The Empress's No.1 Lackey
Chapter 575 - 575: 421, Zhao Douan: I became a rebel?_2

That's right, Zhao Douan brought the two people out again this time, besides them, there were still...

"Young Master, go to the river to wash up, you can eat soon." In the distance, Zhang Han, who was directing the Jinyi to act, walked over with a poker face, without a smile, carrying a heavy water jug.

Zhao Douan glanced at his wet hair, the almost frozen water on his face, and the Jinyi who had begun to light firewood to cook, smiled and nodded: "Thank you for your hard work. Just call me by my name."

"Alright, Junior Guardian Zhao." Zhang Han nodded calmly.

...

A moment later.

Smoke rose in streams from the camp, and when Zhao Douan returned from washing by the river, everyone had already started eating.

Campsite dining was challenging, boiling water to heat some leftover dishes and pancakes.

Fortunately, the group was disguised as a merchant caravan, carrying many goods openly, making it convenient for both man and horse.

"Let's have a meeting."

Zhao Douan took the bowl of soup and pancake offered by a soldier, sat on a small stool in the center of the camp, and called everyone to sit around in a circle, holding a morning meeting while eating.

"Ahead lies Feng City. Before entering, we need to unify our plan once inside to facilitate our actions,"

Zhao Douan crouched on a small stool, a mouthful of pancake followed by a sip of soup, resembling a war movie consultation during army marching from his previous life, regrettably lacking a command stick or a map spread on the ground, falling short in dramatic effect but still emphatically discussing strategies:

"Mr. Hai, you go ahead with the situation."

Haitang had finished eating; as the foremost in investigation among Imperial Court's Nine Halls, she appeared the most serious among the group:

"As you all know, according to intelligence from the Shadow Guards, the base of Kuangfu Society is in Feng City territory, exact location unknown, while the rebel leader Zhuang Xiaocheng has been hiding here for years, commanding the sub-branches across regions."

"The exact number of enemies in the main base is still unclear, but from known intelligence, original leader Qi Yuchun, Second Prince Jian Wen's guest, Earth God Mage Ren Kun, are seasoned Worldly Realm experts. In addition, Zhuang Xiaocheng has approximately thirty Divine Chapter Realm members under him...along with many society members, most of whom are scattered at various sub-branches, making it likely that the headquarters has far fewer experts, but still not to be underestimated."

Gongshu Tianyuan smiled: "So, there are two Worldly Realm enemies? On our side, excluding Brother Lang and Yue, my sister and I count four in the Worldly Realm. And although Brother Zhao hasn't advanced, his skills are superior. Even if the rebels have hidden cards, there's no fear by comparison."

He paused, frowning: "However, personnel shortage remains...though we have the Nine Halls of the Imperial Court, I'm afraid we're still short-handed."

Zhao Douan smiled: "No worries. I've already instructed the Shadow Guards to relay messages to the military mansion at Marine Road. With a single command, troops can arrive anytime. But for this mission, it's better to remain low-key to prevent alarming the enemy. Wait until we enter the city, ascertain the situation, then proceed with action."

Gongshu Tianyuan shrugged: "No problem for me and my sister."

Haitang continued: "More importantly than enemy and ally strength is determining the rebel headquarters location, and whether local forces in Feng City are colluding with the rebels. Why choose here as the headquarters in such a vast Yu Country? There must be a reason."

Since his release, having resolved to join Zhao Douan, Lan Shiba gradually regained some of his Northern army qualities. He swallowed the soup, wiped his beard dry with his hand, and said with a serious gaze: "Do you suspect anyone already?"

Haitang shook her head and said: "Without evidence, I can't give an answer. But I do suspect someone, the temple master of the local Zixiao Palace in Feng City, Purple Rob Taoist."

Zhao Douan swallowed his pancake, his gaze steady: "I reviewed the local dossier en route, Zixiao Palace is quite renowned here, its master reportedly accomplished in cultivation, able to wield several powerful flying swords. Decades ago, the late Emperor met this person during a southern retreat, impressed by a gifted treasure, rewarded with a mountain as the temple site, penned the plaque, and granted substantial land."

Haitang nodded in agreement:

"Indeed. It's said that after gaining fame, this Purple Rob Taoist mingled with many Martial World figures, making him notable in both the Martial World and region. Even disciples from Martial Emperor City visiting Marine Road stop by Zixiao Palace...Though this tale might be somewhat exaggerated, it shows the Taoist's local influence and reputation. Among the locals, he's considered an 'Immortal Master' with many businesses and estates under his name, cultivation level unknown."

Zhang Han with his poker face frowned:

"This person's status may surpass the county magistrate of Feng City. Zhuang Xiaocheng has extensive ties with Martial World figures in forming the Kuangfu Society. Even if not a rebel, this Zixiao Palace master might be an accomplice."

Yet Zhao Douan's expression remained unexpectedly calm:

"No evidence means merely suspicion, no rush to judgment."

He turned his head and sincerely asked the Artisan God:

"Gongshu Priest, Heavenly Master Mansion being the leading Daoist sect, do you know this Purple Rob Taoist of Zixiao Palace?"

Carrying a bamboo tube, the scruffy old inventor showed disdain, clearly contemptuous: "Ah, Lu Zhengchun of Zixiao Palace, I know of him. Though he holds a Taoist Record, arrogantly claiming to be personally appointed by the late Emperor as Zixiao Palace master, therefore always distancing himself from the Heavenly Master Mansion. Perhaps he wishes to establish his own domain. Yet, as a mere local temple, he won't achieve much, restricted to being authoritative here in Feng City, barely qualifying as prominent on Marine Road. As for his flying swords' prowess, I'm not sure, but it's said he has some insights into formation techniques...Still, incomparable to the Heavenly Master Mansion's orthodox wisdom."

Search the lightnovelworld.cc website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.