Hidden in the dense forests of Xiangnan,there were not just a hundred,but around eighty groups of bandits.Among them,over ten possessed innate martial artists,and the one leading the assembly this time,Lao Da Ba Zi,was the strongest among them.Including him,there were six innate martial artists under his command.
The plan to rob Yan Qing Xue and the others was initiated by Yan Sheng Heng,who had contacted Lao Da Ba Zi.In turn,Lao Da Ba Zi contacted six other groups of bandits.
Lao Da Ba Zi was eager not just for the five million taels of silver but also to clear his name.Most of those who established their strongholds as bandits in the Xiangnan forest were either wandering cultivators or individuals who had offended local martial forces and sought refuge in the dense forest for survival.
Despite their seemingly imposing presence,they walked on thin ice,fearing that any misstep could lead to their entire stronghold being wiped out.The risk was significant,as one never knew if there might be formidable individuals among the merchant caravans they targeted.Therefore,before every operation,they would spend several days tracking the caravan,confirming details before making a move.
However,mistakes happened,and there was always the possibility of righteous individuals from the Central Plains suddenly deciding to eradicate them.Lao Da Ba Zi had grown tired of these uncertain days.
Over the years,he had used the resources obtained through robbery to cultivate and had reached the Spirit Core realm.However,with his aptitude,further cultivation seemed impossible.Hence,Lao Da Ba Zi desired to wash off his past and reappear in the Jianghu with a new identity.
Most bandits used fake names to conceal their true identities,and Lao Da Ba Zi was no exception.He was confident that a change of identity wouldn't be easily discovered.Moreover,after cleansing himself,he intended to head to Shangshan City.
He had already contacted Yan Sheng Heng,and once he carried out the assassination of Yan Qing Xue and the others,he could wash off his sins,assume a new identity,and join Yan Sheng Heng in Shangshan City.From then on,the bandit leader Lao Da Ba Zi would have no connection to him.
As for retaliation from Shangshan City,he believed that the blame would fall on the fools under him,leaving him untouched.Faced with the skepticism of his subordinates,Lao Da Ba Zi vehemently defended his plan.
"You're all overthinking this.Do you know who orchestrated this operation?It's none other than the ninth son of Shangshan City's lord,Yan Huang Jiu–Yan Sheng Heng!"
Lao Da Ba Zi wore a mysterious expression."This involves the internal struggles among the heirs of Shangshan City.I don't fully understand it,but they are killing their own kind.We're just taking their money to solve their problems.Even if they want revenge,it won't come to us."
Among the seven groups of bandits,a middle-aged warrior with a tall and thin stature,and a blind eye,spoke in a hoarse voice,"That's precisely why I'm worried.We,the likes of us,thrive in the shadows.What if,in the end,we are made scapegoats for a murder we didn't commit?"
This warrior,nicknamed Gui Hu,had allegedly offended a powerful Yuan Shen realm expert in the past,resulting in the loss of one eye to a sword qi.Since then,Gui Hu had become extremely cautious,and his stronghold had stood for over a decade in the Xiangnan forest.
Lao Da Ba Zi laughed heartily."Gui Hu,my friend,you worry too much.I'm not a fool.I've already prepared for their potential betrayal."
With that,Lao Da Ba Zi took out a letter from his pocket."This is the letter Yan Sheng Heng sent me when we communicated.If they try to double-cross us,I'll expose this letter,revealing to the whole martial world what kind of person Yan Sheng Heng truly is!"
Unaware that Lao Da Ba Zi had never intended to stand with them,the bandits were reassured by the seemingly compelling evidence.Lao Da Ba Zi revealed a mysterious smile.
"All right,for this operation,it's best if everyone brings more hands.The opponent has a top-ranked martial artist,and we can't be too careless."
Everyone nodded.Even without Lao Da Ba Zi's warning,they knew that facing a top-ranked martial artist among their peers required numerical superiority.Lao Da Ba Zi's group,not being exceptionally fast,needed time to gather their forces and confirm their participants,ensuring they wouldn't leave their stronghold defenseless.
After three days,the seven strongholds mobilized twenty innate martial artists and over a thousand advanced martial artists.They believed that even if their opponent was a top-ranked martial artist,sheer numbers would be enough to overwhelm them.
In the midst of the dense forest,Su Xin and his team were struggling to move forward with their convoy.
The roads in the Xiangnan dense forest were rugged and often mountainous.When they came,it was easier as they were empty-handed,but now,returning with a significant amount of cargo,their speed had slowed by half.
At this moment,Su Xin,leading the way,suddenly sensed something amiss.In the usually lively Xiangnan forest,where wild beasts roared and birds chirped,there was an unusual silence.Except for occasional faint insect sounds,the surroundings were eerily quiet,clearly indicating something was wrong.
"Stop!"Su Xin raised his hand,and the entire convoy came to a halt.Tao Qian and others were on high alert,scanning the surroundings.
Being seasoned individuals in the Jianghu,they also noticed that something was off.
"Haha!Truly worthy of the top-ranked martial artist Meng Qingze;your perception is sharp,"a loud laughter echoed,and a multitude of bandits immediately emerged,armed with weapons.Hundreds more held bows and arrows,eyeing them menacingly.
The twenty individuals at the forefront exuded formidable auras,all being martial artists in the Innate Realm.
Liang Bo's expression changed abruptly."It's Lao Da Ba Zi!How could it be them?"
Su Xin asked in a low voice,"What's wrong?Is there something unusual about this person?"
Liang Bo replied in a solemn tone,"Lao Da Ba Zi is one of the strongest among these bandits in Xiangnan.Usually,he operates alone,rarely bringing this many people at once."
Having walked this trade route multiple times,Liang Bo knew the routine.Typically,if he paid,these bandits would leave peacefully.
Unfortunately,today Lao Da Ba Zi and his group were clearly here for more than just money.
Lao Da Ba Zi sneered,"Only a hundred thousand taels of silver?Do you think we're beggars?We've mobilized so many brothers,and you offer a mere hundred thousand taels of silver?"
Liang Bo retorted with a cold snort,"Then how much do you want?"
"One million taels!"Lao Da Ba Zi extended a finger."There are seven groups here,so each group gets a million."
Liang Bo's face turned dark.The total money they brought this time was only one million taels,and now they wanted each group to have a million.Was this madness?
"Lao Da Ba Zi!Do you even realize what you're doing?This is a merchant convoy from Shangshan City.Are you daring to make trouble?"Liang Bo spoke in a stern tone.
Lao Da Ba Zi sneered,"I don't care if you're from Shangshan City or not.The rules can't be broken.Tell me,are you paying or not?"
Liang Bo wanted to say more,but Su Xin stopped him.
"Liang Bo,no need to say more.They're here clearly looking for trouble.Even if you offer ten million taels,they won't leave."
Su Xin stepped forward,staring directly at Lao Da Ba Zi and his group."Speak up,who sent you?"
"Haha!Meng Qingze,the top-ranked martial artist,indeed impressive.Unfortunately,starting today,you'll probably be removed from the rankings!"Lao Da Ba Zi's words made the martial artists on Yansheng's side immediately adopt defensive postures.Nie Fang and the others hurriedly had Yan Qing Xue take cover inside the carriage.
Su Xin shook his head slowly."Is Lao Da Ba Zi right?You've gained quite a reputation among the numerous bandits in Xiangnan.I'm curious who gave you the courage to attempt to rob us.Shangshan City's influence in Xiangnan is not something you can provoke.I,Meng Qingze,also have some reputation.Even so,you dare to assemble so many people to attack us.I suppose the one behind you must have bid a high price."
Lao Da Ba Zi's expression turned cold."Sorry,young master Meng,there are things I can't say.If you want to know,go ask the King of Hell!Attack!"
They were here to take money to resolve others'troubles,not to engage in verbal sparring.The more they talked,the greater the variables.With Lao Da Ba Zi's command,a rain of arrows descended.Those without martial skills in the merchant convoy hurriedly sought cover behind the carriages,but many were still struck by arrows.
The over five hundred advanced martial artists could only barely protect themselves under this onslaught of arrows.After all,the archers on the opposing side were also in the advanced realm.One arrow could result in death or severe injury.
