The Martial Doctor

"When are they likely to make a move?"

"At least after midnight. In the first half of the night, people are most alert. If they attack now, even if it’s a surprise, they’ll still suffer significant casualties. This manor’s defenses aren’t weak, with at least a hundred or two skilled fighters inside. Even if the Blade Catching Alliance has twice their number tonight, it will still take considerable effort to breach it," Si Miaoxue said.

"Qiu Ze, if you were in charge of this operation, what would you do?" Lin Miao asked Qiu Ze, who was sipping strong liquor nearby.

"Sir, if it were me commanding this action, I would choose a frontal feint attack, concentrate elite forces to breach a weak side, then rush directly into the courtyard where the Blood Evil Thieves are staying!" Qiu Ze considered and replied.

"Mr. Qiu, that’s a military tactic. It would work if you led elite soldiers, but these are disorganized martial artists. They may not be that obedient!" Yue Mei’Er said with a flirtatious glance, then refuted.

"Mrs. Mei is right, but it’s the simplest and most effective way to minimize casualties."

"There’s another way—bribe an insider, infiltrate directly, and take them by surprise!" Ji Fei’Er, who had been silent, suddenly spoke up.

"That’s a good idea, Fei’Er!"

"No matter what method they use, our goal tonight is to save someone. We shouldn’t engage with the Blade Catching Alliance or the Blood Evil Thieves unless necessary. We’re not part of the Blade Catching, no need to earn that money," Lin Miao instructed calmly.

"Yes, Sir."

"Darling, are you interested in that Hui woman? She has a child..." Si Miaoxue teased.

"What are you thinking? Am I that kind of person?"

"Sister, our darling is not that kind of man. Although that Hui lady has some charm, she can’t catch his eye. If she doesn’t rival our looks, she wouldn’t even qualify to enter Lin Mansion!" Yue Mei’Er chuckled charmingly.

Si Miaoxue didn’t respond, but the slight curve of her lips showed a bit of pride. She wholeheartedly agreed with Yue Mei’Er on this point.

"Fei’Er, let’s go talk over there..." Seeing Si Miaoxue ignoring her, Yue Mei’Er pulled Ji Fei’Er into a tent.

"Darling, are you really planning to let Ji Fei’Er take Lin Bei’s place?"

"Yes, Fei’Er needs an identity, and sometimes you and I can’t be in two places at once. Lin Bei’s identity fits to conceal her original identity, and Fei’Er can stay by Yuyao’s side anytime, killing two birds with one stone."

"Ji Fei’Er represents the Ji Family, you know. She may not be on our side. The Ji people won’t be loyal to you just because they gave themselves to you. They put family interests first!" Si Miaoxue reminded Lin Miao, seizing the opportunity while Yue Mei’Er took Ji Fei’Er away to mention this.

"I understand. Do you think Ji Fei’Er is loyal to the Ji Family?"

"Of course, she’s chosen by the Ji Family. If they weren’t confident in controlling her, why would they appoint her as a moon attendant?"

"I’ve heard the Ji Family has main and secondary branches, and a mixed branch. The main and secondary branches aren’t large, but they are the strongest. While the mixed branch is numerous, their power and voice are the weakest. Fei’Er comes from the mixed branch, which also has its demands. What do you say?"

"You mean even if Ji Fei’Er is a Ji Family member, she doesn’t necessarily represent the entire Ji Family’s interests?"

"Also, why did Fei’Er find me to treat her hidden illness? Her ailment doesn’t affect her survival, only her ability to marry and have children normally. But it does limit her martial arts progression. If not cured, she’ll be stuck at the Meridian Passage Realm forever!" Lin Miao explained.

"She wants to break through to Tianyuan Realm and escape the Ji Family’s control or gain control over her fate?" Si Miaoxue understood.

"Though she may not be of one heart with us now, at least there’s no conflict of interest. What would she gain by betraying us?" Lin Miao retorted. "She’s a moon attendant. If she betrays me, the young master, what would she gain in the Moon Worship Sect or the Ji Family? Admittedly, she could ignore external reputations, but how trustworthy would she be in others’ eyes if she sold out even her own man?"

"You certainly see the bigger picture, Darling. Miaoxue submits."

"Outwardly or sincerely?" Lin Miao chuckled, noting her proud spirit, which explains her initial resistance.

"Both outwardly and sincerely."

"That’s good."

They hadn’t acted yet, even by the end of the night.

If I knew, I wouldn’t have come so early. Just sitting and waiting, unable to do anything. Luckily, there are three beauties accompanying me.

Otherwise, it would’ve been really lonely.

The wilderness here is desolate. Although the tent is sturdy, it only blocks out the wind, not the cold.

As martial artists, they naturally aren’t afraid of the harsh cold. For ordinary people, staying out in the wild at below minus twenty or thirty degrees in the middle of the night, they would starve or freeze to death.

"Sir, there’s movement!"

Lin Miao suddenly opened his eyes and leapt up, pushing through the tent to rush out, finally—the wait was over.

"Sir, look, there seems to be someone in that forest!" The sky was so blue in the latter half of the night, barely any clouds in sight.