Chapter 65

Under the vast blue sky, a gurgling stream appeared before everyone's eyes. Unknown to when, several huge boulders had been placed in the stream, allowing passersby to cross. The sound of the stream hitting the boulders created a continuous splashing noise, and the turbulent water rushed forward, as if a wanderer returning home.

Gazing at this familiar yet strange scene, Wang Lun, who had returned to this old place, couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia. After all, the first experiences in one's life are always worth remembering.

Seeing the chief leader standing silently by the stream, the attendants behind Wang Lun also remained silent, while the others jumped off the boat and found their places.

Wang Lun was no longer the lone figure he had been when he first went to Tokyo. Now, behind Jiao Ting, there were over forty men, most of whom were the best selected from the mountain stronghold, except for Zhang San, Li Si, and a dozen others. Looking back at these elite men, Jiao Ting still found it amusing to recall the scene of the selection.

Two days ago, when the three military leaders were selecting talents from the garrison, everyone broke their usual amicable demeanor, arguing fiercely and emphasizing the importance of their own units.

Even Xu Ning, who was usually polite, couldn't maintain his decorum and kept arguing with Mo Fei. Lu Zhishen, on the other hand, grabbed the Ruan brothers and lectured them like a living Buddha, spitting all over their faces. Du Qian and Song Wan blocked Jiang Zhipeng, who was trying to sneak into the army, laughing and scolding him. They didn't want to see all the best soldiers chosen, leaving them with only the weak and old. Tang Long, standing aside, could only smile bitterly and shake his head.

Amidst the chaos, Lin Chong brought Jiao Ting to select Wang Lun's personal guards. Seeing the situation, even the usually calm Lin Chong felt a headache. He quietly bypassed the arguing leaders and directly led Jiao Ting to select men from the ranks.

As the chief trainer of the mountain stronghold, Lin Chong knew who the good soldiers were. In no time, he selected two or three dozen sturdy and robust men. These men, seeing Lin Chong and Jiao Ting, immediately sensed something and were excited to become the chief leader's personal guards. The commotion caught the attention of the leaders, and Ruan Xiaoqi shouted, "Brother Lin Chong, that's not fair! You took advantage of our distraction and selected first!"

Lin Chong laughed, "Of course, my brother's personal guards should be chosen first!"

Everyone looked at each other, silent but wary. Then Lu Zhishen said, "Let's all rest for a moment. After Brother Lin Chong finishes selecting, we'll make our decisions."

Everyone agreed, sitting down and laughing, recalling the heated arguments. However, the good times didn't last long. Soon, Lin Chong and Jiao Ting finished their selection, and the men immediately rushed over, surrounding Lin Chong, calling him "Brother" and "Chief," hoping he would help them select men. Lin Chong smiled bitterly, signaling Jiao Ting to leave first, while he stayed to deal with the crowd.

Thus, Jiao Ting led forty elite men from the mountain stronghold, plus Zhang San, Li Si, and a dozen others, through two days of intense training, receiving guidance from various experts. These men were pushed to their limits, but today, with the chief leader about to leave the mountain, they finally had a break.

Wang Lun, though lost in thought by the stream, didn't forget to pay attention to his surroundings. Once the thirty-odd representatives from the West Stream Village disembarked, he came to his senses and ordered everyone to proceed.

Li Shi, following the order, led the villagers with the animals carrying silver. This Li Shi was the Li Si who had visited Wang Lun with his family that night. Because his name was the same as the grass snake, Wang Lun changed one character for him. Li Si and his wife were overjoyed, saying, "To receive a name from Brother is a blessing from many lifetimes!"

Now, these thirty-odd young men, led by Li Shi, walked at the front of the group. Their faces were flushed with excitement, and they felt immense pride, having earned wealth that their families could never achieve in a lifetime. They carried long spears and short swords, and even the thirty sets of leather armor were given to them, making them look like the elite troops of Tokyo, very impressive.

There are few moments in life as satisfying as returning home in glory. Wang Lun was also happy to see his men return in such glory. However, he noticed Mo Fei standing aside, lost in thought. Wang Lun asked, "Brother, are you missing home?"

Mo Fei nodded, "I'm happy here, but my mother is living far away, and it makes me sad."

Wang Lun replied, "Rest tonight, and tomorrow I'll send a few experienced brothers to help you bring her back."

Mo Fei was delighted, "Thank you, Brother!" He added, "I can go alone, no need to trouble the brothers."

Wang Lun smiled, "Brother, you are skilled, but the world is dangerous. There are many black inns on the way, and they use knockout drugs. I can't let you go alone."

Mo Fei didn't argue, just smiled at Wang Lun.

Just then, Li Shi from the front of the group rushed back, reporting, "Brother, there's a big man with two broadaxes in the forest ahead, watching us with ill intent!"

Wang Lun was surprised, a man with broadaxes? Recalling the report from Zhu Gui, he connected "black man" and "two broadaxes" in his mind. Could it be Li Kui? But Li Kui is a jailer in Jiangzhou, how could he be here in Shandong? It doesn't make sense!

There was no time to think further. Wang Lun, along with Mo Fei and Jiao Ting, hurried to the front. Indeed, there was a black man hiding behind a tree, watching their group. Despite the early spring chill, the man was naked, his body covered in coarse black hair, and his skin was as tough as an ox. He had a single red eyebrow and bloodshot eyes, his hair like an iron brush. He was hiding behind a thick tree, and everyone laughed at the sight.

Seeing himself discovered, the black man no longer hid, brandishing his two broadaxes and charging over, shouting, "You damned soldiers, today you've met your match! I'll give you a taste of my axe!"

Everyone laughed again, wondering where this reckless man came from. With over a hundred men in their group, and this black man still charging, it was clearly a death wish. Mo Fei volunteered, "Brother, let me deal with this black man!" Wang Lun nodded, "Don't hurt him, I want to know his background."

Mo Fei accepted the order and faced the man. Seeing the man's ferocity, Mo Fei focused. The man swung his axe first, surprising the black man, who quickly raised his axes to block the powerful blow. The black man felt a strong force and struggled to resist, barely blocking the axe. Mo Fei shouted, "Black man, where are you from?"

The black man, annoyed at being called a black man, shouted, "You're not much whiter than me, why do you mock my dark skin!"

Mo Fei laughed, not responding, and engaged the man. After a few exchanges, Mo Fei realized the man had strength but no skill. He shouted, "Black man, where are you from? What's your name?"

The black man, feeling insulted, shouted, "You're not much whiter than me, why do you mock my dark skin!"

Mo Fei laughed and continued the fight. After a few more exchanges, Mo Fei saw an opening and knocked the man's left axe away. Then he cut the right axe in half. The black man, left with only a handle, threw it away and charged at Mo Fei. Mo Fei saw the opening in the man's stance, swept his legs, and the black man fell. Mo Fei followed up with his axe, pressing it against the black man's neck, shouting, "I'll ask you again, where are you from? What's your name?"