379: Encountering bandits at Baiheling

"My Lord, the terrain of White Crane Ridge ahead is complex and the forests are dense. I fear there might be an ambush; we must proceed with caution."

As the Guard Captain, Tu Xiong walked quickly to Situ Jun's carriage to report, his expression solemn.

He wasn't worried about the safety of Situ Jun and his wives; with Situ Jun's strength, ordinary bandits weren't worth mentioning. He was mainly concerned that the horses might be startled or the carriages damaged, delaying their return to the Northern Border.

A cold glint flashed in Situ Jun's eyes as he said in a deep voice:

"Don't worry, I'll keep an eye on the surroundings. You all stay alert as well and protect the convoy."

The carriage slowly reached the foot of White Crane Ridge. The mountain terrain suddenly became even more treacherous, with cliffs lining both sides and jagged rocks everywhere.

After traveling slowly for half an hour, a faint scent of burnt paper from exploded Fire Spirit Talismans filled the air, faintly mixed with the roars of livestock and the cruel laughter of men, breaking the silence of the forest.

Tu Xiong's brow furrowed. He gestured for the convoy to stop, and the long saber at his waist instantly left its scabbard, its cold light shimmering.

"Everyone, on alert!"

The Guards quickly fanned out, surrounding the carriage in the center, their expressions wary as they stared at the dense forest around them.

Situ Jun lifted the carriage curtain, and his Divine Sense instantly spread out, covering the area for dozens of miles ahead.

Soon, he sensed dozens of bandits with mixed auras on the road ten miles ahead, surrounding a damaged carriage with blades and spears in hand, their faces showing murderous intent.

"There's a situation on the road ahead. Stay in the carriage and keep moving."

Situ Jun said in a deep voice to the women inside. Before his voice had even faded, his figure streaked out of the carriage like a beam of light, flying toward the front.

Though worried, the women inside the carriage knew Situ Jun's strength. Protected by the Guards, they slowly traveled in the direction Situ Jun had left.

As Situ Jun drew closer, the roars and angry curses became clearer.

In the center of the valley, dozens of bandits were surrounding a beautiful woman dressed in luxurious clothes.

The woman was about thirty-seven or thirty-eight years old. Her water-green dress had several gashes, revealing her snowy skin. Her hair was disheveled, with a few strands of black hair falling beside her cheeks, yet her enchanting grace was hard to hide.

She was held down firmly by the shoulders by two brawny bandits, her wrists bound with coarse rope. Her face was full of terror and stubbornness; though tears welled in her eyes, she bit her lower lip hard, refusing to yield and forcing back the tears that were about to fall.

"This little lady is truly a beauty. Her skin is so tender it looks like water could be squeezed out. Why not follow us brothers? We'll make sure you're happy!"

The Bandit Leader was a man with a fleshy face and a hideous scar extending from his forehead to his chin. He scanned the beautiful woman with greedy eyes, his tone extremely lecherous.

The beautiful woman suppressed her inner fear, her eyes wide with anger as she shouted threateningly:

"You wicked bandits, stop your wishful thinking! My husband is a wealthy merchant from the Royal Capital, possessing immense wealth. If you dare harm me in the slightest, he will surely bring men to raze your lair and tear you into ten thousand pieces!"

"Hahaha, a wealthy merchant from the Royal Capital?"

The Bandit Leader burst into wild laughter, his voice coarse and piercing.

"Nowadays, White Crane Ridge is our domain. Never mind if your husband is a wealthy merchant; even if officials came, they'd have to detour around me! If you're smart, you'll be obedient. Otherwise, don't blame us for being impolite!"

Saying this, he reached out his coarse, large hand toward the beautiful woman's cheek.

"Stop!"

A cold shout rang out like a thunderclap through the forest, making the bandits' eardrums buzz.

Situ Jun's figure was like lightning as he instantly appeared before the Bandit Leader. Without waiting for the other to react, he raised a hand and struck out a palm, his vast Spiritual Qi surging out like a torrential river.

The Bandit Leader felt a massive force strike him, completely impossible to resist. He was sent flying like a kite with a broken string, slamming heavily into a large tree behind him with a dull thud. He spat out blood and died on the spot.

Seeing this, the other bandits were struck with terror, their arrogance instantly turning into fear.

But they were, after all, people who lived by the blade. They quickly reacted and swung their sabers at Situ Jun, roaring:

"How dare you interfere in our business! You're looking for death!"

Situ Jun's eyes turned cold as Spiritual Qi surged around him, forming an invisible barrier.

The bandits' sabers snapped into several pieces the moment they hit the barrier. The rebounding force sent them stumbling back, bleeding from their noses and mouths in a pathetic state.

Cao Guang arrived with the Guards at this moment. Seeing the scene, a fierce light flashed in his eyes as they all took the opportunity to charge. Sabers and swords clashed, and screams rose one after another.

These bandits might be fierce in front of ordinary merchant caravans, but before Cultivator Guards like Cao Guang, they were completely defenseless. In just a short moment, they were all wiped out.

By then, the convoy escorted by Tu Xiong also arrived, and he breathed a sigh of relief upon seeing the scene.

With the crisis averted, the beautiful woman slowly raised her head, her gaze toward Situ Jun filled with gratitude and awe.

She struggled to her feet and gave Situ Jun a graceful bow, her voice trembling slightly:

"Thank you, Young Master, for your rescue. This humble one is Ye Nianrui, and I am eternally grateful. If you hadn't appeared in time, I fear I would have met with disaster today."

Situ Jun looked at her, seeing her eyebrows like distant mountains, her eyes like autumn ripples, her skin like snow, and her figure enchanting. Though her clothes were torn and she looked disheveled, her moving charm was still hard to hide.

He said gently:

"Madam, there is no need for such formality. It was just a small matter. May I ask why you encountered bandits in this place?"

A hint of sorrow flashed in Ye Nianrui's eyes, her voice choking:

"This humble one is from the Great Zhou. I was traveling to East Lin City with my husband for business when we were attacked by a Yao Beast. My husband unfortunately perished while fighting it. I managed to escape using some Immortal Spiritual Talismans I had, and now I am left alone with no one to rely on. I didn't expect to encounter these bandits here. If not for your rescue, Young Master, I today..."

At this point, she could no longer hold back, and tears streamed down her face. Her pitiful appearance was truly heart-wrenching.

Seeing this, the women's hearts softened, and they all pushed open the carriage doors to step out.

Embroiderer stepped forward, took out a handkerchief embroidered with orchids, and handed it to her, comforting her softly:

"Madam Ye, please restrain your grief. It's good that you're safe now; everything will get better."

Ye Nianrui took the handkerchief and wiped her tears, looking at Embroiderer gratefully, her voice carrying a sob:

"Thank you, sister. It's just that I am now alone with no one to turn to, and I truly don't know where to go..."

Seeing her lonely and helpless state, a trace of pity rose in Situ Jun's heart.

Currently, Northern Border City is in a period of development, with everything waiting to be rebuilt. There is an urgent need for all kinds of talent, especially those who understand the way of business.

As the wife of a wealthy merchant, Ye Nianrui had assisted her husband in managing business for years, so she likely had significant insights into commerce. If he could bring her back to Northern Border City, she might be able to help with its commercial development.

He pondered for a moment and then spoke:

"Madam Ye, you are now alone, and the road ahead is uncertain. Wandering about is quite inconvenient. Why not return to Northern Border City with us? The Foundation of Northern Border City is now stable, and commerce is gradually rising. If you are willing, you can use your skills there and start a new life. Since Northern Border is currently developing and in need of talent, if you don't mind, I will certainly make proper arrangements for you to have a place to settle down."