The Speedrun Begins with Choosing Hunter

Chapter 263: Chapter 260: Nine Heavens Profound Soldiers

The burly man grinned. "Cao Bang, Feng San."

Yang Fangyu’s eyebrows shot up.

He hadn’t expected to run into someone from the Cao Bang here.

In ancient times, canal transport was the most important channel for moving goods, making it a top-tier business.

And the Cao Bang, as its name implied, was the faction that controlled this transport network.

However, this wasn’t the Cao Bang of a single province. It was a coalition of the seventeen provincial Chapters along the Grand Canal. An organization spanning over a dozen provinces was naturally a force to be reckoned with.

Feng San chuckled. "Brother Yang, since we’re both here for Fenggu City, why don’t we join forces and attack the city together?"

Yang Fangyu replied, "I appreciate the offer, but we still need to wait here for the elders of the Yang Family. I’m afraid we would only delay Brother Feng’s opportune moment to attack."

Feng San showed a look of regret.

"In that case, it’s truly a shame."

Of course, he understood the rejection hidden in Yang Fangyu’s words.

In truth, he had only asked casually. If Yang Fangyu had actually agreed, it would have proven he was just some greenhorn from a major family on his first trip out. Feng San would have then, of course, tried to take him for everything he had.

But since Yang Fangyu had refused, he couldn’t very well force the issue.

After all, the Yang Family’s power was nothing to be trifled with, not even by the Cao Bang. It was always wise not to burn your bridges.

Moreover, he had learned from Yang Fangyu that the Yang Family had other experts on the way, which was all the more reason to be cautious.

A glint appeared in Feng San’s eyes.

’It seems I must take Fenggu City as quickly as possible.’

The Cao Bang had excellent intelligence, which was why they were among the first to arrive in Dingzhou. He couldn’t miss this opportunity and let the Yang Family snatch the prize.

"Brother Yang, I’ll be taking my leave then."

Feng San cupped his fist in a classic Jianghu gesture, then led his squad away, disappearing into the mountain forest.

Watching Feng San’s departing figure, Bai Yuan and the other two grew solemn.

These Xuan Yang forces were moving even faster than they had imagined.

A power like the Cao Bang, in particular, was not only widespread but also a Jianghu sect, which meant their methods were undoubtedly unsavory. They had to be extremely careful.

Li Huan asked, "What’s our next move?"

Yang Fangyu mused, "Fenggu County’s capital must be defended by experts from the Demon Sect. It certainly won’t be taken so easily. Why don’t we let the Cao Bang scout ahead for us, while we start with the surrounding towns?"

He had just deliberately stepped forward and revealed his identity.

On one hand, the Yang Family’s influence was great enough to intimidate the Cao Bang. On the other, Li Huan’s identity was too sensitive to be revealed right now.

As for Bai Yuan, his name probably carried little to no weight with the Cao Bang.

Bai Yuan nodded, agreeing with Yang Fangyu’s idea.

If they were to throw themselves at Fenggu County now, they would surely suffer heavy casualties.

Ultimately, aside from Bai Yuan, neither Yang Fangyu nor Li Huan could fully represent the powers behind them. The troops they had brought this time were their own trusted men, and they couldn’t afford to waste them recklessly.

After discussing it, the three decided to first set up camp in the mountains near Xiaoshan Town in Fenggu County.

The terrain there was easy to defend and difficult to attack, making it the most suitable place for an encampment.

Bai Yuan couldn’t help but marvel at what a good decision it had been to bring Li Huan. He had no idea who the master cartographer at the Qingzhou Royal Mansion was, but the map Li Huan had brought with him was so incredibly detailed it rivaled the satellite maps of his previous life.

Compared to the other forces who had never been to Dingzhou before, it was like they had a map hack.

Even if Li Huan hadn’t brought his City Guard Army from the Prefecture Magistrate’s Office, the map alone was enough to be of immense use.

「Nearing midnight.」

Bai Yuan’s party finally arrived at Cuixi Mountain, near Xiaoshan Town.

The soldiers brought to Ling Province this time were all elites. Over a thousand men set up camp without torches in just half an hour, and without making a single sound, a testament to their rigorous training.

Whether in the Jianghu or on the battlefield, quantity is king.

Bai Yuan and the other two had truly gone all-in this time.

Achieving greatness, winning a century of wealth and honor—it would all come down to this expedition to Dingzhou!