novelraw Chapter 97
Chapter 97
Hall Master Song Minshu and Elder Lin Xun led the way, bringing twenty-four inner disciples into Blackstone Village in grand formation. They quickly found Su Wangchuan.
“Wangchuan.”
“The Gang Leader has received the news. He knows you have formed a blood feud with Blackwind Stronghold.”
“Do not worry. The Gang Leader’s view is that since you were able to kill the Third Leader, and only two Ranked Martial Artists remain in Blackwind Stronghold, they are no longer something to fear. This is the perfect opportunity to uproot this thorn.”
Shock flashed in Su Wangchuan’s eyes.
The Yulong Gang intended to move against Blackwind Stronghold?
What was happening?
He glanced subtly at Lin Xun, hoping for more details.
Lin Xun understood and smiled.
“Blackwind Stronghold has long provoked us in Huishui County. Our grudges run deep. During the winter, they lost informants and minor leaders. Now they have lost over a hundred men and a major commander. Their strength is severely weakened. Hmph! Strike while they are sick and take their life. If we act now, we can force Blackwind Stronghold to retreat deep into the mountains and recuperate for years.”Su Wangchuan finally grasped the situation.
After swallowing the Nu Tao Gang’s water stronghold, the Yulong Gang was already on the verge of becoming the dominant local force in Huishui County.
If they could destroy or heavily cripple Blackwind Stronghold now, Yang Feiyue’s objective would be achieved. There would be no serious rival for years to come.
Hall Master Song spoke decisively.
“We came here primarily to rendezvous with you and advance into the mountains together. Hall Master He, Elder Fang Kui, and the newly recruited Helm Leader Qin Ming have already entered the mountains ahead of us. We will join up with Constable Yu’s subordinates and depart at once. We aim to eliminate Blackwind Stronghold tonight.”
His words rang like drawn blades.
Su Wangchuan was genuinely stunned.
To deal with Blackwind Stronghold, the Yulong Gang had mobilized so many full-fledged Martial Artists.
“Enough talk,” Lin Xun urged. “Hall Master He and the others are waiting in the mountains. We will discuss details on the way.”
Though Su Wangchuan had little desire to involve himself in such a dangerous operation, he knew this was beneficial for Blackstone Village. It could eliminate the threat once and for all. Moreover, the matter had begun because of him. He had no reason to retreat now.
He turned to Zhao Heiniu and Blacksmith Sun.
“You remain and guard the village. We will return soon.”
“If we are attacking Blackwind Stronghold, I will go with you.”
Zhao Heiniu volunteered. “I know the location of their stronghold. I often hunted near it in the past. My archery can be of use.”
“Good.”
“Bring Captain Zhao.”
Hall Master Song nodded.
The group quickly left the village and headed toward the mountains.
Blacksmith Sun, Bai Yuhui, Hong Kaibao, Lin Dahai, and others ran after them, each carrying a quiver of arrows.
“Take these!”
Blacksmith Sun personally hung two quivers at Su Wangchuan’s waist.
“Be careful.”
“I will, Master.”
Without even looking, Su Wangchuan knew by feel that they were armor-piercing arrows.
Blacksmith Sun and the others stood at the edge of the village, watching the group disappear into the mountains, worry etched across their faces.
…
The group moved swiftly.
They soon entered the mountains and joined Hall Master He and the others who had been waiting.
Six full-fledged Martial Artists of the Yulong Gang led twenty-four inner disciples with Quasi-Martial Artist strength, fully armed at the front.
Behind them were four constables from the county office—two Martial Artists and two Quasi-Martial Artists.
At the rear was Zhao Heiniu of Blackstone Village.
Thirty-five men in total.
Their guide was an inner disciple named Sun Quan. Lin Xun explained that he had once been a minor leader in Blackwind Stronghold. After offending the Second Leader, he had been kicked off a cliff. Miraculously surviving, he had hidden his identity and joined the Yulong Gang.
Sun Quan had always sought revenge.
Now, he was the ideal guide.
He not only knew Blackwind Stronghold’s location and routes thoroughly, but also maintained an informant within the stronghold—a close friend who periodically provided updates about sentry positions and changes in patrol routines.
Following Sun Quan, they soon discovered the footprints left by the bandits who had fled Blackstone Village.
The trail was correct.
Along the way, Lin Xun leaned closer to Su Wangchuan.
“In battle, stay toward the rear and make full use of your archery. The battlefield is unpredictable. Anything can happen… Do not forget to protect yourself. You must not lose your account.”
He emphasized the last words.
Su Wangchuan nodded.
Losing his account meant death.
He had already prepared himself to activate [Fish Scale Technique] and [Lightfoot on Grass] at any moment.
Before long, they crossed seven or eight mountains.
The terrain suddenly opened up.
Ahead lay three five-meter-high earthen terraces, barren and devoid of cover. Beyond them, faint figures moved among the upper forest.
Sun Quan halted and crouched.
Everyone lowered themselves simultaneously.
“The first defensive line of Blackwind Stronghold lies ahead. There are usually six hidden sentries stationed here. Anyone showing themselves while ascending will likely be spotted.”
He turned back to Hall Master He and the others.
“Only Martial Artists with lightness skills can quickly slip into the forest and eliminate them before they notice. If they are alerted, they will launch signal flares to warn the stronghold.”
Sun Quan knew Blackwind Stronghold’s operations intimately.
“Only six hidden sentries? Easy.”
Hall Master He flicked open his robe, revealing a row of silver throwing knives at his belt.
“My throwing knives can take two.”
Elder Fang Kui accepted two knives from him.
“It has been a while since I used these. I will take one.”
Hall Master Song claimed one as well.
The Yulong Gang, long active on the water, had mastered various long-range techniques.
Lin Xun, whose [Archery] had reached [Practice Makes Perfect], claimed another.
Then all eyes turned to Su Wangchuan and Qin Ming.
Qin Ming, newly recruited as a Helm Leader, smiled bitterly.
“I am strong in close combat. At long range, I have no confidence.”
“I will handle it.”
Su Wangchuan removed his iron-reinforced bow.
The others nodded.
He had killed the Third Leader of Blackwind Stronghold with this bow. Three Martial Artists had fallen by his hand. Eliminating peripheral sentries posed no issue.
Zhao Heiniu stepped beside him.
“Sometimes there are more than six sentries. I will take the sixth. Your iron-reinforced bow has longer range and higher speed. When we move, keep watch on the forest for any unexpected movement.”
Su Wangchuan paused, then nodded solemnly.
Captain Zhao was right. There could always be unforeseen variables.
“Understood.”
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