Moonlight cascaded like water through the gaps in the leaves, illuminating the mountain path as Xiong Batian eagerly made his way down in the dark, clutching his bank notes.
As early as five days ago, he had gradually exchanged the silver in his private vault for bank notes. Tiangang Stronghold was no match for the government troops. Once it fell, as the stronghold leader, he would surely die. Therefore, Xiong Batian had long decided to abandon the stronghold and flee, taking all fifty thousand taels of silver with him.
Sending the other four leaders away that afternoon had been precisely for this purpose.
At night, the cries of various animals in the mountains rose and fell. Against the backdrop of the dark night, everything seemed particularly eerie, as if a malicious ghost was chasing behind his hurried footsteps.
Seeing that he was about to reach the main road, Xiong Batian's tense heart finally began to relax. A future of luxurious leisure felt well within his grasp.
A cold wind blew past, and a corner of dark green clothing emerged from behind a large tree.
Just as Xiong Batian was about to leave, the second boss of Tiangang Stronghold, Poison Scorpion, appeared.
The atmosphere instantly became tense. Xiong Batian asked in astonishment, Why are you here?
Poison Scorpion's lips curled into a smirk, every word he spoke laden with profound meaning.
To wait for you, of course.
Xiong Batian subconsciously covered the bank notes tucked against his chest. He calmed himself down and forced a tough tone, trying to overwhelm the other party with his imposing aura.
Wait for me for what? The government troops are about to attack Feiyun Mountain. Instead of setting up an ambush, you are wandering around here! How do you explain this insubordination?
Poison Scorpion sneered and mocked, As the stronghold leader, you abandon your brothers and flee for your life. What right do you have to lecture me?
I do not want to talk nonsense. Give me half of the bank notes and I will let you go.
Xiong Batian's expression changed. How did you know?
Poison Scorpion tightened his grip on his weapon. How I know is not important. What is important is how you choose.
A flash of realization crossed his mind, and Xiong Batian suddenly understood.
You sneaked into the private vault.
Poison Scorpion replied, If I did not go in, how would I know you stole all the silver?
Xiong Batian hated him so much that he almost crushed his own teeth. He threw away his scabbard and charged at Poison Scorpion.
In your dreams! Today, either you die or I do.
In an instant, the two men were locked in deadly combat, the sharp clash of their weapons ringing out clearly in the night.
Just when Xiong Batian thought he could defeat Poison Scorpion, the very next second his body slumped to its knees, as if all its bones and sinews had been drawn out.
His heart contracted sharply, accompanied by a violent, throbbing pain.
He looked at the wound on his arm in shock. You poisoned your blade?
Poison Scorpion walked towards him with a mocking expression.
Otherwise, why do you think I dared to wait for you here?
Blood flowed from the corner of Xiong Batian's mouth, and he soon stopped breathing.
Poison Scorpion searched his body, found the bank notes, and smiled.
Fifty thousand taels. He was rich now.
The next morning, the bandits lying in ambush on the mountain paths around Feiyun Mountain were discovered in advance by the guards sent by Song Jinzhao.
Their disguises were pure child's play to the hidden guards who had received special forces training.
In less than half an hour, Tiangang Stronghold was taken down, and the three remaining bosses were captured alive on the spot.
A short while later, Liu Hucheng ran into the front hall holding a handful of stones.
With a livid face, he said, Princess, the boxes in the warehouse of Tiangang Stronghold are full of stones. Only the very top layer is covered with broken silver.
Over the past month, every stronghold they raided had yielded several boxes of gold, silver, and treasures. Using stones as silver meant they had been deceived.
Song Jinzhao's face darkened, and she went to the warehouse to inspect it herself.
All the boxes contained only a few silver ingots; the rest were entirely stones.
Has the leader of Tiangang Stronghold been found?
Song Shixue shook her head.
Not yet. The captured bandits said they also have a second boss who left last night and has not returned. The silver must have been taken away by them.
Song Jinzhao commanded, So much silver cannot be transported away by just two people, let alone in a single night. Scatter our people immediately. Even if we have to turn Feiyun Mountain upside down, we must find all the silver.
Twenty fully loaded boxes would amount to at least tens of thousands of taels. If they could not find it, it would be a massive loss.
