From the stream where Jiang Huoer stood to the spot marked on the map in the northern Tahang Mountains was still a distance. Jiang Huoer hurried along a mountain shortcut. Luckily, he wore ragged clothes this time—his usual outfits would’ve been torn by stones and branches on the path.

The hidden area on the map was tricky to find, but with the map, it wasn’t too hard.

Normally, reaching that place from the stream took nearly two days, crossing a large canyon midway. But a path above the canyon served as Jiang Huoer’s shortcut. Taking it saved almost a day; moving fast could save over a day.

Passing the canyon, Jiang Huoer peeked down. The height made Huor dizzy; his body trembled slightly. He had mild acrophobia—high places always made him lightheaded.

“Really high…”

Even beautiful high-up scenes felt like hell to Jiang Huoer.

Jiang Huoer set out early at high speed. Stamina wasn’t an issue for him. His imitation Divine Martial Cannon and Redcoat Cannon were heavy, yet he’d carried them alone from the Blacksmith Workshop to Spirit Stream.

He estimated arrival around midnight. Mountain nights were cold, but his ragged clothes kept him warm.

The mapped area lay below the small woods where he stood. Sliding down the slope would get him there. He was lucky—the cave entrance was close by.

This flat ground was vast. Coming from the other side would’ve made it much farther.

Inside the cave, firelight flickered with shadowy figures. Through the glow, Jiang Huoer spotted traces of grills outside.

Jiang Huoer had exceptional night vision, unlike ordinary people. He could see far distances—a unique skill honed for firing cannons at night.

He noticed many patrols. Their posture wasn’t like Mountain Bandits at all. What bandit stood that straight? They resembled well-trained elite soldiers.

“Definitely a trick,” Jiang Huoer thought. But without knowing the enemy’s plan, he had no move.

He counted ten guards: two at each corner—northwest, northeast, southwest, southeast—and one on each side near the cave entrance. Security was tight. The small cave couldn’t hold many people—what were they planning?

Jiang Huoer slowly edged toward the cave entrance.

“Why’s there fire there too?” He spotted a faint glow at a gap near the entrance. It was deliberately dimmed—only visible up close.

It must’ve been covered.

The faint light was on the same side as his woods. Jiang Huoer crept through the grass there.

Behind the gap lay a narrow path. This spot was a perfect lair—easy to attack or retreat. Win, and use the plain’s advantage; lose, and escape this way. A rare treasure in the Tahang Mountains.

“Can’t see clearly…” Jiang Huoer felt the path was packed tight with something, but what?

A guard with a torch walked toward the path. In the light, everything snapped into view.

“!!!” Jiang Huoer’s eyes widened in shock.

Horses—top-quality steeds!

Jiang Huoer knew horses. That coat and fur were rare, clearly from expert breeding.

“So many… these people…” He recalled the Brocade Guard Officer’s warning about deception in Tahang. Mongol Troops excelled at cavalry—could these horses be theirs?

His heart pounded. Jiang Huoer realized a shocking truth: the cave dwellers weren’t ordinary Mountain Bandits!

With so many horses here, Mongol Troops must be waiting behind the path.

“What’s their real goal…” Jiang Huoer pieced it together. The Capital Interview Team must be coming. These Mongol Troops aimed to wipe them out.

But that seemed too simple. Mongol Troops were cunning—they wouldn’t just target the team.

“Should I go down…” Jiang Huoer hesitated. He was deep in this mess. Below were trained Mongol Troops. Discovery meant death. Without the War God Mark, escape was impossible—they’d catch him in no time. No advantages existed. Should he still go?

Of course.

Jiang Huoer loved risks.

Tonight was the only chance. Daylight action was too obvious. He didn’t know if the Imperial Capital team would arrive tomorrow. If he waited and they came early…

“Let’s try.” Huor probed the grass edge, seeking damp soil for silent steps.

Night walks and climbs were a piece of cake for him. He often sneaked out while his parents slept, searching mountains for useful items.

He avoided bare soil—it left footprints. Jiang Huoer disguised himself with branches and vines. He’d seen similar cover below to hide.

When his feet touched the ground, his heart settled. He’d worried about noise while climbing.

He couldn’t relax yet. What came next was crucial.