"Go, hurry!"
As soon as Jiang Yan finished speaking, a civilian firefighter behind him suddenly accelerated and shoved a black package into the wooden bucket in Jiang Yan's hand.
"They're carrying sulfur and saltpeter! They're the arsonists!"
Before Jiang Yan could even react, the lead coachman immediately shouted.
The soldiers shuttling through the flames immediately turned their gaze towards Jiang Yan and his group.
Damn it!
Jiang Yan truly had no words to express his misery. At this moment, it would be a miracle if these people would listen to his explanation.
"Men, surround them! Anyone resisting will be killed without mercy!"
As expected, the leading officer had no intention of listening to their explanations.
Without a word, he issued the kill order!
"Break through!"
This was a case of trying to steal a chicken but losing the rice!
Fortunately, these people were all exceptionally skilled, and with the chaos all around, Jiang Yan and his group weren't entirely without a chance.
"Don't engage in prolonged combat, split up and flee!"
Jiang Yan himself was from the military, so he naturally understood that individual prowess was of little use against an army.
If they couldn't escape quickly, they would likely all meet their demise.
After changing their tactics, the soldiers were once again thrown into a brief state of confusion.
Even a master like Yue Fei did not dare to linger in combat at this moment.
Seizing an opportunity, he directly leaped into the surging Wei River.
However, with Jiang Yan and his group creating a diversion, the true culprits also began to withdraw calmly amidst the chaotic crowd.
"Did all our people withdraw?"
"Reporting, sir. It appears only nine of us have gotten out. The rest of them likely..."
Looking back at the still burning granary, Yelü Cha let out a long sigh of relief.
"It's fine, none of that matters. As long as we can complete the task assigned by Lin Ya, what are our own lives worth?"
Yelü Cha paid no mind to the losses of his subordinates. The only thing he regretted was that the Song people who were tracking them managed to escape safely, which was rather unexpected.
If even one of those people had been caught red-handed, it would have been perfect!
"Sir, should we return to the Lin family now?"
As Yelü Cha was lost in thought, a subordinate cautiously asked.
"The things in the inn should be discovered by now. The Lin family is bound to be in great trouble. What are we going back for? Let's go, it's time for us to rendezvous with Lin Ya!"
Giving his masterpiece one last appreciative glance, Yelü Cha's face finally broke into a smile.
Although years of effort were lost in an instant, being able to delay the Song army's advance at this time was considered well worth it for the entire Liao dynasty.
"I say, it was you lot who framed us just now, wasn't it!"
Just as they were preparing to turn and leave, a young man in hemp clothes, dripping wet from head to toe, directly blocked their path.
"Good skill! You still managed to catch up?"
Looking at Yue Fei's excessively young face, Yelü Cha's eyes were filled with admiration.
"I've always been petty. You've taken such a huge advantage from me, how could I bear to let you go?"
Yue Fei wiped the dripping water from his face and looked at Yelü Cha with murderous intent.
"To escape from an army encirclement, you are indeed quite capable. However, don't you think you shouldn't have come tonight? There are nine of us, and only one of you!"
As Yelü Cha spoke, his subordinates behind him had already surrounded Yue Fei.
"How do we know if we don't try? Just because you're outnumbered, does that mean I should just let you bully me like this?"
Yue Fei spoke while stretching his wrists.
For the sake of secrecy during tonight's operation, he had not carried any weapons on him.
On the other hand, his opponents now all held the standard sabers of the Song army.
Judging by their physiques alone, they were all bound to be strength-oriented. Fighting them bare-handed would put him at a disadvantage, no matter how skilled he was.
"I say, you people, have you no shame? Fighting one person with so many of you, don't you blush?"
Fortunately, just as they were about to make a move, Jiang Yan, who was panting heavily, finally caught up.
"Another one coming to die!"
Yelü Cha's expression became somewhat grim. Their escape route had been meticulously planned beforehand. What was supposed to be a foolproof plan was now marred by two consecutive unexpected occurrences, which was truly embarrassing for him.
"I say, you guys, forgetting your ancestors is one thing, but you also love to brag so much. I really can't stand it!"
Jiang Yan spoke as he tossed a club, which he had procured from somewhere, to Yue Fei.
Although this item wasn't as good as the iron spear he usually practiced with, he couldn't be too picky at this moment. Regardless, it was better than being completely unarmed.
"Take them down!"
At Yelü Cha's command, those men immediately charged at Yue Fei and the others, brandishing their weapons.
However, to Yelü Cha's surprise, Yue Fei, whom he thought could be easily subdued, had already knocked out his opponent, a Liao assassin, with a single blow within two exchanges.
This sudden blow directly disrupted the attackers' offensive rhythm.
In less than ten moves, the numerically superior Liao men were being forced to retreat steadily by him.
"As expected of great skill!"
This time, Yelü Cha's expression grew even more unpleasant.
"Hehehehe, the surprises are yet to come. Look below!"
As Jiang Yan spoke, he pointed behind him with a wild laugh.
Indeed, about two to three li behind them, a dragon of fire was heading their way.
"You! They're here, and you won't be able to run either!"
Seeing that this fellow had actually brought the army, Yelü Cha was naturally furious.
"Who said I'm going to run? Don't you forget, this is the Great Song Dynasty!"
Jiang Yan let out a sinister chuckle, then tightened his grip on his moves. Several assassins whose skills were inferior to his could no longer escape even if they wanted to!
"Sir, hurry and leave! We'll hold them here!"
Seeing the pursuers getting closer and closer, the assassins could only urge Yelü Cha to leave.