Surprise Attack, Part I
They left Kěnéng behind. Sitting in the carriage with Wu Jian and Zhou Lihua was Master Wong Jiu and Zhou Chao. The young bodyguard wore a grave expression, brows furrowed, lips drawn into a tight line. His look put Wu Jian on edge.
“You said there was something else you wanted to talk about,” prompted Zhou Lihua. “Something that doesn’t have anything to do with the Heavenly Sword Sect or what happened on the Yuan Peninsula.”
“That is correct,” Zhou Chao sighed. “I’m sure you noticed on our way out how empty Kěnéng was. I found out the reason for that.” He paused, and Wu Jian and Zhou Lihua leaned forward in anticipation. “Emperor Cì Shā has gathered his armies and headed out several days ago. They were traveling west.”
“West…” Zhou Lihua bit her lower lip. “That’s toward the Shang Kingdom.”
Zhou Chao nodded. “I don’t know what they’re thinking… but you don’t mobilize your armies for no reason.”