As the banner inscribed with the words "Acting on behalf of Heaven, robbing the rich to help the poor" came into view, Leitao grew instantly alert. Though the slogan sounded righteous, in this chaotic era, countless bandits used such pretexts to burn, kill, and plunder. He turned back and gestured to his team members to hold their ground while he continued to observe.
Through the gaps in the branches, Leitao saw several bandits on guard at the mountain gate. Raggedly dressed yet clutching long rifles, they scanned their surroundings with wary expressions. Beyond the gate wound an upward path, half-concealed by trees, where the faint outlines of several houses suggested the bandits' lair.
Leitao quickly calculated in his mind: a frontal assault was out of the question. The bandits held the geographical advantage, and their numbers were unknown; a rash attack would only leave them in a passive position. He turned to his team members, gesturing to convey his plan: Chen Feiyang and Liu Zishan would flank from the left, using the forest cover to quietly slip up the waist of the mountain and find an opportunity to cut off the bandits' retreat. The Li Brothers would ambush from the high ground on the right, ready to suppress the bandits with sniper fire. Yi Guang would follow him to draw the bandits' frontal attention; once the timing was right, they would launch a coordinated surprise attack from inside and out.
Chapter 278