Turn Them All into Treasure Chests!

Under the protection of bandit Boss Tier Ian, the wounded elite bandit finally managed to bandage himself, Severe Bleeding stopped.

"Mr. Ian the Robber, your subordinate is right, I am indeed not one of Maki's men. However, I am very interested in the deal between you and him. Before you die, could you reveal more details?" Bai Xiaowen asked politely.

Ian's face turned cold. "After I cut off your hands and feet, I'll satisfy your curiosity."

Having said that, Ian pulled a bone whistle from his waist, put it in his mouth, and blew it. The shrill sound echoed throughout the entire cave.

This warning whistle is more effective than any declaration of war.

The Skeleton Sword-and-Shield Soldier swarmed forward, surrounding Ian completely.

"These few filthy creatures think they can stop me?" Ian sneered, swinging his hammer horizontally with one hand.

Bai Xiaowen manipulated the Skeleton Sword-and-Shield Soldier and shield to parry the Block precisely, the only price he paid being to take a step back.

Just as Bai Xiaowen was wondering why a level 6 Boss Tier with 45 points of strength could have such a weak hammer blow, a Pure Note clang of metal clashing rang out, and a circle of Brightlight that could be seen with the naked eye suddenly spread out.

All of Bai Xiaowen's summoned creatures, including Li Shuyi, experienced a significant drop in Life Value as long as they were within the range of that light wave! The Skeleton Sword-and-Shield Soldier lost even more Life Value, while the Shadow Assassin was "shocked" away by a full third of its Life Value!

Spirit Realm notification:

"Bandit Boss Tier Ian's skill: Holy Hammer Strike activated."

This Holy Hammer Strike deals area-of-effect damage with a "Holy" attribute, and has a bonus effect against Undead Species and Fiend Species creatures!

However, when the summoned creatures, together with Li Shuyi, attacked the wounded Elite Tier bandit, the damage they inflicted was significantly reduced, as if the opponent's defense had suddenly increased dramatically!

"This is [Devout Aura]? An aura-type skill that increases the armor of friendly units?"

Bai Xiaowen noticed a glowing cross mark at the feet of the bandit Boss Tier Ian, which was flashing faintly, and immediately understood what was going on.

This bandit Boss Tier is a powerful tank-type boss; killing his henchmen while he's around is extremely difficult. This is why Bai Xiaowen's previous tactic of dividing and encircling them, then defeating them one by one, was devised.

However, the two Elite Tier bandit guards knew the benefits of fighting under their leader's Sanctuary, and they didn't stray more than five steps from Ian! Any potentially fatal attacks were Block by Ian in time with his cross shield; Ian's Block ability was definitely far beyond level 3.

The two Elite Tier bandit guards were both powerful men wielding two-handed greatswords. Without worrying about their own safety, they launched a barrage of attacks, their horizontal and vertical slashes unstoppable. Bai Xiaowen's Skeleton Sword-and-Shield Soldier desperately raised their shields to defend, and although they successfully parried most of the Block, the accumulated damage from the recoil made it difficult for them to withstand the onslaught.

Intimidation!

Bai Xiaowen revealed his first trump card, Fear Status Ian and the two Elite Tier bandit guards. Immediately afterward, four Skeleton Sword-and-Shield Soldier stepped forward and unleashed a simultaneous Shield Bash bash, sending the wounded Elite Tier bandit flying several steps away.

At this distance, although still within the effect range of [Devout Aura], they were already out of the melee range of the bandit Boss Tier Ian, who could no longer use his cross shield to Block attacks for his minions.

The Rageclaw pounced, unleashing a simultaneous Bite and Rend skill, blocking the injured Elite Tier bandit's path. Li Shuyi also rushed forward, chaining her skills with normal slashes, leaving bloody marks on the Elite Tier bandit's body with several swift, powerful strikes.

Elite Tier bandit guards are inherently offensively strong but defensively weak, possessing high strength and agility but relatively low physical constitution. When Li Shuyi's attack struck, breaking the skin and drawing blood, the [Potent Life Toxin] applied to her weapon took effect once more, plunging the wounded Elite Tier bandit into a state of poisoning once more!

Although his level is high enough to exempt him from some of the effects of low-level poisons, the residual effects will still cause him to lose 12% of his Life Value within 5 seconds!

This Elite Tier bandit guard was really unlucky; he was hit by two poison attacks and his Life Value was almost depleted.

Intimidation spell had terrified the bandit Boss Tier, Ian, who, seeing his underlings faltering, suddenly roared:

"Holy Light, grant me courage!"

A burst of light suddenly erupted from Ian's body, instantly removing the fear effect that had been lingering on him for more than two seconds. In addition, he was given a buff called "Courage," which made him immune to the fear effect for the next 15 seconds!

This is Ian's third skill - [Prayer], which is a crowd control removal ability.

As Ian emerged from his Fear Status, he unleashed a powerful Shield Bash!

The cross-shaped shield whistled and groaned like a train Charge into something. A Skeleton Sword-and-Shield Soldier Block, the two shields collided, and the Skeleton Sword-and-Shield Soldier was sent flying like a pebble, turning into scattered bone fragments in mid-air!

This Shield Bash dealt over a hundred points of blunt damage—it was terrifying!

A gap appeared in Ian's encirclement, and he rushed in, raising his shield to block the subsequent attacks for the wounded Elite Tier bandit.

However, Bai Xiaowen had already achieved her goal by tricking Ian into using his Prayer skill. The remaining three Skeleton Sword-and-Shield Soldier, along with Li Shuyi and the Shadow Assassin, charged towards the last Elite Tier bandit guard who was still in good condition. At this time, the enemy was still in Fear Status and unable to move!

As for the initial target, the Elite Tier bandit guard with only a sliver of Life Value left, Bai Xiaowen didn't let him go either. The Skeleton Mage unleashed a long-range Lightning Throw.

Bandit Boss Tier Ian's expression changed, and he hurriedly swung his shield to Block. His shield- Block skills were indeed superb; even Bai Xiaowen's Lightning Throw, supported by level 5 Meditation, was blocked without hesitation.

However, Lightning Throw is a spell, unlike physical attacks. Even after being Block by the shield, the electric force still traveled through Ian's body, causing a momentary paralysis.

The Rageclaw pounced like a mad dog, unleashing a powerful Suppression attack and knocking Ian to the ground! At the same time, Bai Xiaowen coldly raised his gun and took away the remaining dozen or so Life Value of the wounded Elite Tier bandit guard with a single shot!

The Rageclaw ' Suppression lasts for 2.5 seconds. Its purpose is not to kill, but simply to entangle Ian and prevent him from rescuing another Elite Tier bandit guard.

Despite being tightly surrounded by three Skeleton Sword-and-Shield Soldier, Li Shuyi and the Shadow Assassin maintained their full output, while the Life Value of the second Elite Tier bandit guard continued to decrease.

At this moment, the sound of hurried footsteps could be heard in the mine tunnels. Clearly, the elite bandits living in the mine had heard the bone whistle's warning and were all awakening from their sleep, rushing to the main mine pit where their Boss Tier was located.

Once the Suppression period ended, Ian abruptly threw off his Rageclaw and stood up. His fair face was streaked with blood, making him look somewhat ferocious. He looked up at Bai Xiaowen, who stood above the mine entrance at the tunnel's edge. "My men will be here soon. You're dead."

"That's not necessarily true." Bai Xiaowen stood at the tunnel entrance, where he could hear footsteps more clearly, but he didn't turn around.

Yes, that's how great heroes are. They can pinpoint locations by listening to the wind, they have eyes in the back of their heads, and they look even more dashing without turning around.

Bai Xiaowen's Mental Scan is more real than what the eyes can see.

Rageclaw was responsible for holding the position, but its strength was much weaker than that of the bandit Boss Tier Ian. This kind of head-on blocking was not its strength, and it was repeatedly pushed aside and knocked back.

However, he was also harassed by the Skeleton Mage and Bai Xiaowen, especially the Skeleton Mage, who would interrupt Ian's movements perfectly with precise Lightning Throw.

Ian took one step forward, only to be forced to take two steps back, forced to watch helplessly as the second Elite Tier bandit guard was ganged up on and beaten. He could only roar, "You cowards, stand up and join the fight! Otherwise, once I kill the intruders, I'll hang you all!"

Ian was speaking to the few ordinary level 2 and 3 servants. They were not combatants and were very timid. As soon as the battle started, they cowered in the corner with their heads in their hands, not daring to move.

Under Ian's imposing presence, the servants finally mustered their courage and stood up, drawing daggers and other weapons from their waists, and cowering as they approached Ian.

Bai Xiaowen turned his gun, activated the Rapid-Fire Mode, and fired continuously at a level 3 servant! The +4 Desert Eagle spat fire, sending the level 3 servant staggering backward, blood splattering all over his body. He collapsed and died in less than ten seconds!

"I am Dio, the lord of White Stone Fief. I have come on behalf of the Empire to eliminate the leader of the Black Wind Bandit Group. The rest of you, lay down your weapons and you will be spared and become my subjects again!" Bai Xiaowen said in a deep voice. "You lowly servants, daring to defy the Empire means certain death!"

Bai Xiaowen's claim of the empire as a pretext was actually a flimsy lie. However, the remaining servants were also stunned and dared not step forward for a moment. Some of the smarter ones simply rolled their eyes and "fainted from fright."

"Useless thing!" the bandit Boss Tier Ian cursed.

Inside the mine tunnels, a group of Elite Tier bandits arrived and overheard Bai Xiaowen's words. Many hesitated: Was it truly the Empire coming to punish them? Were they really going to confront the Empire head-on?

However, those who were hesitant and dared not step forward were mostly mid-level bandits. Ian's confidants and high-ranking members of the Black Wind Bandit Group charged forward with shouts.

"What kind of bullshit lord is this? I don't recognize him!"

"Kill him and let Boss Ian become the lord!"

Inside the main mine, Ian, unable to break through the defenses of Rageclaw and the Skeleton Mage several times, gave up and laughed, "My brothers aren't as cowardly as these lowly servants. They won't be intimidated by you! Whether you're Lord Dio or not, die! At worst, I'll leave White Stone Fief!"

Bai Xiaowen looked at the tunnel full of Elite Tier bandits and realized that most of them had rushed over under the instigation of the die-hards, while only a small number of bandits were still hesitant and undecided.

"They're all soldiers... I originally thought we could save some money, but now it seems impossible."

Bai Xiaowen muttered something to herself, then suddenly raised her left hand.

A burst of crimson flames condensed in his palm.

Kusanagi-Style Ancient Martial Arts - Secret Technique - Orochi Nagi!

With a thunderous roar, a magnificent sea of crimson fire surged forth!

The flames, three meters wide, completely covered the tunnel. The die-hards at the forefront, Ian's trusted men, were directly in the blast, with no chance of dodging and forced to endure the intense heat head-on!

The two people in front were even propelled backward by the powerful impact!

Bai Xiaowen's current Divine Might is as high as 31 points, which is higher than that of bosses such as Kyo Kusanagi and Kusanagi Saisyu. This also determines that his Orochi Nagi Flame has a more intense burning intensity.

Of course, the power of Orochi Nagi, besides the burning flames, also lies in its powerful pushing force, which is determined by strength. Bai Xiaowen's strength is 18 points, which is much weaker than the BOSS of the King of Fighters Plane. Overall, his Orochi Nagi is slightly less powerful than Kyo Kusanagi's.

However, don't forget that this is inside a tunnel that is only three meters wide. The power of the Orochi Nagi is concentrated and does not disperse, making it much more lethal than when it is used in an open space.

The raging flames covered an area of 10 x 3 meters and lasted for a full three seconds.

Even though these bandits were all Elite Tier with a constitution of no less than 20 points, and some High Elite Tier bandits even had a constitution of nearly 30 points, and most of them wore iron armor, leather armor, etc., so their equipment was quite good, their Life Value still plummeted under the 3-second burning of Orochi Nagi! This is because Orochi Nagi is magic damage, and only magic resistance reduction is taken into account.

After the Orochi Nagi, all of the dozen or so Elite Tier bandits who charged at the front were left with only a few dozen health points, their Life Value reduced by more than half. The two die-hards who were sent flying backward at the front were even worse off, with only a few dozen Life Value left and their bodies charred black.

"A wizard... he's a wizard!"

"A wizard who can cast this level of magic without chanting incantations..."

The bandits were stunned. This man who called himself their lord, dressed in a hooded black robe, was actually a powerful wizard?

Many of the bandits began to consider retreating.

Only a few of Ian's trusted bandit henchmen urged, "Don't be intimidated by him! He's only a teenager, he couldn't possibly be that strong. He can't possibly use that move again! Charge in, kill this wizard, and we'll be rich!"

These die-hards were true to their word; despite being severely wounded, they brandished their iron knives and swords and launched another charge.

Bai Xiaowen shook her head.

"A bunch of stubborn fools, turn them all into boxes... no, into treasure chests!"

Bai Xiaowen raised his left hand, and the familiar crimson flames once again condensed in his palm.

Some of the bandits who were following the charge suddenly braked. "What's going on? They're coming again?"

Only the die-hards shouted, "He's bluffing! Don't be afraid, charge with us!"

Boom!

The next second, a surging wave of flames swept out once again!

Thank you brothers for your donations, subscriptions, and votes! O(∩_∩)O~