North of the Imperial Capital, where Northern Liaoning meets Eastern Liaoning.
In a forest situated on relatively high terrain, taking cover behind bushes and rocks, Cao De lay prone behind a rock at the edge of the forest, staring at the distant village.
He calculated the time, it was almost time; he signaled towards the back meaning, "Is everyone ready?"
Old Liu and the others, scattered and prone in various positions, saw the signal and responded, indicating they were ready.
Cao De squinted his fox-like eyes, took another look at the village to make sure everything was correct, and then made another signal.
A group of people disguised as Internal Guard Bureau members spread out using cover, in teams of three, carrying something on their backs, they stealthily headed towards the paths they had scouted over these days, moving silently towards different villages.
