Chapter 618 - 618 Fighting Bandits
618 Fighting Bandits
Amidst the gusting sandstorm, the horse carriage labored forward for thirty miles.
Inside, Qin Huai and Gou Jie struck up a conversation with a kind-hearted, wealthy woman. She introduced herself as Zhou Yunli, a native of Zhoushan county in Dongqing.
The county was renowned for its affluent mines, and her family, the Zhou family, owned the second-largest mine there. The Zhou family held significant influence in Zhoushan, with ancestral connections to the famous Zhou Layi of Zhou Mountain.
Gou Jie, clearly impressed, remarked, “Miss Zhou, your reputation precedes you. From a young age, you’ve been a force to be reckoned with in business. And now, you surprise us with your beauty.”
Zhou Yunli responded with a modest smile, “Sir, you flatter me. My accomplishments are largely due to my father’s support.”
Suddenly, the calm within the carriage was shattered by the sound of commotion outside. The leader of their convoy, known as Mo, approached with urgency. Peeking out, Qin Huai witnessed Mo holding a blood-soaked sack, moving towards the rear of their caravan. The unsettling scent of blood wafted into the carriage.
Zhou Yunli frowned, explaining, “Sometimes, people within our trade hide personal items amidst the goods. Occasionally, they smuggle rare treasures, and even exotic animals.”
Qin Huai nodded in understanding. A practitioner of the blood heart technique, he was acutely aware that the scent of blood he sensed was human.
Whoosh!
But before Qin Huai could share his thoughts, Mo burst into the carriage, checking on the passengers with a smile, “I hope I didn’t disturb you both.”
Zhou Yunli sternly ordered, “Brother Mo, see to this matter immediately!”
“Don’t worry, Miss!” With cupped fists, Brother Mo acknowledged and stepped out, his aura revealing his powerful cultivation level.
The journey resumed, but was abruptly halted again. Mo reappeared, suggesting, “Miss Zhou, we might need a detour. There are suspicious footprints ahead, it might be those people…”
Zhou Yunli, concerned about the potential delay, pressed, “How much of a detour? We cannot afford delays.”
“It might take half a day,” Mo Wu shared hesitantly.
Zhou Yunli pondered briefly. “Half a day is acceptable. Our safety is more important.”
Qin Huai and Gou Jie listened without interrupting, and soon the convoy altered its course, moving faster than before. The two took the opportunity to close their eyes and rest. Their enhanced hearing, far superior to the vision of bone pattern realm warriors, kept them alert.
However, six hours later, they were jolted awake by a sudden danger. An arrow burst through the carriage, embedding itself in the floor, swiftly followed by several more.
“Miss, get out!” Mo Wu yelled from outside.
Reacting quickly, Qin Huai, Gou Jie, and Zhou Yunli leaped from the carriage just as it was inundated with arrows, looking like a porcupine with quills. The archers responsible were evidently highly skilled, likely experts in the blood refinement realm.
Turning northward, they spotted seven masked men positioned on a nearby slope, exuding strength and power. Another group of the same size had already engaged the Zhou family guards, who responded with impressive coordination. They quickly encircled Zhou Yunli, their weapons pointed out defensively, reminiscent of a hedgehog’s spines.
But with all the chaos, Qin Huai and Gou Jie found themselves isolated and quickly became the new target for the fourteen adversaries.
Gou Jie grinned, stepping forward. “Let’s split them, seven each. It might be a challenge.”
Qin Huai nodded in agreement, and they collided with their foes. Both men were careful to restrain their strength, preventing instant defeat of any of the attackers. The battle was intense, and they began to tire, but victory still seemed within reach.
Watching from a short distance, Mo Wu muttered, “Where did those two come from?”
The Zhou family entourage, now safely distanced from the conflict, did not rush to assist but instead observed.
Zhou Yunli’s demeanor had changed, her eyes now held a calculating coldness. “If they’re unfamiliar, they might be outsiders. These fighters are seasoned veterans. Their skill level is around the eighth or ninth refinement.”
A malicious smile spread across Mo Wu’s face. “They’d fetch a handsome price.”
Zhou Yunli’s response was direct. “Then what are you waiting for?”