Chapter 202: Gone in a Single Encounter! (Seeking Monthly Votes!)

"Get up!"

Ning Mu reached out his hand and helped the sisters Meng Yueqin and Meng Yuehua to their feet.

He glanced down at the fifty members of the Stranger Blade squad, who were already fully equipped and standing in neat formation, waiting only for the order to move.

After a moment of thought, Ning Mu looked at the Meng sisters and said, "Huaiyang Prefecture is not too far from here. Once matters here are concluded, I will find time to send people to investigate, and we can deliberate on it then. Rest assured, since you have arrived at our Ningyang Stronghold, you are now my people. Your past grievances will certainly be avenged!"

Ning Mu patted Meng Yueqin on the shoulder. Although he did not give a direct promise, this assurance immediately filled the sisters with joy and tearful gratitude.

"Many thanks, Stronghold Master. Great kindness cannot be expressed in words; in the future, we two sisters will surely serve you even unto death to repay this!"

The sisters knelt on the ground once more.

After some polite exchanges, Ning Mu helped them up.

Just then.

Meng Yueqin pursed her lips, glanced around, then leaned a little closer to Ning Mu and whispered mysteriously, "Stronghold Master, there is one more thing, regarding Fenglei Stronghold."

"What is it?"

Meng Yueqin thought for a moment, then gathered her courage and whispered, "The wife of the Fenglei Stronghold Master, Su Yueqiao, seems to be a fox demon!"

Ning Mu was startled, then looked at the sisters and asked, "How do you know?"

"Replying to the Stronghold Master, it was a few days ago. I accidentally saw a tail protruding from behind Su Yueqiao. It was pure, pure white. At first, I thought I had seen wrong, but after looking closely, I was absolutely certain—it was a fox tail!"

"At the time, my sister Yuehua and I had been dragged back and beaten until we were on the verge of death, drifting in and out of consciousness. Perhaps she didn't care, so she wasn't in a hurry to hide it even after the tail appeared. I saw it in my daze, but as soon as that Zhai Dali came in, she quickly tucked it away and it vanished!"

Meng Yueqin spoke with conviction, as if afraid that Ning Mu would not believe her.

Indeed.

Discovering a demon in human territory, especially a cunning fox demon, was somewhat hard to fathom.

Especially within a bandit mountain stronghold that worshipped violence.

This made it even more unbelievable.

A fox demon, practically in charge of a human mountain stronghold—who would believe that if it were told?

Ning Mu realized, and nodded with a smile.

He knew now; this was one of the aunts or sisters of the little fox Su Youyou.

And while Ning Mu was conversing with the Meng sisters.

Not far away.

Ye Qingxian, who was already able to walk, was dressed in a black short-sleeved martial outfit that highlighted the dashing curves of her graceful figure. Her white hair was particularly eye-catching. Holding a precious sword in one hand, she walked toward Ning Mu.

"Stronghold Master Ning, take me with you."

Upon reaching Ning Mu, she said this with an indifferent expression.

And before Ning Mu could speak.

She added, "Since I have come, I, Ye, should contribute some effort. My injuries are no obstacle; dealing with a few petty thieves is a simple matter."

Ning Mu couldn't help but raise an eyebrow and smile. Since she had put it that way, refusing would seem unappreciative of the situation.

He nodded immediately and said, "Very well, Young Lady Ye shall stay by my side."

Ye Qingxian said nothing more.

Instead, after nodding, she stood like a cold-blooded assassin, holding her sword and stepping back half a pace, standing behind Ning Mu in silent stillness.

However.

Her gaze swept intentionally or unintentionally toward the Meng sisters.

Seeing the joy on their faces and the happiness filling their eyes, her heart stirred slightly.

Since Ning Mu could avenge these two strangers.

Then in the near future, when she went to seek revenge against the Lieyang Sect and the Fengmo Sword Sect, could she also borrow the strength of Ningyang Stronghold?

Although she was rigid.

She was not foolish enough to seek revenge alone. Whether it was the Lieyang Sect or the Fengmo Sword Sect, both were among the top major sects south of the Vast Sea, with formidable strength.

With her own power, it would be nothing more than a mantis trying to stop a chariot.

But if she borrowed the strength of Ningyang Stronghold, the situation would be vastly different.

At the very least, it could be a fifty-fifty situation.

Over the past few days, she had inquired carefully; the current Ningyang Stronghold was not lacking in strength.

Two True Person powerhouses presided over it, both of whom were Ning Mu's wives.

And the maids in the back courtyard were all martial experts in their own right.

More importantly, they were intentionally training their men in the art of military formation combat.

Given time, this seemingly inconspicuous little mountain stronghold would surely achieve great things! This was also the reason why she intended to get close to Ning Mu.

Build a good relationship first, and save it for great use later.

"Husband, everything is ready!"

Just then.

Liuli's voice came from below the platform.

"Good!"

Ning Mu nodded and waved his hand, saying, "Move out!"

Mounting their horses, the troop set out from Ningyang Stronghold, their target being Fenglei Stronghold, two mountain peaks away! This was the first collective battle for Ningyang Stronghold; it was both a test of the training they had undergone these days and a signal to the outside world that Ningyang Stronghold was beginning to expand!

They set out with almost their entire force.

Tong Yuyue remained to preside over the stronghold, leaving behind a small number of men to guard it.

Ning Mu and Liuli led the Stranger Blade squad, accompanied by Ye Qingxian, Zhu Yaluan, Liu Xiaoya, and others, to directly attack the gates of Fenglei Stronghold.

Zhu Yaluan sent a message ordering the Second Stronghold Master of Yunxiao Stronghold, Zhou Dacheng, to lead the Yunxiao bandits to attack from the flank and simultaneously prevent the enemy from escaping.

As for Liu Qingmei, she had long since led her men and set off toward the location of the Salt Well.

During these three days, Ningyang Stronghold had not been idle.

While Fenglei Stronghold was urgently uniting the other Mountain Strongholds of the Three Mountains and Four Ridges, Ningyang Stronghold was also gathering intelligence.

Liu Qingmei had long since pinpointed the location of the Salt Well; it lay within an old mountain forest beside Fenglei Stronghold, a mountain the locals called Luoxia Ridge, where, aside from a few mountain folk who had lived there for generations, no major bandit force occupied the area.

……

"Report!"

"Alliance Leader, fellow Stronghold Masters, the scouts ahead have confirmed that Yunxiao Stronghold has already begun ascending the mountain at our southeast end, less than twenty miles from our stronghold."

"Report!"

"The Stronghold Master of Ningyang Stronghold is leading over fifty men wielding Stranger Blades, currently heading toward the mountain gate, less than ten miles away!"

"……"

Scouts returned incessantly, reporting the movements and news.

"Continue scouting and report back!"

Zhai Dali waved his hand, dismissing the scouts.

He had long since made full preparations; at this moment, Fenglei Stronghold was as impenetrable as an iron barrel.

A full one thousand men were lying in ambush within the stronghold, while on the slopes on both sides of the mountain entrance, one thousand men were ambushed on each side; then there was the southeast side of the Mountain Stronghold, which, although a flat and open area and the loophole of the entire layout, also had men from other Mountain Strongholds stationed there to defend it.

Such was the arrangement.

The enemy would likely be defeated and perish before they could even get close to his main stronghold gate! Zhai Dali could not help but laugh mockingly.

Over these three days, he had united the other Mountain Strongholds within the Three Mountains and Four Ridges; apart from a very few who, hindered by past sentiments or the former Alliance Leader Zhu Yaluan's deterrence, chose to stand by and watch, the majority of the Mountain Strongholds, such as Black Tiger Stronghold, Seven Star Stronghold, Beidou Stronghold, and Yunyan Ridge, had all defected and joined his command, willing to listen to his orders and share in the profits of the Luoxia Slope Salt Well.

And he, too, had been elected as the new supreme Alliance Leader.

At this moment.

"Hahaha..."

A bald man with a diagonal scar on his face, sitting below on the left, laughed heartily, shook the Nine-Ring Broadsword in his hand, then patted his forehead and laughed loudly: "This tiny Ningyang Stronghold is truly laughable; they want to attack the gate of my stronghold with just over fifty people?"

"I thought they were some incredible rising stars, even that woman Zhu Yaluan fell for their tricks, but now it seems they are nothing but embroidered pillows!"

This man was the Stronghold Master of Black Tiger Stronghold, known in the pugilistic world as Wu Dabala, who wielded a Nine-Ring Broadsword. Because of his ferocity, every man in Black Tiger Stronghold was a hot-tempered brute.

As Wu Dabala finished speaking, Zhai Dali glanced at his wife, smiling but saying nothing.

At this moment.

A man below Wu Dabala stood up, looked at him with a smile, and flattered him with a sarcastic tone: "Hahaha, Stronghold Master Wu is right. With these fifty-odd people coming to attack the mountain, I fear the strength of Stronghold Master Wu's Black Tiger Stronghold alone would be enough to wipe them out; why bother us to take action?"

This man was the Stronghold Master of Beidou Stronghold, Wang Tong; because Beidou Stronghold and Black Tiger Stronghold were neighbors, they often had disputes, and would even fight whenever they happened to cross paths while robbing the road.

Therefore, the two were truly enemies meeting, their eyes burning with hatred.

Provoked by Wang Tong, Wu Dabala immediately snorted coldly.

"Hmph! If we're going to do it, let's do it!"

Wu Dabala stood up carrying his Nine-Ring Broadsword, cupped his hands toward Zhai Dali, and said: "Alliance Leader Zhai, why bother the armies on both sides? I will lead my own stronghold's men and will surely twist that brat's head off in front of the mountain as a gift for the Alliance Leader!"

Zhai Dali immediately looked at Su Yueqiao.

Seeing her nod slightly, he immediately laughed loudly: "Good, Stronghold Master Wu's courage is commendable. I now order you to take the brothers of Black Tiger Stronghold's main force and strike before our gate, annihilating Ningyang Stronghold in one fell swoop. If you fall short, I will naturally order the men on both sides to rush to your aid!"

"Understood!"

Wu Dabala immediately cupped his hands and bowed before leaving.

As he left, he glanced sideways at Wang Tong, revealing a sneer of disdain.

The other two Stronghold Masters sat with smiles, quietly watching from the sidelines.

They all knew that whoever performed the most meritorious service today would occupy a larger share of the profits from the Salt Well.

But at the same time.

They knew even better that a stronghold that had even defeated the former Alliance Leader Zhu Yaluan—who had always suppressed the Three Mountains and Four Ridges so that they couldn't lift their heads and could only bow and obey—was definitely not someone to be trifled with.

Fifty-odd people were likely just the vanguard, and they were certainly all top-tier experts.

The force behind them would surely be even more powerful.

After all, until now, none of them knew exactly what the strength of this Ningyang Stronghold was.

Not everyone was like Wu Dabala, eager for quick success and instant benefits, fierce but without strategy.

Therefore, the current plan of watching from the sidelines was undoubtedly the best choice.

As Wu Dabala led the main force of Black Tiger Stronghold out to battle, the Yishiting was peaceful, with everyone drinking and eating, enjoying themselves immensely.

Yet, less than half an hour passed.

Suddenly.

A messenger lackey rushed into the Yishiting, sweating profusely.

"Alliance Leader, something terrible has happened!"

"Stronghold Master Wu led five hundred men, and in just a single encounter, they were wiped out! Stronghold Master Wu fought to the death but was beheaded under his horse; the enemy's Stranger Blade squad is extremely ferocious!"

After entering the door, the messenger lackey fell to his knees and reported in a hoarse voice.

"What!"

Gasp! Instantly, everyone in the hall was shocked!

Those who could sit in this hall were all masters and leaders of their respective strongholds.

Hearing this, they were all incomparably horrified.

Five hundred against fifty, and they were wiped out in just a single encounter?

How could this be possible!

Unless the enemy were all Martial Dao experts with outstanding strength.

Wang Tong of Beidou Stronghold's expression changed, and he immediately stood up with a start, looked toward Zhai Dali in the main seat, and rebuked angrily, "Why haven't the reinforcements ambushed on both sides made their move!"

Although he had friction with Wu Dabala.

But after years of fighting, they had long since developed a bond; even though he was intentionally being difficult, he still could not accept it when he heard that Black Tiger Stronghold had been completely wiped out and Wu Dabala was dead.

He immediately questioned Zhai Dali.

Zhai Dali furrowed his brows, his expression extremely gloomy.

"Report!"

"Alliance Leader, esteemed Stronghold Masters, the troops ambushed on both sides of the mountain road were discovered by the enemy and have fallen into battle..."

And just at this moment.

Another messenger lackey ran in from outside the door.

"Withdraw, and scout again!"

At this moment.

Su Yueqiao, who was sitting below Zhai Dali, stood up and waved her hand at the messenger lackey.

Immediately after, she looked earnestly at the various stronghold leaders below the steps, smiling charmingly.

"Everyone, rest easy. With one less Black Tiger Stronghold, won't your respective dividends increase by a share? What is the rush? Wu Dabala was eager for quick success and instant benefits; the Alliance Leader had already arranged the troops and made proper deployments, yet he insisted on being brave and bellicose, refusing to follow orders. This is the result!"

Although Su Yueqiao was smiling, her voice enveloped the entire Yishiting, as if it were exploding in everyone's ears, making one's heart palpitate.

"Everyone must understand that since Ningyang Stronghold could make even Yunxiao Stronghold bow their heads and submit, they are certainly not to be trifled with. We must work together with one heart to dominate Xima Mountain. Everyone, do you agree?"

Give a slap, then offer a sweet date.

Su Yueqiao smiled repeatedly. Once these words fell, driven by interests, Wang Tong immediately sat down with a sullen face, no longer pursuing the matter.

"The Madam is right; we must work together with one heart!"

"The Madam's words are enlightening; my Seven Star Stronghold will follow the Alliance Leader's orders in everything!"

"..."

The several Stronghold Masters hurriedly expressed their loyalty.

Saying a few nice words might mean occupying a few more shares of the Salt Well dividends, and since it didn't cost money, who would be stingy?

Just that.

Before the crowd's voices had even faded.

Another messenger lackey burst into the Yishiting.

"Report!"

"Alliance Leader, esteemed Stronghold Masters, the troops ambushed on both sides have suffered over fifty percent casualties and have been beaten back; they are retreating toward the stronghold gate!"

Boom! As the messenger lackey's voice fell, the hall suddenly erupted as if it had exploded.

"What!?"

"How could this be? That was two thousand troops, and at least half of them were Opening Aperture Realm martial artists!"

The crowd was dumbfounded, unable to believe it.

Zhai Dali's expression was the ugliest.

These two thousand troops were almost entirely the manpower of Fenglei Stronghold.

With over half dead or injured, the loss was not insignificant.

And before he could vent his anger.

Su Yueqiao had already asked in a deep voice.

"Exactly how many people does the enemy have to be able to kill and repel my two thousand troops!"

"Replying to the Madam, the enemy has over fifty people, all with Stranger Blades. They advance and retreat in formation and are very methodical; it is very difficult to break their Stranger Blade formation. Furthermore, the person leading them is riding a strange beast that looks like a lion but is extremely tall and fierce. That strange beast can take out over a dozen of our men in a single encounter. Besides that, there are several women with very profound Cultivation Points; under their charge, our brothers were just... just... just like f***ing leeks!"

The messenger lackey said unwillingly.

And just at this time.

At this moment.

Another messenger lackey burst in.

"Alliance Leader, Madam, esteemed Stronghold Masters, the mountain gate was breached by the enemy's strange beast in a single encounter; they have already fought their way into the inner stronghold!"

(End of this chapter)