章節 50: Kuthong Forest infiltration
The convoy had a hundred soldiers with at least five Imperial Sentinels. Moreover, the combat standards of the soldiers were a cut above the rest. If one had to classify them, they probably ranked as Fundamental Realm experts or masters. Considering how they were transporting a single lonely prisoner, this was an extraordinarily well-protected caravan. But one had to remember that this prisoner was Elizabeth, the heir of the Alzar Kingdom! The Xingyuu Empire would not let their guard down easily. All this information was carefully relayed to Imperian Qiang by one of his trusted confidants, Xai Shen.
Xai Shen was the head of the Shen Family, one of the Four Subordinate Families under the Li Family. Realistically speaking, no matter how powerful or vast the Li Family was, the Li Family was a small family. There were not many people who had the surname of Li. Their true influence laid in the number of families that swore allegiance to them. Meanwhile, the Shen Family was amongst the most well-known, responsible for information gathering and spying. In fact, Xai was the one who helped smuggle Qiang in and out of the Yunyun Stronghold! Even Jingyi and Juan, who acted as Qiang's Protectors, bore the surname of the Loon Family.
After much effort, they were able to successfully escape the Yunyun Stronghold without conflict. It was all thanks to Qiang's and Xai's extensive preparations! It was now midnight, just outside of Elizabeth's caravan, where Qiang's group was posted up. Here was a beautifully scenic bamboo forest, with towering green shoots that seemed to pierce the sky itself. The delicate foliage at the top was a mishmash of yellow and red leaves, proudly displaying their autumn colors. This was the known as the iconic Kuthong Forest, west of the Yunyun Stronghold.
Xai maintained his professionalism but internally he was frowning. Aside from the Imperial Princesses and their Protectors, there were three other unknown persons tagging along. Despite being the head of the Li Family's information network, he had no clue at all who they were! Of course, these three were Benedict, Shirley, and Freon! The trio did not say much at all and watched everything passively.
A rough plan was made to rescue Elizabeth. There would be two groups: one to distract the guards and one to infiltrate and rescue. The first group was understandably filled with powerful individuals such as Chang and Tai, and even Xai and his men. However, the second group was unexpectedly only Benedict, Shirley, and Freon! Why? Because the individuals here were too well-known! It went without explaining how famous Chang and Tai were as the princesses' Protectors. Even someone who did not frequently step into the spotlight like Xai Shen was easily identifiable! There was no chance they could sneak in. Of course, the Imperial Princesses and Qiang would not be participating with Jingyi and Juan staying behind to protect them. Not only were they of paramount importance, but they were also quite weak.
Benedict, Shirley, and Freon did not have any comments or complaints about the plan. Confirming the finer details, the two groups instantly departed. The bamboo forest provided little to no cover as the bright moonlight illuminated the floor. The three sped through the forest decisively and arrived at the decided waiting spot. As soon as they see the soldiers entering a fluster, they would rush into the camp amidst the chaos, and break Elizabeth out! They had to hope that the Imperial Sentinels would not notice, otherwise it would be impossible.
Benedict and Shirley were keeping watch around the rockface, while Freon sat in silence. Even now, he was frenziedly absorbing World Energy to replenish his Core. He did not stop once. Because of the overflowing lifeforce here, the concentration of energy in the Kuthong Forest was higher than the Yunyun Stronghold. Although it could not compare to a bona-fide blessed land, it did help. He was confident he could cast at least one low-level spell, should he require it. On the other hand, Benedict's and Shirley's injuries required more time to fully heal. If they overexerted themselves, their wounds would open again. As a result, they had to be extremely careful.
While the three waited, Benedict had to say something, "Are we really trusting them?"
"We've come so far. Isn't it a bit late for regrets?" Freon whispered dejectedly.
"Then what else are we supposed to do?" Benedict despaired.
"We can only play along. If Elizabeth is truly here, then we can try the rescue. If she isn't, then we can curse our bad luck."
"What about you, Shirley? What do you think?"
Shirley clutched the Whiteangel Bow around her chest and gazed upwards. "Although I don't trust the princesses, I have a feeling that Elizabeth is here."
"That is true. If the princesses meant to do us harm, there would have been no reason to bring us all the way over here. We're not worth much in comparison," Freon said.
"Then let's pray to the goddesses that Elizabeth is here," Benedict added.
Time passed by so terrifyingly slowly such that they thought something had gone awry. However, that was a product of their nerves. In reality, five minutes passed when something happened! The soldiers began shouting and rushing to the first group as the entire camp was alerted. The tranquility of the forest was abruptly destroyed! The first group had to act carefully. If they were too overbearing, then the caravan's commander would simply retreat. If they were too gentle, then they would at best distract a few soldiers. They had to display a threat which warranted the Imperial Sentinel's attention, but not fear. Furthermore, if they were too careless, then they would be surrounded and killed! The danger was undoubtedly much higher than Benedict's group.
Upon seeing a hole in the intricate scouting net, Benedict charged forward decisively with Shirley and Freon close behind. Using the chaos of the commotion, they slipped past soldiers and pierced into the camp. But Benedict was by no means a stealthy person. Combined with the poor cover, it was a miracle that they managed to go undetected. However, that could be attributed to the first group's frightening reputation! What did Chang, Tai, and Xai represent? It meant that the Imperial Princesses and the Li Family were nearby! Just their mere presence was enough to throw the soldiers into disarray. Despite Minister Linshi's prompt warning, even the commander was shaken…
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DivineFifteen
DivineFifteen We've finally reached 50 chapters! I am very proud of this. As someone who binge-reads a lot of web novels, I hoped to contribute back in some way. I hope that you, the reader, can continue to support this series in the future!~
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