The hunter was admitted into Bai Family Fort, rushing to Zhao Sheng upon seeing him. He'd genuinely worried about what might have befallen Zhao Sheng down the mountain; seeing him whole and safe here, he sighed in relief. "Master, terrible news, terrible news!"
Zhao Sheng: "What is it?"
Hunter: "Seventh Team's Night-Ranger suddenly brought his men up Yellow Dragon Mountain from the west slope. Village Head Xie went to speak with him, asked why he came, but he refused to say. He's already eyeing the grain Master Bai gave us, demanding we share it."
Bai Yuan's brow furrowed deeply.
Cheng Xu snorted coldly.
Zhao Sheng lowered his head, thinking. "Seventh Team shouldn't be on Yellow Dragon Mountain. Coming here suddenly to join our route—they must have met setbacks elsewhere. His arrival isn't entirely bad. I've just found an excellent place with Master Bai where we can settle and build lives. Perhaps we can invite Seventh Captain to join us."
With that, he prepared to leave the fort and return to the mountain.
Cheng Xu moved closer to Bai Yuan. "He's seen Gao Village?"
Bai Yuan nodded. "Seen it. He's willing to stay. The Tianzun has arranged everything properly."
Cheng Xu: "I suspect he may not live to reach Gao Village."
Bai Yuan started. "Why?"
Cheng Xu: "That Seventh Team Night-Ranger—just hearing the name tells you he's a ruthless character."
Bai Yuan frowned. "You mean..."
Cheng Xu gave a slight nod. "Night-Ranger is a title for elite military scouts. Scouts are clever, decisive in killing, ruthless. This frail scholar Dian Dengzi goes up the mountain to invite Night-Ranger down for a peaceful life—what do you think will happen?"
Bai Yuan: "What if Night-Ranger also longs for peace? Even soldiers dream of returning to civilian life."
Cheng Xu whispered: "If he were truly that sort, would he immediately demand grain from the Qingjian people upon arriving? Clearly a troublemaker. The reason he didn't seize the grain by force is probably fear of Bu Zhan Ni! He certainly doesn't respect Dian Dengzi."
Bai Yuan thought carefully—yes, precisely! If Night-Ranger had any goodwill toward Dian Dengzi, he wouldn't have crowded his route, nor immediately demanded grain. He must have identified Dian Dengzi's Second Team as the weakest among Bu Zhan Ni's seven units, coming to pressure the vulnerable companion, perhaps even intending to absorb Dian Dengzi's forces.
Following this logic, Dian Dengzi returning to persuade Night-Ranger to return to civilian life could be described as facing more peril than hope.
Bai Yuan: "Instructor He, you seem experienced in these matters. What should we do?"
Cheng Xu looked up toward the mountaintop.
Up there were fifteen hundred Seventh Team bandits, their leader a border garrison elite scout. If he led the militia and Bai Family Fort retainers against them, their chances were less than twenty percent—eighty percent chance of meeting Granny.
But Dian Dengzi Zhao Sheng was now on their side. Even if his three thousand were rabble, with that many people charging alongside the militia and Bai Family Fort retainers... recalculating, their chances became one hundred percent.
Cheng Xu chuckled softly, his gaze sweeping the mountaintop—not a trace of Granny anywhere.
In battles certain to lose, Cheng Xu cowers like an old dog.
In battles certain to win, Cheng Xu fights like a war god.
Cheng Xu said solemnly, "I'll accompany Zhao Sheng up the mountain. You lead the militia and Bai Family Fort retainers, following secretly under cover of night. When you hear fighting above, charge up immediately."
Bai Yuan: "Agreed!"
Their plan set, Cheng Xu approached Zhao Sheng. "I'll accompany you up the mountain—ensure your safety."
Zhao Sheng turned. The masked instructor wore padded armor, a sword at his waist—clearly a formidable figure. Delighted, he said, "I trouble you, brave warrior."
Dusk had fallen. The sun nearly set, the slopes shrouded in gloom, visibility poor.
Zhao Sheng, Cheng Xu, two subordinates, and one hunter—five in total—formed a small team, swiftly ascending the slope.
Behind them, Bai Yuan waved his hand, leading the militia volunteers out of Bai Family Fort. Crouching low, using field ridges as cover, they reached Yellow Dragon Mountain's base. Bai Yuan knew this terrain intimately; soon they entered a gully, climbing via a hidden path.
On the mountaintop, Night-Ranger had grown impatient, sending men several times to Second Team asking when the leader would return. His temper frayed.
Suddenly a subordinate reported: "Dian Dengzi has returned!"
Night-Ranger's spirits lifted. He instructed his men, then led a group of trusted followers toward Second Team.
"Well, Second Captain, where did you go searching for grain?" Night-Ranger began with sarcasm. "Not bringing many men—just four or five wandering below. Not afraid of being caught by government troops or militia, delivered to officials?"
Dian Dengzi, ever naive, unaware of bandits' true nature, missed the sarcasm entirely. Somewhat happily, he said, "I found an excellent place below—a wealthy village willing to help us, offering us land to settle and providing grain. Seventh Captain, you've come just in time. Come with me to that village—we can all have some peaceful days."
"Oh?"
Night-Ranger showed a strange expression. "So you found a wealthy village? Since they can provide us much grain, that means the village stores are abundant. Such a good place—just go rob it. Why live under others' roofs?"
Zhao Sheng's heart sank. "They treat us kindly. How could we immediately rob them?"
Night-Ranger: "Hahahaha! What kind of world is this now? Second Captain, don't play ignorant."
Zhao Sheng's expression darkened. He realized he'd been too naive.
Night-Ranger: "Where is this village?"
Zhao Sheng shook his head. "Cannot tell you."
Night-Ranger: "Seems Second Captain intends to betray Big Brother Bu Zhan Ni."
Zhao Sheng: "I'm not betraying anyone! I just want peaceful days."
Night-Ranger: "Silence! That is betrayal."
Suddenly raising his voice, he declared loudly: "Everyone heard just now! Second Team Captain Dian Dengzi intends to betray Big Brother Bu Zhan Ni! I, Seventh Team Captain Night-Ranger, will today uphold heaven's way, helping Big Brother eliminate this black sheep!"
Zhao Sheng: "I'm not... I haven't..."
Before he could finish, Night-Ranger whipped out his waist sword, slashing directly at Zhao Sheng's face.
The strike was vicious and swift—even a trained fighter would struggle to evade, let alone the frail scholar Zhao Sheng.
As death seemed imminent, Cheng Xu—standing half a step behind Zhao Sheng—suddenly yanked him aside while simultaneously drawing his own sword. Clang! He parried Night-Ranger's blade.
Cheng Xu chuckled. "Your opponent is me!"