"Hahaha! Fourth, if you like this woman, it's not too late."
Xiong Batian roared with laughter, casually snatching up the recently deceased woman's corpse from the table and tossing it over.
The burly, bald man caught the corpse and said delightedly, "Thank you for the reward, Big Brother!"
"Fourth, I'd say you're just into this sort of thing!" the second-in-command of Black Wind Stronghold teased with a laugh.
The fifth-in-command chimed in, needling him, "Big Brother's leftovers sure are sweet!"
At that, the Black Wind Stronghold bandits all around them started jeering. Laughter and shouts filled the entire hall.
Xiong Batian looked around with satisfaction, as if savoring his prestige and control over the crowd.
As he watched his men below, a thought suddenly crossed Xiong Batian's mind: Why hasn't Third come back yet? He should be back at the fort by now!
Just then, a flurry of hurried footsteps sounded outside, and a bandit lackey came rushing in, gasping for breath.
"First-in-command! Something terrible has happened!" the lackey cried, barely able to catch his breath.
Xiong Batian frowned and asked irritably, "What's got you in such a panic?"
"We spotted a large force of government soldiers outside the city. They're heading straight for our fort!" the lackey replied urgently.
Xiong Batian's expression changed. He sprang to his feet and exclaimed, "Government soldiers?! Are you sure?"
"They are, sir! I couldn't possibly mistake them!" the lackey confirmed nervously.
The hall fell silent at once, and everyone's eyes turned toward Xiong Batian.
A murderous glint flashed in Xiong Batian's eyes. After thinking for a moment, he said gravely, "Looks like Twin Dragon Fort has stuck its nose into Jade Mountain City today. Send word: everyone, prepare for battle! Tonight, those government soldiers won't be leaving alive!"
"What a buzzkill!" The burly,