The Empress's No.1 Lackey

"We can't give them time," Su Dan said emotionlessly, watching the fierce battle between the two sides, and instructed the soldier beside him, "Immediately pass down the order to initiate the burning city!"

If this drags on, failure is inevitable. The time they've bought is enough, and the mobilized troops should be able to hold back Shi Meng for a while.

So, the next step is to burn the city and take advantage of the chaos to retreat.

At that point, Xue Shence will have to make a choice: to continue pursuing us or to put out the fire.

And the likely answer is the latter.

The soldier nodded immediately, ran swiftly down from the city wall and reached a building behind it.

Before long, a wisp of smoke slowly rose into the sky, visible from a great distance.

...

Inside a camp in Ning'an County, Wei Xianzong slit the throat of the local garrison soldier, lifted his hand to feel the warm blood on his face, and exhaled heavily.

"Boss, it's done."

He turned around, and inside the building behind him were soldiers from the Suicide Camp.

Yesterday, Wei Xianzong entered the city with people disguised as defeated soldiers and were disarmed and monitored, but it seems this was not because their identities were exposed, but due to the rules set by Su Dan to prevent any unexpected incidents.

Wei Xianzong used some methods and finally, taking advantage of the city's emptiness while the rebel army defended it, managed to lead the Suicide Camp soldiers out of the camp and seized this small stronghold.

"Boss, what shall we do next?" a soldier asked.

Wei Xianzong licked his lips and analyzed, "Now the rebel army is fighting our men at the North City Gate, but the defense there must be tight. There's no point in us charging through with so few people. Since the city has prepared burning city points, there must be people guarding them. We should go stealthily from one point to another, killing those waiting for the signal to burn the city. That's the most effective strategy."

The soldiers from the Suicide Camp listened, their eyes shining. They nodded immediately, picked up their weapons, and were about to leave.

However, just as they stepped out of the barracks, they were stunned to see thick smoke rising from the north of the city.

In the strong wind, it slanted and formed a column of gas.

Wei Xianzong was momentarily stunned, his heart sank suddenly, and a soldier suddenly pointed in a direction, "No! Fire's broken out! It's burning in the east! No, the south is burning too! Everywhere is on fire!"

At that moment, in the various points within the city, the rebel soldiers waiting by the kerosene saw the smoke signal, immediately ignited the wood, poured on the kerosene, and flames gradually rose.

From a bird's eye view, it seemed as though bonfires were rising all over the city.

The strong winds accelerated the spread of the fire.

...

East of Ning'an County.

A large army was marching, led by Yuan Feng's Five Army Camp. They had been advancing with unstoppable momentum, but due to the long route, they were still some distance from Ning'an County at this moment.

"Commander, look!"

Suddenly, an officer pointed in the distance and exclaimed.

On horseback, Yuan Feng raised his head and saw flames flickering in some villages and towns outside Ning'an County, while a smoke column stood in the distance.

His expression changed drastically, "Damn it!"

...

Southwest of Ning'an County.

The Divine Mechanism Camp troops led by Shi Meng occupied Wenshui County, leaving some to guard the city while the others intercepted Su Dan's retreat.

However, they were intercepted by the rebel army, and both sides had just fought a fierce battle. Thanks to the advantage of firearms, Shi Meng gained the upper hand.

Yet, before he could catch his breath, the Young Master Tang Ping spoke in a trembling voice, "It's not good. Look!"

Shi Meng looked over, seeing smoke leaning and flames rising in the distance.

His face turned pale.

...

Further north, on a high slope at the edge of the battlefield outside the city, no one noticed three horses arriving quietly.

Zhao Douan reined in his horse, frowning as he looked at the scene of the two armies facing off below the city walls.

Song Jinxi exclaimed, "Smoke signals, what is the rebel army signaling?"

"Fire's broken out." Nie Yurong murmured in a barely audible voice, her expression slightly moved.

Zhao Douan took a deep breath, looking at the faint firelight emerging from within the city. The surrounding strong winds swept across the high slope, below which lay vast fields of mature autumn wheat.

At this moment, the wind swept through the wheat fields.

If the fire starts, it will not only destroy a county, but the flames will spread with the wind into the farmlands within dozens of miles, destroying an entire season's harvest.

"Song Jinxi, wait here. I'll be right back."

Zhao Douan suddenly raised his hand, tore off his luxurious outer garment forcefully, revealing a white half-body armor underneath.

Nie Yurong's eyes flickered, her thoughts unknown.

Song Jinxi glanced at the female assassin with some suspicion, quietly shifting his position before asking in confusion, "Master, are you going to join the battle?"

"No," Zhao Douan stood up abruptly, taking a bow stance with knees bent. His steed neighed mournfully and knelt, as he soared towards the sky, leaving only a phrase behind: "Cloud chasing, rain making."