Wolf Bandits, Deploying Troops and Arranging Formations

Ban Shu tucked the book away; the mission was the priority now, and it was not the time to study it.

Time passed, and by the time the hunting party reached midday, they were finally approaching the location mentioned in the intelligence report.

The captain of the knights, who led the party, came to the side of Yue Guan and the others, knelt on one knee, and said respectfully, "My lords, five miles ahead lies the Wolf Bandit stronghold mentioned in the report."

"Very good."

Chrysanthemum Douluo nodded. This hunt was primarily for the training of Ban Shu and Bibi Dong; his only task was to ensure the Wolf Bandits were contained in one place.

Li Yan also began to take command, determined not to let a single harmful Wolf Bandit escape.

"Go, send a few scouts to investigate and determine the exact number of Wolf Bandits. Everyone else, stand by. Once there is news, we move immediately!"

"Yes!"

The knight bowed his head to accept the order and turned to execute Li Yan's instructions.

"Two young masters, the rest is up to you."

Yue Guan turned and smiled at them.

Hearing this, Ban Shu and Bibi Dong exchanged a glance and both chuckled.

"Come on, my Painted Halberd is already thirsty!"

Ban Shu summoned his Painted Halberd, the one yellow and one purple spirit ring beneath his feet shining brightly.

Grasping the halberd, his aura erupted suddenly, like a god of war descending, commanding awe.

"As for those detestable Wolf Bandits, let me send you all to your graves!"

Bibi Dong did not show weakness either; three spirit rings—yellow, yellow, and purple—gradually rose from her body, and the Death Spider Emperor spirit behind her revealed its ferocious fangs, full of terror.

"Worthy of being the super geniuses of Spirit Hall! These spirit rings, this spirit power—it is truly exaggerated."

Watching the clearly unscientific spirit rings on Ban Shu and the spirit power level of Bibi Dong, which far exceeded that of her peers, Yue Guan could not help but exclaim in admiration.

"That is nothing; there is even more exaggeration to come."

Li Yan crossed his arms and came to Yue Guan's side. "Their potential has not been fully tapped yet. In the future, their prospects will be limitless."

"Mm."

Yue Guan nodded, fully agreeing with Li Yan's assessment.

Before long, the scouts returned from their reconnaissance, but their expressions were graver than ever.

The scout whispered a few words to the captain, and the captain reported the findings to Yue Guan and Li Yan with a solemn face.

"My lords, something has happened. A village was attacked by the Wolf Bandits, and they are currently dragging a large group of villagers toward their lair."

"What?"

The expressions of Yue Guan and Li Yan turned heavy. They had expected a simple hunt, not such a situation.

"Damn those Wolf Bandits!"

Li Yan clenched his fists in anger, the fury within him burning fiercely.

In Spirit Hall, he was among those who hated evil most; whether it was hunting Wolf Bandits or purging the fallen, he was always at the forefront.

Now that the Wolf Bandits dared to attack a village and take villagers captive, how could he not be enraged?

"All knights, listen up! Follow me! Today, I will slaughter every one of those beasts!"

Li Yan raised his spear and roared.

"Yes!"

The surrounding knights were also filled with high spirits. Most of them had been born in villages and were recruited into the ranks after their spirits were awakened by Spirit Hall.

Therefore, in their hearts, these villages were like the places they once called home; they could not stand by and watch the people here be harmed.

"Wait!"

At this moment, Yue Guan stopped Li Yan.

"Bishop Yue Guan, what is it?" Li Yan frowned, thinking he was trying to hold him back.

"Bishop Li Yan, do not forget, those Wolf Bandits still have hostages."

Only then did Li Yan realize, "You are right, they have hostages, but why would they bring living captives back to their lair?"

Yue Guan frowned and pondered for a moment, then stepped forward to question the scout closely. "I ask you, what is the state of the villagers, and how many are still alive?"

The scout recalled and replied, "My lord, we split into two groups to investigate. Another scout went to the village, and according to him, there were not many corpses there."

"For some reason, the Wolf Bandits did not kill the villagers but tied them up alive."

"Oh?"

Yue Guan furrowed his brows. Based on past experience, Wolf Bandits never kept anything alive except women. Why was this time so abnormal?

However, this was fortunate, as it gave him a chance to save them.

Yue Guan thought for a moment and began to assign tasks to the hunting party.

"First and second squads, you are responsible for locating the hostages. The moment I give the order, move at top speed to bring the hostages to a safe place."

"Understood!"

"Third and Fourth Squads, you will join Bishop Li Yan and Lord Ban to provide frontal suppression. Try your best to leave none of the Wolf Bandits alive."

"Orders received!"

Li Yan also nodded. "I'll listen to you."

Ban Shu indicated there was no problem either.

"Finally, Fifth Squad, you are responsible for dealing with any stragglers that slip past the Third and Fourth Squads, and providing cover for the First and Second Squads to retreat."

"Lady Bibi Dong, I leave this side to you."

"Rest assured."

Bibi Dong accepted this arduous task.

"Remember, the safety of the villagers is the priority. Begin the operation!"

As the words fell, Yue Guan activated his martial soul and sprinted toward the location of the Wolf Bandits at top speed. If he could be just a little faster, he could save one more life.

Li Yan waved his hand. "Follow me, let's go slaughter these beasts!"

Ban Shu followed by Li Yan's side, his blood inevitably beginning to boil. This was a battle—a real, genuine battle.

He exhaled deeply, a look of excitement flashing in his eyes.

At this moment, the Wolf Bandits, having captured many people, were carrying their spoils toward their lair.

"Roar!"

Some of the Wolf Bandits, looking at the succulent food before them, could no longer restrain themselves and bared their fangs at the villagers.

"ROAR!!!"

Unexpectedly, a Wolf Bandit with streaks of cyan fur darted out, swatted the other bandit away with a single blow, and let out a low growl, cowing the others.

This made the remaining Wolf Bandits wary, and they dared not act recklessly again.

In the woods not far away, Ban Shu, Li Yan, and the knights had long been lying in ambush along the path the Wolf Bandits were traveling.

Traps had been dug nearby; due to the time constraints, they were set up somewhat hastily, but they were sufficient to deal with these brainless Wolf Bandits.

"Wait for my command, then kill them with everything you've got!"

Li Yan raised his hand and said softly.

The surrounding knights nodded.

The moment the Wolf Bandits stepped onto the traps, Li Yan roared, "Now!"

As the command fell, the knights immediately triggered the mechanisms. Countless crossbow bolts flew toward the Wolf Bandits, and those on the outer perimeter were killed instantly.

"Kill!"

Ban Shu brandished his Painted Halberd, unleashed a Mountain Splitting Strike, and was the first to charge into the pack of Wolf Bandits, slaughtering in all directions.

"Kill!"