Into the Tiger's Den

After trekking dozens of li through the desert, Jiang Hao and the others finally saw a patch of green. Several low hills appeared ahead, blanketed in grass and lush with vegetation. The sight was a feast for the eyes. In the great desert, green and water signified life.

Whoo!

The bandits cheered and quickened their pace into the oasis.

After traveling several more li, Jiang Hao finally saw a river—a beautiful branch of the Tarim River. It wound along, splitting into countless streams that formed green islets covered in wild grass, sea buckthorn, and poplar trees.

Within this oasis stood an earthen fortress. This was the bandits' stronghold.

As the bandits returned, someone opened the fortress gates. A short-bearded Hu man stood atop the walls and shouted down, "Luo Weina, what did you get this time?"

The leader who had robbed Jiang Hao's caravan waved up at the fortress and shouted with a grin, "Wine! The entire caravan was carrying nothing but wine. And there's even a young master from an aristocratic family. We should be able to get a hefty ransom this time."

The short-bearded man immediately cheered. "We've been short on wine these past two days. The chief was even considering sending men to nearby countries to buy some."

"Hahaha, does Tashi Fortress need to buy wine? Didn't we just bring some back?" Luo Weina said with a laugh.

The stronghold gates opened, and the bandits' mounted troop galloped inside. Luo Weina pulled on the reins, making his horse rear before it came to a stop. Pointing his whip at the camel caravan and Jiang Hao's group, he said, "Unload all the wine and put it in the warehouse. Send the camels to the rear pasture. Throw these people into the dungeon and lock them up. Oh, and