Chapter Eleven: Deserving of Punishment

Indeed, today's gains have been substantial. The foundational cultivation method requires one hundred Ferocity Points, and currently, only forty-seven points are lacking. Tomorrow, it should be possible to accumulate the required amount.

As Luli entered the stronghold, he anticipated finding valuable items, considering the notorious deeds of these bandits who plundered and committed atrocities. However, to his surprise, he failed to discover the bandit's treasure trove. Could these bandits be so destitute? What a disgrace to the title of bandits!

Sighing, Luli was about to leave when he heard a cry for help. The plea emanated from behind the stronghold, suggesting that someone had heard the commotion and sought assistance.

With his blade in hand, Luli proceeded towards the source.

Upon nearing, Luli witnessed a dozen people hanging from wooden poles, bodies covered in whip marks, and visible signs of sword and spear wounds. One unfortunate individual had even been dismembered, with their blood long since dried. These were likely travelers who had been robbed and executed for noncompliance.

Continuing forward, Luli encountered a pit containing several naked female corpses, each bearing signs of torture. These virtuous women, tormented to death by the bandits of Fei Hu Gang, deserved retribution.

Luli, acknowledging his moral ambiguity, couldn't help but sigh for these women. With a sweep of his blade, he buried the bodies beneath the rocky surface.

"All I can do for you is this! The forty-five bandits of Fei Hu Gang have been vanquished; you can rest now!"

Entering a cave where the cries for help originated, Luli, with his Meridian Opening Realm triple cultivation, extraordinary senses, and vision, observed a massive iron gate. Several ragged women cowered within.

They resembled frightened beasts, shrinking into corners, shivering at the sight of an intruder.

Quickly averting his gaze to spare the women their dignity, Luli muttered, "Savages!"

Confronted by the pathetic state of these women, Luli drew his blade, the glint of the blade opening the iron gate.

"Fei Hu Gang's bandits have all been slain by me. You are rescued; you can leave!"

Having spoken, Luli intended to leave, but the women remained motionless, their eyes fixed on him.

"You are saved! You can leave!"

Luli reiterated, sensing their hesitation.

"Generous sir, your profound kindness has saved us from this calamity. We owe you our lives!"

Among the women, one slightly older knelt before Luli, tears streaming down her face. Her joy at being saved was overshadowed by a sense of resignation.

Surveying them, Luli sighed again. In this foreign realm, akin to ancient China, women valued their reputation, especially those of respectable families. Having been kidnapped by bandits, even if they were rescued, their honor had already been tarnished.

Though not inclined to meddle in the affairs of others, Luli couldn't bring himself to abandon these helpless women.

Assisting the older woman to her feet, Luli noticed the scars on her body. How much suffering had these women endured?

"Enough. I've done what I can! Follow me; I'll find you some clothes. You can't descend the mountain like this. If necessary, take the clothes from the bandits!"

The women, still exposed, were unable to travel down the mountain.

"Sir, when we were kidnapped, we saw the bandits bringing a large quantity of items into a building in the stronghold! There might be clothing there!"

Guided by the women, Luli reached a building. Initially appearing empty, Luli's suspicion arose. A swift strike to the floor revealed a concealed trapdoor. Opening it, Luli found a vast stash of treasures, mostly goods and items challenging to handle.

"Sir, are there clothes in there?"

"Here, take these and change!"

Tossing out several pieces of clothing, Luli watched as the items disappeared.

"Had I known, I wouldn't have bothered carrying a knife on my waist!"

Luli lamented. He was not one to appreciate decorative swords.

With everything stowed away, Luli left the hidden room. The women, now dressed, looked more at ease. Without much ado, Luli led them towards the stronghold gate, where lifeless bodies covered the ground.

Seeing the corpses, one of the women fell to her knees, then erupted into laughter, a mix of joy and sorrow.

Suddenly, she bowed before Luli, repeatedly kowtowing. Luli hurriedly intervened.

"Sir, today's great vengeance is avenged. You are our benefactor! Gratitude beyond words!"

The women knelt in unison, and Luli had no choice but to help them up.

Passing by the bandit corpses, one woman picked up a broken sword and ruthlessly attacked a corpse. Luli didn't stop her; these women deserved to release their pent-up frustrations.

Once the women were tired, Luli led them away.

At the foot of the mountain, they obtained horses and silently returned to the city.

Upon reaching the city, Luli secured a residence in the southern part for the women. After arranging the rental, he left some additional silver before departing.

Returning to the Lul family residence, he spotted Luoxiaozhao anxiously waiting outside. Seeing Luli, she rushed over.

"What happened? Xiaozhao!"

"Why? Am I under your supervision now?"

Luli playfully poked Luoxiaozhao's forehead.

"I dare not supervise you, but I was worried..."

"I see. You're taking liberties with me!"

Luli jabbed her forehead again, teasingly.

"Come, let's go back! I have something good for you!"

After uttering these words, Luoxiaozhao's tearful eyes turned into a smile.

"Sir, you're spending money on me again!"

Although Luoxiaozhao complained, her expression betrayed her.