Free Web NovelChapter 291: Chapter 126: Strange Insect Trap (4)
He patiently continued his observation, his gaze sweeping over the scene within the stronghold, but his brow gradually furrowed.
He saw River Gang members clustered in small groups by wall corners and behind trees, relieving themselves wherever they stood, completely unabashed in front of their comrades.
’Pah, what filth!’ Li Hongyu spat inwardly, his heart filled with contempt. ’Even we Flying Horse Thieves wouldn’t stoop so low! It seems this River Gang is nothing but scum. Wiping them out would be enacting Heaven’s will.’
...
The sky had grown completely dark, and the night descended like a thick black shroud, blanketing the River Gang Stronghold.
Rows of torches were lit within the stronghold, their orange-red flames dancing and illuminating the figures of patrol teams weaving back and forth.
The patrols were visibly tighter than during the day. Every few steps stood a spear-wielding gang member, eyes vigilantly scanning the surroundings. A tense atmosphere filled the air.
In the dense woods, Li Hongyu, who had been lying in wait, finally made his move.
Under the cover of darkness, he moved like a hunting owl. In a few silent bounds, he slipped into the River Gang Stronghold and concealed himself in a corner piled with firewood.
He held his breath, his gaze sweeping over the central area of the stronghold like a falcon’s.
Gang members were gathered in the many courtyards near the main hall, and patrols crisscrossed the area. The defenses seemed tight, but they weren’t without their flaws.
After waiting for about the time it takes an incense stick to burn, Li Hongyu finally saw his chance.
At the edge of the central area, near a low-roofed building piled with junk, three River Gang members ambled over, chatting and laughing.
The spot was relatively secluded and some distance from the main patrol route—the perfect place to strike.
"You hear about those herbs the Gang Leader got? They’re really something special. The brew doesn’t taste like much, but it warms you right up. I feel a lot more energetic," a slightly heavyset gang member said while unfastening his belt.
The lanky man next to him laughed. "Tell me about it. I drank three huge bowls today. This is my fifth time comin’ out for a piss. I’m about to run dry." ƒгeewёbnovel.com
The third man had just loosened his belt and was about to chime in when his vision blurred. A black shadow shot out from behind the firewood pile like a phantom.
His pupils contracted. He was about to cry out when a cold light flashed before his eyes—
"PSHHHT!"
A torrent of blood burst from his chest, staining the ground red.
A gurgle escaped his throat as his body went limp and crumpled to the ground.
The other two gang members hadn’t yet reacted, the smiles on their faces frozen in place.
Before they could react, the short blade in the shadowy figure’s hand lashed out like a viper, precisely slitting their throats.
"SCHLICK! SCHLICK!"
With two swift sounds, the men clutched at their necks, their eyes wide with terror and disbelief. They collapsed one after the other, blood gushing from the wounds to form a growing pool on the ground.
Having struck true, Li Hongyu didn’t hesitate for a second. He turned and vanished back into the darkness.
Li Tieyun had ordered the River Gang to restrict their movements for the day.
Everyone was in close proximity, so the slightest disturbance would easily be heard by other members nearby.
The instant the three men hit the ground, the commotion finally alerted a nearby patrol. freewebnøvel.com
A burst of hurried footsteps sounded from nearby, accompanied by shouts. "There’s something going on over there! Quick, let’s check it out!"
A moment later, a dozen or so patrolmen holding torches came running, the flames stretching their shadows long behind them.
The patrolmen quickly discovered the three corpses lying behind the pile of junk.
