Chapter 31

【Mechanical Troop: Repeating Crossbowmen】

【Attributes】

【Health: 100%】

【Energy: None】

【Strength: 6】

【Agility: 6】

【Constitution: 6】

【Spirit: 6】

【Perception: 6】

【Talent】

【Well-Trained · Repeating Crossbowman LV.2: Ranged Accuracy +10%, Crossbow Reload Speed +10%】

【Skills】

【Ranged Combat Basics LV.10】

【Crossbow Basics LV.10】

【Equipment】

【Repeating Crossbow (Excellent Grade): Rapid Fire】

【Standard Leather Armor (Common Grade)】

【Feathered Quiver ×3 (Excellent Grade): Hundred-Pocket】

【Standard Short Blade (Common Grade)】

【Standard Crossbow Bolts ×300 (Common Grade)】

The crossbowmen’s attributes were not high—each of the five stats was only one point above the standard.

But their other skills and equipment were excessively lavish: their basic skill levels surpassed even Chu Danqing’s, and they possessed an excellent-grade weapon.

The only drawback was they could only perform basic attacks, and once their 300 bolts were spent, they lost all advantage.

With the repeating crossbow’s rapid-fire capability and its inherent Rapid Fire trait, emptying all bolts within ten minutes was no challenge.

The battle ended quickly; the two bandits were dragged over by Da Bao, and the crossbowmen stood down, falling in beside Chu Danqing.

“Thank you, righteous sir, for your aid,” said a middle-aged man in brocade robes, looking disheveled as he bowed to Chu Danqing. “I am Ji Yun of Yangxian.”

Chu Danqing nodded. He had rescued them not for gratitude—first, because saving a life surpasses building seven-tiered pagodas; second, because it ensured a better start.

“Chu Mo,” Chu Danqing introduced himself, then asked: “Is Yangxian not far from here?”

“Are you also heading to Yangxian?” Ji Yun’s face lit up with surprise.

“I was planning to go, but now I may delay a bit,” Chu Danqing did not hide his intent: “These bandits didn’t appear out of nowhere.”

“Daring to roam in this frozen wasteland to rob and kill—they must have a hideout. I intend to eradicate evil completely.”

“No wonder you spared two alive,” Ji Yun guessed, now confirmed: “These bandits are fugitives from elsewhere.”

“My family has lived in Yangxian for generations—we’ve never seen them. They must have arrived recently.”

“Since we know nothing of their strength, it would be wiser for you to return with me to Yangxian and have the Prefect send troops to exterminate them,” Ji Yun offered advice.

“That would be too late,” Chu Danqing would never agree: “I have full confidence in handling this myself.”

“This…” Ji Yun, hearing this, didn’t know what to say, but seeing the corpses scattered on the ground, he felt his concern was unnecessary.

“Unfortunately, most of my caravan are injured or ill—I cannot accompany you to eliminate the evil.”

“When you enter Yangxian County, seek out the Ji family—I shall repay your life-saving grace.”

Ji Yun’s tone carried embarrassment; in his view, his words sounded like an excuse to avoid involvement.

“Very well, I will pay you a visit,” Chu Danqing did not refuse—he gained a friendly faction.

Whether they could assist him, Chu Danqing didn’t truly care. He acted according to his own will, not to exploit the Ji family.

After confirming the direction of Yangxian County, Chu Danqing interrogated the two bandits.

They were very cooperative, especially under Da Bao’s threat, and quickly revealed much intelligence.

As Ji Yun said, they were not from Yangxian County—just desperate refugees who joined Qingya Zhai to survive through robbery.

They survived, but at the cost of innocent lives.

Qingya Zhai was their base, not far from here.

They planned to settle in this area, abandon roaming raids, and establish a permanent force.

But before their power could grow, they encountered Chu Danqing—and were wiped out without a trace.

On the other side, Ji Yun directed his caravan crew to recover their abandoned goods: “Righteous Sir Chu, we shall return now.”

“Please be cautious when eliminating these evildoers—such bandits are cunning; do not trust them easily.”

He reminded Chu Danqing once more, fearing an accident.

“Understood, I’ll be careful,” Chu Danqing knew full well the falsehood in his words.

The two bandits’ lives were in his hands—any sign of trouble, and they’d die first.

“Farewell,” Ji Yun said, then led his caravan away.

Chu Danqing headed toward Qingya Zhai .

As for the trial quest, it wasn’t urgent.

Three days was still ample time.

More importantly, he hadn’t obtained the treasure chest.

And he felt Qingya Zhai might hold additional opening elements.

With the bandits guiding them, Chu Danqing and Da Bao entered the mountains, turning left and right until they found Qingya Zhai .

The chief’s background was likely military—he knew how to set up camp well; the Zhai ’s location and construction were defensible.

“Brave sir, let me trick the gate open for you,” one captured bandit flattered.

Chu Danqing carefully observed—someone was on guard atop the wall.

“No need for your trouble—I’ll handle it myself,” Chu Danqing said, giving Da Bao a glance.

Da Bao immediately drove his claws through both their necks and twisted their heads off.

Brutal, but efficient—both died silently.

Da Bao activated his Rending Claws once more, becoming a blood-shadow charging toward Qingya Zhai .

“Intruder!” The guard on the wall spotted Da Bao, shouting as he rang the alarm bell.

But the next instant, Da Bao leapt forward, his sharp claws extending and embedding into the wall.

In seconds he scaled up, killed the guard, then climbed back down along the wall.

Chu Danqing didn’t witness the subsequent battle, but through Da Bao’s attribute panel and combat log, he saw Da Bao slaughtering relentlessly.

The commotion inside Qingya Zhai never ceased.

Chu Danqing trusted Da Bao alone because the Zhai had few defenders.

The chief had taken twenty men on raids—those were nearly all their forces.

The total number of bandits left in the Zhai was fewer than ten.

With Da Bao’s strength, wiping them out was no problem.

“The Repeating Crossbowmen’s duration is too short. Without someone to share energy cost, summoning them directly is too expensive.”

Chu Danqing glanced at the cooled-down Mechanical Troop: Repeating Crossbowmen token, feeling regretful.

Soon, the noise inside the Zhai faded, and the gate opened.

The one who opened the gate was Da Bao.

Chu Danqing ran over; Da Bao’s first words were: “No treasure chest.”

“No chest is fine—let’s look for other clues,” Chu Danqing didn’t insist on the chest.

(End of Chapter)