This was also why they had chosen to head west. The road east from Immortal Spirit Village was too flat and open, so they would never outrun the rebels, especially since they were dragging wagons and carts along. But if they timed their move westward just right, they might get down the mountains safely, perhaps even without a fight.0

No sooner had he finished speaking than two brigands rushed over, clutching a severed head. “General, we were searching the woods along the western mountain road and found this fellow, beheaded, left there alone. We brought back his belongings.”0

The head’s face was twisted in a grimace, covered with dirt and grass. Wu Shaoyi took one look, and someone immediately exclaimed, “Liu Monkey[1]! That’s General Pei’s scout Liu Monkey. We drank with him twice at Woling Pass! He...0