66: I'm not Guo Jing, but I can help you defend Xiangyang.

Before the Kumis at the Mongol main camp could even be finished, Xie Hui was dragged toward the main tent by Temüjin's personal guards. As they ran, the guards shouted, "Young Master Xie, hurry! The Great Khan received an urgent report. The Jin Soldiers are about to attack Xiangyang, and Young Master Guo Jing is stomping his feet in anxiety!"

As soon as Xie Hui rushed into the main tent, he saw Guo Jing pacing in circles while clutching a spear. Sweat had soaked the hair on his forehead as he muttered, "Xiangyang's defenses are weak, and the Jin Soldiers have Ouyang Feng helping them. What should I do? My mother is still in the city!" Huang Rong was squatting nearby, using a charcoal pen to draw a city defense map on parchment, her brow furrowed so deeply it could crush a mosquito. Hua Zheng and Mu Nianci stood beside her, one gripping a Scimitar and the other a horsewhip, both waiting for a decision.

"What’s the panic?" Xie Hui walked over and patted Guo Jing on the shoulder. He picked up the parchment to take a look and couldn't help but laugh. "This defense map you've drawn is more abstract than my primary school art homework. The enemy would get lost just looking at it."

Guo Jing's face turned red. Just as he was about to defend himself, Seventh Hero Hong suddenly pulled back the curtain and entered, clutching half a roasted lamb leg. "What's this about getting lost? This Old Beggar just heard that the Jin Soldiers are going to attack Xiangyang, so I've come to help! But then again, Xiangyang's braised pork knuckles are much tastier than those on the grasslands. We can't let the Jin Soldiers ruin them!"

Temüjin sat in the seat of honor, his expression solemn. "According to Scout reports, Wanyan Honglie has brought five thousand Jin Soldiers this time. He's also recruited Ouyang Feng and several Jianghu outcasts. They will arrive at the gates of Xiangyang the morning of the day after tomorrow. The commander of Xiangyang sent someone to plead for reinforcements, but my main army is still in the east suppressing a rebellion. I can only send you few to support them first. Once I've quelled the rebellion, I will immediately lead the army to join you."

"Five thousand Jin Soldiers?" Hua Zheng gripped her Scimitar, her eyes filled with Battle Intent. "Perfect! I didn't get enough of a fight last time. This time, I'll make sure they never return!"

Mu Nianci, however, frowned. "There are only a few of us. Even with the Xiangyang garrison, we might not be a match for the Jin Soldiers. We need a strategy; we can't just face them head-on."

Huang Rong put down her charcoal pen, her eyes lighting up. "I have an idea! We can set an ambush in the Black Pine Forest, which the Jin Soldiers must pass through. First, we'll use a fire attack to burn their grain and fodder, then use rolling stones to block their path. Once they're in disarray, we'll take the opportunity to launch a sneak attack!"

Xie Hui nodded and added, "I'll add one more thing—we can have Guo Jing pose as a Jin messenger to infiltrate their camp and steal their deployment map. Guo Jing has an honest face and won't easily arouse suspicion. Plus, he's familiar with the terrain around Xiangyang."

"Me?" Guo Jing pointed at his own nose, looking incredulous. "I... I'm afraid I'll blow my cover. Last time I posed as a Mongol soldier, I was seen through before I even opened my mouth."

"Don't worry, you have me!" Huang Rong patted her chest and pulled a set of Jin soldier's clothing from her robes. "I'll do your makeup and teach you a few lines of Jin jargon. I guarantee no one will be able to see through you."

Everyone agreed to the plan and immediately split up to prepare. Xie Hui and Hua Zheng went to the Black Pine Forest to Scout the terrain, while Huang Rong stayed in the main tent to teach Guo Jing the jargon. Mu Nianci and Seventh Hero Hong went to prepare fire oil and rolling stones.

Xie Hui and Hua Zheng rode their horses toward the Black Pine Forest. Just as they entered the woods, Hua Zheng reined in her horse and pointed to the path ahead. "Look, this narrow path is the only way the Jin Soldiers can pass. There are steep slopes on both sides, perfect for an ambush."

Xie Hui nodded, dismounted, and walked to the edge of the slope to inspect it. "The soil here is very loose. We can bury some explosives here. When the Jin Soldiers pass by, we can blow them sky-high with the flip of a switch."

"explosives?" Hua Zheng asked curiously. "Is that the same thing you used to blow up the Jin tents last time? Its power was truly immense!"

Xie Hui smiled and said, "Exactly! I've prepared even more this time. I'll make sure the Jin Soldiers get a taste of it. By the way, go find some dry wood nearby. We'll use a fire attack as well—a two-pronged approach to ensure they have no escape."

The two worked for half a day and finally finished setting up the explosives and dry wood. Just as they were about to leave, they suddenly heard footsteps. Xie Hui quickly pulled Hua Zheng behind a tree. They saw several people dressed as Jin Soldiers holding maps and whispering among themselves.

"They're Jin Scouts!" Hua Zheng gripped her Scimitar, about to rush out, but Xie Hui quickly held her back. "Don't be impulsive. Let's hear what they have to say first."

One Scout said, "Prince Wanyan said we'll attack Xiangyang on time the morning of the day after tomorrow. He wants us to Scout the terrain of the Black Pine Forest first so we don't fall into an ambush."

Another Scout laughed. "What's there to fear? We have Mr. Ouyang helping us. Even if there's an ambush, he can easily break it. Besides, Guo Jing's mother is still in Xiangyang. When the time comes, we'll use her to blackmail Guo Jing. He'll have no choice but to surrender!"

Xie Hui and Hua Zheng exchanged a glance, both seeing the anger in each other's eyes. Xie Hui made a gesture, and the two rushed out simultaneously. Xie Hui struck the Scout on the left with his palm, while Hua Zheng pointed her blade at the Scout on the right. Before the two Scouts could react, they were knocked to the ground and tied up securely.

"Speak! Where is Ouyang Feng now? What other schemes do you have?" Xie Hui stepped on the left Scout's chest and asked sternly.

The Scout trembled all over and quickly said, "Mr. Ouyang is in the Jin main camp teaching the soldiers poison techniques. We... we also plan to release poison in Xiangyang to make the garrison lose their fighting strength!"

Hua Zheng kicked the Scout in anger. "You're too despicable! To use such a sinister method!"

Xie Hui said to her, "Let's take them back to the main camp first and hand them over to Great Khan Temüjin. Then we'll tell Guo Jing and Huang Rong the news so they can prepare in advance."

The two escorted the Scouts back to the main camp and told everyone the news they had heard. When Guo Jing heard that the Jin Soldiers were going to capture his mother and release poison in the city, he was so anxious he wanted to run to Xiangyang immediately. Xie Hui quickly pulled him back. "Going now is just seeking death! We have to stick to the original plan. You pose as a messenger first to infiltrate the Jin camp and steal the deployment map, then find a way to notify your mother so she can hide."

Huang Rong also nodded. "Xie Hui is right. You can't be impulsive now. I've already prepared everything for you. Let's start the makeup now."

Huang Rong applied makeup to Guo Jing and taught him a few more lines of Jin jargon. When Guo Jing put on the Jin soldier's clothes, he really did look the part. Xie Hui patted his shoulder and said, "Remember, don't be nervous once you're inside. Observe everything carefully. If you encounter danger, use this signal flare, and we'll come to rescue you."

Guo Jing nodded, mounted his horse, and set off toward the Jin camp. Xie Hui and the others packed their things and rode toward Xiangyang. On the way, Seventh Hero Hong suddenly said, "This Old Beggar just remembered that there's an old braised pork knuckle shop in Xiangyang that tastes divine! Once we drive away the Jin Soldiers, we must go and have a taste!"

Hua Zheng laughed and said, "Seventh Master, all you think about is eating! Once we win, I'll treat you to your heart's content!"

Mu Nianci also smiled. "You guys, what time is it, and you're still thinking about food? But then again, the scenery in Xiangyang is quite nice. Once we drive away the Jin Soldiers, we can have a good look around."

Xie Hui looked at everyone, his heart filled with warmth. He knew that although this mission was arduous, as long as everyone worked together, there was no difficulty they couldn't overcome.

After riding for about a day and a night, they finally arrived outside Xiangyang. Xie Hui had Hua Zheng and Mu Nianci take a portion of the defenders to ambush the Black Pine Forest, while he, Huang Rong, and Seventh Hero Hong went into the city to meet the commander. The commander was a veteran in his fifties named General Li. When he heard that Xie Hui and the others had come to support them, he was so happy his eyes filled with tears. "Excellent! With your help, we have hope! The Jin Soldiers will arrive tomorrow morning; we must quickly strengthen the city's defenses."

Xie Hui nodded and followed General Li with Huang Rong and Seventh Hero Hong to inspect the defenses. Xiangyang's walls were indeed very weak, with cracks in many places. The garrison only had a little over a thousand men, and most were old, weak, or ill.

"This won't do!" Huang Rong frowned. "We must quickly reinforce the walls and prepare more rolling stones and arrows, otherwise the Jin Soldiers will break through as soon as they attack."

Xie Hui also said, "I'll bury some more explosives under the city walls. When the Jin Soldiers get close, I'll detonate them to give them a harsh greeting."

Everyone immediately began to work. The defenders moved stones and transported arrows while Xie Hui buried explosives under the walls, working with great fervor.

At dusk, Guo Jing suddenly returned, bringing back the Jin deployment map. He said excitedly, "I succeeded! Not only did I steal the deployment map, but I also notified my mother and had her hide in a safe place. Oh, and I also put some Laxatives in the Jin Soldiers' grain and fodder. They'll definitely have diarrhea tomorrow!"

Everyone burst into laughter. Huang Rong patted his shoulder and said, "I didn't expect you to be so clever! You've performed a great service this time. Once we win, I'll treat you to braised pork knuckles."

Xie Hui looked at the deployment map and said with a smile, "Great! According to the map, the Jin grain and fodder are kept in the western camp, guarded by ten Jin Soldiers. We'll go burn their grain and fodder tonight so they won't have anything to eat tomorrow."

When Seventh Hero Hong heard this, he immediately perked up. "Burning the grain and fodder? This Old Beggar is going too! I'll see if I can steal a few chickens to roast while I'm at it!"

After agreeing on the plan, Xie Hui, Huang Rong, Guo Jing, and Seventh Hero Hong quietly slipped out of Xiangyang at midnight and headed toward the Jin Supply Camp. As expected, the camp was only guarded by ten Jin Soldiers who were drinking around a campfire, completely unaware of the approaching danger.

Xie Hui made a gesture, and the four of them rushed out at once. Xie Hui knocked out one soldier with a palm strike, Huang Rong threw chili powder at the soldiers, and Guo Jing and Seventh Hero Hong dealt with the rest. In a short while, all ten Jin Soldiers were knocked unconscious on the ground.

"Quick, burn the grain and fodder!" Xie Hui shouted. He pulled a tinder box from his inner universe and lit the grain. A raging fire instantly ignited, lighting up the night sky. The four of them quickly turned and ran. Before they had gone far, they heard the shouts of the Jin Soldiers: "Oh no! The grain and fodder are on fire! Quick, after them!"

The four of them sped up and rushed back to Xiangyang. General Li immediately ordered the city gates closed. The Jin Soldiers chased them to the city walls but could only watch helplessly, stomping their feet in rage.

The next morning, the Jin Soldiers indeed arrived at the gates of Xiangyang. Wanyan Honglie sat on his horse and pointed at the city, shouting, "Guo Jing! Xie Hui! Surrender now, or I will order the siege and level Xiangyang to the ground!"

Standing on the city wall, Xie Hui said with a laugh, "Wanyan Honglie, you might as well save it! Your grain and fodder have already been burned by us. Let's see how you'll conduct a siege!"

Wanyan Honglie's expression changed instantly. "What? The grain and fodder were burned? Impossible!"

Just then, a series of gurgling sounds came from the Jin ranks. Many soldiers clutched their stomachs, their faces pale. Guo Jing laughed and said, "I put Laxatives in your grain and fodder. Are you feeling very uncomfortable now?"

The Jin Soldiers were both angry and anxious, but they had no strength to attack. Ouyang Feng rode up to Wanyan Honglie and said, "Prince, don't waste words with them. Attack the city directly! I don't believe that with our strength, we can't take a small city like Xiangyang!"

With that, Ouyang Feng raised his iron staff and was about to order the attack. Xie Hui quickly shouted, "Set off the explosives!"

The soldiers defending the city immediately flipped the switches. The explosives under the walls detonated instantly, sending up clouds of thick smoke and flying debris. The Jin Soldiers retreated in terror.

"Charge!" Hua Zheng and Mu Nianci led the defenders out of the Black Pine Forest, pressing directly into the Jin rear. Attacked from both front and back, the Jin Soldiers were thrown into complete chaos.

Xie Hui, Huang Rong, Guo Jing, and Seventh Hero Hong also charged out from the city. Xie Hui performed the Eighteen Dragon-Subduing Palms, striking toward Ouyang Feng. Huang Rong used her dog beating staff against the Jin Soldiers. Guo Jing charged toward Wanyan Honglie to avenge his father, while Seventh Hero Hong wove through the Jin ranks, knocking them down one by one, leaving them crying for their parents.

Ouyang Feng was forced back by Xie Hui's strikes. Feeling anxious, he suddenly pulled a poison bottle from his robes and smashed it on the ground. Black poison smoke instantly filled the air. "Thinking of running? No way!" Xie Hui was prepared. He pulled several gas masks from his inner universe and handed them to Huang Rong, Guo Jing, and Seventh Hero Hong. "Put these on! Don't breathe in the poison smoke!"

The three put on the gas masks and continued to pursue Ouyang Feng. Seeing that the poison smoke was useless, Ouyang Feng grew even more panicked. He turned to flee but was struck in the back by Xie Hui's palm, spitting out a mouthful of blood as he collapsed to the ground.

Seeing Ouyang Feng defeated, Wanyan Honglie was scared out of his wits and quickly tried to flee on his horse. Seeing this, Guo Jing immediately pursued him and struck Wanyan Honglie in the chest with his palm. Wanyan Honglie spat out blood, fell to the ground, and was captured alive by Guo Jing.

Seeing their leader captured, the Jin Soldiers threw down their weapons and surrendered. The crisis at Xiangyang was finally resolved. The defenders cheered and swarmed forward, lifting Xie Hui and the others and tossing them into the air.

General Li walked over and bowed deeply to Xie Hui and the others. "Thank you, heroes, for your help. Otherwise, Xiangyang would have been in grave danger! I have prepared a feast. Everyone, please come into the city and celebrate!"

Everyone followed General Li into Xiangyang. The Civilians came out to welcome them, thrusting fruit and snacks into their hands. Guo Jing found his mother, and the two embraced, weeping tears of joy.

Watching the lively scene, Seventh Hero Hong said with a smile, "Xiangyang is still the best—plenty to eat and drink, and the love of the people. If anyone dares to target Xiangyang again, this Old Beggar will be the first to disagree!"

Xie Hui looked at the scene before him, his heart full of pride. He knew that although he wasn't Guo Jing and didn't have such a strong sense of responsibility or mission, he could still use his own way to protect Xiangyang and its people. He also knew that there would be more dangers in the future, but as long as the people he cared about were by his side, he would have the courage to face anything.

Just then, Huang Rong walked over and patted his shoulder. "Don't just stand there looking. The feast General Li prepared is waiting for us! I heard there are also your favorite braised pork knuckles. If you don't go now, Seventh Master will finish them all!"

Xie Hui smiled and nodded, following the group toward the restaurant.