Chapter 78: Three Passes by White Stone City Without Entering

Chapter 78: Three Passes by White Stone City Without Entering (Please Subscribe)

"Dear nephew, you've gathered all these people and forbidden them from leaving the city. What's your plan?" Tao Wenxuan asked his nephew curiously.

Tao Dingfang smiled. "Uncle, don't you think White Stone City is too chaotic now? We must stabilize the city first before dealing with Lianyun Fortress. Without martial cultivator factions interfering, we'll settle things quickly."

"But..." Though Tao Wenxuan had no objections, he remained concerned. "Without those cultivators maintaining order, can our forces handle everything alone?"

"No worries", Tao Dingfang replied confidently. "The Han family's assistance and my three hundred soldiers are more than enough. Besides..."

"Besides what?" Tao Wenxuan pressed.

Tao Dingfang's expression darkened. "I suspect some cultivators might collude with the Pure Land Sect. I just haven't confirmed it yet."

"What do you plan to do?"

"Not sure yet. We'll see when the time comes."

"Fine, you handle it."

...

The silver moon hung like a plate in the sky, its cool glow bathing the earth.

Rumbling!

A deafening roar erupted ahead, like an earthquake shaking the night. The city guards scrambled awake.

"They're attacking! They're attacking!"

Spotting bandits approaching, the guards blew alarm horns, rousing the entire city.

"Where are the enemies?" A general rushed over, barking orders.

"Outside the city walls!" a guard shouted.

He followed the guard to the battlements. Another guard reported, "Confirmed sir—it's Lianyun Fortress! But..."

"But what?" the general snapped.

"They've already withdrawn."

The general squinted into the distance. Sure enough, Lianyun figures melted into the forest. Puzzled by their sudden retreat, he immediately reported to Tao Dingfang, who simply ordered increased vigilance.

This happened for three consecutive nights. Each evening, Lianyun forces circled White Stone City like clockwork, then vanished before the guards could react. Initially on high alert, the city grew accustomed to the nightly disturbances, though reports kept coming.

Tao Dingfang correctly deduced Lianyun's strategy. He warned against complacency while reinforcing defenses. Both Taos stayed busy—successfully restoring order to the previously chaotic city. Though not yet peaceful, streets quieted, and merchants cautiously reopened shops.

Meanwhile at Lin family fortress, Zhu Hu discussed matters with Sun Yun and Zhu Bao.

"Tao Dingfang's certainly patient", Zhu Bao grumbled. "He hasn't moved at all!"

Zhu Hu glanced at Sun Yun. "He's consolidating power. We should strike before he finishes."

Sun Yun shook his head. "Not yet. Tao suspects our plans. Starting tomorrow, spread rumors about attacking White Stone City. Let them prepare."

"What do you mean?" Zhu Bao frowned.

"Just follow orders", Sun Yun replied. "By day, send men to provoke them. But if they counterattack, withdraw immediately."

"Fine!"

Three more days passed. White Stone guards grew exhausted—Lianyun attacked nightly and harassed them daily. After spreading invasion rumors, their daytime provocations became relentless. Though guards bristled at their cowardice, Tao Dingfang forbade retaliation.

"Let them bark like stray dogs", he told his frustrated officers. "Patience."

This strange routine bred reluctant acceptance. Finally, Tao Dingfang approached Tao Wenxuan.

"It's time."

"Tonight?" Tao Wenxuan blinked. "So sudden?"

"Perfect timing", Tao Dingfang nodded. "Our men have bottled rage to release. Lianyun won't expect this."

"Bring the cultivators too?" Tao Wenxuan asked.

"Yes. Tonight, we eliminate Lianyun completely."

"But you suspected traitors among them?"

"Exactly why we act tonight", Tao Dingfang laughed. "Watch me trap them all."

...

"Attack at Rat Hour tonight?!" Hong Ming and others gasped. The order shocked them.

Soldiers gave no explanation, only demanding preparations. After they left, Hong Ming warned, "This is dangerous. Stay alert."

Su Chen and others nodded grimly.

Lianyun soon learned the news. In their grand hall, Sun Yun, Zhu Hu, and Zhu Bao studied a burning message: "Attack at Rat Hour tonight. Burn after reading."

"Rat Hour? Tao can't wait any longer", Zhu Bao sneered. "He thinks we'll be unprepared!"

But Sun Yun and Zhu Hu remained serious.

"This feels like a trap", Zhu Hu muttered.

"Either way", Sun Yun mused, "we'll know tonight." His eyes narrowed with calculation.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end