Luhua Village.
It lay in a stretch of tidal flats.
Reeds spread across the flats in endless waves, like a sea in motion, completely hiding the rippling water beneath.
At this time of year, fluffy reed flowers drifted across the landscape, as if snow were falling from the sky.
Starlight and moonlight streamed down. Each reed flower glimmered brightly, making the scene seem like a dream.
Amid the swaying reeds, a stronghold by the water stood in silence.
By now, most of the bandits in Luhua Village were fast asleep. Only those assigned to the night watch were still making their rounds.
Behind the stronghold's main gate, two bandits sat facing each other, their eyelids drooping as they struggled to stay awake.
One of them took a leather flask from his waist. He unscrewed the cap and gulped down a mouthful of rough liquor, finally rousing himself a little. Then he glanced at his companion and murmured, "Hey, tell me, now that Red Stone Fort is gone, why didn't the chief take it for himself? Why let those outsiders from Dangqing Village have it?"
His companion had been staring off into space, bored out of his mind. At that, he scoffed. "The chief must have his reasons... How would I know?"
"Besides, the three bosses of Dangqing Village know how to get along with people."
"Back when we in Yan Hui Valley were arguing over Red Stone Fort, they managed to make our chief very happy."
"I hear those three bosses are skilled in martial arts, too, and know how to follow the rules... Now that they've come here, they'll be an extra pair of arms for Luhua Village."
"If we come across a big score someday, maybe we can pull off a job together."
The bandit with the flask