Chapter 43

Black Mountain City is 130 li away from the county town. It should be a key transportation hub connecting Shunde Prefecture and its various counties, but due to its deep mountains and dense forests, it is riddled with complex roots and branches, where refugees and bandits mix, causing chaos.

Many years ago, during the great bandit suppression in Qingzhou, there was a period of peace, but after that, refugees and mountain bandits still gathered.

Over time, no one bothered to manage it anymore.

On the way, Wang Wu did not stop for a moment, but when he saw Black Mountain, he was no longer in a hurry. He had his men gather dry firewood and start a bonfire.

By the bonfire, Wang Wu held a map in his hands, silent. A few constables who had been scouting the area for seven days reported to him in low voices.

"These stubborn villagers, upon hearing that we are here to suppress bandits, all avoid us as if we were the plague. We have gained nothing."

"These stubborn villagers seem to be protecting the mountain bandits. A few days ago, bandits attacked us, injuring several of our men."

"Sir, to suppress the bandits, we must first arrest the clan leaders in the villages at the foot of Black Mountain!"

...

The faces of the constables were not good, their words filled with anger and resentment.

"Old man, I sent you to find a way up the mountain, but you are afraid to move forward and instead blame the villagers?"

Putting down the map, Wang Wu sneered.

"Living by the mountain, these villagers rely on the bandits for survival. Do you think they would look up to you?"

Wang Wu's words were like knives, making the constables' faces turn extremely pale. They wanted to argue but could not find the words.

"This trip to Qingzhou, Wang Fobao suffered significant losses. Without his elite forces, you few wine bags and food sacks are no wonder you can't accomplish anything!"

Wang Wu's cold gaze swept over them, and the constables were as silent as cicadas in winter, feeling as if they were being stared at by a fierce tiger, their bodies trembling uncontrollably.

After scolding the constables, Wang Wu cleared his throat, drawing the attention of the silent local militia around the bonfires.

These people, whether willing or not, were at least skilled and capable, able to fight ten to one. If used properly, they might not be able to suppress all the bandits in the mountains, but they could certainly eliminate the influence of the Liansheng Sect.

"I know most of you are here just to go through the motions, and those who genuinely want to suppress the bandits are few."

Wang Wu said solemnly.

"But if everyone has this mindset, this trip out of the city will be extremely dangerous!"

The militia looked at him coldly, silent and uninterested, just as they were when they set out.

"Exactly!"

A hoarse voice sounded, and a thin middle-aged man threw away his roasted meat and sneered.

"Fifty taels of silver, and you want us to risk our lives? Our lives are not that cheap!"

Wang Wu looked at him coldly, and the man met his gaze head-on.

Yang Yu recognized him as Tan Hong, the chief disciple of the Inner City's Tiger Might Martial Hall, who had reportedly changed his blood four or five years ago and was quite famous.

On the way, apart from Wang Wu, he had paid the most attention to this man.

"Spoken well!"

"Exactly!"

With someone taking the lead, the others naturally followed, the mood becoming intense.

A few taels of silver might buy a young girl, and fifty taels could buy a dozen.

But their lives were far more valuable!

"Constable Wang, I've heard of your reputation, but there's no reason for us to risk our lives just because you say so!"

Tan Hong said loudly.

"You can listen to the three-foot Liu if you want, but we won't follow your reckless actions!"

With the support of the others, Tan Hong put aside his fear of Wang Wu and met his gaze boldly.

However, to his surprise, Wang Wu did not get angry. Instead, he looked away and scanned the crowd.

"Is this everyone's opinion?"

"Exactly!"

"Exactly!"

"Constable Wang, you are a great man, why push us so hard? Turn a blind eye, and let us be!"

...

Seeing that Wang Wu seemed to be backing down, the others also put aside their reservations. Apart from Yang Yu and a few others, most of them voiced their agreement.

"Fine."

Wang Wu nodded. The others thought he would be angry or disappointed, but instead, he suddenly sneered.

"Wang Wu would like to let you all go, but unfortunately..."

"Huh?"

Tan Hong's heart skipped a beat. "Unfortunately what?"

"Unfortunately, your Liu Da Ren does not want to let you go!"

Wang Wu's tone was calm, showing no emotion.

"Calculating the time, the city gates should be closed by now!"

"What?!"

Tan Hong's eyes widened, and the others also stood up, their faces shocked and angry: "Impossible!"

"Impossible! Absolutely impossible! How could Liu Wenpeng, the county magistrate, harm us like this?"

Someone shook his head, his face full of disbelief.

"Don't believe it?"

Yang Yu sighed inwardly. Although he had expected it, he was still shocked by Liu Wenpeng's ruthlessness. He stood up and spoke.

"Everyone, have you noticed that there are no martial artists from the Inner City's major families among us?"

"What?"

Tan Hong suddenly realized, looked around, and felt a chill in his heart.

None.

Not a single one!

"Very ruthless, very ruthless."

The others also began to understand, some angry, some shocked, and some with pale faces, clenching their teeth: "What a Liu Wenpeng..."

"I'll kill him!"

Someone shouted in anger, but received no response.

Killing an official was tantamount to treason, a crime punishable by the extermination of nine generations. How many of those present had the courage to do so?

"This Liu Wenpeng..."

Yang Yu felt a chill in his heart.

Because he thought of another reason for their selection.

Apart from not being from the Inner City's major families, this group had another common point.

They all had families.

Some had elderly parents, others had young children...

In other words, the dozen or so people here were the most vulnerable martial artists in Black Mountain City.

"What should we do?"

Anxiety and panic spread.

After a long time, Tan Hong looked up at Wang Wu and said hoarsely:

"Sir, I am not afraid of death, but I cannot die..."

"Ha ha ha!"

Wang Wu suddenly burst out laughing.

"Why are you laughing, sir?"

Someone shouted in anger and frustration.

"Is this a trivial matter worth worrying about so much?"

Wang Wu stopped laughing, scanned the crowd, and finally looked at Tan Hong.

"You all don't want to risk your lives for Liu Wenpeng. Do you think Wang Wu is a coward who can be manipulated?"

Everyone was stunned.

"Would I risk my life for a dog like Liu Wenpeng? To be honest, although I am a constable, I do not serve the county magistrate."

Wang Wu stood with his hands behind his back, his face proud.

"Instead, I serve the Six-Fan Gate!"

"Six-Fan Gate?!"

Everyone was stunned, and Yang Yu's heart also stirred.

The Six-Fan Gate was a massive organization, no less powerful than the Jinyiwei, and even more famous.

"This time, Liu Wenpeng does not provide rations or pay, but the Six-Fan Gate does! Liu Wenpeng does not provide compensation, but the Six-Fan Gate does!"

"Liu Wenpeng does not report your achievements, but the Six-Fan Gate will!"

Wang Wu responded loudly and firmly.

"If I lie, may I be struck by lightning!"

Six-Fan Gate.

Everyone was moved, though still worried, their panic gradually subsided.

"Willing to follow your orders, sir!"

Tan Hong paused for a moment, clasped his hands, and bowed.

The others also responded: "Willing to follow your orders, sir."

"This Wang Wu is not just a brute."

Yang Yu was greatly impressed.

Wang Wu did not say much, but his words hit the mark, not only dispelling the resistance of the group but also alleviating their concerns.

If they were just scattered individuals before, now they were beginning to form a cohesive unit.

"Good!"

Wang Wu stepped forward, and the wind from his movement extinguished the bonfire.

With a flick of his wrist, he drew his long sword and pointed it at the dark mountains.

"Into the mountains!"