightly.

"Most likely." The black-robed man nodded, "Although the Wu Clan occasionally sends representatives to Southdream City, chartering a large boat is a rare occurrence. This is not a small expense."

The youth nodded in understanding. "Any updates on the departure date and time?"

"Wu Yuan is currently engrossed in seclusion, making it difficult to pinpoint the exact moment of departure," the black-robed man explained with a bitter smile.

The youth furrowed his brows. Without knowing the precise timing, it would be challenging to set up an ambush in advance.

"However, once the ship embarks, we can estimate its travel time," the black-robed man hurriedly added. "Additionally, it will make a stop at the Radiant Dock in the Southcloud Canal to replenish supplies."

He lowered his head, awaiting the decision of the youth before him.

A moment of silence stretched on.

"Their departure time remains uncertain, and their vigilance will be heightened both in Li City and during their initial departure. It will not be a favorable moment to strike," the youth's eyes fluttered open, his voice a soft whisper. "I shall seek assistance from Senior Sister Yu. Assemble a group of capable allies. We will make our move at the Radiant Dock of Southcloud Canal."

"Ensure Wu Yuan meets his demise in a single, swift blow," he added, his words laced with determination.

"Select intelligent and powerful men under your command. We depart for the Radiant Dock tonight," the young figure commanded.

"Understood," the middle-aged man clad in black robes nodded repeatedly.

"Wu Yuan, that group is a decoy arranged by the county mayor,” Wu Xiong revealed with a chuckle, "The County Inspection Bureau has noticed several parties discreetly inquiring after your whereabouts in recent days. Although the chances of them taking action are slim, we must remain vigilant. Therefore, we spread the rumor that you are departing for Southdream Province by boat."

"Your stand-in will take great care not to reveal his face, and will head straight to the boat in a carriage," Wu Xiong added solemnly, "Once their boat sets off, attracting the attention of those factions, we will disguise ourselves and depart from the city on horseback, riding hard for the Greendragon Bank located 80 li away. There, another boat prepared by the county mayor awaits us."

Wu Yuan nodded in understanding. He was not particularly concerned about assassination attempts. After all, with the average talent he had demonstrated, it would be quite strange for Cloudstride Sect's adversaries to send a second-rate Adept to assassinate him. And the odds they would send a first-rate Adept were exceedingly small.

However, Wu Yuan had to admit he was surprised by the comprehensive arrangements made by County Mayor Jiang Dongque. He silently commended the mayor's foresight. Someone appointed as county mayor was surely no fool.

The group waited for nearly two more hours before taking action.

"Wu Yuan, we shall exit through the back door in separate groups, making our way to the neighboring Yang Mansion. From there, we will swiftly leave the city," Wu Xiong proposed.

Wu Yuan had no objections. All twelve of them had already changed their clothes. They were now dressed as cavaliers and wore makeup to alter their features.

Furthermore, Jiang Dongque had arranged for an additional six ordinary city guards to accompany them. With that, the party of twelve swelled to eighteen, minimizing the chances of their identities getting exposed.

...

Once the decoy group set sail, Wu Yuan's party of eighteen departed Li City without causing as much as a ripple. Such bands of cavaliers were a common sight among the seven continents of the Central Plains.

"There's no need to hold back our horses' strength. Ride faster, let's strive to reach Greendragon Bank within two hours," Wu Xiong declared. "If we can achieve that, we can set sail immediately, which will be quicker than the decoy boat. That will be the safest."

“Agreed,” the others answered as the party of eighteen galloped along the official route.

This official route, constructed during the Chu-Jiang Empire's prime, was sturdy and well-trodden, with checkpoints set up every few tens of li. It spanned provinces, municipalities, and counties, allowing for efficient communication within the empire.

Ever since the Cloudstride Sect took command of several provinces, their influence over the region surpassed that of the Chu-Jiang Empire during its decline.

Along the journey, they occasionally came across other caravans and pedestrians. However, everyone who encountered Wu Yuan's group of riders made way without hesitation.

Unless one was a complete fool, one would know better than to offend a band of cavaliers astride Hoarfrost steeds. After all, a single Hoarfrost steed was worth hundreds of silver taels.

“At our current pace, anyone attempting to tail us would be left far behind.” Wu Xiong's laughter carried on the wind, “I must say, Wu Yuan, your riding skills aren't bad at all.”

“I am nowhere near as skilled as you, Uncle Wu.” Wu Yuan replied with a modest smile.

Though inexperienced in horse riding, he had exceptional control of his body. After adapting to the motions, he could even rival some formidable cavaliers.

Wu Yuan appeared calm on the surface, but his gaze scanned both sides of the road continually. "Despite no signs that we're being followed, why do I feel that I am being watched?"

Ever since his awareness was capable of entering his upper dantian lobe, Wu Yuan's perception had grown extraordinarily sharp!

...

Around three kilometers above the ground, a pale blue bird, with a wingspan of roughly two meters, effortlessly soared and glided through the air. Resembling a grand eagle in form, its pale blue plumage seamlessly merged with the sky, rendering it virtually invisible to those below.

Only a pair of piercing black eyes peered down from above, fixated on the swift movements of the riders traversing the official route, appearing as mere ants from its lofty vantage point.

From the ‘Records of Dong Continent Birds': The mountains where the Dong Continent and the Min Continent intersect lie the habitat of a strange species of bird. Their feathers change colors with the seasons, mirroring the hues of the sky. They understand human nature, are able to converse in the human tongue, and their slender bodies resemble that of an eagle. Often soaring at altitudes of 10,000 meters, they are capable of covering vast distances spanning thousands of li in a single day. People have named this bird the Skyshade Bird.