Unexpected Turn of Events

The journey from where Yimo is to "Chama City" takes about four days if you're not in a hurry.

Moreover, in reality, because of Yimo's presence, the travel time was lengthened.

Why?

With his frail health debuff, Yimo encountered the greatest difficulty he had ever faced; his rear end was starting to give way to the horse's jolting.

After traveling for more than an hour, he completely shut up, only obediently holding Zhenling with an expression of utter despair.

Yimo, Yun Yi, who was riding ahead, and wonder how she, despite her young age, could be so adept at horseback riding.

Because of her physical discomfort, Yimo could only pass the time and distract herself by daydreaming.

Although the weather was very cold in the snowy mountains at the start of the Game, it hasn't been so cold along the way.

Today is also a wonderful day, with Guangming, a gentle breeze in the mountains, and fresh air.

Looking at the scenery passing by, my mood improved more and more.

Qiao Kingdom is known for its rugged mountains and beautiful waters, which made Yimo truly understand why some people love to travel.

It truly brings a sense of openness and joy.

We traveled on and off, and by evening we hadn't reached the next Inn, so we had no choice but to spend the night outdoors.

But then, an unexpected event occurred!

Yimo and his group of four encountered Horse Bandits again!

At that moment, a dozen burly men on horseback surrounded Yimo and his companions. Among them was the Horse Bandits leader, a burly man weighing over 200 pounds, carrying a large hexagonal hammer. He had a prominent scar on the center of his face. Looking at Yimo and the others, he said, "Hahaha, I never expected to be so lucky today, actually running into such delicate-skinned Young Master!"

"Hahaha!"

This bet is going to be a windfall!

As the Horse Bandits leader laughed, the surrounding Horse Bandits also burst into laughter.

In ancient times, people with delicate skin like Yimo, Zhenling, and Yun Yi were basically associated with wealthy Young Master.

The fine horse Yun Yi rode, and the red brocade robe he wore, were not something an ordinary family could possess.

Yimo has been playing the Game for two days and has already encountered Horse Bandits twice, which is quite a headache.

I don't know if it's because the security situation in ancient times was so bad, or because it's Game, but this kind of setting is particularly common.

However, at this time, I received a Type-B Mission.

Type-B Mission: Bandit Suppression 134.

Mission Requirements: Eliminate evil and promote good; kill or persuade the Horse Bandits to reform.

"Task Rewards: 100 Game Points, 300 taels of silver."

Mission Description: Bandit Suppression Mission #134.

"Claim" or "Do not claim"

With dead fish eyes, Yimo looked at this Type-B Mission and couldn't help but complain.

Depend on!

As expected, it's related to the Game's mechanics; the bandit-suppression mission has already reached number 134, and who knows how many more there are to come!

In missions like this, you'd basically be wiped out by Horse Bandits if you couldn't complete them.

So Yimo didn't hesitate and took it immediately, whispering in Zhenling's ear, "Step back!"

Then he immediately burst into laughter. "Mere Horse Bandits dare to block the path of Unparalleled Hero? They're practically courting death!"

"Alright, alright, haven't killed anyone all day, today's the perfect time to make your mark!"

Upon hearing this, Yun Yi wasn't afraid or hesitant; instead, he was somewhat excited. His hand reached for the hilt of the sword at his waist, and he said to Yimo, "Teacher Saitama, how many do you want?"

"The one that led the charge is mine!"

"I've waited so long, and finally I've encountered this Horse Bandits! Today I'm determined to rid the people of this scourge!"

Yimo Yun Yi about to charge out, Yi Mo quickly said, "Um... we don't need to get involved with these small fry..."

Yimo quickly stopped her.

Yimo knew her own limitations and also thought Yun Yi's skills were mediocre, but she didn't want to die before even getting started, and be completely defeated.

Zhenling's equestrian skills are truly impressive; at worst, she can just run.

But now that my mission is tied to Yun Yi, I can't let this Martial World just Weakling up!

Yun Yi was displeased upon hearing this and hesitated for a moment. "I think this Horse Bandits is quite strong; he could be one of our..."

Before Yun Yi could finish speaking, Yimo turned to Mo, who had already drawn his sword, and said, "Big brother, I'll give this Unparalleled Hero some pointers on combat techniques and analyze things for her."

"These Horse Bandits are yours to handle!"

Mo was initially a little worried about Yun Yi and wanted to offer some words of advice.

Seeing that Yimo had stopped it, he felt somewhat relieved.

He nodded to Yimo, then said nothing more and charged straight at the Horse Bandits.

The Horse Bandits was quite fierce. Seeing that Yimo and the others didn't take them seriously, he became somewhat annoyed and charged towards Mo.

In the era of cold Weapons, combat relied entirely on skill, and fighting against multiple opponents was extremely difficult.

But Mo's skills were truly impressive; he abandoned his horse as soon as he got close to the Horse Bandits.

He leaped off the horse, simultaneously drawing two swords from his waist and slashing directly at the horse's legs.

"Hiss--!"

"Holy shit!"

With the neighing of horses and the shouts of the Horse Bandits, the two Horse Bandits fell directly from their horses, clearly seriously injured.

Horse Bandits leader. "Damn, we've run into some tough guys! Let's all charge!"

Seeing how formidable Horse Bandits leader became ruthless and ordered all his Horse Bandits to attack together.

As the Horse Bandits surrounded and fought around Mo, the Horse Bandits leader charged straight at Yimo and the others alone.

Horse Bandits leader. "Hehehe, let's take you guys down first!"

You could call it "capturing the leader first" – that's a classic case of "capture the king first."

Seeing Yimo immediately shouted, "Brother Mo is struggling to fight against so many people. Let's lure the Horse Bandits leader away first to relieve the pressure on Mo!"

Is that for stress relief?

That was simply a sophisticated and plausible excuse that Yimo used to justify his escape!

The Horse Bandits's hexagonal hammer was bigger than Yimo's head!

No matter where you eat it, it'll ruin your iron stores!

Yimo called Zhenling and Yun Yi Pao.

Zhenling did indeed retreat with Yimo.

But Yun Yi disobeyed completely, immediately drawing his sword and charging head-on at the Horse Bandits: "Watch me kill him!"

Yimo: "Holy shit!"

"You're kidding me!"

Despite his complaints, Yun Yi went straight up, and Yimo couldn't stop him.

All they could do was communicate from a distance, spewing trash talk to distract the Horse Bandits leader!

The sword that Yun Yi drew was very beautiful, nearly three feet long, with a blade as white as jade.

Compared to a sharp sword, it's more like an ornament, giving the impression that it would break at the slightest touch.

The Horse Bandits leader swung his large hammer directly at Yun Yi's waist!

The wind howled, and if Yun Yi were hit, Tie Tie would be finished!

But Yun Yi was actually quite skilled; he moved with agility, leaning back so that his back was pressed against the horse's back, and he actually dodged the hammer blow!

Yun Yi: "Cloud Glow Sword Technique: Sword Thrusting Stance!"

Then, with a sudden turn of his body, the White Jade Sword actually jabbed towards the Horse Bandits's chin!

The Horse Bandits hadn't expected Yun Yi to be such a skilled rider, and quickly raised their hammers to defend themselves.

The sword in the secret passage, which was like a mere ornament, would bend instantly when it struck his specially made metal hammer!

Horse Bandits leader. "Hahaha, you think you can fight me with those childish toys!"

However, all that was heard was a "clink"!

The White Jade Sword struck the Horse Bandits leader's weapon, and was actually severed in two by the weapon's metal shaft!

Yimo's words proved prophetic.

Yun Yi really did wipe out a hammer!

The Horse Bandits were terrified!

Yun Yi proudly said, "Heh, to actually say that this white... cough cough... this precious sword is a child's play weapon, you really have no eyes!"

Yimo was also stunned. He didn't expect Yun Yi's sword to be so powerful. He thought to himself that Qian Baitao was missing a weapon. He wondered if he could trick her into giving him the sword after the Huashan Sword Debate was over!

Yimo roared, "As expected of Unparalleled Hero, you crippled the opponent's weapon in just one round!"

Yun Yi turned around and said proudly, "That's right, who am I!"

"Hahaha, a mere Horse Bandits leader, me... Ouch, holy crap!!!"

Yimo: "Holy crap!"

"You're risking your life, what are you doing turning around?!"

It must be said that Yimo's verbal attacks are not only effective against the enemy, but also against himself!

Yimo complimented Yun Yi, and Yun Yi immediately turned around and boasted to Yimo, and then...

The Horse Bandits leader, weighing over 200 pounds, slapped him on the shoulder with a massive bear paw, knocking him off his horse and killing him instantly...

The Horse Bandits leader, having discarded his broken weapon on the ground, dismounted and headed straight for Yun Yi, intending to capture her first!

Yimo frowned. "Zhenling, let's go help!"

Yimo had no choice but to go over and try to buy time for Mo's side, knowing that he and Zhenling were no match for the Horse Bandits leader.

Zhenling rode away and Yun Yi grinned as he got up from the ground, something unexpected happened!

The Horse Bandits leader is dead!

A short sword had Pierce straight through his neck!

It turned out that, in the moment of extreme crisis, Mo's short sword, which had remained motionless until then, was thrown out at the crucial moment, piercing the Horse Bandits's neck!

The Horse Bandits leader stared wide-eyed at Yun Yi in disbelief, clutching his bleeding neck. "You... you..."

"What is this sword of yours...?"

Before he could finish speaking, he collapsed to the ground, dead.

With the Horse Bandits leader dead, the remaining Horse Bandits realized the difference in skill and knew they had provoked a true master. They immediately laid down their weapons and surrendered, begging for mercy and trying to shift the blame onto their Horse Bandits leader.

After dismounting, Yimo walked to Yun Yi's side. "Are you alright?"

To be honest, that Horse Bandits leader was really skilled; the palm strike he delivered to Yun Yi was quite powerful.

Yun Yi waved his hand casually, saying indifferently, "Hey, I was careless just now and didn't dodge."

"But my internal strength is profound; a mere palm strike has no effect whatsoever!"

Yimo knew that Yun Yi cared about his reputation and was the kind of person who liked to boast, so she couldn't help but ask, "Are you really alright? Don't hide any internal injuries. If treatment isn't timely, things could really get worse."

Perhaps Yimo was being too enthusiastic, because Yun Yi felt embarrassed and finally explained, "Ha... it... it's really nothing..."

"I'm wearing a Heavenly Silkworm Armor..."

Upon hearing this, Yimo was taken aback, and immediately exclaimed in admiration, "Truly worthy of being Unparalleled Hero! You actually managed to not only Wushang but also protect the Heavenly Silkworm Armor with your own internal energy!"

"I'm impressed!"

Yun Yi: "Ah, this..."

To be honest, even Yun Yi thought it was a bit outrageous.

But for some reason, listening to Yimo speak makes me feel especially happy and comfortable.

"Hahaha..."

"My internal strength is only average, just average!"

Just as Yimo and Yun Yi were exchanging compliments, Mo asked Yun Yi, "Young Master, what should we do with these Horse Bandits?"

Upon hearing this, Yun Yi glanced at the Horse Bandits who were now feigning misery and pitifulness. "These Horse Bandits have committed numerous evils. If we keep them around, they will only bring harm to others. Kill them all!"

Upon hearing this, Yun Yi was about to make a move, but Yimo stopped him immediately. "Wait!"

Yun Yi frowned slightly. "Teacher Saitama, the Horse Bandits have committed many evils, you can't be soft-hearted!"

Is Yimo a soft-hearted person?

Of course not!

After experiencing so many Death Game, Yimo became somewhat indifferent.

They simply adhere to their bottom line and will not kill innocent people indiscriminately.

Yimo stopped Yun Yi simply because she wanted to talk to the Horse Bandits and see if she could get any new information.

As Yimo walked towards the Horse Bandits, Zhenling deliberately tugged at Yimo arm and whispered a reminder, "Sakamoto, be careful!"

Yimo nodded.

After chatting for a while, the Horse Bandits didn't reveal any particularly useful information, but it wasn't a complete loss either.

At least they managed to find out roughly where the Horse Bandits were in the vicinity, and the reputation of the notorious Horse Bandits in the Qiao Kingdom.

Yimo: "How many accomplices do you have?"

The Horse Bandits frowned slightly, glancing at his companion. "Young Master, he's gone!"

"It's just the few of us!"

"We were originally honest common people, but we were oppressed by that wealthy merchant and forced by the government to become outlaws!"

"We're not bad people at all. It was that bad guy who told us to rob you!" the Horse Bandits said, pointing to the corpse of the dead Horse Bandits leader.

Yimo waved her hand. "Oh, I see!"

Hey, life's tough for everyone!

"Are there really no other meaningful rumors?"

"You Horse Bandits must have a lot of inside information, right?"

Seeing a glimmer of hope for survival, the Horse Bandits racked his brains and suddenly remembered. "That's it! Rumor has it that Princess of Houyun is going to 'Huashan City'!"

"Earlier today, another group of people encountered Princess of Houyun; she's truly beautiful!"

"Long blue hair!"

Yun Yi interjected, "Stop wasting time talking to them, just kill them."

Yimo glanced at Yun Yi, smiled, and shook her head. "Let's hear what he has to say."

"Then what?"

"Since you say so, it must mean that Princess of Houyun wasn't captured?"

Who are some of the most skilled people around you?

The Horse Bandits quickly nodded. "Yes!"

"He was saved by a white-clad swordsman!"

"That Princess of Houyun is worth ten thousand gold ingots!"

"We also received the message, and yet we're out here so late at night..." The Horse Bandits glanced at Yun Yi and said to Yimo, "Isn't that to protect Princess of Houyun's safety?"

Yimo smiled.

Honestly, if Princess of Houyun really caught these Horse Bandits, they probably wouldn't bully or kill her; they'd likely just try to sell them for money.

After chatting for Yimo without obtaining any useful information, Yimo decided to tell Yun Yi that they should just kill him.

Horse Bandits only admit their mistakes when they are caught.

Yimo didn't believe they would reform.

My Type-B Mission is to kill or persuade.

Persuade?

Forget it...

Yimo: "Kill..."

However, just as Yimo uttered those words, the system issued a notification.

"Dingling!"

Player Wind Passes Without Trace Swallow Among Flowers leads to him becoming Swallow Among Flowers's apprentice and receiving the quests "Flower Picking" and "Rising Fame."

"Task" Flower Picking: Help Swallow Among Flowers. Princess of Houyun Yun Miao of Yunchang will receive the following reward: Upon completion, you can leave the Game at any time within 50 days and can unconditionally kill 2 Player or NPCs. The reputation of the Fengliu Sect will be greatly enhanced, and the difficulty of this Game will be greatly increased for all other Player.

The "Quest" has gained notoriety. "Gather flowers for 30 people, and promote the Fengliu Sect. Reward: 2000 Points, and the ability to unconditionally kill one Player or NPC. This quest begins to run after the 'Gather Flowers' quest is completed."

Yimo was stunned!

Previously, on the System Mission Board, only Qian Baitao and Wind Passes Without Trace did not have any publicly available tasks.

Qian Baitao has no publicly announced missions, Yimo because she was taken away by Senior Zhongfu and hasn't had a chance to trigger them yet.

Or perhaps it's the Cards Qian Baitao used that she didn't quite understand; it could even hide the System Mission Board.

But what about the Wind Passes Without Trace?

Yimo it was just bad luck and that he hadn't received any good tasks.

Wow, so this is where they were planning their big surprise!

Before the Game even started, Yimo clearly remembered that he was interested in Qian Baitao!

If he really completes the "flower-picking" task, then those two kills will probably fall on my and Lu Fengzi's heads.

In other words, the most important thing for Yimo to do now is to find a way to kill Wind Passes Without Trace!

Yimo frowned slightly, seeing that Mo had already drawn his sword and was walking towards the Horse Bandits, and quickly blocked his way. "Wait!"

Mo: "What's wrong?"

Yimo: "I think, nobody's perfect, everyone makes mistakes!"

Human nature is inherently good; no one is born bad. Let's give them a chance!

Yun Yi frowned slightly. "Teacher Saitama, I'm not trying to be mean, but you really can't trust these Horse Bandits!"

Yimo waved his hand dismissively. "That's because they haven't met me, Qiyu!"

"The reason I, Qiyu, am known as 'Teacher' is because I persuaded many wicked people to reform themselves in that Outer Domain!"

"Unparalleled Hero, if I can't even teach a few Horse Bandits properly, how can I be the greatest teacher in the Number One Under Heaven!"

Upon hearing Yimo directly call himself the Number One Under Heaven, Yun Yi became somewhat smug. "Uh... that's true..."

Yimo: "Watch me!"

Yimo gave a speech to the Horse Bandits, and they listened with tears streaming down their Horse Bandits, as if they really wanted to change their ways!

Actually, what is it?

Yimo didn't care whether the Horse Bandits would truly reform; he only cared about achieving his own goal.

After finishing his lecture, Yimo began whispering something to the Horse Bandits nodded repeatedly, even showing some delight on his face.

After speaking, Yimo walked to Yun Yi 'Yun Yi side and said to him, "Unparalleled Hero, don't you think that the Number One Under Heaven should take the world as its responsibility and kill all those scoundrels who harm the Martial World?"

Yun Yi nodded and said, "Of course. Didn't Teacher Saitama say before that the title of the Number One Under Heaven is a responsibility and a role model?"

Yimo patted Yun Yi on the shoulder. "Yun Yi, you've got it!"

"Although we haven't yet gone to Huashan Sword Debate and obtained the title of the Number One Under Heaven."

"But I believe that this belief alone surpasses everyone else and puts him on par with Peerless Hero!"

Yun Yi: "Hahaha... Really?!"

Yun Yi smiled happily, then frowned slightly, looking at the Horse Bandits who seemed to have reformed. "But Teacher Saitama, if that's the case, shouldn't we kill these Horse Bandits even more?"

Yimo: "Hey, what's the point of killing this Horse Bandits?"

"Yun Yi, I think it's also very important for you to build up your reputation now."

"That Swallow Among Flowers has done all sorts of bad things, and she's been very arrogant lately!"

"You are from Houyun, and you are from the same hometown as Princess of Houyun."

"Before we Huashan Sword Debate, let's pull off something big first: kill this scoundrel and give him the title of the Number One Under Heaven. Let's warm up a bit beforehand!"

Yun Yi quickly nodded. "It would be good if we could kill a scoundrel like Swallow Among Flowers."

"But... we don't know where he is..." She frowned slightly.

Yimo's lips curled into a slight smile, "Leave it to me, I have a way!"

Yimo leaned down and whispered in Yun Yi's ear.

Upon hearing this, Yun Yi's eyes showed a look of surprise.

Before the Huashan Sword Debate, let's set up a plan.

Let's wipe out Swallow Among Flowers and Wind Passes Without Trace!