Once I enter the pass, great Confucian scholars will surely debate the classics for me.

In the dead of night, Di Xinjian dismissed the maids on night watch and the concubines who were supposed to be with him, under the pretext of taking a bath and meditating that night. He locked himself in his study until the night was quiet. When most of the people in the mansion were asleep, he hastily packed his things and slipped out the back door with practiced ease.

Di Xinjian opened the back door wide, peering out cautiously to make sure no one was around before tiptoeing out. As he turned to close the door, he suddenly sensed two more presences behind him. Alarm bells rang in Di Xinjian's mind, and he hissed sharply, "Who's there?!"

Two figures slowly emerged from the dark alley; it was Little Stick and Big Beard.

Upon seeing this, Di Xinjian's pupils contracted. He nervously glanced around, gritted his teeth, and roared in a low voice, "You guys are really crazy! The government has people watching me closely, and you still dare to come looking for me at a time like this? If you don't want to live, then go kill yourselves, don't fucking drag me down with you!"

The bearded man chuckled, "Don't be nervous, Master Di. We've confirmed that the government officials have all left before we dared to approach you."

Little Stick said, "It's so late. I wonder where Master Di is going? Why don't you take us two brothers with you?"

Di Xinjian looked around and, seeing that no government officials came out to make arrests, he was finally certain that there were no government officials around. He felt much more at ease. He gave the two of them a cold look and said, "We shouldn't stay here any longer, in case someone happens to pass by and sees us. Let's find somewhere to talk."

The bearded man and the little stick man exchanged a glance, shrugged, took a step back, and gestured for someone to make way.

Di Xinjian walked between the two men and led them quickly away from the streets and alleys surrounding the Di residence.

After an incense stick had burned, Di Xinjian arrived at a private residence, quietly took out his key, opened the door, and led the two inside.

Di Xinjian: "This old house is not registered in my name and has been vacant for many years. It was originally intended as a place for me to hide in case of emergency. No one knows about it except me. You two can stay here for the night. We can talk about it tomorrow. I have some things to do, so I won't stay with you any longer."

The bearded man said, "Di Xinjian, wait a minute."

Di Xinjian turned around and asked, "What's wrong?"

The bearded man stepped forward, staring into Di Xinjian's eyes, and said bluntly, "Di Xinjian, all of my brothers have been killed or wounded. Only Xiao Bangchui and I survived. Right now, the whole city is searching for the two of us. We have nowhere to hide. Although this place is secluded, it can only be used as a temporary shelter. Sooner or later, we will be hunted down. We can't stay in Sword Tower City. You have to find a way to get us out of the city."

Upon hearing this, Di Xinjian's heart sank; he was now in a precarious situation, barely able to save himself.

How could they possibly bring two more people out of the city?!

The more people there are, the more conspicuous they become. Moreover, the two have already been exposed, and there are layers of screening at the city gates and riverbanks. It would be strange if they could escape.

Besides, where would they get fake travel documents in such a short time? His escape route was only for his own use to ensure absolute secrecy and efficiency. If two more people were to join him, the entire plan would be disrupted, and they wouldn't be able to escape at all.

To escape, they had to get rid of these two burdens. Di Xinjian had a plan in mind and said with a firm look in his eyes, "You have forgotten your mission. The mission is not yet completed, and you are already thinking about escaping. You will not have a good end if you return empty-handed. Think more about your families, think about your mission. Why did you come here? Do you have the nerve to run away? If I were you, I would rather die than give up the mission!"

Upon hearing this, the bearded man's imposing manner faltered, and he dared not look directly at Di Xinjian.

Their mission was very simple: to take advantage of the situation and create enough internal strife within the Sword Tower so that it would lose its will to launch a northern expedition against the Four Seas City.

Now, Sword Tower's ambition to conquer Four Seas City is obvious, and both the five northern cities and Four Seas City know that Sword Tower will not stop there.

The Sword Tower will surely conquer Sihai City. Once the Sword Tower has completely absorbed the seven hundred li of territory of Fancheng, that day will come.

They were sent by Maine to cause trouble. Their only goal was to create a major disturbance to delay the expansion of the Sword Tower. Whether it was a year or two, the more time they gained, the better for Maine.

After all, there was a 700-mile buffer zone between them before, and everyone lived in peace. Now that the five northern cities are facing the Sword Tower's sharp edge, how could the city lords of the five northern cities not be afraid? They were terrified, and they couldn't sleep soundly at night, fearing that the Sword Tower's army would suddenly besiege their cities.

How can one allow another to sleep soundly beside one's bed, especially when the one sleeping next to one is a vicious tiger that may awaken at any moment and devour its prey?

In preparation for a full-scale war, the five northern cities and the city of the Four Seas are all making preparations.

Because they all knew that this all-out war was inevitable, and that such a battle would eventually come!

We must drive the Sword Tower back, seize control of its vitals, and absolutely not tolerate its expansion.

The expansion of Sword Tower has touched a nerve with them. They vaguely recall the terror of the past, the glorious hegemony of the first family of Sword Tower. They were simply an invincible war machine. Under the rule of the First Taibai, the Sword Tower army swept across all directions, and no one could rival them.

Now that their mission has failed, they really have no face to go back.

Little Stick couldn't help but say, "You make it sound nice, but even if we wanted to risk our lives, it would be useless. The plan has completely failed, the leader has been killed, and all the brothers have died in battle. What great things can Big Beard and I do? Staying here is just waiting to die."

Di Xinjian said coldly, "Then it depends on whether you are willing to continue the mission. As long as you are willing, I can find a way to help you complete this mission. To be honest, Sihai City has also sent people here. Their purpose is the same as ours: to take the opportunity to cause trouble and delay the expansion of the Sword Tower. I have only told Li Xiangsi about this. Originally, with your status, you were not qualified to know such top-secret information."

“However, given the current special circumstances, I can take you to see them. If you are willing, you can go and assist them.” This was the best way Di Xinjian could think of to get rid of the two burdens in front of him.

Upon hearing this, the bearded man frowned and said, "How did you end up getting involved with the people of Sihai City?"

Di Xinjian said coldly, "The situation is getting more and more tense. Right now, the interests of Maine City and Sihai City are aligned, and we have secretly signed a treaty of mutual defense. Why can't I get involved with Sihai City? But don't blame you. Your status is too low and you are not qualified to know this. Alright, if you are willing, I can tell you more details. But if you are not willing, then just pretend I didn't say anything."

The bearded man and the little stick exchanged a glance, their faces showing struggle. After all, they both knew that staying to continue the mission would likely mean certain death, but leaving now would mean the shame and punishment of failing the mission, which would probably affect their families. It was better to fight to the death.

As their thoughts raced, they made their decision.

The bearded man said, "In that case, we're willing to give it a try."

Little Stick: "Yeah, we're going all out!"

Seeing this, Di Xinjian nodded slightly: "Very good, I will take you to see them."