The Gale Battalion bade farewell to the village and marched with difficulty toward the snow-capped mountains. Along the way, the terrain grew increasingly precipitous and the paths treacherous, but the soldiers' determination to find the Millennium Snow Lotus never wavered. After several days of trekking, they finally drew close to the mountains. However, the cold was beyond imagination, and biting gales whipped through the swirling snow with such fury that it was hard to stand upright.
Knowing full well the formidable difficulties of the quest—and uncertain whether enemy forces lay in ambush in this region—Li Rufeng decided to send out disguised scouts first. He summoned Guan Xi, Liu San, and Li Si, and said gravely, "The three of you will disguise yourselves as local hunters and go ahead into the snow mountains to scout for traces of the Snow Lotus. At the same time, keep an eye out for enemy movements, and be careful never to expose your identities."
Receiving their orders, the three men quickly dressed in disguise. Guan Xi donned a tattered fur cap, draped a patched sheepskin jacket over his shoulders, and tucked a firewood chopper into his belt, looking every bit an old hunter. Liu San slung a crude bow over his back with a few crooked arrows thrust into his quiver, mimicking the air of an experienced marksman. Li Si, the youngest of the three, played the part of their attendant, carrying a shoulder pole laden with simple tools.
Chapter 187