"Are you sure they took this road?" Wang Qi stood up in shock, his eyes filled with disbelief.

There were only two routes from the capital city to the mountain range where they were hiding: one was the main road, wide enough for the passage of large armies, with the sides flat.

The other was a small path, which, although it greatly shortened the distance, passed through a narrow valley flanked by cliffs.

If they took this narrow path, while time would be greatly saved, the danger would markedly increase. If someone ambushed from both sides of the valley, an attack could be launched suddenly, making it impossible for the troops walking through the valley to fight back; they could only sit and wait for death.

Wang Qi originally thought that the Imperial Army would never choose this small path, but out of caution, he still sent a scout, only to receive such unexpected news.

The Imperial Army had actually abandoned the flat main road and chosen this shortcut.

After receiving confirmation from the scout, a wild joy appeared on Wang Qi’s face, and he laughed loudly, "Heaven is truly helping us! I had prepared to hide in these mountains for many years, but who knew the Imperial Court would send such a grand gift."

Although the Rebel Army had received equipment supplies in the county town, most of the gear was old and in disrepair, and there was an extreme lack of craftsmen among the Righteous Army, so this equipment was not as helpful to Wang Qi as he had imagined.

But this Imperial Army was different, as they were truly a force funded by substantial resources, and their equipment could be considered the best in the entire Da Ning Nation.

If he could obtain this equipment, Wang Qi’s Righteous Army could transform completely, shedding their former image entirely. 𝘧𝓇ℯ𝑒𝓌𝑒𝑏𝓃𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭.𝒸ℴ𝓂

Daoist Qiu, the military advisor, also smiled and said, "Let’s send someone to find out who is leading the army this time; choosing this path likely indicates a rush to achieve merits."

While waiting for the scout to leave, Wang Qi could hardly conceal his excitement, "With this equipment, we will be able to stand our ground."

Daoist Qiu nodded and said, "Exactly, at least we will be able to survive in this world, waiting for the right moment."

Daoist Qiu’s words ignited a fierce ambition in Wang Qi, who could resist the desire to make a name and leave a legacy? If initially Wang Qi merely wanted to survive, now he had much higher aspirations.

As he said before, why can’t a scholar or a general emerge from the masses? He too could try sitting in a high place.

Having experienced worldly sophistication, he was no longer satisfied with just a bowl of steaming hot white rice; ambition was growing wildly in his heart like untamed grass.

Now, he yearned to climb higher and see more of this world.

Daoist Qiu was fully aware of Wang Qi’s current ambitions, which he had slowly nurtured step by step—this was the Hidden Dragon he had chosen, the future he was betting his life on.

Seeing this robust ambition, Daoist Qiu was naturally very pleased. After all, without sufficient ambition, how could one contend for supremacy in the world? The great affairs of the world boil down to just one word: struggle.

At his command, the Rebel Army, having recuperated in the mountains for many days, began to mobilize.

During this time hiding in the forest, Wang Qi had not been idle; under the advice of Daoist Qiu, he singled out the infirm, women, and children to start farming in the mountains, while the able-bodied formed the military.

Relying on the food and equipment looted from the county town, they trained their troops well. Although they were not yet a crack force, they at least looked part of a military now.

With a stable environment and sufficient food, the hearts of these refugees had long been settled. They were also well aware that their fates were tied together with Wang Qi’s: They would either prosper or suffer together.

The army thus trained already had the capacity for battle.

This time, Wang Qi was unwilling to be negligent and even in an ambush, deployed all his troops, advancing quietly towards the valley.

"Taoist priest, what do you think?" Wang Qi, leading the Imperial Army, asked softly, addressing Daoist Qiu in his Daoist robe.

He knew that the Taoist by his side, who was shrouded in mystery, exuded an extraordinary origin through his manner and speech, so he often sought his advice on matters.

As it turned out, Daoist Qiu truly had valuable insights, managing many issues with ease.

"To take them by surprise and strike their unpreparedness, now that we know their whereabouts, their defeat is destined. This valley is narrow and the prolonged drought has made the air dry; an attack by fire would certainly double our efforts," Daoist Qiu said with a smile while looking at the narrow and secluded valley.

He was truly grateful to the Great General of the Imperial Court this time; it was like a grand gift had been handed right to him, and it would be impolite not to accept it.

Those not seizing the opportunities provided by Heaven shall face its repercussions.

Daoist Qiu would not commit such a fundamental mistake.

"Good, let’s proceed as the strategist suggests!"

Countless people began gathering materials to start a fire around the area, and many scouts went beyond the valley, closely monitoring the movements of the Imperial Army.

Meanwhile, Huo Shan was leading the Imperial Army mightily towards the valley.

Soon, they beheld the narrow and extended valley.

"General, this place is somewhat perilous; if someone were to ambush from both sides, we’d likely face grave danger," the Deputy General quickly cautioned Huo Shan.

Huo Shan lifted his head, also seeing this alarming scene, but confidently said, "Don’t worry, a bunch of refugees turned peasants, how capable do you expect them to be? They probably can’t even imagine us breaking through here."

"As long as we charge out of the valley with the swiftness of thunder that doesn’t give a chance to cover one’s ears, this great success will be secured. Not only will I be able to hold my head high, but you too can finally move off this cold bench you’ve sat on for years!"

Upon hearing this, the Deputy General’s breathing intensified, knowing this was Huo Shan hinting that if this task succeeded, he too would have a significant backing in the Imperial Court.

After many years of diligent service and numerous accomplishments, he always fell slightly short each time, and it was precisely this slight shortfall that hindered his career progression.

He had lingered many years in the military, and remained only a Deputy General, incapable of leading on his own. Should he gain backing from the Huo Family, he would rise rapidly, as the power of the Huo Family in the military was not something easily explained in a few words.

You should consider that this military expedition was fiercely contested by several princes, as anyone could see it was a juicy opportunity laid before them, and yet it was a young man like Huo Shan who secured the mission in the end, which indeed showed how powerful the Huo Family was.

"Rest assured, General, I shall fulfill my duties with utmost loyalty," the Deputy General said excitedly.

Seeing this, Huo Shan smiled and nodded.