Chapter 11: The Escort Banner

Facing the rapidly approaching Xu Da, a gleam of ferocity flashed in the one-eyed dragon’s gaze. When the two were just ten paces apart, he suddenly stomped his right foot on the saddle. The steed beneath him let out a shrill neigh and collapsed to the ground, while he, gripping his fearsome blade, charged at Xu Da.

His speed was astonishing, like a cannonball, and his downward strike carried an overwhelming force, thundering down with the power of a tempest. Xu Da was alarmed by the howling wind, but immediately raised his spear to block the attack. He truly lived up to his reputation in the martial world—his reaction was commendable.

Blade and spear clashed. The one-eyed dragon gave a wicked grin and shouted loudly, “Let go, you bastard!” Xu Da felt a tremendous force surge through him, pressing both man and horse to the ground. His mount was clearly doomed, but Xu Da rolled forward, using the motion to dissipate the strength of that blow. Still, his entire arm tingled from the impact. The one-eyed dragon, landing firmly, pressed his advantage, leaving Xu Da no time to catch his breath. His blade moved in wide, powerful arcs, forcing Xu Da onto the defensive, rendering his spear techniques all but useless.

Ning Xiu stood at a distance, observing the battle. He noticed that the one-eyed dragon indeed possessed remarkable skill. Though he appeared rough and burly, the way he wielded his terrifying blade was anything but clumsy.

Every move was devoid of unnecessary flourish, comprised only of the clean, deadly efficiency of killing techniques. This style resembled the “Three Fatal Blades” taught to him by Zhang Heng, though it lacked the most essential method of withdrawing the blade.

Xu Da, even when recognizing flaws in his opponent’s strikes, was powerless to exploit them. Wave after wave of attacks battered him, making his blood surge wildly within, and he retreated again and again.

With a resounding clang, Xu Da finally reached his limit. Blood spurted from his mouth, and his gleaming silver spear was knocked from his grasp by the heavy blade.

“Die, you bastard!” The one-eyed dragon looked at Xu Da’s panic-stricken face, a cruel smile spreading across his lips.

Suddenly, several sharp whistling sounds pierced the air. The one-eyed dragon’s expression changed, and he stepped back two paces. Three white-feathered arrows embedded themselves straight into the ground where he had stood. It was Liu Tao, the third chief of the Four Seas Escort Agency, displaying a brilliant volley of arrows, momentarily halting the one-eyed dragon’s assault.

Seizing the rare chance, Xu Da fled back to his ranks as fast as he could.

Seeing Xu Da retreat, the one-eyed dragon did not pursue. He looked toward Liu Tao, who stood with bow drawn in the distance, and sneered, “Aside from that old bastard Master Liu, it seems the Four Seas Escort Agency has another ranked fighter. But today, I’ll see for myself just how many you can kill with a single bow and a quiver of arrows.”

“Kill them all!”

For some time, the bandits of Black Wind Fortress had been harboring pent-up emotions due to the Ghost-faced Blade, a mix of fear and rage, and now they erupted in full force.

The one-eyed dragon understood well—they desperately needed a victory, a massacre to restore their morale.

No sooner had he spoken than the bandits charged madly toward the Four Seas Escort Agency’s convoy.

Arrows whistled through the air as Liu Tao shot three in quick succession, each finding its mark and dropping three bandits instantly. Some of the bandits, fearful, tried to retreat, but a ghost-faced blade flashed, and their heads were severed without mercy.

Crimson blood splattered everywhere, and the severed head rolled a considerable distance before coming to a stop.

“Any who retreat shall be executed!” The one-eyed dragon wiped the blood from his blade, his face twisted in menace.

Years of accumulated fear, coupled with the threat of death, ensured that not a single bandit dared retreat.

Advancing might mean survival; retreating was certain death.

For them, the choice was simple.

Seeing this, Liu Tao’s expression grew grave. After shooting down a few more, he realized this battle was endless and futile.

“To capture the thief, first seize the king!”

His eyes hardened, and he gripped his hornbow tightly. Drawing it to its fullest, he unleashed three feathered arrows in succession at the one-eyed dragon.

Even Ning Xiu was impressed by the elegance of his technique.

Unfortunately, the one-eyed dragon was prepared. He deflected all three arrows with ease.

Had Liu Tao stayed hidden and fired a surprise shot instead of saving Xu Da, he might have succeeded. But now, the chance was gone—the one-eyed dragon would not allow him another opportunity.

Watching the one-eyed dragon’s display, Liu Tao realized his opponent’s skill surpassed his own, likely only a step away from the second rank. He sighed deeply, stowed his hornbow, drew his broadsword, and dismounted to join the fray.

If nothing unexpected happened, today would likely be his last. It was a pity that Hui’er, so young, must die alongside them. But the Four Seas Escort Agency had never abandoned a shipment, and even in death, they would uphold the honor of their great “Four Seas” banner.

At this thought, Liu Tao instinctively glanced back at the escort cart and found the young master who had been sitting atop it had vanished without a trace. Perhaps he had escaped amid the chaos. Liu Tao didn’t dwell on it, instead slashing down a nearby bandit.

In terms of numbers and sheer martial prowess, Black Wind Fortress far outmatched the Four Seas Escort Agency.

Within moments, seven or eight escorts had already fallen.

The remaining escorts, led by Liu Tao and Xu Da, clustered tightly around the cart, but their circle was shrinking rapidly. Total annihilation was only a matter of time.

“…Maybe we should surrender the cart,” a young escort whispered.

Hearing this, Liu Hui turned and glared at him. Under ordinary circumstances, the young man might have shrunk away, but now, emboldened, he raised his voice, “Isn’t it true? Even the employer has run away. Are we really supposed to die for this cart of worthless medicinal herbs?”

“The Four Seas Escort Agency has never abandoned a shipment!” Liu Hui rebuked loudly.

She glanced at the young escorts behind her, disappointment flickering in her eyes. “Besides, do you think they’d spare us now?”

“That’s not necessarily so,” the one-eyed dragon sneered, clicking his tongue mockingly. He said aloud, “But you shouldn’t expect us to let you go so easily. I won’t allow it, and neither will my brothers. Tell me, brothers, should we let them off so lightly?”

His words incited the bandits, who shouted fiercely in unison.

“No!”

“You see.” The one-eyed dragon spread his hands and laughed. “Here’s the deal—kill those two old men for me. Most of my brothers died at their hands; their deaths are inevitable. Then, tie up the girl and let her be my concubine. If you do this, I might let the rest of you live. You could even join our ranks if you wish.”