Chapter 477: Chapter 102: Tian Jing Mountain Range_1
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Ah Dai pulled Xuan Yue behind him, attracting the killing intent of the four skeletons to himself. He said to the Blood Skull, "The leaders of the Skeleton Mercenary Group, regarding what happened between us before, I don’t want to say more. Right and wrong are clear in your hearts. Chairman Mulat has said that the bandits not far ahead are what we are facing now, not internal strife. If you want to take revenge in the future, feel free to find us. But now, I don’t want any more conflicts. Chairman Mu, you can start talking about the plan." Ah Dai emanated a faint aura of authority, an intangible pressure that made the four skeletons shiver inside. The scenes that had occurred in the forest were flickering through their minds, gradually fading their desire to kill.
Mulat tried to calm himself as much as possible, and forced a smile, "Let’s all calm down. The caravan hasn’t been here for a long time. This time, if it weren’t for the transportation of spices, we wouldn’t venture here. But the spices we brought are very important for the Business Association, so we can’t afford any mistakes. We’re not very clear about the changes in the Tian Jing Mountain Range in recent years. However, I once heard a friend say that there are more bandits here than before, and some strong bandit leaders have emerged. Therefore, we must not be careless. They have the advantages of the terrain. How should we arrange?"
Blood Skull pondered, "I also heard that there have been some changes in the Tian Jing Mountain Range, but since we are here, we can’t back down. Let’s set off early tomorrow morning. The front and rear will be protected by heavy and light cavalry. The archers will be in the middle. I will lead the assault team and be ready to respond. If there are strong opponents, they will be dealt with by our assault team."
Mulat nodded, looked at Ah Dai and Xuan Yue, "Do you two have any suggestions?"
Ah Dai thought for a moment, "We don’t have any opinions. We are not very familiar with this kind of large-scale operation. My brother is a Light Magician, his support magic and healing spells are very good. He should be the best choice to support everyone. As for me, I’ll deal with the enemies that are more difficult to handle with Blood Skull."
As soon as Ah Dai said Xuan Yue was a Light Magician, the four skulls recalled the day when Xuan Yue had treated their serious injuries, the atmosphere in the tent relaxed a bit. Wind Skull asked, "How far can your light magic take care of? Our mercenaries, especially the light cavalry and archers, are prone to injury."
Xuan Yue thought for a moment, "My magic can probably cover a range of about a kilometre. But large-scale healing spells can’t be used for a long time, because the range is large, the effect will be weaker, and I can’t help with heavy injuries or disabilities. So you guys have to be careful."
"Ah! A radius of a kilometre?" The four skulls shouted in surprise. They didn’t know much about magicians, but they had never heard of a magician controlling such a large area.
Xuan Yue seemed not to hear their surprise and said, "I have never tried a control range of a thousand meters, but there shouldn’t be any problem. However, as you know, magic can’t last too long, and magic power is always limited, so you have to clean up the enemies as soon as possible."
Blood Skull replied, "You can rest assured about this. The members of our Skeleton Mercenary Group are all very strong and have undergone long-term cooperative training. Unless the opponent’s strength is beyond imagination, they will be able to eliminate the enemy in a short time."
Ah Dai said, "Brother, can’t you also release Fire Magic? If the enemy’s attack is too strong, you can also help us attack." He was referring to the energy of Phoenix’s Blood.
Xuan Yue shook his head, "Fire Magic is too domineering. If not careful, it will set the whole mountain on fire. Big brother, you saw it too, the Tian Jing Mountain Range in the distance is lush and green. Do you want me to destroy the environment here? It’s better if you don’t use it either. If we really can’t handle it, let Sheng Xie come out and play. It will be very happy."
Ah Dai looked at the four members of the Skeleton Mercenary Group and said indifferently, "Let’s see how it goes. Maybe all our preparations will not help."
Mulat smiled, "Yes! With the strength of your two mercenary groups, I think the bandits may not dare to mess with us. It’s best if they don’t show up. Safety is what matters most."
Wind Skull suddenly said, "Chairman, we need to trouble you with something else. Although the main road through the center of the Tian Jing Mountain Range is relatively wide, bandits usually attack from both sides. Can you ask the workers in the caravan to cut down more trees here, make them into wooden shields for our heavy infantry to use? It will be very advantageous for resisting attacks from both sides."
Mulat agreed happily, "Wind Squad Leader, you’re thinking ahead. Okay, let’s do it. I will go right away." After he finished speaking, he walked out of the tent. Wind Skull said to the group, "I will help with the size of the wooden shields." After he finished, he followed.
Ah Dai and Xuan Yue also stood up, and the atmosphere in the tent became awkward again. Both sides looking at each other, neither willing to break the silence. Finally, it was Ah Dai who severed the stagnation, holding out his hand to Blood Skull and saying, "Captain, I hope we can cooperate successfully this time, keeping the merchant caravan safe to the destination. We can discuss the matters between us, later."
With Ah Dai being so magnanimous, Blood Skull couldn’t exactly be petty. He shook Ah Dai’s hand, saying, "Alright, let’s put our personal matters aside for now and focus on this mission." Despite his animosity towards Ah Dai and Xuan Yue, he couldn’t deny their formidable strength. Their unimaginable capability at such a young age secretly aroused his admiration.
"Then, we will take our leave." Having said that, Ah Dai nodded at the three Skeletons and, together with Xuan Yue, turned around and left the tent.
Watching their retreating figures, Blood Skull sighed and said, "It seems that the magician was right. Maybe we will never be able to surpass them."
Iron Skull echoed, "Indeed! If the magician had used his full power that day, we probably wouldn’t have had the chance to use Tian Di Wu Wei. Brother, after this mission, I think we should go back to our mentor and seek his guidance. You should be ready to learn swordsmanship with your fiery combat energy."
Blood Skull nodded solemnly and said, "No matter what happens tomorrow, you must forget the previous grudges. You must not let your personal resentments impact the reputation of our Skeleton Mercenary Group. Protecting the caravan is the most important task for us. Now, everyone, let’s calm down. Just now, I had a chilling feeling. This ominous premonition suggests that the road through Tian Jing Mountains will be extremely challenging. We have to be careful."
Outside Mimu City, a white figure was speeding towards the east. He was in his twenties, with a handsome face showing a sense of urgency. A three-foot long sword was on his back, and he was moving swiftly. He was the youngest Judge of Light of the Holy Church, Ba Bu Yi. He left the Holy Church a few days after Xuan Yue, but he had been unable to locate her. Eventually, he heard about a miracle occurring in Mimu City, and upon asking the priest, he got the news that Ah Dai and Xuan Yue had met again. The anxiety in his heart was palpable. If they continued to be together, it would be harder for him to pursue Xuan Yue. The only consolation was that Xuan Yue was dressed up like a man, so maybe she and Ah Dai hadn’t recognized each other. Hoping to win his beloved’s heart, he immediately headed east upon receiving the news.
Tian Jing Peak, the main peak of Tian Jing Mountain Range.
Tian Jing Peak, with an altitude of over three thousand meters and surrounded by clouds, is the highest peak in the Tian Jing Mountain Range. The headquarters of the bandits is located at the top of the peak. The bandits have been here for decades, leadership has changed again and again. All the groups were constantly attacking each other, struggling for control over Tian Jing Mountain Range. This skirmish lasted until three years ago. Three years ago, a group of warriors clad in black robes, including their faces, mysteriously appeared on Tian Jing Mountain Range. The black-robed men were few in number, only about thirty, but all of them were tall and sturdy. When they first entered the mountain range, the bandits did not heed much attention as they were fewer in number, but just these thirty-some men, in less than ten days, swept across the bandit camps in Tian Jing Mountain Range, wiping out six of the twenty-seven camps completely, leaving no survivors. The remaining twenty-one camps surrendered, and the leaders of each camp were almost all killed by these men in black. Their vicious methods instilled deep fear in all the bandits, and over four thousand bandits were totally controlled by the thirty-some men. Since then, not a single merchant had been able to pass through Tian Jing Mountain Range smoothly. Even though the bandits’ income increased dramatically, the majority was taken away by the mysterious black-robed warriors.
At the Justice Hall of Tian Jing Peak.
Here gathered over a hundred bandit leaders from various encampments. The bandits in the Tian Jing Mountains were entirely controlled by the black-robed warriors through these individuals. They all respectfully looked at the black-clad figure sitting in the central seat of authority, awaiting his orders.
The voice of the black-clad figure was frigid, devoid of any human emotion. He said indifferently, "I guess you all know why I summoned you here. Not far from the foot of the mountain, a flock of fat sheep is about to arrive. They are said to be people from the Stan Empire Business Association Alliance of the Tian Jing Empire. The Stan Empire Business Association Alliance is known for its production of precious spices and jewelry. The goods they carry this time will be worth a fortune. We must only succeed and not fail this time, no matter the cost. We are to seize this haul. As long as we succeed, I will, of course, reward you all. Does any encampment have any objection?"
A slender middle-aged man said, "Master Chieftain, It won’t be easy to intercept this caravan! They have hired the Skeleton Mercenary Group. We’ve had dealings with the Skeleton Mercenaries in the past. They are quite strong. The leaders Blood, Wind, Iron, and Ice Skulls are very powerful. Last time we lost over a thousand men, which greatly damaged the strength of the various encampments. I think we should consider this matter more carefully."
The figure in the black robes snorted, "The Skeleton Mercenary Group? What can a small mercenary group do? My decision is final. Each encampment will prepare rolling logs and rocks tonight and be ready at any time to intercept the caravan. You can rest assured. With me and my brothers, those four little skulls of the Skeleton Mercenary Group are like ants. I could crush them with one finger."
The various chieftains were still somewhat hesitant. After all, they had all suffered great losses at the hands of the Skeleton Mercenary Group in the past. Now, under this "Master Chieftain", they were all trembling in fear every day. No one wanted their forces to be damaged. The man in black suddenly stood up. His height actually reached over two meters. He extended a hand wrapped in black cloth and slammed it heavily on the table, huffed angrily, "Don’t waste any more time. If the caravan gets away this time, I’ll replace all of you, and your families won’t be spared. Have you all forgotten my methods?"
The leaders of each encampment couldn’t help but shudder and hurried away to carry out orders.
Watching his subordinates leave, the eyes of the Master Chieftain emitted a glint of coldness. Four black-robed figures stepped out from the shadows behind him, one of whom approached the chieftain and said, "Sir Green King, I’ve also heard of the Skeleton Mercenary Group. If we confront them head-on, I fear our losses will be great! Why do you need those goods so much? Are those spices and jewels really that important to us?"
The Master Chief sneered, "Of course they are important. According to information from within our organization, this caravan from the Stan Empire Alliance carries goods worth tens of millions of gold coins. Our organization needs funds to purchase.... So, we must rob this shipment, then resell it to the Yajin Tribe through our organization’s contacts. In this way, we can make a significant profit. I believe the Sect Hierarch will be very pleased. As for the strength of the Skeleton Mercenary Group, I am clearer than you. The four skulls do have remarkable strength. Let those bandits here rush up first to be cannon fodder. I don’t believe that a numerical advantage can’t impact the Skeleton Mercenary Group. When they’ve exhausted the Skull Mercenaries, we will move out. Then no one will stop us."
"Yes, Your wisdom surpasses us all, Green King. I will rally our brothers to prepare. The church sent forty more Green Men a few days ago. With our current strength, I think we should be able to achieve the results you speak of. Once the time comes, all we need to do is rid the area of those weak humans. It’s been a while since I last sprung into action. I can’t wait to taste human blood again." A glint of the Light of Blood Devouring flashed in the eyes of the black-robed warrior.
In the early morning, those in the caravan awoke early to pack up their belongings. They all understood that today would indeed be the most perilous day of their journey. As long as they survive today’s ordeal, there’ll be clear and unimpeded skies ahead. After a full night’s rest, the members of the Skeleton Mercenary Group showed up one by one, their spirits high. Their team leaders, who were missing for several days, have now returned to their posts. With everyone present, the Skeleton Mercenary Group’s morale was at its peak, preparing to face their enemy’s ambush with full confidence.
Ah Dai and Xuan Yue did not ride in the carriage today. Instead, they rode a stallion together, prepared to adjust at any moment to what lay ahead. With his improved skills, Ah Dai’s horse handling skills were now much better than before. He simply needed to transmit his True Qi into the magnificent steed under him, and it would move according to his will.
"Look." The Blood Skull glanced at Ah Dai, "Once we cross this slope, we will reach the Empire of Tian Jing mountains. If robbers plan to raid our convoy, they will likely wait until we enter deep within the mountains. Be vigilant at all times. The most terrifying threat are boulders and logs that can roll down from both sides. The impact of objects falling from a hill several hundred meters high can be horrendously catastrophic."
Xuan Yue seemed to understand, "So, the large wooden shields you had everyone make yesterday were for defending against such attacks?"
After an overnight effort, now everyone in the caravan had a shield. The regular workers and mercenaries were armed with small ones while the heavy cavalry infantry of the Skeleton Mercenary Group each held a gigantic shield that’s two meters tall, one and a half meters wide, and over fifteen centimeters thick. Even these seasoned warriors found it incredibly challenging to handle such gigantic shields, but they understood well—these shields were their best protection.
The slope ahead was gentle, and the entire caravan gradually traversed it. Towering mountain ranges appeared before them, reminding Ah Dai of the Tian Gang Mountain Range. The mountain range in front of him was not as magnificent as the Tian Gang Mountain Range but was still heavily forested and continuous. Various plants grew on the mountains, making them appear as a series of green peaks.
The Blood Skull raised his hand, halting the entire convoy. He yelled, "Everyone, rest here." The members of the Skeleton Mercenary Group dispersed, each vigilant and ready. Chairman Mulat exited his carriage and walked to Blood Skull, whispering, "Commander, should we send some scouts into the mountains?"
The Blood Skull shook his head, "No need to scout ahead, if they have truly set up an ambush, our scouts wouldn’t be able to return. Instead of losing manpower, it would be better to charge through altogether. President Mu, gather all the valuable goods into the center of the line while the less valuable ones should be placed in the front, back, and periphery. Once the bandits appear, the workers in the convoy should not fight. They will only make things more chaotic. Leave everything to us. Rest assured; the roads in the mountains are broad, and we will handle this carefully."
Upon hearing this, Chairman Mulat, clearly on edge, hastily agreed and went off, ouiLapping. Ah Dai couldn’t help secretly admiring the commanding Blood Skull. Though his cultivation was higher than Skull’s, in other regards, he was far behind.
The Blood Skull leaped up onto a large wagon, surveyed his subordinates, and made a shout that echoed across the camp. "Brothers of the Skeleton Mercenary Group, just ahead are the Tian Jing Mountains we’ve been through before. Years before we were here, a thousand bandits lost their wicked lives by our hands, but we successfully escorted our caravan to its destination. Now, here we are again on the same land. Not far ahead, maybe thousands, tens of thousands of bandits await us. My brave warriors, are you afraid?"
The mercenaries from the Skeleton Mercenary Group shouted in unison, "We are not afraid! No obstacle can withstand the might of the Skeleton Mercenary Group!"
The long-suppressed fury of the Blood Skull seemed to erupt at this moment. He bellowed, "Good! Once we cross the Tian Jing Mountains, our mission is essentially accomplished. Let’s strive together and demonstrate our unyielding will to survive and courage faced with sacrifice. Show everyone our unwavering faith. No one can halt our onward march. Raise your weapons. Soon they will be stained with the enemies’ blood. Their blood will be the testament to our bravery."
Listening to the Blood Skull’s speech, even Ah Dai felt his blood boil. Of course, the Skeleton mercenaries felt the same way, raising their longspears and battle blades and shouting loudly.
Blood Skull looked at his subordinates, his satisfaction displayed clearly on his face as the intended effect had been achieved. Raising his hands, the Skeleton Mercenary Group started to calm down. He looked at everyone and resolutely resaid the plan, "Now I’ll reassign the formation. Two hundred heavy cavalry infantry will guard each side of the caravan, using your wooden shields, be ready to counter any attack from the mountains. Those in the Archer team, take the middle. The moment any enemy appears, end their lives with the steel arrows in your hands. This trip through the mountains is crucial; you must play your part well. Only then will we wipe out anyone who stands in our way. The Light Cavalry team, split into two groups of two hundred each, at front and back, be ready to assist the Heavy Cavalry Infantry at any time. For the Assault Team, obey my command as always. Wherever the enemy forces appear, we will be their suppliers of death, having fought alongside me for so many years. You know my style; anyone who dares halt us will meet one end: death. Alright, start resting for twenty minutes now and regain your strength. Once the rest is over, we charge through Tian Jing Mountains in one go!"
Xuan Yue softly asked Ah Dai, "Big brother, Blood Skull’s tactics seem to be quite reasonable; no wonder the Skeleton Mercenary Group can rise to today’s position. What should we do?"
Ah Dai suggested telepathically, "Let’s adapt to the situation. Brother, I’ll protect you as long as you help them with magic without hurting yourself. I want to see how powerful your sacred light magic is. I hope the fear of the Skeleton Mercenary Group will stop the bandits from appearing. I don’t want to kill."
Xuan Yue countered, "Big brother, you can’t be overly kind-hearted. Killing one villain might save countless innocent lives. The bandits here have committed countless murders. If there’s an attack, don’t show mercy. Any bandit, no matter how strong, won’t be able to stop us if we combine our strengths. We’ll just do our best; in worst-case scenario, we can always run."
Ah Dai shook his head, saying, "Brother, since we’ve taken up this task and received the deposit, we must give it our all. You can’t think of turning back halfway now!"
Twenty minutes quickly passed, and the mercenaries of the Skeleton Mercenary Group exuded a chilling murderous intent, an attitude of charging ahead disregarding their own lives. Their momentum had reached its peak.
Under the escort of the mercenary corps, the convoy gradually entered the Tian Jing Mountain range. After going around a small hill, Ah Dai saw a wide road of about a hundred meters leading straight to the depths of the mountain range. The surrounding mountain walls showed traces of axe and chisel work, clearly indicating signs of human excavation. Ah Dai was dumbfounded. Could this road through the Tian Jing Mountain range actually be man-made?
Blood Skull, riding on his black horse, looked at the surprised expression on Ah Dai’s face and calmly said, "This Tian Jing Mountain range is indeed artificially excavated, consuming countless human and material resources. The main reason why the Empire of Tian Jing opened this road back then was to facilitate trade with the Yajin Tribe. If we don’t go this way, we would have to detour to the Yalian Tribe, where the terrain is all grassland and the carriages are very hard to pass. But who would have known that after the road was opened, it ended up benefiting the bandits in the mountains, making it easier for them to rob."
Xuan Yue closed her eyes, muttering a spell silently, releasing an exploration spell. Since reaching the level of a Magic Teacher, she has been able to detect anything that happened within a radius of three kilometers. Not long after the convoy started moving, Xuan Yue suddenly opened her eyes and said in a low voice to Blood Skull, "There are six people on both sides of the mountains, they should be the scouts of the bandits. The ones on the left are on that big tree growing halfway up the mountain, the ones on the right are behind the slope not far from the foot of the mountain. You decide what to do."
Blood Skull was taken aback, but quickly became delighted. Without even bothering to ask how Xuan Yue did it, he immediately turned around and whispered a few words to his trusted aide. Seven or eight members of his aide vanished into the ranks of the team. The convoy continued to move slowly forward and after a while, the warriors from his aide returned, their faces all bearing excited expressions, gesturing towards Blood Skull.
Blood Skull said to Xuan Yue in a low voice, "The scouts have been eliminated, thank you, friend." He knew that by eliminating the enemy’s scouts, it was as if they had blinded the enemy, which was extremely beneficial for his people, making their subsequent actions much easier.
With the help of Xuan Yue’s exploration magic, by the time the convoy had traveled ten miles, seven groups of the bandits’ scouts have been killed by the hands of Blood Skull’s trusted aide.
As they moved forward, Xuan Yue suddenly opened her eyes, saying in a deep voice: "Stop moving, there’s something coming up."
Blood Skull held up his hand, telling the convoy to halt. The mountain road ahead was much narrower than the one they had just passed, with towering high mountains on both sides. The forest on the mountain was eerily silent, which was somewhat unusual. Blood Skull looked towards Xuan Yue, saying, "Another scout?"
Xuan Yue shook her head, a chill flashed in her eyes, "It’s not scouts. There are at least three thousand people on the hills on both sides, their breaths are very rapid, they should be the enemies preparing to ambush us."
Blood Skull snorted coldly, saying, "These bandits are really tired of living, daring to ambush us; three thousand people, huh."
Xuan Yue pondered and said, "Commander Blood Skull, how about this, I know a way to drive these bandits out. You can command your men to prepare for an attack." In fact, with Xuan Yue’s current level of magic, if she launched a full attack on the bandits on both sides of the mountains, it would definitely cause them enormous casualties. But since she came from the Holy Church and had a kind heart, she couldn’t bear to kill directly, hence she proposed this plan.
Blood Skull was overjoyed. Even though he didn’t know much about magic, Xuan Yue’s previous performance had already given him full confidence in this young magician. He immediately summoned Wind Skull and asked him to bring the archer team to the front of the line, and told the light cavalry team and the heavy cavalry infantry team to prepare for a charge.
Xuan Yue took out the Angel Wand, sighed slightly, and chanted, "Oh great God of the Heavenly Realm! Please lend your faithful devotee the divine power that fills the heavens and the earth. Let the sacred light cleanse the evil hearts, let the surging holy power scatter in the world, transforming into sparkling stars to destroy the darkness of the world." The Angel Wand surged with a golden light, Xuan Yue slowly floated up from her horse and hovered at the front of the team. Her body filled with an overflowing sacred aura, she slowly closed her eyes and raised the Angel Wand. The golden light became increasingly strong, much to the surprise of the convoy, Xuan Yue’s body was completely enveloped in a golden light, making her resemble a mini-sun. Ah Dai floated under Xuan Yue, his body filled with Vibrant Battle Aura as he concentrated on the movements around him, ready to react at any time.
The bandits hiding on both sides of the mountain road naturally saw what was happening on the side of the convoy. Among them, there were some seasoned warriors, one of them whispered, "This is light magic, we’ve been found out. Archers, quick, shoot that magician dead." Although the position where Xuan Yue was located was out of the reach of rolling logs and stones, it was within the bandits’ attack range. For a moment, countless arrows rained down like a shower, aiming for Xuan Yue in the sky.
How could Ah Dai let Xuan Yue get hurt? Using the recently learned Technique of Battle Aura, he floated in front of Xuan Yue. The green Vibrant Shield around them completely protected him and Xuan Yue, not letting any arrows get through and they all fell to the ground. The heavy cavalry infantry’s large shields displayed their power, the cone-shaped bottom deeply embedded in the ground, the convoy members behind them all hid under the carriages. The bandits’ arrows, apart from hitting some of the horses, did no harm to the convoy.
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