A Unique Presence Among the Southern Kingdoms, the Ling Imperial Clan? (Please Subscribe and Vote with Monthly Tickets)

The Tasha Kingdom covered a sizable territory among the Southern Kingdoms, but it was poorly developed and impoverished, making it easy for bandits like these to emerge.

Although Li Chen often traveled incognito, this was his first time encountering bandits blocking his path.

It couldn't be helped. In the Heavenly Strategy Dynasty, not only did the City Defense Army deal with such matters, but nearby sects also refused to tolerate bandits.

In their eyes, these were all opportunities to earn "merit."

If they failed to deal with the bandits, someone would deal with the officials responsible instead.

Beside him, Zhu Zhuying's brows knitted tightly. She hadn't expected to encounter something like this just after crossing the border, and she feared it would displease Li Chen.

The band numbered more than twenty. Their thick-browed leader radiated menace, and the cleaver in his hand gleamed coldly.

They could even coordinate through simple meridian formations, so they clearly weren't just an ordinary rabble.

At the very least, they didn't seem like run-of-the-mill bandits.

"Hand over everything valuable!" the bandits clamored as they surrounded them.

As a rule, they robbed people of their wealth without taking their lives. That way, even if someone sought revenge later, the consequences wouldn't be too disastrous.

Just as Li Chen prepared to act, the thick-browed leader suddenly raised a hand, signaling his men to be quiet.

He studied Li Chen carefully and asked cautiously, "May I ask where you hail from, young master?"

Li Chen paused briefly. He hadn't expected this bandit to have such manners, and answered casually, "The Imperial Capital of the Heavenly Strategy Dynasty."

At those words, the bandits immediately stirred, as though they had heard some terrifying ghost story.

The thick-browed man reacted first, hastily cupping his hands in salute. "A misunderstanding! This is