“Brothers, draw your swords! Kill for me!”
“Kill!”
“Kill all the dogs of the Cold Family!”
“Kill!”
At this moment, Hu Lue had already stirred up the atmosphere. As he finished speaking, the nearly four hundred bandits erupted into a thunderous roar of killing cries, their momentum quite extraordinary.
Booming...
The sound of hooves echoed loudly, and a rolling cloud of yellow dust rose up, engulfing the vast wilderness.
Amidst the cries of battle, two individuals remained unmoved—one was tall and robust, while the other exuded an air of scholarly elegance. It goes without saying that these two were Wang Tiankuang and Jingfeng Lei Kuan Ti.
“Second-in-Command, I’m curious. Who do you actually hope will win?” Wang Tiankuang did not answer Jingfeng Lei Kuan Ti's question but instead posed one of his own.
“Hehe, Sky Mad Second Master, please answer my question first. If I help you deal with Black Wind Stronghold, can you guarantee me a place in the Wang family?” Jingfeng Lei Kuan Ti brushed off the dust from his long robe and smiled lightly.
“Of course. Having Thunderstorm join us would be a blessing for our Wang family!” Wang Tiankuang replied without hesitation. For a small town like Spirit Martial Town, even if it was dominated by the Cold Family, gaining a Martial Master’s support would significantly enhance their strength—not to mention for their Wang family.
“Hehe, since that’s the case, allow me to thank Second Uncle in advance.” Jingfeng Lei Kuan Ti cupped his hands toward Wang Tiankuang, his tone carrying a hint of joy.
"Ah! What a remarkable person Thunderstorm is! Our Wang family has long sought after him, Brother Xu should not be so polite," Wang Tiankuang waved his hands repeatedly, speaking courteously.
"There is just one thing I would like to clarify beforehand," Jingfeng Lei Kuan Ti had already changed his address to "younger brother," indicating his deep intentions. Before even arriving at the Wang family, he was already trying to please Wang Tiankuang with the most basic of gestures.
"Brother Xu, please go ahead. If I, Wang Tiankuang, can do it, I will certainly do my utmost to assist," Wang Tiankuang was someone who enjoyed being held in high regard. At this moment, he wore a smile, feeling quite inflated by Jingfeng Lei Kuan Ti's continuous use of "younger brother."
"Hehe, Sky Mad Second Master can certainly manage it. What I seek..." Jingfeng Lei Kuan Ti paused here, casting a meaningful glance at Wang Tiankuang.
"Brother Xu need not be so reserved; whatever difficult matter it is, just speak up," Wang Tiankuang said boldly.
"Hehe, what I seek is nothing but a concern that Second Uncle might cross the river..." Jingfeng Lei Kuan Ti trailed off, but what lay behind the phrase "cross the river" was something that Wang Tiankuang could likely guess.
"Cross the river... and dismantle the bridge?" Wang Tiankuang looked puzzled but then burst into laughter, exclaiming, "Brother Xu, rest assured! Haven't I already said that our Wang family gaining you, Thunderstorm, is a blessing? If I were to dismantle the bridge after crossing, wouldn't that be foolish?"
"That's good to hear. Let's set off quickly; otherwise, Hu Lue might become suspicious." When Jingfeng Lei Kuan Ti said this, he did so lightly, showing no signs of urgency whatsoever.
Seeing this, Wang Tiankuang furrowed his brow slightly. Although he found Jingfeng Lei Kuan Ti's manner of speaking very comfortable, he couldn't shake the feeling that if he truly brought him into the Wang family, it might not be a good thing.
"Sky Mad Second Master, please!" Just as Wang Tiankuang was lost in thought, Jingfeng Lei Kuan Ti had already led over a fine horse and respectfully handed over the reins.
Instead of thanking him verbally, Wang Tiankuang simply took the reins and mounted the horse without any courtesy this time; there was even a hint of arrogance in his demeanor.
By acting this way, Wang Tiankuang intended to test Jingfeng Lei Kuan Ti. He believed that if Jingfeng Lei Kuan Ti was genuinely seeking to ally with him, he wouldn't mind such small rudeness.
Regarding Wang Tiankuang's impoliteness, Jingfeng Lei Kuan Ti maintained a calm expression on his face, as if leading the horse for Wang Tiankuang was only natural and showed no signs of dissatisfaction.
"Haha, not bad!" Wang Tiankuang thought to himself with a smirk. The rudeness he displayed was exactly in line with his own thoughts, and it also satisfied a small sense of vanity.
The two of them hurried along to catch up with the group ahead, urging their horses to go faster. However, under Hu Lue's leadership, the bandits were filled with murderous intent, moving at a rapid pace. By the time the two caught up, they found the bandits had already halted and were facing Ye Tian and the others.
"Second Brother, why did it take you so long to catch up?" Upon seeing Jingfeng Lei Kuan Ti arrive, Hu Lue asked coldly, his tone filled with dissatisfaction.
"Boss..."
"It’s like this; I discussed the strategy for confronting the enemy with Sky Mad Second Master, which is why we were delayed," Jingfeng Lei Kuan Ti interrupted Wang Tiankuang.
"Haha, is that so? Is what you discussed really a strategy for confronting the enemy?" Hu Lue's gaze turned icy. He had always been uneasy about this Second-in-Command.
Jingfeng Lei Kuan Ti was not someone who had joined them willingly; he was not like brothers who had fought together for many years. This person was a survivor from a village that Hu Lue had raided in his youth. At that time, seeing Jingfeng's exceptional talent and realizing he was terrified and disoriented, Hu Lue took the risk of bringing him into his ranks. Over the years, Hu Lue had painstakingly trained him into a Martial Mastery powerhouse. However, as Jingfeng grew stronger, Hu Lue's unease also increased because Jingfeng's parents had died at his hands. If he ever found out about this, all of Hu Lue's efforts could turn into a disaster. Thus, Hu Lue appointed Jingfeng as Second-in-Command in an attempt to placate him.
"Does Big Brother doubt me?" Jingfeng Lei Kuan Ti met Hu Lue's gaze without flinching.
"Second Brother is overthinking it. You are my right-hand man; how could I doubt my own brother?" Hu Lue withdrew his gaze first, but his tone revealed that he no longer trusted Jingfeng Lei Kuan Ti.
"That's good to hear. However, Big Brother, I must remind you that sometimes one's own brothers can be the most dangerous presence," Jingfeng Lei Kuan Ti said coldly and persistently.
"Oh? Are you implying that you are dangerous?" Hu Lue looked at Jingfeng Lei Kuan Ti with interest.
"Naturally, it wouldn't be me. I believe you understand who I am referring to," Jingfeng Lei Kuan Ti replied with a faint smile. In truth, he was talking about himself but aimed to poke at Hu Lue's sore spot.
Upon hearing this, a murderous aura suddenly rose on Hu Lue's face as he coldly said, "It better not be you; as for others, you don't need to concern yourself!"
"Don't worry about me? Brother, have you forgotten that I am also a part of Black Wind Stronghold?" Jingfeng Lei Kuan Ti seemed to be mocking him, smiling with a hint of malice as he said, "Besides, I am the Second-in-Command."
"Brother Xu..." Wang Tiankuang noticed the tense atmosphere and tried to mediate.
"No need for more words!" Hu Lue directly raised his arm, signaling him to stop talking nonsense.
"Hehe, Third Brother, what do you think about all this from the sidelines?" Jingfeng Lei Kuan Ti shifted his focus to the smirking Third Master, Earthshatter Tai Sui.
"Brother Two asks a good question. To be honest, I do have some feelings about this," Earthshatter Tai Sui chuckled, glancing at Hu Lue. "Our Black Wind Stronghold is facing a great crisis, and I truly find it difficult."
"Third Brother, you often go against me, but with the enemy at our doorstep, I hope you can distinguish between priorities!" Hu Lue's face had turned grim. Earthshatter Tai Sui had joined them a few years ago and had repeatedly contributed to Bandit Camp due to his deep skills. However, his ambition was too great, and Hu Lue reluctantly appointed him as the Third Seat out of obligation. But as his contributions accumulated, his desire for power became increasingly evident and is now glaringly obvious.
"Brother, don't worry. Although I want the position of leader, I'm not foolish enough to act against you at such a critical moment. Without my brothers, what use would the position be? I'm not an idiot," Earthshatter Tai Sui openly expressed his ambition. Yet it was precisely because of this that Hu Lue dared to keep him around until now.
"That's good." Hu Lue nodded slightly, feeling relieved. Thunderstorm was no longer under their control; if Earthshatter Tai Sui were to turn against them now, Black Wind Stronghold would surely perish.
"Hehe, brother, let me be honest with you. Sooner or later, I will replace you as the leader of this stronghold. But I want to do it through legitimate means and take over fairly. Only when I have the support of the people will I take action." At this point, Earthshatter Tai Sui looked back at the Loyal Minions and continued, "I believe that day won't be too far off."
"Brother Three, why does it have to be like this? Shouldn't we five brothers enjoy drinking and feasting together every day? Why create unnecessary tension?" Black Maitreya Bao Cheng'en suddenly spoke up. He valued brotherhood above all else; in his eyes, Black Wind Stronghold's Five Great Warriors should be like family.
"Fifth Brother, there are things you don't understand." Hu Lue felt a bit moved; among the five of them, only Fifth Brother was truly loyal to Black Wind Stronghold.
"Brother..."
"Enough!" Black Maitreya wanted to say more, but Hu Lue interrupted him sternly. He then looked at Storm Thunder Antei, Earthshatter Tai Sui, Zuo Tiankuang, Windwalker Young Master Fan Fenglin, and Black Maitreya Bao Cheng'en in turn and said, "Our Black Wind Stronghold has come this far thanks to each of your indelible contributions. Today some among us may harbor ulterior motives, but I do not blame you. With the great enemy before us, I only ask that we five brothers fight side by side one last time!"
Hu Lue spoke emotionally, and Black Maitreya was immediately moved, his lips twitching as if he wanted to say something but couldn't find the words.
However, the expressions of the others were quite different. They were either deeply scheming individuals or extremely ambitious people, and none of their faces showed any change due to Hu Lue's words.
"Big Brother, everyone knows what kind of person you are, and after serving by your side for so many years, heh, I suppose I've repaid your life-saving grace," Windwalker Young Master was the first to speak. After finishing his words, he moved to stand beside Storm Thunder Antei, making his intentions clear without needing further explanation.
"Very well. In fact, I already knew this day would come," Hu Lue said without a hint of emotion in his tone. What he had just said was merely an attempt to persuade them to fight for him once more, but it seemed that the effect was not very good.
"I'm glad you understand, Big Brother." Windwalker Young Master cupped his hands in respect and fell silent.
"What’s going on with him? Why did he suddenly come over to your side?" Wang Tiankuang asked Jingfeng Lei Kuan Ti using the Secret Sound Technique.
"Rest assured, Brother Tiankuang. This person is not as pathetic as you think; in fact, he is quite loyal..." Jingfeng Lei Kuan Ti understood Wang Tiankuang's meaning; he was somewhat disgusted by Windwalker Young Master's behavior.
It turned out that Windwalker Young Master was a wandering rogue who had been besieged by beasts a few years ago while passing through this area. At a critical moment, he was saved by Hu Lue. However, Hu Lue had a penchant for taking advantage of young men and, seeing that Windwalker Young Master was handsome, he developed lewd intentions. Out of gratitude for saving his life, Windwalker Young Master reluctantly acquiesced to his advances, and it had been over five years since then.
After hearing Jingfeng Lei Kuan Ti's words, Wang Tiankuang frowned slightly and glanced at Windwalker Young Master, feeling much less disgusted. At this moment, even the iron-hearted Wang Tiankuang felt a twinge of sympathy for the fates of the notorious members of Black Wind Stronghold and the Five Great Warriors.
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