Chapter 213: Exterminating the Bandits

The Hong Sect also followed the main force to Heifeng Mountain to exterminate the Mountain Bandits.

Along the way, they saw ragged disaster victims; upon seeing so many people, those victims retreated one after another, not daring to obstruct them.

They saw tree bark that had been gnawed clean, and even while climbing mountains and wading through water, they saw small skeletons and pots nearby.

Cheng Feng did not know what the others were thinking, but he himself felt terribly uncomfortable and could not bear to look.

After traversing the dense forest and rugged mountain paths, they finally arrived at the foot of Heifeng Mountain.

The mountain terrain here was precipitous and shrouded in clouds and mist, as if a massive barrier were isolating the world from the outside.

The mountain peaks towered into the clouds, and the steep cliffs and dense forests were daunting. Sunlight spilled through the clouds, forming mottled light and shadows, making the entire mountain range appear even more mysterious and majestic.

The leading County Lieutenant was about forty years old, his face showing the fortitude born of weathering many storms. He looked at the mountain peak before him with a grave expression; he knew this mission was fraught with danger, but he firmly believed the government would eventually succeed in exterminating the bandits.

He turned to face the soldiers behind him, his voice low and firm as he said, "Brothers, we are about to face a bitter battle. The banditry at Heifeng Mountain has persisted for a long time; these Mountain Bandits burn, kill, and pillage, committing every evil, leaving the common people in unbearable misery. This trip of ours is not only to exterminate the Mountain Bandits but also to safeguard the peace of this region. Everyone must be cautious and vigilant; we must not only defeat the enemy but also protect ourselves well."

Upon hearing this, everyone nodded one after another, indicating they understood. They gripped the weapons in their hands, their eyes revealing a look of determination. At this moment, a flame ignited in everyone's heart; the calluses on their hands from years of training were now their most reliable support.

Following the County Lieutenant's order, everyone began to organize their equipment and check their weapons. Every detail was meticulously handled to ensure every bit of preparation was in place. At this moment, they were no longer individuals but a tightly united collective, living and dying together.

Watching the government troops preparing their equipment there, the people from the other factions watched the government troops' performance with ease. Although it had been agreed that they were here to provide support, now that the real battle was about to begin, anyone who dared to flee would be dealt with by military law.

Subsequently, under the County Lieutenant's command, everyone cautiously proceeded along the steep mountain path, constantly paying attention to the movements around them. The grass and woods on the mountain hid countless dangers, and the lurking poisonous insects and snakes were the most lethal.

The terrain in this area was complex and full of dangers, but they had no other choice. They cautiously traversed the mountain forest, maintaining constant vigilance, not daring to be the least bit careless. Every step was full of unknowns and challenges; a moment of carelessness could lead to a desperate situation.

The mountain path was rugged and difficult to traverse; sweat soaked their clothes, but their footsteps became increasingly firm.

Just as they were struggling forward, suddenly, a series of urgent shouts came from ahead, breaking the tranquility of the mountains. Everyone was startled, stopping their steps one after another, looking nervously in the direction the sound came from. Immediately after, a group of Mountain Bandits appeared before their eyes like ghosts.

This group of Mountain Bandits was a dark, dense mass. Looking at them, there were no fewer than the government side. They wore tattered clothes and held various weapons; some held knives, spears, and clubs, while others carried bows and arrows.

Their faces revealed fierce expressions, and their eyes betrayed greed and cruelty. Clearly, these Mountain Bandits had long since known the news of the government troops' arrival.

Upon seeing the Hong Sect members, the Mountain Bandits immediately became excited, their eyes flashing with greedy light. They seemed to think this group was an easy target to take, one from which they could make a big profit.

One of the Mountain Bandit leaders stepped out and shouted loudly, "What government troops are you? How dare you intrude upon our territory!" His voice echoed through the valley, carrying a hint of threat.

Facing the provocation of the Mountain Bandit leader, the County Lieutenant stepped forward steadily, his gaze like a torch, looking straight at the other party. His voice was not loud but filled with majesty: "We are here on a mission aimed at clearing the banditry of Heifeng Mountain and returning peace to the people. Now the government is determined to govern you; if you surrender in your hearts, it is still not too late."

Upon hearing this, the Mountain Bandit leader's face sank, and a flash of surprise and annoyance crossed his eyes. He had not expected these government troops before him to have such courage and determination, daring to challenge their authority on Heifeng Mountain's territory. He sneered, "Hmph, so what if you are government troops? It's not like we haven't dealt with you before. On my Heifeng Mountain territory, dragons must coil and tigers must crouch! You bunch of ignorant fools, today is your death day!" As he spoke, he waved his hand to signal his subordinates to prepare for an attack.

Following the Mountain Bandit leader's order, the Mountain Bandits waved the weapons in their hands one after another, roaring as they charged toward the Hong Sect members. Their eyes flashed with fierce and greedy light, as if they wanted to swallow the other side alive.

On the other side, the County Lieutenant also began to shout loudly, "Ahead are the Mountain Bandits of Black Wind Stronghold! Brothers, take them down for me; there will be heavy rewards!" His voice was full of majesty and power, inspiring the county soldiers behind him to fight bravely forward.

The county soldiers quickly formed a formation, lining up closely together. Their movements were uniform, their steps steady and powerful. Years of training and combat experience allowed them to remain calm and vigilant when facing the enemy without any panic.

Swords clashed, emitting crisp impact sounds; arrows fell like raindrops, drawing cold glints across the air. Both sides launched a fierce confrontation at the foot of the mountain; the sounds of killing and screams rose one after another, weaving into a chaotic battlefield.

The people brought by the various factions this time were not weak. Relying on exquisite martial arts and tacit cooperation, they gradually stabilized their footing. They either attacked or defended, advancing and retreating with order, and every strike was precise and lethal.

Looking at the Mountain Bandits, although they were numerous, they were mostly a rabble, lacking organization and discipline, and they soon fell into a situation of being passively beaten.

During the battle, the Hong Sect disciples were the first to charge. Wu Feng held a Long Sword, moving like a swimming dragon out to sea, shuttling freely through the enemy ranks; wherever he passed, Mountain Bandits fell one after another. His heroic performance greatly boosted morale, making the Hong Sect disciples fight even harder.

Watching the momentum of the Hong Sect disciples like a rainbow, the disciples of other factions were not to be outdone, but this kind of large-scale slaughter was not comparable to street gang brawls; a single stray arrow could cost someone their life.

Cheng Feng watched from the rear, privately using Cheng Yi to communicate with the Mechanical Dog. He had sent the Mechanical Dog to keep an eye on Black Wind Stronghold to see if he could reap some benefits.

When he took Xu Miao into his room, Xu Miao had introduced the situation of Black Wind Stronghold. What Cheng Feng remembered was not anything else, but the wealth of Black Wind Stronghold.

At the time of kidnapping Li Mo, they had harvested two thousand taels of Silver, and from doing other channel businesses, over three thousand taels. Who wouldn't be jealous seeing that? Cheng Feng had been sending the Mechanical Dog to watch the warehouse of Black Wind Stronghold for days!

After talking with Wang Tieshan, Cheng Feng knew that this County Magistrate did not necessarily have to exterminate all the bandits, as long as it had an effect. But this time was different from the usual.

From the Mechanical Dog's footage, Cheng Feng saw the Mountain Bandits of Black Wind Stronghold in a hurry to move things. No wonder they dared to attack the government troops; were they trying to transfer some good items?