In the mountain forest.
Li Tieyun, leader of the River Gang, crouched behind a thick clump of bushes with three subordinates, his gaze fixed on the Flying Horse Bandits' convoy on the mountain road.
"Gang Leader, let's strike!"
Among his three subordinates, a man with a brutal-looking face could not help whispering. He licked his lips, staring at the large chests of silver ingots on the carts. "These Flying Horse Bandits only have two Hidden Strength fighters. We have four, with you leading us. We're much stronger than they are! Kill them, and those hundred thousand taels of silver will be ours!"
Li Tieyun frowned and slowly shook his head.
"No."
His voice was low. "I've dealt with these fellows before. The Flying Horse Bandits aren't that easy to handle. Besides..."
He paused, his tone growing solemn. "We accepted Liu Zhiyi's deposit and agreed to rescue his son. Robbing the silver now would break the rules. If word got out, it would disgrace the River Gang."
The brutal-looking man pursed his lips and muttered, "Gang Leader, you're too hidebound. In times like these, money is what gives you confidence. Who cares about rules?"
Despite saying that, he dared not argue further.
Li Tieyun commanded immense respect within the River Gang, and none could match his strength. Once he made a decision, his subordinates could only obey.
Li Tieyun ignored his complaints and simply watched the convoy, his gaze growing ever deeper.
Another hour passed, and the convoy reached a narrow stretch of mountain road flanked by steep cliffs-the perfect spot for an ambush.
The brutal-looking man's eyes lit up, and he urged him again, "Gang Leader! This is our last chance! Any farther, and they'll be near Jiujiang County. Other Flying Horse Bandits might meet them there. Then we really