Miss Zhou

Upon hearing Xiang Yang agree, the Poison Scholar dismissed two bandits and exchanged a knowing glance with Hu Qiang, a smile appearing on his face.

"Good, since you've agreed and shown such sincerity, we won't make things difficult for you. You can see Miss Zhou first and take something from her as proof to show Zhou Fugui.

However, your Zhou family is responsible for the entire transaction. Our people won't leave the stronghold. Within three days at the latest, you must deliver the ransom and supplies to Black Mountain. We'll send people to bring it up the mountain. Remember, only three days, no extensions."

The Poison Scholar finished speaking and, without waiting for Xiang Yang's reply, waved his hand. Xiao Liu pulled Xiang Yang away, leaving Hu Qiang laughing heartily. "Second Brother, we're going to get rich this time! We've robbed so many times before, and it barely kept us fed. It seems we should target the rich from now on."

Black Wind Mountain Stronghold's previous raids on villages, confiscating grain and livestock, yielded little profit. This time, extorting Zhou Fugui would be enough to feed the entire stronghold for a year; that was the difference.

The Poison Scholar, however, shook his head. "Third Brother, you don't understand. This kind of thing can only be done once or twice. If we do it too often and anger the wealthy, we'll face consequences.

Those poor, insignificant peasants, no one cares if they die. But the rich are different. They have money, power, and connections. If they hire disciples from major martial arts sects to clear out bandits and bring justice to the people, we won't be able to resist."

That wasn't all. The county yamen hadn't been unable to deal with them; rather, the county magistrates, for the sake of their own achievements, had deliberately withheld information from higher authorities. If someone exposed them, it would be a simple matter for the imperial court to send experts or even an army to wipe them out.

It could be said that Black Wind Mountain Stronghold had remained peaceful for so many years not because they were strong and no one dared to provoke them, but simply because they were in a small place and hadn't offended anyone they shouldn't have, which allowed them to survive and grow.

Hu Qiang, hearing the Poison Scholar's words, showed a hint of unwillingness but nodded in understanding. Others might not know, but he did.

Their leader was an apostate disciple from a small sect. His Capture Hand was exquisite and versatile, and his internal energy cultivation was so profound that he could leave a five-inch deep palm print on a large bluestone outside the sect with his bare hands. Could anyone survive a blow from him? Even with his own divine strength, he wouldn't dare to challenge their leader.

The two in the hall fell silent. Outside the hall, Xiang Yang breathed a sigh of relief, truly letting go of his anxiety. He had met the Poison Scholar and Hu Qiang and survived, and the terms had been agreed upon. His safety was genuinely guaranteed. It was safe to say that Black Wind Mountain Stronghold would not kill him before receiving the ransom and supplies.

"Haha, Brother Yang, you have quite the courage. Usually, when the Third Master gets angry, we're terrified. Once, a timid fellow even wet his pants. Today, you remained unfazed; you'll surely be a hero in the future."

Xiao Liu knew the negotiations were settled and that a large amount of supplies and money would soon be transported to the stronghold, making him very excited. His face was beaming; he would get his share too.

"Not at all, not at all. By the way, Brother Xiao Liu, where are we going? This is a stronghold, after all. If it's inconvenient, you could just take a piece of jewelry from Miss Zhou and give it to me."

Xiang Yang's tact made Xiao Liu look upon him more favorably. He patted Xiang Yang's shoulder with considerable force, but Xiang Yang didn't budge, which surprised Xiao Liu. His strength was among the best in the stronghold. This young man had some skills; no wonder he dared to come to the stronghold to earn that life-risking money.

"It's fine. Everyone captured on the mountain is locked up in the wooden houses at the back of the mountain. Everyone knows this; there are no taboos. Miss Zhou is specially taken care of by the Third Master, so no one in the stronghold would dare to neglect her."

As they walked, Xiang Yang chatted with Xiao Liu and exchanged smiles with passing bandits, gaining a better understanding of the stronghold.

Generally speaking, the bandits in this stronghold, besides being robbers, also worked as kidnappers, extorting money, grain, and people. Of course, this stronghold wasn't short-sighted enough to drain the well dry; they usually exercised some restraint, targeting young, beautiful, or fertile women.

This was how some bandits in the stronghold got wives. Initially, the women might resist, but once the deed was done and escape seemed impossible, some would resign themselves, truly integrating into Black Wind Mountain Stronghold and even giving birth to the next generation of little bandits.

"We're here. Brother Yang, wait a moment. I need to talk to the guards."

Xiao Liu stopped. Xiang Yang followed behind him and glanced at the several wooden houses in front of them. They were built very simply, just stacked wooden planks driven into the ground. The doors were open, and he could vaguely see innocent women inside, bound by chains.

The three bandits guarding the wooden houses looked at Xiang Yang with confusion and vigilance. They walked up to Xiao Liu, and the four whispered amongst themselves. After Xiao Liu spoke, the three bandits' gazes towards Xiang Yang became very friendly. In their eyes, Xiang Yang was no longer just a person but a walking gold mine.

"Alright, the Zhou girl is in there. She's quite spirited. You can go by yourself. Remember, you don't have much time, so speak quickly."

Xiao Liu walked back to Xiang Yang and led him to a wooden house. He opened the door, revealing a dim, damp, and foul-smelling space.

Xiang Yang cupped his hands in thanks and endured the smell as he entered. He saw a woman in a yellow dress with her hair disheveled, curled up in a corner of the room, hugging her knees. He guessed it was Miss Zhou.

"Miss Zhou, can you hear me? I am Yang Xiang, sent by Master Zhou Fugui to negotiate with Black Wind Mountain Stronghold for your ransom. Are you alright?"

Xiang Yang took a few steps forward and spoke. Hearing his words, the woman in yellow suddenly looked up, revealing a face with bright eyes, white teeth, and a sweet appearance. However, due to prolonged fear and anxiety, she looked very haggard and thin.

"You were sent by my father? You're really here to save me? You're not lying to me?"

As she spoke, tears welled up in Miss Zhou's eyes. Thank heavens, she had finally waited for this day. If she hadn't heard any news soon, she had planned to starve herself to death.

"That's right. I have already reached an agreement with Black Wind Mountain Stronghold. You will be ransomed within three days at the latest. I came to see you mainly to confirm your safety and to obtain a token to prove it to Master Zhou."

Seeing a pampered young lady reduced to such a state, Xiang Yang felt a bit of pity. However, this woman was considered fortunate. Although her reputation might be tarnished, being able to descend the mountain safely and unharmed was a good thing.

"Here, take my silk scarf. Give it to my father; he'll recognize it."

Miss Zhou fumbled around for a moment. Her gold and jade jewelry had all been confiscated, leaving only a silk scarf. She handed it to Xiang Yang without hesitation, looking as if she couldn't wait to leave this place immediately.

Taking the silk scarf, Xiang Yang nodded. After confirming that Miss Zhou was safe and sound, he turned to leave. Outside the door, he showed the silk scarf to Xiao Liu and nodded, signaling that he was ready to go.