Chapter 260: Escort’s Don Armor, Invincible
The sunset left a lingering red on the horizon. Night had not yet fallen, but oil lamps were already lit in the stronghold at the foot of the mountain. Orange-red light occasionally flickered onto Huo Du, Qiu Qianzhang, Golden Wheel Law King, Xiaoxiangzi, and Liu Qianfeng, a descendant of the puppet Qi emperor Liu Yu.
Liu Qianfeng was a fat man, and in Huo Du’s opinion, the eccentric kind. He wore a sable coat on a hot day, holding a string of large, orange-yellow prayer beads carved with skull-like patterns. When he moved, the beads clinked together with a resounding clang.
The great stronghold of Tongbai Mountain was also different from what Huo Du had imagined.
The great stronghold was situated on the slope of a valley. The center of power for this stronghold, which housed nearly twenty thousand people, consisted of dozens of siheyuan courtyards. Inside lived leaders of various ranks. Following these courtyards, rows of wooden houses covered the entire mountainside.
The valley was inhabited by ragged villagers. Huo Du guessed they were mostly refugees who had fled south during the war between the Great Khan and the Jin Dynasty. These refugees were captured, forced to dig ditches, build roads, and cultivate land.
This was somewhat beyond Huo Du’s expectations. In his original imagination, Liu Qianfeng of Tongbai Mountain lived purely by plunder, and there were no idle people in the stronghold.
Huo Du, born in Mongolia, had such a direct perception. However, in Qiu Qianzhang’s view, a mountain stronghold that had been passed down from father to son and managed for over a decade, developing into a large stronghold like those in Western Hunan, was perfectly normal.
Several long tables were placed in the hall. Besides Huo Du’s entourage, there were several leaders from the Tongbai Mountain stronghold. The second leader’s surname was Zhang, and his given name was Xiaoyue. Through prior introductions, Huo Du knew the other party’s ancestor was Zhang Xiaochun. He was the second most important figure under the puppet Qi emperor Liu Yu, a renowned historical figure who led troops in one of the most brutal battles of the Taiyuan Defense War when the Jurchens marched south, later surrendered to the Jin Dynasty, and repeatedly clashed with Yue Fei. He was a prominent figure of that era.
Huo Du could tell that Zhang Xiaoyue, who now managed the stronghold’s troops, was a formidable character.
Of course, the name also easily led Huo Du to speculate. Perhaps someone close to him had died at the hands of the Yue Family Army; otherwise, who would normally give such a name?
However, none of this was important. What was gratifying was that the negotiations went smoothly.
Under Qiu Qianzhang’s silver tongue, Liu Qianfeng agreed to pledge allegiance to the Mongols. Once the Great Khan mobilized his cavalry again, they would attack Nanyang from Tongbai Mountain, striking from both sides.
What Huo Du saw as a difficult task, like grinding an iron rod into a needle, was actually very simple in Qiu Qianzhang’s eyes.
Liu Qianfeng’s ancestors had also been glorious. The man had been biding his time in Tongbai Mountain, merely waiting for the right moment. However, Liu Yu had offended the Great Song Dynasty and was then dismissed by the Jin Dynasty, forcing his descendants to lie low in the mountains and fields. By joining the Mongols, they could both take revenge on the Jin and vent their anger on the Song. How could they refuse the immense fortune Huo Du was offering?
Old ginger is spicier.
Underlings came and went, refilling pots and serving dishes, and the atmosphere grew livelier.
Liu Qianfeng raised his wine bowl and said with a smile, “When the Little Prince held the Heroes’ Banquet, I had thought of visiting Zhongdu to get acquainted. But due to pressing matters in the stronghold, I couldn’t get away. I thought I would regret it, but who knew fortune would arrive! I toast you, Little Prince.”
“Leader Liu is too kind. Cheers.”
They drank in one gulp. Liu Qianfeng refilled his wine and then said to Qiu Qianzhang, “Thank you for your teachings, Mr. Qiu. I hope you will stay in the stronghold for some time so I can seek your guidance in martial arts.”
Qiu Qianzhang picked up the palm-leaf fan from the table, fanned himself a few times, and chuckled, “I’m afraid I cannot fulfill your wish.”
“What do you mean?” Liu Qianfeng asked quickly.
“My second brother is ignorant of the times and has pledged allegiance to the Jin Dynasty. The Iron Palm Sect is eager to expand its influence in Jiangnan and frequently clashes with the Beggars’ Sect and the Demonic Cult. I must go to Western Hunan. Firstly, to see if I can persuade my second brother to abandon darkness and embrace light. Secondly, to find Hong Qigong and Zhang Sanqiang to mediate, as the Iron Palm Sect also represents my life’s work. I cannot bear to see the sect’s disciples suffer heavy casualties.”
Liu Qianfeng’s respect deepened.
Huo Du said, “Mr. Qiu is benevolent.”
Qiu Qianzhang sighed, “In my youth, I poured all my energy into the martial path, practicing diligently, believing that martial arts could solve all worldly affairs. Only in old age did I realize that was not the case.”
“Please enlighten us, sir.”
Liu Qianfeng and Huo Du said in unison.
“Thought. What distinguishes humans from wild beasts in the mountains and fields is unique thought. Martial arts can protect oneself, and they can also be used to attack others, but how to attack depends on the thoughts in one’s mind.”
Zhang Xiaoyue said with deep emotion, “Your words, sir, are like the saying in military strategy: ‘The highest form of warfare is to attack the enemy’s strategy.'”
“Second leader is wise.”
“I toast you, sir.” Zhang Xiaoyue raised his bowl to toast.
“You are too kind,” Qiu Qianzhang replied.
They drank together. Outside the hall, the sound of pigeon wings flapping was heard. Moments later, a minor leader entered with a message tube. Liu Qianfeng took out the slip of paper and read it word by word, a smile appearing on his face. He said to Zhang Xiaoyue, “News from the mountain: a convoy of over three hundred people and a hundred carts has arrived.”
Zhang Xiaoyue was overjoyed. “This is truly fortune arriving in pairs! Once I rob this escort team, it will be a celebration for the great cause of my elder brother and the Little Prince.”
Huo Du, wanting to assess the actual strength of Tongbai Mountain, said, “The Little Prince’s guest retainers are all experts from various places. They can accompany Second Leader and lend a hand.”
Liu Qianfeng knew Huo Du’s intentions well and smiled, “Since that’s the case, let’s all go together. The Little Prince can consider it a hunt.”
“That suits me perfectly.”
“Come, let’s drink first.”
Inside the hall, cups clinked and chopsticks crossed. Zhang Xiaoyue estimated the time the escort team would pass the checkpoint and reach the foot of the mountain. After midnight, he rose to take his leave. Soon, the sound of drums echoed a few times from the stronghold.
Thousands of elite troops were gathered.
Liu Qianfeng, under the guise of “hunting,” invited Huo Du to participate. The grand procession set off from the depths of Tongbai Mountain towards the outside.
…
The sword’s edge cut through the moonlight.
As blood splattered, several figures rushed out from a restaurant by the roadside. A shadowy figure pursued them, his long sword flashing with rapid thrusts. Several men disguised as shop assistants were stabbed in the back or chest by Zhou Yan and fell to the ground.
Yanbo Diaosou swung his fishing rod, flinging the corpses one by one into the mountain forest.
“Let’s go, Brother Diaosou.”
Zhou Yan’s figure flickered and disappeared into the mountain forest.
The escort team did not rest at night and bypassed Nanyang, proceeding along the side of Tongbai Mountain. This was a normal route for escorting goods. Zhou Yan and Yanbo Diaosou followed the escort team, eliminating the hidden dangers discovered by Lu Beihe one by one, clearing the path for Yang Miaozhen’s team.
As dawn approached, the escort team set up camp and posted sentries. Zhou Yan and Yanbo Diaosou cleared out several stronghold personnel from the hidden dangers along the escort team’s route and disappeared towards Tongbai Mountain.
…
A faint mist floated in the air. The night gradually receded, and a long procession moved slowly along the winding mountain path.
Zhang Xiaoyue rode a Wuzhui horse, holding a three-meter-long spear forged from bin iron. This type of spear was also called a “armor-piercing spear.” Its tip was slender like a reed leaf, made of fine steel quenched with silver, capable of piercing strong armor.
The second leader of Tongbai Mountain led the troops at the front, with Qiu Qianzhang, Huo Du, and Golden Wheel Law King in the middle of the procession. As the team was about to leave the mountain, a surprised cry came from the forest on the side of the mountain path.
“That monk is here too? And Qiu Qianren?”
Zhou Yan emerged from the bushes and looked at the figures in kasayas in the distance, illuminated by the breaking dawn, such as the tall and thin Golden Wheel Law King. He was slightly surprised and said, “That’s not Qiu Qianren, it’s Qiu Qianzhang. Their brothers look identical. I met Qiu Qianzhang in Zhongdu. It must have been his terrible idea to have Huo Du come and try to win over the bandits of Tongbai Mountain and Funiu Mountain. Let’s go, the plan needs a slight adjustment.”
“Why?”
“Golden Wheel Law King’s martial arts are superior to Qiu Qianren’s. In a one-on-one fight, no one is his match.” Zhou Yan retreated and swiftly moved towards the escort team’s camp. Yanbo Diaosou followed closely and asked, “Even if you and I join forces, we still can’t defeat Golden Wheel Law King?”
Zhou Yan chuckled, “I have a better plan.”
…
The sky was hazy. Two figures sped out of the mountain pass. When they reached a wooded area by the river, a joyful voice rang out, “Brother Zhou!”
With a whoosh, Liang Xiaowu, who was on guard, emerged from the woods.
The young escort was adaptable. Zhou Yan was called a Head Escort in Fu’an. After he resigned, he was called Brother Zhou.
“How is the team?” Zhou Yan asked.
“They’ve all eaten and are resting to conserve energy.”
“The bandits will arrive in about half an hour. Watch out for their scouts. I’m going to find the Chief Escort.”
“Got it.”
Zhou Yan and Yanbo Diaosou did not linger and went directly to the camp.
The escort team was composed of elite escorts, runners from the Fu’an and Zhenwei escort bureaus, and fierce soldiers from Cuya Mountain. With the battle imminent, there was no tension in the team.
A campfire was burning in the woods by the camp. Zhang Wangyue, Huyan Lei, Wang Kui, and Lu Beihe were brewing tea.
“Brother Zhou is here,” Huyan Lei called out from a distance, pouring tea into two cups.
Zhou Yan and Yanbo Diaosou arrived at the campfire. He thanked them, took the cups, and after taking a few sips, said, “The bandits will emerge from the mountain in about half an hour. Huo Du, Golden Wheel Law King, and others are also here.”
“Are they coming to offer amnesty?” Huyan Lei asked in surprise.
“Something like that.”
Zhang Wangyue had witnessed Golden Wheel Law King’s prowess at the Heroes’ Banquet. He said gravely, “The Law King’s martial arts are superior to ours, and Huo Du’s subordinates are all skilled. This is a variable.”
Zhou Yan smiled, “I have a way to make Golden Wheel Law King like a stray dog.”
“Haha, tell us quickly.” Huyan Lei said.
“Back in Ganzhou, we all saw the might of the ‘Iron Hawks’ charging into battle. Chief Escort, Brother Huyan, Brother Lu, are you willing to don armor with me?”
Huyan Lei clapped his hands. “I am a descendant of the Huyan family and have long wished to charge into battle in armor like my ancestors.”
Lu Beihe said, “My heart yearns for it.”
“Yes!” Zhang Wangyue understood Zhou Yan’s intentions best.
Zhou Yan smiled. There would be a good show.
The escort team of over three hundred people was handed over to Wang Kui and Qiu Qianchi. Zhou Yan, Zhang Wangyue, Huyan Lei, and Lu Beihe headed directly for Yang Miaozhen’s team in the rear.
