Chapter 1903: Action

"Since everyone has no objections, let's begin forming this force," Li Hao said.

In the days that followed, Li Hao and Li Xiaohao began secretly training this unit. The unit was composed of the Shanzhai's elite, all young men capable of fighting.

As time passed, the unit's strength gradually increased. They trained rigorously every day, undergoing strict evaluations in both physical endurance and technique.

Li Hao named this unit the "Shanzhai Guard Corps."

This news was kept secret; only the Shanzhai's high-ranking members knew. To maintain secrecy, Li Hao assigned Li Xiaohao and another brother to train the unit, while he himself provided covert support.

Over time, the Shanzhai Guard Corps grew stronger and could now independently complete certain missions.

One day, Li Hao gathered the Shanzhai Guard Corps and said, "Today, I'm giving you a mission—your first mission."

The men were startled—was Brother Hao asking them to carry out a dangerous mission?

Li Hao continued, "I want you to complete a mission: protect our homeland."

The men relaxed—they weren't being sent on a dangerous mission after all.

"Our homeland is being raided by bandits. We need a powerful force to defend it. You are the most elite I've carefully selected—I believe you can accomplish this mission," Li Hao said.

The men shouted in unison: "We will complete the mission!"

Next, Li Hao and Li Xiaohao began planning the mission's details. They planned to split the Shanzhai Guard Corps into two groups: one to distract the bandits, the other to sneak into the village and protect the villagers' safety.

This plan was named the "Fox Hunt Plan."

In the following days, Li Hao and Li Xiaohao repeatedly revised and refined the plan. They also intensified the Shanzhai Guard Corps' training to better execute it.

Finally, after a month, the "Fox Hunt Plan" was officially launched. The day before its start, Li Hao gathered all the brothers and meticulously explained and deployed every detail. He told them this mission was not only to protect the village, but also to train the unit, enhancing their combat effectiveness and coordination.

The men listened with burning passion and vowed not to let him down—they would complete the mission.

Early the next morning, the first group set out under Li Xiaohao's command. They wore black clothing and painted their faces with camouflage, appearing like a professional special forces unit.

Before departure, Li Xiaohao told them: "Brothers, we are the Shanzhai Guard Corps. Our mission is to protect everyone in the Shanzhai. Now, our homeland is under bandit attack—we must defend them. Our actions must be swift and decisive—no hesitation, no retreat."

The men shouted in unison: "Protect the Shanzhai, never retreat!"

After the first group departed, Li Hao led the second group out. Unlike the first, they wore ordinary clothes and did not apply camouflage. Their mission was to sneak into the village and protect the villagers' safety.

Before entering the village, Li Hao told them: "Our actions must be cautious. If discovered, our plan will be exposed. Our goal is not to defeat the bandits, but to protect the villagers. So, the moment you spot bandits approaching the village, react immediately."

The men shouted in unison: "Protect the village, never retreat!"

Just as the first group arrived at their destination, the second group successfully infiltrated the village. They scattered and hid in every corner, waiting for the bandits.

Time passed second by second; tension grew. They knew if the plan was uncovered, grave danger awaited. But they also understood: if they succeeded in protecting the village, their mission would be complete.

Finally, at dusk, the bandits appeared at the village's edge. They looked exhausted, clearly having traveled long distances. Yet they failed to notice the hidden Shanzhai Guard Corps members.

The moment the bandits appeared, Li Hao's heart tightened. He knew this was the test. He silently prayed each member would succeed. The bandits entered the village, spreading out to search for valuables. The hidden Shanzhai Guard Corps members moved. Following the plan, some launched ambushes while others drew the bandits' attention.

Instantly, the village echoed with clashing swords and bandits' screams. The Shanzhai Guard Corps moved swiftly and decisively, fighting without regard for their own safety, trying to drive the bandits out.

Meanwhile, Li Xiaohao's first group also launched their attack. They swiftly surrounded the bandits, attempting to draw them away. But the bandits were too numerous—their encirclement failed to achieve its intended effect.

Under these circumstances, Li Hao decided to change the plan. He ordered the Shanzhai Guard Corps to concentrate their strength and attack the bandits' hideout. He believed only by destroying the bandits' base could the problem be fully resolved.

The Shanzhai Guard Corps then launched an assault on the bandits' hideout. They fought bravely, cutting through enemies until they reached the hideout. There, they found many valuables and weapons.

But the bandits refused to abandon their base easily. They launched a final counterattack, trying to drive out the Shanzhai Guard Corps. In this fierce battle, the Shanzhai Guard Corps displayed exceptional combat prowess and ultimately succeeded in driving the bandits out of the village.

After the bandits were driven off, the villagers rushed out to watch. Seeing the wounds and exhaustion on the Shanzhai Guard Corps members' faces, they expressed deep gratitude and respect.

In this battle, the Shanzhai Guard Corps demonstrated extraordinary combat strength and courage. Though they paid a heavy price, they successfully completed their mission and protected the village's safety.

Li Hao and Li Xiaohao were deeply satisfied with the team members' performance. They knew this success stemmed not only from their meticulous planning and the team members' bravery, but from the brothers' unity and cooperation.

In the days that followed, the Shanzhai Guard Corps continued training and defending the village. Their strength grew ever greater, becoming a formidable force.

Meanwhile, Li Hao and Li Xiaohao began planning for the future. They decided to expand the Shanzhai's influence and continue recruiting capable individuals. They believed that if all the brothers stood united, they could carve out their own place in the Jianghu. The bandits' counterattack was fierce—they knew if they lost this hideout, they would have nowhere left to hide. Thus, they resisted the Shanzhai Guard Corps with all their might.

"We must hold this place!" a bandit leader shouted. "If we lose our hideout, we lose everything!"

His voice echoed through the Shanzhai, igniting the bandits' resolve. They gathered together, preparing for one final counterattack.

"Brothers, prepare for battle!" Li Hao shouted.

The Shanzhai Guard Corps quickly assembled, ready to face the bandits' assault. They knew this would be the toughest fight since their formation—but they charged forward without hesitation.

"Don't fear—we have numbers!" a bandit shouted. "If they dare to counterattack, we'll crush them!"

The bandits attacked, surging forward like a tide. But the Shanzhai Guard Corps did not falter—they displayed extraordinary combat strength and engaged the bandits in fierce combat.

"Kill!" a Shanzhai Guard Corps member shouted.

He charged into the bandits, slashing one down. The bandit screamed and fell. The others were startled but did not retreat—they continued attacking the Shanzhai Guard Corps.

"Don't fear—we will win!" Li Hao shouted.

He led the charge, pushing the Shanzhai Guard Corps toward the bandits' hideout. There, they found many valuables and weapons. But they had no time to carry them off—the bandits kept pouring in.

"Brothers, don't give up!" a Shanzhai Guard Corps member shouted. "We can't let Brother Hao down!"

The Shanzhai Guard Corps fought harder and harder, finally driving the bandits out of the village. Their performance earned the villagers' deep gratitude and respect.

"Excellent!" Li Hao praised the team members. "You're the best!" "Thank you, Brother Hao!" the Shanzhai Guard Corps members shouted in unison.

Li Hao looked at these young faces, filled with gratitude and pride. He knew these youths were his most capable assistants and his most trusted men.

"Alright, we still have one thing to do," Li Hao said. "We must clean everything up and restore the villagers' lives as soon as possible."

"Understood!" the team members replied in unison.

In the following days, the Shanzhai Guard Corps began cleanup work. They helped repair villagers' homes and provided essential food and daily necessities. Their actions warmed and deeply moved the villagers.

Meanwhile, Li Hao and Li Xiaohao began planning for the future. They decided to expand the Shanzhai's influence and continue recruiting capable individuals. They believed that if all the brothers stood united, they could carve out their own place in the Jianghu.

"Brother Hao, what's our next step?" Li Xiaohao asked.

"We must continue expanding our influence," Li Hao replied. "And we must find more capable individuals to join our ranks."

"Where should we start?" Li Xiaohao asked further.

"We must first understand the situation in the Jianghu," Li Hao answered. "And we must find people who can help us."

"Understood!" Li Xiaohao nodded.

On this day, Li Hao and Li Xiaohao led the Shanzhai Guard to a bustling city. They knew that here they could encounter more people and events, and perhaps even find clues helpful for expanding their influence.

As soon as they entered the city, they felt the difference. People came and went on the streets, and the shouts of various shops and peddlers rose and fell, presenting a scene of prosperity.

"Brother Hao, what should we do next?" Li Xiaohao asked.

"We need to understand this city first," Li Hao replied. "See what forces are here and how they relate to one another."

"Then should we find someone to ask about the situation?" Li Xiaohao continued.

"Good idea," Li Hao nodded and said. "You go find someone to ask."

Li Xiaohao quickly found an elderly woman who looked kind. He stepped forward and politely asked, "Grandmother, may I ask what forces exist in this city?"

The old woman glanced at him and whispered, "This city has many forces; the largest among them is the 'Black Wind Shanzhai'. They control the city's underground trade and the smuggling of contraband."

"Are there other forces?" Li Xiaohao continued to ask.

"Of course," the old woman answered. "There is also the 'Meihua Sect'. They are assassins and spies who specialize in carrying out killings and gathering intelligence for the wealthy."

"Thank you, Grandmother," Li Xiaohao said gratefully.

He quickly returned to Li Hao's side and told him what he had learned.

"It seems this city has many forces," Li Hao said thoughtfully. "We must be more cautious."

Just as they were preparing to learn more information, the sound of horse hooves suddenly approached. A group of people dressed in black was seen charging toward a large mansion in the city.

"Brothers, follow me and take a look!" Li Hao said quickly.

The Shanzhai Guard members quickly followed behind him and rushed toward the mansion together. They saw the people in black charge into the mansion, and then the sounds of fierce fighting erupted.

"These are people from the 'Black Wind Shanzhai'!" Li Xiaohao exclaimed. "How did they get here?"

"It appears the 'Black Wind Shanzhai' and the 'Meihua Sect' have a conflict of interests here," Li Hao analyzed. "Let us not act rashly; let us first observe the situation."

The Shanzhai Guard members found a concealed spot around the mansion and began to observe. They saw the people in black repeatedly charge out of the courtyard, engaging in fierce battles with the people of the 'Meihua Sect'. However, the 'Meihua Sect' did not seem to be a match for the 'Black Wind Shanzhai' and soon began to retreat.

Seeing this, Li Hao's heart tightened. He knew this was an opportunity to help the 'Meihua Sect' escape their predicament.