Blackwood Cliff

"Two escorts, I believe the focus of this convoy should be on the Luo Family's eldest daughter.

The goods on these several hundred carriages are merely a smokescreen. The truly valuable thing should be on the eldest daughter herself.

Therefore, we must make strategic defensive arrangements and prioritize her protection!

Of course, if no one robs this shipment and we arrive safely, that would be a thousand blessings indeed.

But in the event that something happens—two escorts, I mean in the event that something happens—we must focus on guarding her and keep the losses to a minimum."

Cao Hong and Cao Ren exchanged a glance, then nodded in approval.

"Very good. We'll do as you say!"

Having won their approval, Song Zhong smiled as well.

The setting sun slanted across the land, and Blackwood Cliff lay sprawled between heaven and earth like a colossal beast lying in wait.

The entire cliff was steep and perilous, its jagged rocks interlocking like canine teeth. Winding mountain paths coiled across it like sheep's intestines, with cliffs and deep ravines everywhere. One misstep, and one would plunge into a bottomless abyss.

The mountain path was strewn with sharp gravel, while thorny brambles grew thickly on either side. Even the most agile mountain folk would struggle to climb it with ease.

The terrain, blessed by nature, had turned this place into a natural fortress that was easy to defend and hard to attack.

Halfway up the mountain, stretches of flat ground broke the monotony of the sheer slopes.

Bandit strongholds stood densely packed across those open areas.

Rough logs formed towering stockade walls, sharp chevaux-de-frise encircled the grounds, and bandits atop the watchtowers held bows as their eagle-eyed gazes vigilantly swept the foothills.

Inside the strongholds, cooking smoke mingled with dust. Shouts and the clash