Chapter 102 - Surrounded by Demon Dogs, One Man Holds the Inner District! - Part 2
The maids and children were all bewildered, but Li Yuan wasted no time explaining. His voice came down like thunder, “If you want to survive, move! Once you’re in the cellar, stay silent!”
They understood at once that things were serious and sprang into action. Within moments, the two wives, five maids, and three children were all hidden away, leaving Li Yuan alone in the courtyard scooping up a handful of ants.
He hesitated, wondering if he should warn Zhao Chunxin—her home was a ways off, and the detour could prove dangerous. But then another realization struck.
Right now, Li Yuan was effectively the hidden trump card of Gemhill County. If the attackers had drawn Tie Sha away, they likely feared the threat he posed. If Tie Sha was at risk to them...well, so was Li Yuan.
A spark of boldness flared within him.
“I’ll go see for myself. Hiding in the cellar and relying on ants for reconnaissance would be too passive. Ants are slow to begin with, and in this rain, every puddle is like a rushing river to them. They might not even make it out of my own yard.
“Better to head out. At least I’ve got my Tracking and Scent Seeking skills, and my ability to read others’ combat power. My scouting and counter-scouting skills are decent.”
Li Yuan established a mental link with the dozen or so ants he held, then scattered them around the cellar entrance so he could keep an eye on home base. With that done, he shot into the rain, vaulting the courtyard wall like an enraged leopard.
He immediately activated Scent Seeking, trying to pick up the stench of blood. The world seemed to fall silent as he detected a tide of bloody smells emanating from the direction of the inner district’s main gate. Then came the distant sounds of combat and shouting, growing closer by the second.
“The gate...has fallen,” Li Yuan murmured, bitterness creeping into his voice.
He pivoted and sprinted toward the demon enclosure, only to catch the strong scent of blood in that direction too.
“Looks like the disciple guarding there have been slaughtered as well... This is a planned siege. The enemy drew the sect leader away, then assassinated Elders Liu and Tian.