The morning mist clung to the forest path like ghostly fingers as Moxuan led his small hunting party toward the site of the most recent bandit attack. Two family guards flanked him—Wei Da, a solid Foundation Establishment cultivator with twenty years of experience, and Chen Ming, younger but sharp-eyed and quick with a blade. Behind them rode Liu Feng, the Azure Mountain Sect inner disciple who had volunteered to "supervise" the operation.
Perfect cover, Moxuan thought as he guided his horse through the winding trail. Liu Feng's presence makes this an official sect-supported action while giving me someone skilled to observe my performance without seeming suspicious.
The attack site lay three miles ahead—a narrow valley where the trade road curved between steep hills. According to the merchants' reports, it had been the bandits' favorite ambush point, used twice in the past month with devastating effectiveness.
"Young Master," Wei Da said quietly, his voice carrying the respectful concern of someone who'd watched Moxuan grow up, "the tracks we passed a mile back—did you notice anything unusual about them?"
He's testing my observation skills, Moxuan realized. Good. Better to have guards who think rather than simply follow orders.
"You mean the horse prints that were too deep for the number of riders?" he replied casually. "Either they're carrying heavier loads than normal bandits would need, or they're using weight training for their mounts. Both suggest organized operation rather than desperate criminals."
Wei Da's expression showed surprise and approval. The analysis went beyond what most young cultivators would notice, let alone understand the implications of.
"Impressive observation," Liu Feng commented from behind them. "Your tactical training has progressed remarkably since our last meeting."
Careful, Moxuan warned himself. Too much analytical skill too quickly might raise questions about where I learned such things.
"I've been studying military strategy texts from the sect library," he replied with appropriate modesty. "Theoretical knowledge seemed important for practical applications."
Half true, he thought. The theoretical knowledge came from thirty years of using it in practice, but sect library study makes a good cover story.
As they approached the ambush site, Moxuan raised his hand for halt. The valley stretched before them, peaceful and quiet in the morning light. But to his enhanced perception, the spiritual energy patterns told a different story.
Residual traces everywhere, he noted, extending his spiritual senses carefully through the area. At least six different cultivation signatures, plus formation work that shows real skill.
"Chen Ming, take position on the south ridge with sight lines to the main road," he instructed. "Wei Da, secure our horses and prepare for possible retreat. Liu Feng, would you mind checking the north approach for signs we might have missed?"
Giving everyone tasks that use their skills while keeping them busy during my detailed investigation, he calculated. I need time to analyze this site properly without having to explain every observation.
As his companions moved to their assigned positions, Moxuan dismounted and began a systematic examination of the ambush site. To casual observation, he appeared to be conducting a basic investigation. In reality, he was reading the battlefield like a book written in spiritual energy and tactical positioning.
Three primary attack positions, he identified, moving between locations where faint spiritual traces lingered. Coordinated assault from multiple directions, with formation support for enhanced effectiveness. Professional military tactics adapted for bandit operations.
The attack had been devastating in its efficiency. Caravan guards overwhelmed in minutes, valuable goods stripped and loaded with practiced speed, escape routes prepared in advance. But professional effectiveness created patterns that experienced eyes could exploit.
They're using the same tactical framework for every attack, he realized as he pieced together the assault sequence. Effective, but predictable once you understand their methods.
A slight disturbance in the underbrush caught his attention—not visible damage, but spiritual energy traces that suggested recent concealment efforts. Following the trail led him to a hidden cache site where the bandits had temporarily stored stolen goods during redistribution.
Supply chain management, he noted with growing interest. They're not just stealing resources—they're redistributing them through established networks. This is business, not desperation.
"Young Master!" Chen Ming's voice carried warning from his ridge position. "Movement approaching from the east road—looks like three riders, cultivation level unknown."
New variables, Moxuan thought, immediately shifting from investigation mode to tactical preparation. Either coincidence or response to our presence here.
"Positions!" he called, his voice carrying authority that surprised even him. "Wei Da, arrow coverage from the rocks. Liu Feng, can you identify their cultivation levels from here?"
The response was immediate and coordinated—his guards moved with professional efficiency while Liu Feng extended his spiritual senses toward the approaching riders.
"Foundation Establishment minimum," Liu Feng reported. "Two at mid-level, one possibly approaching Golden Core. Moving with purpose rather than casual travel."
Probably bandits checking their favorite attack site, Moxuan analyzed rapidly. Perfect opportunity to test combat effectiveness while gathering intelligence about their operations.
"Combat or negotiation?" Wei Da asked tersely.
"Depends on their intentions," Moxuan replied, drawing his sword and channeling spiritual energy through the blade. "But be ready for violence. Professional bandits don't negotiate with investigators."
The three riders came into view around the valley's bend—masked figures in dark clothing, their horses bearing the kind of equipment that suggested long-term field operations rather than casual travel. Their positioning as they approached showed tactical awareness and readiness for combat.
Definitely the bandits, Moxuan confirmed. And they're not running, which means they're confident about handling four opponents. Overconfidence or superior numbers we haven't detected yet.
"You're investigating our territory," the lead rider called out, his voice carrying the arrogant confidence of someone accustomed to intimidating opposition. "That makes you either very brave or very stupid."
Testing our reaction, Moxuan recognized. Standard intimidation approach to evaluate threat level before committing to combat.
"We're investigating attacks on merchant caravans," he replied calmly. "Officially sanctioned by regional authorities and Azure Mountain Sect. Withdraw now and avoid complications you can't handle."
Counter-intimidation while establishing legitimacy, he calculated. See if they're smart enough to recognize superior position or arrogant enough to fight anyway.
The bandits exchanged glances that suggested internal communication about how to handle unexpected opposition. Their leader's posture showed someone making rapid tactical calculations about risks and benefits.
"Azure Mountain Sect, you say?" the leader's tone shifted to mock courtesy. "Then you'll understand when we explain that this territory operates under different authority now. Turn around, leave, and pretend you never saw anything here."
Territorial claim, Moxuan noted. They're not just thieves—they're establishing control over this area. Much more dangerous than simple resource theft.
"I'm afraid that's not acceptable," he replied, spiritual energy beginning to circulate through enhanced patterns that would maximize his combat effectiveness. "But I appreciate the warning about your intentions."
Time for action, he decided as the tension reached the breaking point. Let's see how professional these professionals really are.
The leader's hand moved toward his weapon—the universal signal that negotiation had ended and violence would begin. Around the valley, Moxuan's companions prepared for combat while he felt the familiar predatory satisfaction of approaching battle.
First real combat since rebirth, he thought as spiritual energy flowed through his cultivation base with enhanced efficiency. Time to discover whether theoretical knowledge translates into practical effectiveness.
The bandit leader drew his sword in a smooth motion that spoke to years of practice and combat experience. Spiritual energy blazed around the weapon as advanced Foundation Establishment cultivation met professional combat training.
Serious opponent, Moxuan assessed as he raised his own blade to meet the attack. But let's see how he handles techniques he's never encountered before.
The first clash of steel rang across the valley like a bell, spiritual energies colliding with force that sent shockwaves through the morning air. But instead of the quick victory the bandit leader expected against a young sect disciple, he found himself facing someone whose combat instincts and technical skills exceeded anything his experience had prepared him for.
Definitely stronger than expected, Moxuan noted with satisfaction as his hybrid cultivation techniques provided advantages his opponent couldn't understand or counter. But not strong enough to end this quickly.
Time to show everyone what real combat looks like.