Chapter Twenty-One: The Turmoil in Qinghe Town

Barbarian Camp.

At this moment, the woman clad in dark golden armor stared grimly at the High Priest lying lifeless in the center. Her expression was as dark as night.

She was Ashimasha, and since ascending to the throne, this was the first time she had faced such a crushing setback!

A month's worth of provisions for an army of one hundred thousand!

The death of the High Priest!

Each blow cut deeply into her resolve.

The surrounding generals slowly lowered their heads.

The pale-faced general frowned deeply as he looked at Ashimasha.

“Your Majesty! Not only has the High Priest perished, but the granary has also been burned down. Without supplies, can this great army continue its campaign?”

Ashimasha unclenched her fists and surveyed the generals around her, letting out a cold snort.

“That petty thief from Daliang has slain our barbarian High Priest—an unforgivable crime!”

“From this day forth, all legions must hasten training and replenish supplies. One month from now, launch an all-out war!”

“Daliang must be annihilated!”

Hearing this, the pale-faced general nodded.

“Rest assured, Your Majesty, we shall trample Daliang underfoot and avenge the High Priest!”

Ashimasha’s face softened slightly. She took a painting from the nearby table.

“This is the murderer who killed the High Priest. Distribute this image everywhere. Anyone who finds him may bring his head to me for a reward!”

“One hundred thousand taels of gold! And they shall become the first Grand General of our barbarian tribe, commanding all three armies!”

These words stunned everyone present.

For a moment, as they gazed at the portrait of Sumu, their eyes burned with fervor.

This was a tremendous opportunity—one that must be seized!

The pale-faced general narrowed his eyes and clenched his fist.

This Grand General position—I will claim it!

...

Ten miles outside Qinghe Town.

Sumu and his six companions looked at the familiar city walls and breathed a collective sigh of relief.

After days of hard travel, they had finally returned!

Even the endurance-strong Tie Yan exhaled deeply.

“Captain! If we hand in these medals, how much merit will we earn? Could we jump three ranks at once?” Xu Qing glanced at the medals on their chests, sticking out her tongue playfully.

The others couldn’t help but laugh at her words.

This time, though harrowing, the gains were undeniably substantial!

According to their tally, they had gathered ten bronze tokens and three silver ones!

The rewards for exchanging these would be considerable indeed!

Moreover, if Sumu revealed his assassination of the High Priest, the entire Qinghe Town might tremble!

Hearing this, Sumu shook his head seriously.

“Those who stand out attract destruction. These tokens should be turned in gradually—never all at once.”

“Hong Luan, you’ll hand in your tokens first. Then, every three days, the others will submit theirs.”

“As for the High Priest incident, it is to remain absolutely secret.”

The group’s smiles faded, nodding in agreement.

“Understood!”

Upon entering Qinghe Town, an unsettling atmosphere immediately struck them.

Previously, the town had been bustling, streets lined with merchants and their vibrant stalls.

Shouts and calls echoed continuously.

Now, the streets were eerily empty.

Around them, government officials patrolled.

Seeing this, Jiang Hongluan parted her red lips slightly, furrowing her delicate brows as she turned to Sumu.

“Captain, something’s not right!”

“In my memory, officials patrolled the streets only once or twice a month.”

“But now, they’re everywhere.”

Yue Peng nodded as well.

“Captain, you might not know, but the dominant force in Qinghe Town has always been the Xilin Army. The officials usually just skim the surface, but it seems their positions have reversed.”

Sumu exhaled sharply.

Officials everywhere?

It seemed that during their absence, someone had arrived from the capital.

This was not good news.

If the Su family found out...

“Let’s return to the courtyard first and make plans.”

They had only taken a few steps when a squad of constables blocked their path.

The chief constable looked arrogantly at them.

“Who are you?”

Guan Qing stepped forward with a forced smile.

“Reporting to Chief Lin, we are from the Tiger Might Camp, sent on orders from our captain to carry out a mission.”

“Just returned and already running into you.”

Chief Lin smirked playfully.

“The Sick Cat Camp? You lot still go on missions?”

“I suspect you and your captain might be collaborating with the barbarians!”

“Seize them all!”

At these words, Sumu and the others’ faces changed instantly.

Li Fatty collaborating with the enemy?

That was a capital offense!

Had Qinghe Town truly changed so much in just a few days?

Sumu clenched his fists.

Judging from the situation at the Xilin Army camp, Li Fatty had an unusually close relationship with their general.

Now that Li Fatty had been arrested and charged so severely, the Xilin Army hadn’t made a move.

Clearly, this was no simple matter.

“Chief Lin, your words are quite presumptuous. We would never betray our people!”

“We’ve always been law-abiding soldiers and citizens.”

Guan Qing leaned close and produced a pouch of silver coins from his sleeve, handing it over.

Chief Lin weighed the pouch and nodded approvingly.

Looking around cautiously, he whispered, “You seem reasonable. I’ll give you a tip.”

“Best keep your distance from Li Fatty for now. Don’t claim to be from Tiger Might Camp.”

“Even if questioned, say you know nothing.”

“Otherwise, you’ll bring trouble upon yourselves.”

Guan Qing sighed and nodded firmly.

“Rest assured, we won’t cause you any trouble.”

Seeing this, Chief Lin swaggered off.

As they left, Guan Qing approached Sumu cautiously.

“Captain, Chief Lin is a minor official, fond of petty bribery.”

“I tested him just now. According to him, the captain really is in trouble.”

Sumu was silent for a moment.

Since arriving in Qinghe Town, Li Fatty had done him a great favor.

Now that Li Fatty was in disgrace, Sumu had to uncover the truth!

If he was framed, Sumu would save him.

“You all return for now. I’ll visit the Xilin Army camp.”

“Guan Qing, you’re cunning—go gather intelligence. I want the full story!”