It was understandable, really. As bandits who operated from a fixed location, even with three cultivators at the third realm and over a dozen at the second, a determined effort from a county’s court or a true major sect/power wouldn't take much to eliminate them.
While there might be some casualties, it wouldn’t be enough to cripple them or cause significant pain. Thus, the Liuhuo Bandits could only exist for so long due to their subtle, intertwined connections with certain forces. Protected by these "umbrellas," these bandits were able to be so brazen, even establishing a stronghold in a particular area.
"The Liuhuo Bandit stronghold should now be holding treasures plundered over the past year," Ren Feihong mused, his eyes gleaming. He pretty much understood the thoughts of those around him and knew the young third-realm Daoist boy wanted him to serve him. However, to safely rescue his parents, he decided to use the promise of profit to motivate them to give their all.
Indeed, upon hearing that the Liuhuo Bandits had accumulated a large fortune, Xue Yang and the others’ eyes visibly brightened. It wasn't that they were greedy, but the prospect of such a staggering amount of wealth within their target’s grasp naturally sparked some anticipation. Although they were all inner disciples of the Jiuxuan Sect with considerable talent, they didn't have much personal wealth. After all, cultivation and acquiring spiritual artifacts were astronomically expensive. Even working day and night on sect-assigned missions, their earnings for the year barely covered their own expenses. Still, this was better than many cultivators outside. Even direct disciples of some sects, with sect resource prioritization, received less than them. But in this world, no one ever complained about having too much money.
"Once the Liuhuo Bandits are dealt with, all their wealth will be divided equally," Ji Yuan said after some thought to those around him. "Any high-quality spiritual artifacts and similar items will be distributed based on contribution." He deliberately avoided mentioning distribution by the number of enemies killed, just as in his previous statement about dividing all wealth equally among everyone. His aim was to prevent anyone from taking excessive risks for a slightly larger share, thereby endangering themselves and their companions. In fact, Xue Yang and the others would have acted similarly even without him saying so, as it was a rule Jiuxuan Sect disciples always followed when venturing out together. Even when they were outer disciples, elders often lectured them on such matters, warning that even a small amount of wealth could lead to one's own or their companions' eternal damnation. Such instances, past, present, and future, were never entirely eradicated.
"What are the Liuhuo Bandits' third-realm cultivators skilled at? What are their preferences and weaknesses?" Seeing the solemn nods of everyone, Ji Yuan turned to the young man beside him.
Upon hearing this, Ren Feihong thought for a moment and then recounted what he knew. There were three cultivators at the Mingdao Realm: two at the early stage and one at the middle stage. The third boss was skilled in fire magic; his control over fire was consummate. Any fire spell wielded by him could unleash thirty to forty percent more power than it would in another's hands. He also possessed a Scarlet Fire Pearl, rumored to be a congenital spiritual artifact born from a volcano, containing eight layers of congenital restrictions, all of which had been completely refined. The difference in power between refining a portion of a magical artifact's or treasure's restrictions versus refining all of them was immense.
As for the Liuhuo Bandit's second boss, he excelled in stealth and assassination. One had to be exceptionally cautious when facing him. He was elusive and ghosts to his peers, who could barely detect his presence unless they were forewarned or had prepared corresponding countermeasures. In terms of killing power, he was the strongest among the three bosses, with a record of ambushing and directly heavily injuring a cultivator at the late third realm. Rumors within the Liuhuo Bandits spoke of this second boss having, on multiple occasions, effortlessly assassinated several cultivators at the middle third realm.
"The first boss is not only the most powerful in cultivation but also incredibly strong. I personally witnessed him fighting a late-stage cultivator for an extended period, maintaining the upper hand throughout," Ren Feihong said with a grave expression. The late third-realm cultivator he mentioned was an elder from a sect in Jinyang County, a sect with centuries of history and considerable fame within the region. "The first boss is skilled in artifact control. Any spiritual artifact in his hands can unleash its maximum power." He recalled the evaluations of this first boss by all members of the Liuhuo Bandits. His artifact control not only enhanced the artifact's power but also made its manipulation more flexible and varied, even capable of exhibiting power comparable to a set of artifacts.
As Ren Feihong spoke, Xue Yang and the others’ expressions grew increasingly serious. While they hadn't been outright dismissive, they had certainly been too relaxed. After all, their cultivation realms were not weak, and as fellow disciples, they practiced joint combat techniques and formations. With Ji Yuan leading them, a mere band of brigands was not something they had taken seriously. But now, listening carefully, this Liuhuo Bandit group was indeed extraordinary, their strength fully comparable to ordinary major powers. With the three bosses each possessing unique skills, any level of caution was warranted.
"What are their preferences or weaknesses?" Ji Yuan inquired.
However, Ren Feihong shook his head. Despite having joined the Liuhuo Bandits for several years, he didn't have much in-depth knowledge about them. Because he had been coerced into serving them, even after years, he remained only an outer member. Furthermore, although Ren Feihong possessed excellent talent in the void aspect, he lacked potent offensive techniques, making his strength among the lowest in the Liuhuo Bandits. Due to these factors, he naturally didn't have access to core intelligence, let alone the weaknesses of the three bosses.
"I only know that the third boss enjoys wine, and the second boss has a penchant for men. As for the first boss, I know nothing at all," he mused for a long time, finally sighing helplessly. When they heard that the Liuhuo Bandit's second boss was attracted to men, everyone shivered slightly, feeling somewhat repulsed.
"Do they know you've been captured?" Ji Yuan’s eyes flashed as an idea formed in his mind.
Seeing this, Ren Feihong was initially stunned, then instinctively shook his head. No one had witnessed his capture, and he had never sent out a communication. Moreover, being in Fengming County, it was perfectly normal that he couldn't contact the members of the Liuhuo Bandits. Although this band of brigands had pledged allegiance to the Wangsheng Tower, it was only in secret; there was no overt contact.