The bandits formed three ranks with their backs to the lake.
The archers were on the inside, the crossbowmen on the outside. The four leaders—Xu Mabang, Yang Dan, Wang Mazi, and Liu Huaying—stood not far from one another at the corners of the outermost rank.
Zhao Lin told Liang Song to wait by the carriages as he slowly walked toward the lake.
Liang Song knew his strength was limited and he couldn't be of much help, so he opened one of the overturned carriages and began rummaging through its contents.
When Xu Mabang and the others saw Zhao Lin approach, they all stared at him nervously. Whichever bandits his gaze fell upon were struck with terror.
Just a moment ago, Zhao Lin had taken over forty lives with casual ease. In their eyes, he was no different from a baleful star of slaughter.
Before Zhao Lin was even within range, one of the bandits lost his nerve, loosing an arrow from his bow.
