...Where had that sword come from?
Mountain-Crushing Tiger froze for a full two or three breaths—but fortunately, he was no amateur. He spun around at once and slashed back with his saber!
But the one who had attacked...
Was not Heaven-Piercing Sword.
Or rather, it was a group he had never expected.
—the martial artists.
...The problem was, before laying this ambush, he had investigated everyone passing through here. These so-called martial artists were just escorts from an escort agency. There was no way they could withstand Dreammist, much less unleash such formidable swordplay!
Fortunately.
His name, Mountain-Crushing Tiger, was not an empty boast. With broad, sweeping strokes of his tiger-headed saber, he forced the attacker several feet back.
Then, panting, he looked at the group and spoke with a grim expression.
"With skills like that... you can't be from the Everlasting Escort Agency... Who are you? What do you want? Give me your names!"
Hearing his barrage of questions, their leader—the very man who had served him his meal earlier—said with a smile, "Chief, what are you talking about? We're escorts from the Everlasting Escort Agency. It's just that..."
Twang!
Before he could finish, a crossbow bolt struck less than three inches in front of him.
The escort leader glanced at Mountain-Crushing Tiger's men, then at the heavy crossbows visibly imbued with spells. His expression instantly darkened.
Mountain-Crushing Tiger repeated his questions, stressing every word.
"Who are you? What do you want? Give me your names!"
The escort leader took a deep breath, then cupped his hands.
"Nine Heavens Star Killer, Bei Yuanlei, at your service, Chief."
"Nine Heavens Star Killer?" Mountain-Crushing Tiger froze again. "Weren't you down in Lingnan? What are you doing here...?"
The escort leader spread his hands.
"Pursuing the same goal as you, naturally. We