485 On the Same Boa (1/2)

Shangguan Fei was terrified knowing that he was going to the northern bank of Xiaoyao Lake.

”Your Majesty, are you seeking revenge for Shangguan Hong? As soon as the Golden Roc Army sees me, they'll happily kill me and report it to the Supreme King for credit.”

”I believe in you, you won't be discovered.”

It was good to be recognized, but Shangguan Fei could only force a smile. ”I... I'm not making excuses, but what kind of mission is this? Do I have to go? I'd actually rather stay with Your Majesty and contribute ideas.”

”Your ideas are indeed great, but you're the best person for the mission. I can't trust anyone else.”

”Well, I didn't know I was that important. Your Majesty, you're flattering me.”

”You're close to the second master Mingshu of the Meng family in the Jade City, aren't you?”

Shangguan Fei was so astounded that shock nearly escaped him. A few days prior, in order to convince Maid Lotus of his mother's returning to power, he had claimed that Meng Mingshu was Lady Meng's confidant. Now the Dragon King was suddenly dropping the name, as if he had eavesdropped on them, or Maid Lotus had confessed everything to him.

”Well, I'm not... sort of, I call him uncle. We've been in touch, and we're acquaintances.”

”That's enough. Meet with him and send my greetings.”

”Okay... and then?”

”Then you come back.”

”That's it?” Shangguan Fei did not expect the mission was to say hi, but he soon realized that he could not make it sound easy. ”I mean, go through all the Golden Roc Army's traps, all the risks, just for a word? It doesn't necessarily have to be me, does it?”

”It's important, I don't want to elaborate. If you don't go, I'll have to send Shangguan Hong, though I trust you more, to be honest.”

Shangguan Fei cursed the Dragon King in his heart. He had just turned Shangguan Hong into a eunuch, he could not let his enemy have the chance to fight back. He gritted his teeth and put on a solemn face. ”Alright, since Your Majesty said it's important. You can't trust Shangguan Hong, I'll do it.”

Thus, Shangguan Fei boarded a small boat and set off overnight. He was filled with doubts about the Dragon King's true purpose.

Leading 10 soldiers and five New Moon Hall disciples, Maid Lotus and Wu Zongheng set off on the same night. They had promised that they would take Tuo Nengya's troops to the destination in 15 to 20 days. Then, Maid Lotus would bring back the news.

Six hours later, the Right General Shang Liao left the port leading 50 warships. It was dark and not many were on the dock. Few people noticed that the first Dragon army was marching toward the enemy.

At the same time, the main force of the Dragon's land army was shifted to the west.

Gu Shenwei had cast a net, but he could only cast in a certain direction. No one knew what he would reap in the end. He might get what he wanted, or something the mission performer had smuggled.

After daybreak, the Dragon King came to the frontline in person. Prime Minister Zhong Heng stayed in the An Kingdom capital. Since the war was about to begin, he felt the need to advise the Dragon King, ”It takes more than one day or one battle to win, I hope Your Majesty is covering all the bases. As long as we have the Land of Fragrance, we can still win in the future.”

Zhong Heng hoped the Dragon King would protect himself, but Gu Shenwei had cut off all means of retreat, at least that's what he said. ”The Land of Fragrance is far from the West Region. For now, while it's unknown to the world, it can invade Xiaoyao Lake quietly. Once it's exposed, a sneak attack will be impossible. We'll do our best this time.”

The Dragon King had not bid farewell to the Queen. They exchanged glances when the ships set off.

From east to west, they put three batches of 10,000 soldiers each in the An Kingdom; each of them was a half days walk away from others. The last batch was in the place Gu Shenwei had chosen. The gentle slope had a name—the seaside slope. It implied that things could roll from the top of the hill into Xiaoyo Lake.

The metaphor was often exaggerated; the seaside slope was several kilometers away from the real seaside. The slope was flat; nothing could roll into the water.

The Dragon Army set off with more than 200 large ships. Shang Liao led the best 50 to meet the enemy, and the rest patrolled offshore to protect their right flank with the Dragon army.

On the fifth day, which was also the last day of the 15 days Shang Liao had promised, the war began.

In the meantime, Shangguan Fei's boat had landed. Maid Lotus and Wu Zongheng went deep into the mountains via Gulping Wind Gorge.

Although Shangguan Fei reluctantly accepted the task, he had refused to take the risks alone. He requested a guard from the Dragon King. ”I'm not asking for too much. Yes, I can use Kung Fu, but someone has to protect me in the dark, it's a must in the Golden Roc Fort.”

He did not choose a New Moon Hall disciple because they bore too much hatred toward the Golden Roc Fort. They would not protest him wholeheartedly. He did not take the young swordsman Chu Nanping or any other apprentice assassins. ”Little Chu is conspicuous, others are too young.”

After careful consideration, Shangguan Fei picked the captain of the guards, Long Fanyun.

Long Fanyun did not look happy when he first received the order, but refrained from showing it in front of the Dragon King. Once the ship had left the port, he coldly negotiated with Shangguan Fei, ”Don't talk to me. I'm only in charge of your safety; I will not meddle in other matters.”

Shangguan Fei looked serious. ”We go to the north, everything changes on the way. I just want to do my task to merit His Majesty's trust. I have no other intentions at all.”

Slightly embarrassed, Long Fanyun nodded. He looked at the dark night outside; two boatmen's figures were moving regularly, driving the boat forward.

However, Shangguan Fei did not take the negotiation seriously. After a short while, he spoke. ”My Third Brother's name is Yun, the same as yours.”