Chapter 481: Chapter 406 Breaking the Door
The bandit leaders sensed something was wrong; people in their line of work are always highly alert. They either raised their swords to resist or dodged nimbly, reacting very quickly.
To be able to collude with a big merchant like Wanfu, these bandit leaders certainly had some skills.
They reacted swiftly, yet Gao Xuan’s Water-Splitting Saber was even swifter. The five-foot-long saber dragged a cold, snow-colored streak of light through the air, slicing past several bandit leaders with a sharp whistle.
Whether the opponent blocked with a sword or dodged, it was all too slow under the Water-Splitting Saber. Where the saber passed, swords broke, armor cracked, and people were severed.
Blood gushed forth, spreading along with the snow-colored saber light.
A group of bandits wielding crossbows saw the situation turning grim and hastily raised their crossbows to shoot at Gao Xuan all at once. This group of bandits was experienced and vicious in their attacks.
More than a dozen crossbows shot together, surrounding Gao Xuan with a barrage of crossbow arrows. These powerful crossbows had enough force to pierce heavy armor within fifty paces. Even an Innate Martial Artist would find it hard to withstand the arrows with their body.
Gao Xuan inclined his long saber forward, the saber’s edge shredded two arrows, while the others skimmed past his body.
Before the bandits could fire again, Gao Xuan charged headlong, crossing over ten feet in a single stride right into the midst of the bandits.
The Water-Splitting Saber split left and right, turning into a dazzling wheel of snow-colored saber light.
The continuous, fine sound of the saber edge tearing through bodies, "puff puff puff," followed by the group of bandits holding crossbows falling to pieces under the saber wheel.
Broken bodies radiated outward in a circle around Gao Xuan, forming a bloody ring.
With at least a dozen bandits killed by this strike, Gao Xuan made it seem as effortless as cutting grass. He continued relentlessly, pressing forward with his saber.
The snow-colored, perfect saber wheel kept blooming, leaving behind only mangled corpses. No one could withstand even a single strike. Within a few breaths, over half of the hundred bandits lay dead.
The remaining bandits, terrified, turned on their heels to run. Some, trembling with fear, had legs that went weak, collapsing to the ground. Even so, they scrambled and crawled desperately forward.
The shopkeeper and staff of Wanfu, all stood frozen in shock, mouths and eyes wide open.
Gao Xuan did not pursue the fleeing bandits, having targeted only the skilled ones with his previous strikes. Those running away were merely the lowest level minions.
In such harsh living conditions, banditry would naturally run rampant. These minions could not all be wiped out.
In just a few breaths, Gao Xuan had killed dozens, completely routing this group of bandits.
Such a display of divine power had also terrified Shopkeeper Wan.
By the time Gao Xuan approached with his saber in hand, Shopkeeper Wan’s lips had begun to quiver.
In fact, it wasn’t until Gao Xuan was up close that Shopkeeper Wan saw his face clearly.
With thick eyebrows, fierce tiger eyes, a straight nose, and a square mouth, he was tall and strong, dressed in a Black Gold Robe, exuding an impressive aura. Despite appearing young, he had the demeanor of a mighty warrior.
This man held a long saber in his hand, over four feet in blade length, four fingers wide, with a straight spine. The blade had a naturally beautiful curve, covered with chrysanthemum patterns.
Though it had taken many lives, the blade was unstained by blood.
Shopkeeper Wan was knowledgeable, which is how he had become a shopkeeper. One look at Gao Xuan’s attire and demeanor was enough to know this man was an expert.
And his long saber was an invaluable treasure that couldn’t be bought for a thousand gold pieces.
Never mind the sword, but this man’s sword technique and martial arts were even more fearsome. In Wanfu, only two caretakers could possibly match him. Moreover, having slain dozens of bandits, his brow remained calm without a trace of murderous intent.
This depth and composure commanded even more respect.
Shopkeeper Wan sighed inwardly, realizing he’d hit a brick wall this time. He regretted never recognizing there was such a master in the Ye family’s caravan.
Elder Housekeeper Ye, feeling triumphant, introduced him to Shopkeeper Wan: "This is Mr. Gao."
Shopkeeper Wan quickly clasped his hands and bowed deeply: "Shopkeeper Wan Dong of Wanfu pays respects to Mr. Gao."
Gao Xuan glanced at Shopkeeper Wan, observing his shifty expression, and recalling his earlier attitude. It wasn’t hard to deduce that this man collaborated with the bandits. At the very least, they were familiar with each other.
"Are you in league with the bandits?"
Shopkeeper Wan hurriedly shook his head and waved his hands: "Mr. Gao, please don’t misunderstand. Please don’t misunderstand. We simply pass this way often, and unavoidable have to pay homage to the Flying Tiger Stronghold.
He sighed with some helplessness: "This is how business is done, peace brings wealth. Even though our merchant group is large, we can’t fight bandits every time. Besides, in this barren and dangerous land, bandits emerge endlessly and can’t all be killed.
"We have no choice but to pay the bandits for safe passage."
Shopkeeper Wan wore a face of worry as he continued, "Mr. Gao, if I may speak frankly, the Flying Tiger Stronghold is not to be trifled with..."
The Flying Tiger Stronghold had over two thousand people. In the Qin Mountain region, they were the largest group of bandits. The leader, known as the Flying Tiger, was not only highly skilled in martial arts but also extremely capable.
To gather over two thousand people in such a poor area was a testament to considerable ability. Naturally, support from large merchants like Wanfu was indispensable in the background.
Merchants like Wanfu and Anlong, who often traveled through Qin Mountain, even if powerful, did not wish to fight bandits daily.
They would support someone within their ranks to become a bandit, ensuring smooth trade routes while eliminating safety hazards, and additionally undermining competitors.
Not to say their people were the Flying Tiger’s, but it’s safe to say there was a cooperative relationship.
Elder Housekeeper Ye came from afar, and the caravan was not small. This batch of goods was quite valuable.
Wanfu and Anlong informed the Flying Tiger Stronghold to raid them. After killing the Ye family, they would buy the goods from the bandits at a tenth of the price, instantly making tenfold profit upon resale.
Merchants pursue profit, and if it’s high enough, they’ll risk anything.
As Comrade Old Ma would say, this is already clear. (Comrade Old Ma’s phrase is quoted)
Ordinary people cannot comprehend the fanatic pursuit of profit by merchants. It reaches the point where they readily trample social ethics and order. However, this is human nature.
Individual merchants can be good, but overall, merchants are profit-driven. This is their way of survival.
The actions of Wanfu and Anlong are despicable and shameless, but they promise enough benefits. That alone is sufficient.
Shopkeeper Wan naturally couldn’t admit they were colluding with the mountain bandits, so he just introduced the situation of the Flying Tiger Stronghold. He also emphasized the power of the creditor Flying Tiger.
"This Flying Tiger is said to be a traitor of the Fire Sect, with martial arts so powerful that he can leap as if flying, regarded as the overlord of the bandits in the Qin Mountain Range."
Shopkeeper Wan, with an air of sincere kindness, reminded, "Flying Tiger is very vindictive; Mr. Gao killed his men, so be careful..."
Gao Xuan smiled, reached out, and patted Shopkeeper Wan on the shoulder, "Shopkeeper Wan is truly a good person, thank you."
Shopkeeper Wan kept a smile on his face, but all his muscles were tense, showing extreme nervousness.
"With so many bandits, it’s better to leave here first."
Gao Xuan gave an order, then ignored Shopkeeper Wan. He returned to Ye Jinxiu’s side, "There’s a Flying Tiger Stronghold in the mountains, it’s said the person is very vengeful, with two thousand men under his command, it’s somewhat troublesome."
Ye Jinxiu was also a bit troubled, "What should we do then?"
With more than two thousand men, even if most are just making up numbers, such a large group attacking could damage the convoy.
"No worries, I’ll go and deal with Flying Tiger first."
Gao Xuan grinned, "This person has been entrenched in Qin Mountain for years, with thousands of minions under him, he should have some wealth. Getting rich depends on him now."
Ye Jinxiu also laughed, "There’s such a good thing, take me with you."
She hadn’t known Gao Xuan for long, but she could see that he didn’t care much for material things.
The Fire Cloud Snake Skin Armor, Black Gold Robe, and the Water-Splitting Saber, if he had them, he wouldn’t refuse, but if not, he wouldn’t insist on having them.
This transcendental demeanor was definitely not something put on.
Ye Jinxiu found it strange that although Gao Xuan came from a humble background, he possessed a noble and transcendent spirit, unparalleled in style.
In comparison, the experts of the major Copper City Noble Families seemed vulgar, like rural landlords. Even someone like Water-Splitting Saber Feng Zhengchun would look like a crude martial artist beside Gao Xuan, clearly inferior.
Even when talking about killing, Gao Xuan spoke lightly, almost as if it were natural.
It seemed like whatever he did was right and should be so.
"Wanfu and Anlong are no good; we’ll settle the score with them when we reach Mingjing."
The road ahead was long, and holding leverage over these two would make them behave better, saving the Ye Family countless troubles.
If it were up to Gao Xuan himself, he would’ve long since killed the opposition. Of course, he wouldn’t likely find himself in such a pitfall.
Gao Xuan tugged on Ye Jinxiu’s sleeve, and the two of them flew swiftly through the mountain forests.
Gao Xuan had reached the pinnacle of an Innate Martial Artist, achieving Unity of Inner and Outer. His power, once unleashed, was perfect and flawless, without the slightest excess force.
Through stimulating acupoints and blood, his body was as agile as a swallow leaping. Even carrying Ye Jinxiu was effortless.
As for where the Flying Tiger Stronghold was, there was no need to search. The various traces left by the retreating bandits served as the most obvious markers.
At Gao Xuan’s level, he could clearly see even the faintest footprint on grass. A group of bandits fleeing through the woods left traces that simply couldn’t be hidden.
This group of bandits had been active in the mountains for years; they might not be good fighters, but they were quick on their feet. In panicked flight, they were even faster.
Gao Xuan, carrying Ye Jinxiu, pursued them for the time it takes to drink a cup of tea before catching up with the retreating bandits ahead.
This group, not realizing they were being pursued, slowed down. With their abilities, they naturally couldn’t detect Gao Xuan.
They walked like this for nearly an hour before returning to the Flying Tiger Stronghold.
The Flying Tiger Stronghold was built on a sunlit hillside, a large expanse of wooden houses crammed together chaotically. Rather than a mountain stronghold, it looked more like a village in the mountains.
The difference was a long stone wall built on the hillside’s perimeter, just right to block the uphill path. It provided excellent protection for the stronghold. Piled on the stone wall were stone blocks and logs for rolling down.
Given the steep slope, casually throwing down something from above wielded considerable power. It was a place easy to defend and hard to attack.
Gao Xuan said to Ye Jinxiu, "Wait here for a moment. I’ll be right back."
Ye Jinxiu said, "Be careful."
Gao Xuan nodded, carrying the Water-Splitting Saber as he walked toward the stronghold. With each effortless step, he could traverse twenty steps.
Though it looked like he was walking step by step, in a blink, he was already in front of the stronghold.
By then, the sun was setting in the west, and darkness was descending. Two minions standing on the wall, hands in sleeves, were watching and greeting the returning minions.
Then they saw Gao Xuan. The two were stunned for a moment, only realizing something was wrong, and hurriedly picked up a broken gong to smash it repeatedly while shouting, "Bandits are coming, bandits are coming..."
The group of minions waiting at the gate to go home turned their heads and saw the figure approaching with a saber.
Startled and shouting, the crowd scattered in all directions, not wanting to confront someone of Gao Xuan’s martial skills.
Gao Xuan ignored their reactions and suddenly accelerated, advancing with his saber.
The snow-colored long saber drew a long snowy arc under the setting sun, slicing through the scattering minions and plunging directly into the heavy wooden gate of the stronghold.
Although roughly made, the massive wooden gate was five inches thick and solidly constructed, extremely strong. But under Gao Xuan’s wielded Water-Splitting Saber, the heavy wooden gate might as well have been paper.
With a twist of the long saber, the massive gate exploded into dozens of pieces. Behind the sweeping snowy arc, blood splattered everywhere.
The Flying Tiger, eating meat in the house, twitched his ears. He didn’t care about the clattering of the broken gongs; he was listening for the sharp whistle of a saber.
His eyes narrowed as he tossed away the bone in his hand, grabbed the Profound Steel Long Spear beside him, and coldly snorted, "Another one here to court death!"