CHAPTER 117: CHAPTER 117: LI SHIQI

Luanshi Ridge is a vast mountain range stretching from Gaoyang County all the way to the capital city of Ling’an, passing through dense forested areas often visited by mountain bandits who specialize in preying on the wealthy.

The Xiliang Envoy continued on their journey, and soon found themselves deep within this forest.

The leader, named Tuoba Qi, had visited Dazhou many times before and was familiar with the terrain. Normally, the forest was home only to some wild beasts and posed no real danger.

What harm would wild beasts do to the warriors of Xiliang?

They’d just slaughter and eat them!

Thus, Tuoba Qi led the group through the forest without a care.

"Tsk tsk, Dazhou is such a wonderful place, filled with endless wealth and beauties. I’ll have to suggest to our king to invade Dazhou again, hahaha!"

"Yes, let’s invade, invade!"

The others echoed, merrily indulging in the thought.

Little did they know, someone on a nearby hilltop was watching them closely.

"Boss, there’s a group of merchants passing through! Each one of them is plump and well-fed, should we strike?"

Ma Biao, standing with one foot on a rock, eagle-like eyes fixed on the convoy moving below, his gaze flickered.

A group of mountain bandit underlings surrounded him, one of them excitedly brandishing a longsword.

Ma Biao pinched his nose and slapped the speaking bandit, pointing at the "merchants" with a laugh, "Damn merchants, look at their faces, they’re the Xiliang Envoys in disguise! Hahaha, we were just wondering how to kill them discreetly. Well, let’s say it’s nap time, and someone’s brought us pillows. Hehehe... Brothers, what do we do when we see fat sheep?"

"Slaughter them! Slaughter them!"

"Right, slaughter them! Hahaha, brothers, what are you waiting for? Charge!"

"Charge! Attack!"

With Ma Biao’s command, the mountain bandits eagerly grabbed their long knives and rushed downhill. Their eyes had glittered at the sight of those two fully loaded carts, and now the leader had given the go-ahead.

Do it!

Suddenly, the forest was filled with shouts and sounds of battle.

"What’s going on?"

Tuoba Qi looked up, startled to see mountain bandits attacking. Dazhou had bandits daring to challenge the Xiliang people? Were they asking for death?

"Boss, what do we do? These bandits seem to be targeting us?"

"Hmph, then kill them!"

"Brothers, kill them!"

"Clang, clang, clang!"

The Xiliang people swiftly drew their swords, and the battle commenced.

"Whoa—"

Li Qingmu rode to the edge of the forest but did not approach further, watching the chaotic battle from a distance.

The mountain bandits were formidable, evenly matched with the Xiliang people! However, the bandits’ numbers gave them the upper hand, and Tuoba Qi’s side was gradually losing ground.

"Retreat, retreat! Fall back first!"

"Boss, what about these goods?"

"Forget about them; we’ll get the pretty-faced one’s help later!"

Tuoba Qi said as he mounted his horse, preparing to flee.

"Don’t let them escape, pursue them!"

Ma Biao was determined and had no intention of letting them leave because allowing these witnesses could lead to trouble later.

"Retreat, retreat!"

Three of Tuoba Qi’s men had already fallen to the mountain bandits’ blades, prompting a desperate flight. But just as he mounted his horse, an arrow came from behind!

The noise of battle concealed the sound of the arrow, and Tuoba Qi had no time to react before a searing pain shot through his back. He looked down to find an arrow piercing through his chest, blood streaming from it!

"Ah—"

He shouted angrily into the sky, enraged by the cowardly sneak attack!

But before he could finish his scream, swoosh, swoosh, swoosh, three more arrows flew towards him!

"Thud, thud, thud..."

Another arrow found its mark in his back, while the other two struck two more Xiliang people.

"Great shooting!"

Ma Biao’s gaze was sharp, locking onto Li Qingmu in the distance, who was lowering his bow, and he commanded, "Kill them all!"

Tuoba Qi was the most skilled in martial arts among the Xiliang group; his death instantly dampened their morale. With the occasional well-placed arrow from Li Qingmu, the entire Xiliang Envoy was wiped out.

The cacophonous forest gradually fell silent as Li Qingmu and Long Yue emerged from behind a large tree, approaching Ma Biao.

Li Qingmu’s eyes lost their previous steadiness and depth, replaced by an innocent look. He gave Ma Biao a respectful bow, "Are you the leader of Heifeng Village?"

His voice was clear and crisp, giving the impression of a young, inexperienced lad.

Ma Biao admired his archery and nodded approvingly, "That’s right, I’m Ma Biao, the big boss of Heifeng Village!"

"I’m Li Shiqi, and this is my wife, Du Yue. We’ve been fleeing from the government, and we wish to seek refuge with you, big boss!"

"Oh? Seek refuge?"

Ma Biao chuckled, circling them as he stroked his chin thoughtfully and asked nonchalantly, "Why is the government hunting you?"

"Well..." Li Qingmu responded awkwardly, scratching his head, "My wife wanted a fine fur coat but we had no money, so I robbed a wealthy man’s purse, not knowing he was an official..."

"Pfft, hahaha..."

"Hahaha, this kid was born a thief! Hahaha, we like that!"

Ma Biao and the bandits burst into laughter at Li Qingmu’s tale, though his actions endeared him to them.

But that was just the first hurdle. Ma Biao then turned his attention to Long Yue.

"She’s quite the beauty, your wife?"

Li Qingmu appeared panicked, shielding Long Yue, "Yes, she’s my wife, you cannot touch her!"

"Pfft, this foolish kid, haha!"

The crowd laughed again, and Li Qingmu shifted uncomfortably. "We’ve roamed for years, robbing merchants, stealing from officials, but I always took on the danger. Look, these are my scars... I tell you, my wife is dear to me. If you let us join, I’ll do any dangerous task, but you mustn’t harm my wife!"

Ma Biao stroked his chin, amused by Li Qingmu’s nervous rambling, then glanced at the scars on his right arm, laughing, "Kid, you’re pretty protective of your sweetheart, huh? Rest assured, once you’re one of our brothers, no one will bully your wife!"

"Exactly, we’ve plenty of pretty women here, we don’t need yours!"

"Hahaha..."

The bandits rarely encountered someone as naive as him, causing an uproar of laughter. Li Qingmu looked at them bewildered, and then joined in with a silly grin...