"What did you say?" Lord Ding suddenly stood up, and the mahogany tea table on his right side shattered, turning into a sky full of flying wood debris: "Hengyang Sect was exterminated by a Fox Demon?"

The State Official was swept by the aura of an Inner God Realm cultivator, feeling a collapsing sensation like a mountain closing in.

Cold sweat dripped like rain from his chin onto the ground, his whole body shivering.

Jiang Siyu slightly furrowed her elegant eyebrows, gracefully stood up and persuaded: "Lord Ding, calm down. Perhaps it would be best to first listen to the details."

Lord Ding took a deep breath, reined in the surging aura around him, and sat down heavily: "Speak."

The State Official dared not delay in the slightest, speaking rapidly: "This morning, an old acquaintance of Hengyang Sect visited and found everyone there dead, from the oldest to the babies in swaddling clothes. All had their organs extracted and consumed by that Fox Demon, a horrific scene beyond human words."

Lord Ding's knuckles turned white: "I understand. You may leave."

The State Official bowed and said: "As you command."

Once the State Official bowed and exited, the room plunged into silence, with even breathing audible.

Kong Zhi suddenly broke the silence: "Lord Ding, it seems your schemes have fallen through."

A sarcastic smile played on his lips.

"The Fox Demon has always acted without rhyme or reason, how could it follow your pre-planned route? In my view, only by adopting my plan can we resolve this situation."

Upon these words, the eyes of several Mountain Patrol Copper Generals wavered, clearly shaken.

They came for this mission, and now, unable to overcome the obstacle, it was inevitable their minds would wander.

"Absurd!" Lord Ding outright rejected: "Dividing forces is a military taboo; if the Fox Demon attacks us one by one, not only will the mission fail, but it will also cost the lives of our brothers."

"Nothing works then, does it?" Kong Zhi sneered repeatedly: "Lord Ding, why not propose a foolproof plan, instead of having us run around for nothing."

Lord Ding coldly scanned Kong Zhi: "Lord Kong harbors resentment towards me, and I'm well aware of it, but I will not gamble with these brothers' lives."

"I'm not joking about the lives of our brothers either." Kong Zhi flicked his sleeve with a cold snort: "Since we've joined the Evil Extermination Bureau as Mountain Patrol Generals, we should be ready to face death. Failing the mission due to cowardice is the real betrayal of our duty to the court!"

The tension between the two sides was palpable, suggesting they might come to blows.

Jiang Siyu mediated again: "Both of you, hold on. We are all here to exorcise demons. Why harm our camaraderie? We should start by examining the scene for clues."

With these words, the tension between them eased, and they both paused.

Lord Ding said in a deep voice: "Everyone, follow me to Hengyang Gate to investigate."

The crowd exchanged glances and nodded slightly, agreeing to this plan.

Qin An narrowed his eyes, discreetly glancing at Kong Zhi, deep in thought.

Kong Zhi sensed Qin An's gaze, but when he confronted Qin An, he found that Qin An wasn't looking at him, prompting a cold sneer in his heart.

Lord Ding said no more, leading the Mountain Patrol Copper Generals out of the Evil Extermination Bureau room and heading towards Hengyang Gate.

...

High atop the mountain, stood a dilapidated sect.

Once grand and majestic, the mountain gate was now utterly ruined, with blood and corpses piled between the mountain path and various buildings.

Every body was riddled with wounds, their organs hollowed out, resembling a scene from hell.

Lord Ding led the Evil Extermination Bureau personnel, inspecting all the traces.

Qin An, standing with a blade beside Lord Ding, suddenly said: "There is an insider."

Lord Ding was slightly taken aback, looking at Qin An with a face full of confusion.

Qin An surveyed the surroundings and said calmly: "Three days ago, I saw a shadow escape. Today, the Fox Demon acted unusually; there must be an insider within the Evil Extermination Bureau."

At that moment, only he and Lord Ding were present, and Qin An naturally shared his thoughts.

Lord Ding came to his senses, frowned, and asked: "Why didn't you say so earlier?"

Qin An replied flatly: "Lord Ding, can you identify who the insider is? Or can you guarantee everyone around here is innocent?"

Lord Ding shook his head: "I cannot guarantee."

"Since you can't guarantee..." Qin An said coldly: "How could it be safe to mention it?"

"Alerting the enemy is a minor issue; further losses are a major concern."

Lord Ding asked: "Do you really think I'm one of the good guys?"

Qin An lightly tapped the ground with his sword sheath: "The insider left in a direction heading outside. The position of Lord Ding's room and mine are different; if one wanted to leave, they certainly wouldn't pass by my room, so Lord Ding isn't the insider."

Lord Ding nodded: "It's no wonder Mr. Jin values you; besides your own strength, you also have a perceptive mind. So... do you have any ideas?"

With the conversation reaching this point, everything was clear.

Lord Ding had been in the role of a Mountain Patrol General for so long that he naturally understood the stakes involved.

If there really was an insider, not to mention completing the task, they might end up getting trapped here.

After all, with the enemy hiding in the shadows, plus the mole among them, capturing the Fox Girl seemed like a fool's dream.

Since Qin An had mentioned it, he must have a solution.

Lord Ding thought he might as well listen.

Qin An pondered briefly, and then slowly uttered four words: "Turn the tables."

Lord Ding appeared thoughtful: "How to turn the tables?"

Qin An said calmly: "The enemy seems confident we won't notice. If so, why not devise a plan to reverse the situation? Didn't Kong Zhi just suggest splitting our forces? Let's attempt a division."

Lord Ding raised an eyebrow: "Based on what you're saying, it seems like you're suspicious of Kong Zhi?"

Qin An shook his head: "Not just him, I suspect everyone here, but his suspicion is greater."

Lord Ding thought for a moment and said: "Indeed, when the incident just occurred, he proposed dividing our forces, which is indeed suspicious."

He paused briefly, then shifted his tone.

"However, if we really proceed with dividing our forces, how can we ensure against casualties? After all, you just said to turn the tables, but the Fox Demon could also use the divided forces plan to defeat us one by one."

Qin An shook his head: "I only mentioned turning the tables, not following that plan through."

Lord Ding frowned: "Go on."

Qin An glanced around: "First, let the idea of dividing our forces spread, then deliberately leave a weak point exposed. At night, the mole will undoubtedly act, informing the Fox Girl. At that moment, they will pass by my room, and then we'll gather our forces and move to the weakened area."

Upon hearing this, Lord Ding's eyes lit up.

"Brilliant strategy, it's no wonder Mr. Jin has high expectations for you; your future is promising. Once you rise to greater heights, we will rely on your support."

Qin An shook his head: "Lord Ding need not be polite, this is my duty."

The two of them stopped speaking and waited patiently.

Half an hour later.

The surrounding Mountain Patrol Generals returned, all shaking their heads, indicating no clues were found.

The Fox Girl's ability to act at a time like this, having no clues, was to be expected.

This answer did not come as a surprise to Ding De.

A discordant voice suddenly rang out.

"My two lords," Kong Zhi taunted, "shall we follow my plan of splitting the forces?"

Jiang Siyu showed a trace of disgust in her eyes but said nothing, only casting her gaze on Ding De.

Previously, Jiang Siyu and Kong Zhi had discussed the disadvantages of splitting the forces, but Kong Zhi brought it up once again, which drew Jiang Siyu's dissatisfaction.

However, since Ding De was in charge for the time being, Jiang Siyu did not say much.

Ding De pondered briefly, then nodded, "Alright, let's do as Lord Kong suggested."

Jiang Siyu widened her bright eyes, looking at Ding De with a face full of confusion.

This decision raised doubts in her heart.

Ding De continued, "After we return, we will discuss the plan in detail before splitting the forces. What do you think, Lord Kong?"

Kong Zhi nodded slightly, "Naturally, this is the best course of action, but splitting our forces is very dangerous. We need to discuss it in detail when we return."

Ding De waved his large hand, "Retreat."

Though the many Mountain Patrol Generals were puzzled, having reached this point, they kept their thoughts to themselves and left under Ding De's leadership.

Soon, this dilapidated mountain gate fell into a deathly silence.

...

The sky gradually darkened.

In the guest room of the Water Cloud State Evil Extermination Bureau.

Ding De tapped the table, drawing the attention of the many Mountain Patrol Generals before saying, "Gentlemen, the matter is settled. Proceed as I have instructed."

After more than an hour of discussion earlier, the decision to split the forces was finally made.

Though puzzled, the many Mountain Patrol Generals could only nod in agreement.

Soon, the many Mountain Patrol Generals left the room.

Qin An also got up and returned to his quarters.

The sky was growing increasingly dark.

The sun set, the evening glow faded, and a thin mist rose in the night.

Silver moonlight spilled down, lighting up the entire Water Cloud State, covering every corner with a layer of silver frost.

Qin An gently caressed Cold Star, sitting on the bed, adjusted to the best position for drawing his sword, and patiently watched the outside.

Though the window was tightly shut, even the slightest sound of the wind could catch Qin An's attention.

About half an hour later, when the moon was high and the wind was strong, a shadow quietly appeared in front of the window and quickly disappeared.

Qin An's lips slightly curved, "Finally took the bait."

He did not leave the room but waited for half an incense stick's time before opening the door to the corridor, heading towards Ding De's room.

...

Inside the room.

Ding De played with the short stick in his hand, patiently waiting.

When the footsteps sounded, Ding De's gaze suddenly became incredibly sharp.

Not until the door opened, and he saw the visitor did his sharp gaze slightly soften.

"Took the bait?" Ding De asked.

Qin An nodded, "The fish has bitten, inform all Mountain Patrol Generals to change the plan."

A trace of murderous intent flashed in Ding De's eyes, "Should we just kill the insider?"

Qin An shook his head, "There's no need. If he still has a way to contact the Fox Girl, or if she'll check with him later to confirm safety, then it might alert them."

As they talked, another set of footsteps sounded.

Jiang Siyu stepped into the room, her charming eyes sweeping over Qin An, "You were right after all, Kong Zhi's room is already empty."

Qin An said calmly, "Passing through the rooms, besides the two lords, there was only Kong Zhi and the other Mountain Patrol Copper Generals. Kong Zhi acted too impatiently; besides him, I can't think of anyone else."

Jiang Siyu smiled slightly, "If so, I'll instruct those Mountain Patrol Generals to head towards the bait we set today."

Qin An clasped his fists, "Thank you."

Jiang Siyu smiled and said it was nothing, then left the room.

Turning, Qin An said, "Since the matter is resolved, I'll return to my room to avoid alerting them."

Ding De nodded in agreement and did not keep Qin An further.

Soon, Qin An left Ding De's quarters, returned to his room, and lay down to pretend to sleep.

...

Time passed, the night slipped away in an instant.

As dawn broke, sunlight pierced through the dark clouds, illuminating every corner of the Water Cloud State.

With the rise of the sun, the locals began to bustle for their livelihoods.

A worldly air drifted through the Water Cloud State.

Evil Extermination Bureau.

Ding De glanced at the Mountain Patrol Copper Generals gathered in the courtyard, a faint, indiscernible smile crossing his eyes, and he waved, "The plan has changed; everyone head to the Fiery Fist Gate!"

The many Mountain Patrol Copper Generals did not show any hint of surprise, remaining as calm as still water.

Qin An's gaze swept over Kong Zhi.

Under an undetectable stare, Kong Zhi's expression slightly changed, his eyes shadowed with gloom.

"Why did Lord Ding change the plan at the last minute?" Kong Zhi questioned, "If you do so, it might negatively impact the mission."

"Why should I need to explain my actions to you?" Ding De retorted with dissatisfaction, "I have my own considerations. Everyone, follow me!"

In the face of Ding De's provocation, Kong Zhi's face grew even darker, but he said nothing, his fist tightly clenched in his sleeve.

Ding De said no more, waving, "Let's move!"

The many Mountain Patrol Generals followed behind Ding De without a word, quietly departing.

...

Outside the Fiery Fist Gate, a few ghostly figures lurked in the shadows.

Under the blood moonlight, the outline of a fox tail flitted by the rock wall.

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