BXBX NOVEL Chapter 470: 470. Body Double Strategy
Chapter 470: 470. Body Double Strategy
“After hearing you talk about it tonight, I really want to see what’s inside that magic treasure,” Qiao Jing said.
“I have no guilty conscience about letting you be my stand-in,” Gu Ling knew Qiao Jing was intentionally saying this.
Qiao Jing’s mouth twitched slightly, “Forget I said that, it’s just my sincere thoughts. Of course, I don’t want to be controlled by Mo Yan. If you can seize that magic treasure, we can explore it.”
The two of them, obviously, were not just making small talk in the middle of the night because they couldn’t sleep, but they needed to discuss the detailed plans for the forthcoming chapter. The sooner it was carried out, the better — they should set off tomorrow.
“The question now is, should we deploy troops or not, or should we stealthily attack?” Qiao Jing asked solemnly.
Deploying troops would indeed make a grand gesture and could easily encircle the enemy, but everyone on Xingluo Island, apart from the innocent women and children who had been taken there, was a master. If their ordinary soldiers went there, they might have an advantage in long-range attacks using explosives, but have no advantage in close combat.
Since they knew that most of the women on Xingluo Island were victims who had been abducted, and there were also children who knew nothing, they obviously couldn’t indiscriminately carry out an attack, and blow up the whole island. Besides, Xingluo Island was not exactly small. If they tried to keep their distance and bombed from the sea, they wouldn’t be able to reach the central area.
Moreover, the current targets were just two things: Mo Yan and the forbidden area.
As long as they destroyed the forbidden area on Xingluo Island, they would achieve half the success, and could directly block Mo Yan’s “way home.”
The forbidden area was not large, so, this time, the safest way to attack Xingluo Island was actually through a sneak attack. They shouldn’t alert the enemy. It would be best if they could infiltrate the island with explosives.
Therefore, on this point, the two agreed quickly: let Qiao Cong and Old Mu go, without taking any soldiers. Under the current circumstances, troops would not only be of no use but might even cause unnecessary casualties.
Then the problem left was — how to deal with Mo Yan.
“If that magic treasure can really capture people, it would be too tricky. But if we’re departing tomorrow, my grandfather and senior Mu could reach Xingluo Island by the end of February at the earliest, and they would have to take a detour to avoid Mo Yan along the way. If no one shows up on the first day of March, Mo Yan will return, and they would be in danger whether they got what they wanted or not.” Qiao Jing sighed, “We have to meet with Mo Yan anyway, otherwise, there’s no way to deal with him. Don’t tell me when we throw an explosive at it, he will directly capture it with that magic treasure?”
Gu Ling nodded slightly, “It’s possible.”
“Then, are you going with me?” Qiao Jing asked, then immediately said, “You have to go. Dealing with Mo Yan is very important, and we can’t do it without you. Let’s take the troops, take different ships, you disguise yourself as an ordinary soldier and stay away from me. In case Mo Yan wants to capture people, he will surely target me first. You just have to think of a way to kill him.”
“What if he captures you, and I kill him, and you and that magic treasure, perish with his life?” Gu Ling asked.
Qiao Jing was taken aback for a moment, he clearly hadn’t considered this possibility. Such a situation was very strange, but after thinking about it, he laughed, “Cousin, you’re really concerned about me. But I think it’s no big deal, you’ll definitely know how to deal with him without killing him.” For example, using a sedative on the weapon to make Mo Yan pass out.
In the end, Qiao Jing said, “If Mo Yan also has immunity to all kinds of poison, I could only say that the heavens are indeed unfair.”
So, they decided on the plan just like that.
When they were about to separate and go back to sleep, Qiao Jing thought of Cheng Yun, “Do you have any plans for him? He really wants to be your stand-in.”
“Let him pretend to be me and go to Xingluo Island,” Gu Ling said.
Qiao Jing nodded, “Okay, he has good martial arts skills, and can help. Although pretending to be you may not be useful, it’s also not necessarily useless. You have to train him well, make him use his brain a bit more. He shouldn’t be too rigid, nor should he easily trust the enemy.”
At dawn the next day, Cheng Yun was pulled out of bed by Gu Ling.
“Ah? What’s happening? What’s the problem?” Cheng Yun woke up and asked anxiously.
“No problem, you’re supposed to leave now,” Gu Ling said.
Cheng Yun hurriedly got dressed and after getting dressed, he remembered to ask, “Are we leaving now? Are we going to Xingluo Island?”
“You’re going, I’m not.” Gu Ling said, taking out the Disguise Medicine and starting to apply it to Cheng Yun’s face.
Cheng Yun blinked, “Are you having me pretend to be you?”
“Isn’t it what you wanted?” Gu Ling looked indifferent.
Cheng Yun instantly nodded, “If you think it’s feasible, then I am in.”
“Imitate my speech,” Gu Ling instructed.
Cheng Yun cleared his throat and tried, he adjusted his breath under Gu Ling’s guidance and very quickly got the hang of it. He attempted to mimic Gu Ling’s indifferent look and said, “Step aside, or die.”
“You utter ‘die’ so casually, you’ve truly given up your monastic identity,” Gu Ling said.
Cheng Yun coughed slightly, “I was just copying you.”
“Keep learning,” Gu Ling encouraged, “Learn as much as you can, the aim is to deceive Sheng Yue.”
Cheng Yun frowned, “Sheng Yue, will he be on the island at that time?”
Gu Ling nodded, “It is possible. The forbidden area is of great importance. If Mo Yan leaves the island, he might have Sheng Yue stay behind to watch and prevent any mishaps.”
Sheng Yue was Cheng Yun’s biological brother from the same parents, but by the time Cheng Yun came to know him, they were already adversaries. Their father, Pu Cheng, was still alive, whereabouts unknown.
“If you encounter Sheng Yue, don’t let him recognize you,” Gu Ling advised.
Cheng Yun nodded, “That should be very difficult; you all said that he is extremely intelligent. I will do my best.”
During their conversation, Gu Ling had already finished Cheng Yun’s disguise.
Cheng Yun picked up the bronze mirror for a look. Apart from the hair, his entire face had completely taken on Gu Ling’s appearance.
After Cheng Yun put on the wig and mimicked Gu Ling’s cold demeanor, he said, “Sheng Yue, surrender your life.” He bore no trace of the compassionate Little Monk he used to be.
Gu Ling knocked lightly on Cheng Yun’s forehead, “If you really encounter Sheng Yue, don’t speak like that. We originally had an agreement of cooperation, which we need to maintain on the surface.”
Cheng Yun’s eyes brightened, “I understand! If he’s in charge of Xingluo Island and I’m disguised as you, I will openly acknowledge him if discovered, saying he’s one of ours. This way, others on the island won’t trust him anymore!”
Gu Ling nodded, “That’s the right approach. But remember, you certainly can’t outwit him in cunning. You need to be extra careful and adapt to the situation. Ideally, you shouldn’t run into him. Your target is the forbidden area.”
Cheng Yun was serious, “I understand. I’ll listen to elder Mu at that time.” Qiao Cong had the greatest martial power but was somewhat impulsive. Elder Mu was a very reliable individual.
After breakfast, Qiao Jing had already ordered people to prepare a ship and food. The ship was loaded with ample explosives. Gu Ling also gave most of the protection medicine Su Liang had prepared for him to the three people. He explained how to use it and instructed them that the mission could fail, but they had to survive. Being captured was not a big deal, they would find a way to rescue them. It was most important to stay alive, they shouldn’t risk their lives for anything.
A ship in Jiaye City was handmade by Elder Mu, which was equipped with a large cannon. But he didn’t use it; he said it was for Gu Ling and Qiao Jing to use against Mo Yan.
When the sun rose, the three – Qiao Cong, set off. No one noticed their movements. Qiao Cong was very familiar with the sea. Having lived on an island for many years, he understood the sea’s climate and knew how to identify directions. Elder Mu had also been to Xingluo Island before. He was confident in the route, and was confident he’d be able to avoid ships from Xingluo Island.
The Cheng Yun who was pretending to be Gu Ling was earnest. Since setting off, every move, as well as his voice and demeanor, were all imitating Gu Ling. He said he wanted to maintain this state so that he wouldn’t be nervous when the time comes.
Qiao Cong and Elder Mu both liked this Lay Monk who had given up his monastic life, so they were happy to go along with him, playing along with the role-play. They also hoped that Cheng Yun could abandon his original way of thinking, which was so naïve to almost being obstinate.
After discussion, Gu Ling and Qiao Jing decided not to set off in advance. They would stick to their “agreement” to meet with Mo Yan at sea on the first day of the third month. If they set off early to intercept him at sea, it would make Mo Yan more alert and they wouldn’t be able to prevent what he wanted to do.
Ever since learning that Su Liang was a Transmigrator, Qiao Jing had shown great interest, asking Gu Ling various questions every day. But Gu Ling would not answer anything irrelevant to current matters.
“Then I will wait to ask her when I see her,” Qiao Jing said.
Gu Ling shook his head, “She doesn’t have time.”
Qiao Jing grunted, “If you hadn’t met Su Liang, you would undoubtedly be just like me now, alone in the world.”
“I must remind you of your grandfather and sister, as if they don’t exist,” Gu Ling said indifferently, “Yes, I am fortunate, and there is no use in you envying me.”
Qiao Jing: … I miss Su Liang, I miss Lian Shun, I miss Min Rou. Anyone is easier to get along with than Gu Ling!
Jiaye City.
Sheng Yue had not seen Mo Yan for seven or eight consecutive days. He occasionally went to see Feng Ming, but Feng Ming never admitted that he was associated with Su Liang. Sheng Yue fished for information but didn’t force it out. If Feng Ming did not wish to talk, Sheng Yue let it be.
Observing that the time to set off for the rendezvous was nearing, Sheng Yue came to the periphery of the forbidden area to seek an audience with Mo Yan that day.
After waiting for about a quarter of an hour, an elderly man guarding the forbidden area opened the doors and let Sheng Yue in.
When Sheng Yue saw Mo Yan, he was by the water pool in the deepest part of the dark cave of the forbidden area.
In his white robe, Mo Yan was sitting cross-legged on the ground with his eyes closed, calling out, “Ayue”.
“Master,” Sheng Yue respectfully saluted him, his gaze falling on the ruby ring on Mo Yan’s finger, “It’s time for the meeting on the first day of March. If we plan to go, we should set off soon.”
“Hmm,” Mo Yan nodded slightly, opened his eyes, but his aged face was somewhat obscured in the foggy haze of the cave.
“I wonder what master has planned for the meeting with Gu Ling?” Sheng Yue asked.
Mo Yan got up, “You stay here.”
Sheng Yue wasn’t surprised and reverently said, “Yes, master. You can rely on me, I will guard the forbidden area until your return.”
“Has that Feng Ming confessed anything?” Mo Yan asked.
Sheng Yue shook his head, “He steadfastly denies any association with Su Liang and won’t confess anything. Should master bring him along for the meeting? In a situation where it becomes necessary, he could serve as a hostage.”
“It seems you are certain that he is linked to my granddaughter,” Mo Yan casually commented, “I don’t need him. Let him stay, you may need him.”
Sheng Yue nodded lightly, “Does the master think Gu Ling will send people to the island?”
“Don’t you think so?” Mo Yan counter-questioned.
Sheng Yue nodded again, “I too feel that once master is out, someone will take advantage and attack the forbidden area. By now, Gu Ling must have guessed the truth about the forbidden area and master’s purpose.”
Mo Yan sighed, “Do you think, I can meet my granddaughter and great-grandchild?”
Sheng Yue shook his head slightly, “Unlikely. Neither Gu Ling nor Su Liang will trust master. Most likely, only Gu Ling will come while Su Liang and the child remains at home.”
“Well, I will go meet Gu Ling,” said Mo Yan, “Take good care of the forbidden area.”
Sheng Yue respectfully responded, “Rest assured, master, I will do my best to prevent any issues.”
Later that day, Mo Yan left Xingluo Island with a group of masters on a boat toward Jiaye City. There was no explosive on the boat, but everyone knew that whatever Mo Yan wished to carry was hidden where no one could see.
That night, Sheng Yue visited Feng Ming in the dungeon again, informing him that Mo Yan had set off.
“Why didn’t young master Sheng go?” Feng Ming asked.
“I need to stay and guard the forbidden area,” Sheng Yue said.
“I don’t understand. If young master Sheng is against Mr. Su, why did you go to Su Mansion in the first place?” With this question, Feng Ming indirectly admitted his affiliation with Su Liang.
However, Sheng Yue didn’t inquire further and even answered Feng Ming’s question, “In my view, there are no friends or enemies. Acting as I did back then was necessary. With Su Liang and Gu Ling, it is a relationship of mutual benefit and use.”
“Young master Sheng does not need to tell me all this.” Suddenly, Feng Ming had a bad premonition.
Sheng Yue casually said, “Don’t worry, I won’t kill you. But, no matter how much you know, it won’t be of any help.” Finishing his sentence, Sheng Yue left.
Feng Ming listened to the surroundings return to tranquility and closed his eyes.
Capital city.
Ever since Gu Ling left home, Su Liang noted Gu Ling’s potential itinerary on the self-made calendar Gu Ling left behind.
Su Liang had never set foot out of her door, occasionally she would have guests over. But to outsiders, Su Liang has been out frequently recently.
That’s because three days after Gu Ling left, Yan Shiba had a whimsical idea to disguise herself as Su Liang. Ever since then, she has been wearing Su Liang’s clothes, taking Zhengzheng, and Ji Xiaoshu out to play. She enjoyed playing the game of “guess who is your mom” with Gu Xiaonuan every day.
Yan Shiba’s impersonation of Su Liang became more and more convincing, even fooling Cen Man and Old Bai once. But she never succeeded in tricking Gu Xiaonuan.
Ji Xiaoshu analyzed that Gu Xiaonuan judged by the look in the eyes: Yan Shiba’s eyes were more tender and indulgent when looking at Gu Xiaonuan than Su Liang’s, so it’s not the same.
Yan Shiba was speechless about this. As a matter of fact, everyone spoiled Gu Xiaonuan too much and Su Liang had to establish rules for the child, so she was somewhat stricter with Gu Xiaonuan.
Zhengzheng and Ji Xiaoshu thought that Yan Shiba was just impersonating Su Liang as a whim and would stop once she got bored. However, after several days, Yan Shiba still impersonated Su Liang every day.
“Aunt Yan, how long are you going to pretend to be my master’s wife? Are you planning to wait until my master returns and fool him before you stop?” Ji Xiaoshu asked with a grin.
Yan Shiba gave Ji Xiaoshu a light tap on the forehead, “Look at my face and call me again.”
Ji Xiaoshu then sweetly called out, “Mother.”
At this moment, Yan Shiba was about to take Zhengzheng and Ji Xiaoshu to the Lin Family for lessons. Before they got on the horse, Yan Shiba pulled the two kids over, and whispered in their ears, “This is my strategy. Although Gu Ling ran off to the south to kill Mo Yan, what if Mo Yan doesn’t show up and comes to the capital city to catch people instead? If that time comes, he would take me back thinking I was your master’s wife. You’d have to save me then! Hahaha!”
Zhengzheng and Ji Xiaoshu looked at each other in surprise.
Later when the two kids were alone, Zhengzheng sighed, “So Aunt Yan is disguising as mother to protect her! Aunt Yan is really kind to mother!”
Ji Xiaoshu cupped his face in his hands and said, “Of course, that’s because mother was kind to Aunt Yan first. Mother is the best person in the world!”
Zhengzheng completely agreed.
At bedtime, the two kids couldn’t help but reveal what Yan Shiba said during the day to Su Liang.
Su Liang then laughed, “You play with her all day. If someone wanted to kidnap me and takes her instead, they might take you guys too.”
Zhengzheng frowned, “That’s true. What should we do then?”
Su Liang calmly said, “If she wants to take you out to play again, don’t go. Let her go by herself.”
Ji Xiaoshu giggled, “Mother, aren’t you worried that Aunt Yan might be kidnapped?”
Su Liang shook her head, “No, she’s very lucky with her life.”
Zhengzheng’s eyes lit up, “I get it! It’s just like when father asked Uncle Jing to impersonate him. This is called…”
“A stunt double!” Ji Xiaoshu chimed in, “Just like the real and fake Monkey Kings. Confuse the enemy so they can’t distinguish who they’re looking for.”
“It’s not that complicated.” Su Liang shook her head, “Just in case something really happens, it can buy us some time. I knew what Yan Shiba was doing the first day she pretended to be me. She just didn’t say it on purpose, making people think she was just playing around. Since I didn’t say anything either, I decided to just let her have her fun.”
“Elder Brother, let’s switch identities tomorrow too!”
“Why? Nobody’s aiming to kidnap us.”
“Start practicing from now on, maybe it will be useful in the future. Isn’t that right, mother?”
“As long as you’re happy. Go to sleep.” Sending them off to sleep, Su Liang closed her eyes to rest, thinking that Gu Ling should be setting off to his rendezvous very soon, hopeful that everything would be smooth.