Not only did the robbery fail, but the escape was also intercepted. The master raised his hand lightly, instantly creating a granite wall that blocked my retreat. After crashing into the wall several times, I finally realized the master was extraordinary. Fortunately, he was benevolent and forgiving; not only did he not punish me, but he also took me in.
Upon hearing this, Gao Shun couldn't help but laugh heartily. He thought it was the simple and honest nature that had moved the immortal, thus making him a disciple. But the reality turned out to be so dramatic!
Outside the car window, Chu Yan chuckled softly, unable to contain his amusement. At that moment, Dian Wei suddenly interjected, "Do you still dare to laugh at me? If I hadn't held back at that time, you would probably be a wandering ghost under Jiucuan by now."
This immediately piqued Gao Shun's curiosity, prompting him to ask, "What do you mean by that?"
Dian Wei explained, "Oh, on the day of the robbery, Chu Yan was by the immortal's side and volunteered to deal with me. Little did I know that after several days of hunger without using my strength, he was defeated before he could even put up a fight."
Chu Yan's face turned exceptionally awkward at this remark. "You're talking nonsense; it was actually because my father vouched for me."
Facing Dian Wei's teasing question, "So you were taken down in just a few moves?" Chu Yan stammered, "Well, it's not entirely like that... there were indeed a few moves."
His voice gradually weakened as silence enveloped the surroundings. Moments later, the group reached the foot of Xiang Tang Mountain. Dian Wei pulled the bandit out as if he were lifting a small chick and asked, "Tell us about the arrangements on the mountain."
The bandit replied, "Although our mountain stronghold is small and weak in numbers, under the design of our deputy leader, we have established three layers of defense."
Every checkpoint had both obvious and hidden sentries. Once a lookout spotted an approaching enemy, they would beat the drum to alert their companions to prepare. Therefore, it was nearly impossible to approach silently.
Dian Wei fixed his gaze on him and asked, "Can you elaborate on the layout of these three layers of defenses?"
The thief hesitated for a moment, but when he felt the fierce intensity of Dian Wei's gaze, he quickly replied, "I know all the obvious sentries, but as for the hidden ones, they are personally arranged by the Grand Chief. The positions of these sentries change daily."
The three exchanged glances, each feeling astonished: this defensive arrangement was surprisingly meticulous and strict! It resembled a military camp more than a typical bandit hideout. Yet, judging by the actual capabilities of those bandits, it didn’t seem to match.
Neither the imperial troops nor private armies from noble families could reach such standards; they were not only unskilled but also lacked proficiency in horsemanship. In truth, the three were not afraid of the bandits on the mountain. With their martial arts skills, even if the remaining bandits in the mountains launched a full-scale attack, they could not withstand Dian Wei’s ferocious assault.
He was universally recognized as an unparalleled warrior; this was not just empty praise. Moreover, with Chu Yan and Gao Shun by his side, annihilating the enemy was certainly within reach.
The problem lay in the possibility that if a sentry detected any movement and raised the alarm, causing the bandits to scatter in all directions, it would be difficult to completely eliminate them in such a vast area of Xiang Tang Mountain.
Chu Yan asked, "Brother Dian Wei, what should we do next?"
Dian Wei pondered for a moment before responding, "We will proceed according to our original plan. We must remain highly vigilant and identify every guard position as much as possible. If we are unfortunately discovered by a sentry, then there’s no need to hide anymore. Our goal is to charge in immediately and not give these bandits a chance to react."
Chu Yan and Gao Shun nodded in agreement. "Let’s go; you lead us, and we will do our best to protect you."
Dian Wei said, a cold smile appearing on his face as the short dagger lightly touched the bandit's neck.
"However, if you dare to make a sound, you will bear the consequences."
Startled, the bandit immediately promised to remain silent.
Under the guidance of one of the bandits, the three of them cautiously made their way along the mountain path towards Xiang Tang Mountain.
On the first line of defense, several individuals were on lookout duty. The bandit pointed to a companion resting against a tree.
That spot housed Ming Shao, and there were likely some hidden sentries nearby.
Upon hearing this, Dian Wei, Chu Yan, and Gao Shun all became extremely focused, beginning to observe their surroundings for potential threats.
At that moment, they found themselves in the most drowsy period of the day; even the visible guards had fallen asleep by the roadside.
They couldn't help but lament the poor discipline of the bandits, which ironically made it easier for them to move.
However, they did not immediately act against Ming Shao; instead, they first began searching for the positions of those hidden sentries.
Due to the recent dry weather, the vegetation on Xiang Tang Mountain was sparse, revealing a landscape covered in yellow earth. This made it easier for any hidden sentries to be exposed.
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