Old Zhang and A-Hu rode after Sikong Jing. Their shock could no longer be described with words. In less than two shichen, the entire group had undergone a drastic transformation, as though they had become elite troops.
And this was Brother Sikong's handiwork.
He possessed the strength to slaughter Iron Horse Stronghold by himself, yet he had only bound the stronghold chief, waiting for them to charge in and forge unity among the people.
Brother Sikong was too formidable!
Not far from Iron Horse Ridge, Qiu Ye checked the time and smiled at Xing E. "The two shichen are almost up. That criminal should be back soon. I wonder how he'll beg me to spare him?"
Xing E burst into laughter. "Of course he'll kneel and beg for mercy, offering up his treasures. How can a mere criminal contend with us?"
Thud, thud, thud...
Suddenly, the earth began to tremble. Billowing dust rose from the main road as iron steeds came galloping toward them.
In an instant, Qiu Ye's laughter vanished. His pupils contracted sharply as he said, "Judging by the numbers, there are three thousand iron cavalry. It must be the people from Iron Horse Stronghold coming to kill us. That criminal must have enraged them—the bastard."
Qiu Ye could not help cursing, then shouted, "All troops, heed my command... prepare to meet the enemy."
Yet just as everyone armed themselves and prepared for battle, the tense Qiu Ye and Xing E suddenly froze.
Xing E said blankly, "General Qiu Ye, doesn't the person at the very front look like that criminal?"
"Very much so. And why do the two behind him look so much like A-Hu and Old Zhang?" Qiu Ye said, blinking hard.
When the three thousand warhorses drew a little closer, they saw clearly at