Sima Wushuang cautiously climbed until he was only half a zhang away from the steep slope.
Although it was pitch dark, Sima Wushuang's night vision was still quite good. From this distance, he could vaguely see a rope hanging down from the steep slope.
Sima Wushuang was very confident that with his Qinggong, he could ascend in just a few snaps of his fingers.
After confirming that there was nothing unusual around, Sima Wushuang slowly stood up.
He walked forward cautiously. After taking two steps, he suddenly felt something lightly trip his foot.
This was immediately followed by several rustling sounds.
Sima Wushuang reacted quickly. In a snap of his fingers, he regained his composure. Something unusual happening meant trouble.
But as the saying goes, skill breeds boldness. This young man made a daring decision. He leaped towards the steep slope, grabbed the rope, and began to climb. After climbing just one step, a rumbling sound erupted from beneath his feet.
This sound, while not earth-shattering, was deafening in the dark, silent night.
Sima Wushuang felt something strike his head fiercely. His vision went black, and he lost consciousness.
On the steep slope, Chen Xiaobei felt both excited and nervous when he heard the landmine explode.
Ma Biao called out for everyone to run down, but Chen Xiaobei stopped him.
In the dark night, if the person who triggered the mine was injured, he couldn't escape. If the mine didn't blow up, and the person escaped, you wouldn't be able to catch them.
Only after waiting for the smoke to clear at the bottom did Chen Xiaobei say to Ma Biao, "I'll go down first and disarm the fuses of the landmines. Otherwise, if someone accidentally triggers one, we'll be in big trouble."
With that, he took the torch from someone nearby and was the first to slide down.
Before he even reached the bottom, Chen Xiaobei saw it. A person was lying at the foot of the steep slope. His heart filled with excitement.
"Excellent," he thought. "This means the landmine was effective. And judging by how still this kid is, he's probably seriously injured, or possibly killed outright."
Immediately after, someone from the top of the slope also spotted it. "Military Advisor Ma, it looks like there's a person lying below."
Upon hearing this, Ma Biao quickly called out, "Throw down two more ropes!"
Chen Xiaobei descended and disarmed the fuses of the other two landmines. By then, Ma Biao and his men had also come down. They turned the person on the ground over and examined him closely, exclaiming with joy, "It's Sima Wushuang!"
Then, a further inspection was conducted.
"This kid's head is bleeding. He's injured his head."
Ma Biao was very meticulous. He first had someone tie Sima Wushuang with a rope, then treated his wound. After that, he took a ladle of water and splashed it on Sima Wushuang to wake him up.
Sima Wushuang slowly opened his eyes. Seeing the light in front of him, he instantly recalled what had happened and thought to himself, "This is bad, I've been ambushed."
He tried to move a few times, but it was in vain. He was tied up tightly.
Seeing that he was awake, Ma Biao spoke directly, "Sima Wushuang, I never thought you'd end up like this."
His identity exposed, Sima Wushuang didn't hide it and sneered, "Hmph, what kind of skill is it to use such despicable means?"
Chen Xiaobei thought to himself, "How is this despicable? In later generations, these are standard weapons!"
Ma Biao chuckled, "Sima Wushuang, don't get so cynical. It's the victor who dictates right and wrong. Now that you've fallen into my hands, do you have anything to say?"
Sima Wushuang remained silent for a long time, then suddenly sighed to the heavens, "Heaven does not help me! Heaven does not help me! Do as you please, kill me or cut me."
Ma Biao shook his head. "We don't have any deep enmity. Why would I kill you? As long as you tell me where the Peerless Daoist is, I will treat your wounds and let you go."
The small flame of survival flickered within Sima Wushuang. He didn't know this was Ma Biao's ploy. "I parted ways with the Daoist many days ago and don't know where he is."
Chen Xiaobei's mind stirred. He remembered hearing a few days ago about someone sneaking down the mountain. He immediately retorted, "Are you saying the Peerless Daoist acted on his own?"
Sima Wushuang nodded. "Yes, we parted ways many days ago."
Hearing this, Ma Biao cast an approving glance at Chen Xiaobei. It aligned perfectly with his own thoughts, leading him to conclude that the one who had sneaked down the mountain must have been the Peerless Daoist.
Now the situation was clear: the Peerless Daoist had escaped, and there was no point in keeping Sima Wushuang, who was guarding the mountain.
After listening to Ma Biao's analysis, Chen Xiaobei also found it reasonable. To catch the leader first was paramount; the rest of the insignificant soldiers were of no consequence.
At this point, they had no more reservations or hidden agendas. They lit torches and packed their belongings, preparing to descend the mountain. Chen Xiaobei also went to retrieve all the landmines.
These iron contraptions were very valuable, and besides, leaving them on the mountain could accidentally injure the villagers.
By the time they returned to the village, it was past noon.
Seeing him return, Cui Hongyu was overjoyed and busied herself with preparing a meal.
However, Chen Xiaobei had no time to rest. He went directly to find Liu Rumei, wanting to kill Sima Wushuang to avenge Lidong.
He had brought up this suggestion to Ma Biao many times on the way, but Ma Biao had always rejected it, saying he needed to ask Liu Rumei's opinion.
Therefore, as soon as he returned, Chen Xiaobei immediately went to see Liu Rumei.
Upon meeting Liu Rumei and stating his purpose, Liu Rumei's expression turned grave.
"Village Chief Chen, by rights, he not only killed your villagers but also many of my subordinates. He deserves to die."
"However, it is not yet time to kill him. He serves a greater purpose for us. I promise you that when the time comes to kill him, I will let you be the one to do it. What do you say?"
With that said, what else could Chen Xiaobei say? He could only nod in agreement.
Returning home, Chen Xiaobei appeared dejected. Uncharacteristically, he asked Cui Hongyu to pour him a bowl of wine.
Seeing this, Cui Hongyu couldn't help but ask, "Husband, why do you seem so unhappy?"
Chen Xiaobei didn't hide anything and explained the situation to Cui Hongyu.
Cui Hongyu listened and gently advised, "Husband, you have already killed Sun Jian, which is also considered revenge for Lidong."
"Since Miss Liu says he is useful alive, let's wait a bit longer. After all, Sima Wushuang is bound to die sooner or later."
Thinking about it, he decided to let him live a few more days.
Just then, things became busy at Liu Rumei's place. Two carrier pigeons landed successively.
Liu Ce finished reading the first letter and looked incredulous. He quickly entered and bowed to Liu Rumei, saying, "Miss, the Marquis suddenly sent a letter asking if there is someone named Chen Ermao in Hetou Village, and what he looks like."
Liu Rumei was also surprised. "Why would Father suddenly ask about this?"
"Miss, do you think this Chen Ermao might have gone to the Marquis, and that's why the Marquis is inquiring about the truth?"
Liu Rumei nodded. "Then go and ask Chen Xiaobei, and report the situation of this Chen Ermao to my father."
Liu Ce nodded in agreement, then took out the second letter. "Miss, look at this. This matter might be serious!"