Black Wind Stronghold's Crisis

Time wore on, and half a day passed in the blink of an eye.

After the two members of the Dragon Gate Escort Agency were captured, Jiang Dali sent word to the two mountain bandits stationed ahead at the foot of the mountain. He instructed them to directly inform the head escort of the Dragon Gate Escort Agency, Du Dajin, of the situation and tell him to come and retrieve his captured men.

This action was, in itself, a provocation.

It made the Second Boss, Xiong Ba, feel quite uneasy and nervous.

Jiang Dali, however, remained calm and collected, not taking it too seriously.

He was currently seated on the tiger-skin rosewood armchair in the courtyard, hands resting on the armrests, sitting upright. He was cultivating his energy and essence, keeping his spine straight, his breath flowing smoothly, entering a stage of contemplation and nurturing his vital spirit, maintaining the vigor of his essence, energy, and spirit.

He had long been psychologically prepared for a battle with Du Dajin, the head escort of the Dragon Gate Escort Agency, and was even looking forward to it.

Although his opponent was a renowned and experienced expert in the Inner Qi Realm, while he had only just entered it.

But in this Jianghu, one's strength was never solely determined by their realm.

As long as the gap wasn't insurmountable, there were plenty of examples of the weak defeating the strong.

Moreover, having been an expert who had reached the Gang Qi Realm in his previous life, Jiang Dali, despite his current lack of strength, still possessed his former insight.

He felt confident that no matter how reckless he was, he could handle Du Dajin.

Based on his experience, if he could defeat or even capture Du Dajin, it was highly likely that after interacting with the envoy sent by Prince Ruyang's Mansion, a quest related to the frontline plot of the Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber would be triggered.

This would naturally make it more convenient for him to seize benefits.

Meanwhile.

A post titled "Black Wind Stronghold vs. Dragon Gate Escort Agency" also appeared on the Jianghu Forum.

The poster was none other than the player Hua Kai Jian Hong.

After obtaining the consent of other players, he had posted the potential plot quests involving Black Wind Stronghold onto the Jianghu Forum.

He hoped to attract more players' attention this way.

Ideally, he wanted to attract more people to join Black Wind Stronghold.

If that happened, their recruitment plan would progress further, and they would receive considerable rewards.

Upon its appearance on the Jianghu Forum, this post immediately caused a stir, like a stone thrown into a thousand waves, eliciting a significant reaction.

After all.

It was only the second day of the Comprehensive Martial World's closed beta.

Many players had only just managed to solve their basic needs for food and clothing.

A few lucky and skilled individuals had only just touched the threshold of joining a faction.

Aside from the hidden experts being secretly cultivated by the authorities, hardly anyone had encountered any major faction quests that were even remotely interesting.

Naturally, explosive news like "Black Wind Stronghold vs. Dragon Gate Escort Agency" attracted the attention of countless players.

In the span of two days, Black Wind Stronghold had once again entered the players' sights, becoming a topic of conversation.

The frequency of its appearances was even greater than that of some major sects, making it seem like a "demon stock" in the A-share market, already showing its monstrous potential.

Especially when Hua Kai Jian Hong also uploaded a video of Black Wind Stronghold's Great Mountain Lord, Jiang Dali, in action, it made countless viewers exclaim with delight.

In the video, Jiang Dali's imposing and dominant physique, as stable as a small mountain...

The scene where he used the Iron Cloth Skill to violently smash through a wall and finish off his enemy with a single punch...

It made many players' blood boil, and they shouted for "front shots" and expressed their desire to go to Black Wind Mountain and become heroes.

And finally, the brutal scene where Jiang Dali, cold and ruthless, mercilessly struck down the flower, hitting the female NPC so hard that she spat blood...

It was like a perfectly struck golf drive hitting the softest spot in the hearts of many male players. Many male players who had previously considered themselves simps for beauties were thoroughly awakened, exclaiming with satisfaction and stating they also wanted to step forward to help "finish the job" on the chest.

"Don't talk about Black Wind Stronghold being just a tiny faction. At least they're glorious right now. Look how well people like Central Plains Eyeing Cracks are doing? I heard they've already received and completed three faction quests in just these past two days, and they're about to become experts in the Power Gathering Realm."

"Exactly. We're still struggling to survive, while they're already eating meat and drinking wine. Maybe they'll even get to learn some martial arts from that impressive-looking Great Mountain Lord."

"Brothers, I happen to be in Qilang County, which is adjacent to Mengyin County, under Huicheng. I've already set off for Mengyin County and am preparing to join Black Wind Stronghold."

"Don't get too excited yet. Don't be fooled by Black Wind Stronghold's apparent glory. They're clearly on the brink of disaster. Evil has never triumphed over good. Didn't you see that the head escort of the Dragon Gate Escort Agency is preparing to deal with Black Wind Stronghold? I think Black Wind Stronghold is about to be wiped out, and the players who joined Black Wind Stronghold will likely perish with them."

"Tch! What so-called head escort? I don't think he's a match for Black Wind Stronghold's Great Mountain Lord at all. Those of you who are pessimistic can continue to watch. Now is a great time to join Black Wind Stronghold. Maybe once Black Wind Stronghold finishes dealing with the Dragon Gate Escort Agency, they'll stop recruiting."

On the Jianghu Forum, many players were discussing heatedly, each holding their own opinions.

Some were optimistic about Black Wind Stronghold's future prospects, while others believed that Black Wind Stronghold was destined to be a fleeting, insignificant force in the Jianghu, on the verge of extinction, and not worth the risk of joining.

Players like Central Plains Eyeing Cracks, who were currently within Black Wind Stronghold, were both excited and filled with apprehension and worry.

They were unsure if Black Wind Stronghold could achieve victory if a real war broke out with the Dragon Gate Escort Agency.

If they lost, then they, the players who had just joined Black Wind Stronghold, might indeed face a grim fate.

If Black Wind Stronghold was destroyed, they might become refugees without a faction, or even be hunted by the Dragon Gate Escort Agency.

As time passed, the atmosphere was spent in solemn anticipation.

Time passed quickly, and it was already the Shen hour in the afternoon.

A carrier pigeon flapped its wings and flew into Black Wind Stronghold. A mountain bandit caught it, opened the note, and his expression changed as he read the coded message.

"Report!"

The mountain bandit immediately ran into Jiang Dali's courtyard and bowed to report, "Great Mountain Lord, we've received news from the front. Those scoundrels from the Dragon Gate Escort Agency have arrived at Sulim Plain, ten miles below the mountain."

Jiang Dali slowly opened his eyes, nodded, and said in a deep voice, "Bring out those two from the prison, gather the brothers, and prepare to invite our guests up the mountain."

"Yes!"

After the time it takes an incense stick to burn.

The sound of horses' hooves echoed on the mountain path below Black Wind Stronghold.

A banner embroidered with the characters "Dragon Gate" appeared on the mountain path.

The Dragon Gate Escort Agency convoy appeared at the foot of the mountain.

Du Dajin, the Chief Escort of the Dragon Gate Escort Agency, rode a tall horse, wearing a black forehead protector.

He was in his fifties, powerfully built, with muscular arms, a commanding presence, and sharp, spirited eyes. He coldly stared at Black Wind Stronghold, which seemed to crouch like a fierce tiger, as if he could see watchful and apprehensive eyes peering down from the mountain.

He let out a cold snort and shouted, his voice like a steel wire being sharply thrown into the air, clear and audible as it reached into the mountain.

"Du Dajin, Chief Escort of the Dragon Gate Escort Agency, comes to pay his respects! Is the current leader of Black Wind Stronghold, Brother Jiang Dali? Why don't you come out and meet me?"

This shout immediately alerted the entire mountain stronghold.

A group of players stirred like ants that had been disturbed, rushing to the edge of the cliff. They saw the clearly imposing group on the mountain path.

The name of one person among them appeared almost dark purple in their eyes, indicating an extremely high level of danger.

"Holy crap! A master with a dark purple name!"

"We're doomed! Is our leader a match for him?"

The players were immediately flustered, their hearts pounding.

Even their leader's name was only dark purple, but the Chief Escort of the Dragon Gate Escort Agency was dark purple.

This was not good.

Just then, Jiang Dali also walked over, surrounded by a group of mountain bandits. The players quickly made way.

Jiang Dali stood on the cliff, looking down at the group on the mountain path. His gaze lingered on Du Dajin for a moment. With a light laugh, he circulated his inner qi and said loudly.

"If the Chief Escort is sincere, why not come up the mountain for a chat? Your daughter and disciple came uninvited and have been resting at our stronghold for quite some time."

"Well done, Black Wind Stronghold! Well done, Black Wind Stronghold leader!"

Du Dajin's face darkened slightly. He focused his vision and saw the sturdy figure that appeared on the mountaintop. He felt both anger and a shocked reverence.

He had heard of Black Wind Stronghold before.

The strongest among them was at most Xiong Ba of the Power Gathering Realm, whom he had never taken seriously.

Who would have thought that Black Wind Stronghold, with no regard for consequences, would not only rob their escort agency's goods but now be so brazen.

However, upon hearing Jiang Dali speak, Du Dajin understood where Black Wind Stronghold's confidence came from.

A minor master of the Inner Qi Realm could indeed capture Hu Ling and even his daughter and disciple, giving him the right to boast.

But to set his sights on him, Du Dajin, was a destined wrong choice.