Merging Water Mountain, at the foot of the southern slope…six riders charged through the morning rain, slowing to a cautious trot once they reached the mountain base. Fallen leaves danced upon the wind-blown drizzle.0

All six wore straw raincoats, weapons at the ready, eyes scanning the area. 0

Tie Sha, clad in a white robe beneath a broad conical hat, narrowed his gaze, darting looks left and right. He made a hand signal to the five men behind him. They immediately split off—Ah Da and Ah Si in one pair, Ah Er and Ah San in another—while Old Ding followed Tie Sha at a moderate distance.0

Their horses’ hoofbeats rang clear in the damp forest air. Tie Sha raised his voice, “I’ve come as requested. Show yourself!”0

However,...0