Chapter 362
‘What kind of gibberish is that?’ It sounded familiar yet strangely unfamiliar. Doubt filled his heart. He quickly concealed himself behind a large boulder and peered toward the valley below.
The valley was filled with oddly shaped rocks, some round and some flat, protruding in strange ways. He couldn't see the individuals speaking from his vantage point. Their voices were soft, and by the time he strained his ears to listen more closely, the valley had fallen silent, all signs of movement undetectable.
This was the back mountain of Grand Prime Minister Temple, a remote place where even rabbits wouldn't leave their droppings. Who would come here? He pondered briefly, recalling the assassination attempt on the old Emperor earlier that day. Instantly on high alert, he took cover behind the boulder, motionless.
The valley remained silent, not a sound to be heard. Lin Wanrong waited impatiently for what felt like an eternity, but no sign of movement reached him. Just as he was about to get up and look around, he heard a faint rustling, suggesting someone was on the move.
Stretching his neck to see, he caught sight of several figures cautiously surveying their surroundings in the valley. They were dressed in black robes, and their waists were adorned with knives and swords. They looked very capable. The leader had a peculiar sword hanging by his waist, different from the typical Great Hua’s two edges sword. It was slim and curved upwards at the tip. With his keen eyesight, Lin Wanrong instantly recognized it as a katana from Dongyin.
Dongyin? Lin Wanrong's heart tightened. Why would they be here? Were they the culprits behind today's assassination attempt? "Soga, modaiwashi." The leader scanned his surroundings with a cunning gleam in his eyes. With a slight wave of his hand, his men began to tread softly, slowly searching the area.
Lin Wanrong rolled his eyes. Damn, these fellows have learned half a tune of the Great Hua language, taking half or even a quarter of the Great Hua words to construct the language of Dongyin. It was a marvel they managed to come up with it.
Unable to understand the Dongyin warriors, he scratched his head in frustration. Recalling the military tally Li Tai had given him, he remembered he had tens of thousands of troops available at the base of the mountain. He hesitated, considering whether he should call them. Just as he was mulling over the decision, a gentle fragrance wafted into his nostrils, accompanied by a soft breeze from behind. Startled, he spun around, exclaiming, "Who's there?!"