Passing through the narrow pass, the reconnaissance troops of Ammonval continued advancing northeast.

Leading the group were two staff members.

One hails from the Dark Night Clan, named Hei Kongkong, resembling a black-skinned human with black wings. He can fly freely in the air without using any magic and can see things kilometers away even at night.

The other comes from the agile Transforming Leopard tribe, known as Yau Pong. He possesses a keen sense of smell and can transform into a leopard, perfect for rapid movement across plains.

Even though Ammonval urgently requested the return of information, the two leading Demon King Staff members hadn’t figured out how to gather intelligence.

"To determine whether the opposing side has relocated their capital there and operates from there, we indeed need to see if key figures are present.

We have gathered various information from the intelligence department about the Governor who rules this country.

He’s an elf who has lived for about a thousand years.

If we see him, it’s likely the Wansheng Republic is preparing to change their capital." Yau Pong suggested.

"Don’t oversimplify the situation.

Moreover, if he is hiding somewhere and doesn’t come out, it will be difficult for us to find him.

This place is unfamiliar to us, and excessive exposure might lead us into an ambush."

Hei Kongkong was extremely cautious, being the most elite in the reconnaissance troops, he had to be responsible for every piece of intelligence he acquired.

"So what do you suggest we do?

We brought an Enchanting Demon; perhaps we could capture some locals coming from the city to see if they know anything.

If they indeed plan to change the capital, there should be quite a stir." Yau Pong continued to suggest.

Hei Kongkong did not reject this plan:

"In any case, let’s get as close to the city as possible.

When there’s truly no other option, we can try your approach."

As dawn slowly broke, the scouting troops dared not rest.

Some disguised themselves as merchants selling goods, others used their ability to transform into Magic Beasts to pull carts slowly forward, while others rested inside the carts.

By traveling both day and night, they quickly approached the target city, needing only to cross a low hill to reach East View City.

Hei Kongkong and Yau Pong urged the troops to speed up their advance.

Suddenly, ahead on the road appeared many carts.

To remain as stealthy as possible, Hei Kongkong and Yau Pong always chose little-used paths.

Encountering such a large convoy on such a rarely used path was indeed suspicious.

Yau Pong sniffed the scent wafting from ahead; it wasn’t the scent of organized goods, but rather mixed with many household items, he could even smell the fragrance of aged sandalwood and the rust on kitchenware.

Yau Pong informed Hei Kongkong of the discovery, raising Hei Kongkong’s alertness.

Before the two moved forward to gather information, the convoy ahead slowly stopped, seemingly aware of their approach.

A tall figure dressed in a black cloak leapt down from the convoy, opened his arms, and signaled for them to halt their convoy.

Hei Kongkong and Yau Pong decisively stopped their convoy, planning to test the situation before deciding on their next move.

A powerful voice slowly emerged from under the black cloak:

"What a coincidence.

I didn’t expect others besides us would bring so many things and use this path."

Hei Kongkong deliberately feigned exhaustion, opening his mouth to say:

"We didn’t expect this either. To meet you on this path. May I inquire what brings this gentleman here?"

"Nothing much, just wondering where you’re from and what reason you have for using this path." The powerful voice continued.

"We’re merely wandering merchants, roaming from place to place.

We’re using this path because we acquired some local specialties, thinking of trading them for money and food in a more peaceful city.

You know how it is, the world is in chaos.

We wish to live peacefully, but the situation doesn’t allow us to."

"What about you, brother, where are you from and why are you using this path?" Hei Kongkong responded fluently, as if it were true.

The powerful voice continued:

"Not much, just to avoid the ravages of war, I’m moving my family to a safer place."

"That must be tough, hoping you find a good place to settle, unlike us, wandering without a home."

Yau Pong deliberately sighed,

"What do you think of East View City? It’s a fortress.

Moreover, there are many cannons there that could protect your safety.

We just happen to be heading there to sell goods. Could we join you to prevent any accidents along the way?"

The powerful voice pondered for a moment and then responded:

"Speaking of which, I recently heard that the Governor Ming Dalak is moving to East View City."

"Oh, is that so?" Hei Kongkong pretended to be surprised.

"You didn’t know? Shouldn’t you, as wandering merchants, have some awareness? Everyone across this plain should have received the notification, right?" The powerful voice expressed doubt, "How come you didn’t know? Are you perhaps hastily coming from outside the plain?"

The tall figure slowly raised his head, a row of sharp teeth glistening, and terrifying energy emanated from his body.

Yau Pong hurriedly explained: "That’s because... perhaps when the news came in, we were asleep. Our race is more adapted to a nocturnal lifestyle; we generally rest during the day and travel at night.

Today’s an exception.

We were eager to sell this batch of goods, so we didn’t have much interaction with others.

Indeed, on the road we heard about the situation regarding the capital change, but didn’t pay much attention...

Ah! I see, I see."

The tall figure didn’t speak, the terrifying energy from his body did not lessen but grew even stronger.

Hei Kongkong suddenly realized something, inwardly shouted "Fool!" to Yau Pong. 𝑓𝑟ℯ𝘦𝓌𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝑐ℴ𝓂

The tall figure sighed heavily, "Who would have thought such a simple tactic would expose your identities.

The relocation is top secret. How could it be announced for everyone to hear!"

After speaking, the tall figure was enveloped in a red glow, transforming into a gigantic missile, relentlessly charging toward Hei Kongkong and Yau Pong, crushing the cart they were riding.

The Demon Clan members who had transformed into Magic Beasts were thrown into disarray, reverting to their original forms upon hitting the ground.

Hei Kongkong and Yau Pong, one transformed into a leopard upon landing, the other spread wings to fly into the air, gazing warily at the massive figure that charged out.