Li Man'er's command came too suddenly, leaving everyone stunned.
However, before departing, Li Man'er had repeatedly emphasized discipline, stating her words were not to be questioned and were to be followed with utmost adherence throughout. Thus, despite the abruptness of her order, the accompanying soldiers were highly obedient. They immediately crouched down, lowered their bodies, and prostrated themselves on the ground.
As everyone was still in confusion, they heard a 'whoosh' sound, followed by a scream, as if someone had been shot by an arrow.
At that moment, a dark figure suddenly darted away rapidly in the distance. Immediately after, another 'whoosh' sound rang out, the figure let out a scream, and with a thud, fell to the ground.
Li Man'er immediately rose and rushed forward to check the breaths of the two hidden sentries. It was then that everyone discovered there were actually two barbarians hidden there.
By this time, both were undeniably dead. One had a hidden weapon lodged in his throat, and the other in his back. One of them still clutched a signal flare in his hand. Had Li Man'er not discovered them, the barbarians would likely have seen the signal by now, and their mission for the night would have been aborted.
"General, you are too amazing! How did you find them?"
"Indeed!"
They were all soldiers and possessed a certain level of vigilance on the battlefield, yet Li Man'er was even more formidable than them, which they found incredible. Simultaneously, the slight hint of dissatisfaction hidden in their hearts was erased.
"This is not a major matter. Vigilance can be continuously enhanced through training. If you wish to learn, I can teach you." Li Man'er retrieved the throwing knife, wiped some blood from the corpse, and then pocketed it. "We will proceed now. Maintain formation."
Everyone quickly straightened up and ran in two rows.
Lu Fang observed Li Man'er without leaving any trace. The longer he spent with her, the more unfathomable she seemed. At her age, how could she know so much? She was skilled in medicine, adept at military strategy, and her martial arts were superior. She was good with arrows and proficient with hidden weapons. What else was there that she couldn't do?
Was it truly a wise decision to oppose someone like her?
"Those behind, keep up. Maintain formation."
Li Man'er would occasionally call out, but she never spoke unnecessary words. Furthermore, she secretly observed their performances, and an idea began to form in her mind.
Could she introduce modern special forces tactics and form a special operations team?
Of course, this was merely an idea. Implementing it would require much more effort. At the very least, she had to resolve the current mission first.
Li Man'er led over forty people in a forced march. Along the way, they eliminated several more barbarian sentries. They arrived at the barbarians' encampment without major incident.
Li Man'er took out her binoculars and began to observe the situation at the encampment.
The guards were exceptionally stringent, with patrols moving almost non-stop. Each tent had guards posted outside. Moreover, judging solely by the tents, it was impossible to distinguish the commander's tent from ordinary ones.
It seemed the barbarians had also become clever, fearing that they might target the commander's tent. They had thus created a situation where it was a guessing game, making it impossible to know which tent housed the commander.
Unfortunately, they were not targeting the commander anyway, so their efforts were in vain.
"General, how is it?"
"Many people, and patrols are coming one after another."
Zhang Jingfeng blurted out, "No need to look, we already know the situation. With just the two and a half of us, throwing us in there would be like a meat bun thrown to a dog – no return."
"Shut up. Which side are you on?" Li Man'er disliked hearing such words, which boosted the enemy's morale and diminished their own before any action was taken.
It was difficult to infiltrate, but it wasn't impossible.
Li Man'er quietly said to Zhang Jingfeng, "Zhang Jingfeng, tell me honestly, how good is your Qinggong (lightness skill)?"
Zhang Jingfeng's eyes widened. "I am nicknamed 'Grass on the Fly'. If I hadn't joined the army, I'd be quite renowned in the martial world."
Li Man'er then asked, "Do you dare to go with me, just the two of us?"
"If the General is not afraid, this subordinate will certainly accompany you. However, just the two of us, isn't that a bit too casual?"
Li Man'er chuckled softly. "I'm not backing down, are you afraid? Are you a man?"
"Don't provoke me," Zhang Jingfeng spat out the grass root from his mouth. "At worst, I'll sacrifice my life for the sake of honor. In eighteen years, I'll be a good man again."
"Alright!" Li Man'er turned to look at Lu Fang. "General Lu?"
"As per the General's order, this subordinate will surely accompany you."
Li Man'er nodded. "Then, here's the plan: Zhang Jingfeng has the best Qinggong, so you will act alone. Lu Fang and I are somewhat lacking in Qinggong, so we will act together, providing mutual support. Is that understood?"
For some reason, as Li Man'er spoke, Lu Fang's eyelid twitched, feeling as though Li Man'er was setting a trap for him. However, at this point, he believed Li Man'er would not harm him, as it would bring her no benefit and potentially expose her.
"A Si, the three of us will go in. You will lead the others here and wait." Li Man'er handed her binoculars to A Si and asked, "Do you remember how to use them?" She had taught him before.
A Si nodded. "General, rest assured."
"You need to observe carefully. When you see me signal, everyone prepare. According to what we discussed, we will split into two groups. One group will outflank from the left, creating as much chaos as possible. The other group will remain on standby, with bows and arrows ready for support. Do you understand?"
"Understood."
Everyone nodded solemnly.
Li Man'er said, "Brothers, I hope you all return alive, not a single one missing. When we get back to the city, I'll treat you to drinks."
"Yes."
"Yes."
Li Man'er finally smiled, gesturing for Zhang Jingfeng and Lu Fang to follow her. Based on her observations, she had identified a relative weakness in the barbarian defenses, and with their combined skills, infiltrating should not be difficult.
The three of them quickly detached from the main group and approached the barbarian camp.
Everyone watched with bated breath, not daring to exhale.
A Si even raised his binoculars, trying to get a clearer view.
Soon, the three of them reached the edge of the barbarian encampment, with the patrol team only about ten meters away. The surroundings were open, with almost no cover. The three of them, using the darkness as protection, moved forward stooping low, getting closer and closer to the barbarians. If even the slightest sound was made, they would be discovered immediately.
A Si's heart was in his throat.
Suddenly, Li Man'er seized the opportune moment and darted out like a leopard, startling A Si into clenching the binoculars in his hand, fearing she would be exposed.
A Si had already pledged his loyalty to his mistress. If she were discovered, he would risk his life to save her.
Li Man'er was most adept at seizing opportunities and would not act impulsively. She grabbed the barbarian guard by the neck with one hand and covered his mouth with the other. With a sharp twist, she snapped his neck, sending him to his demise.