Chapter 25

There is a notorious mountain in Yeongyang-gun called the Black Mountain, where robbers gather year-round. From time to time, they descend to wreak havoc and remind everyone of their presence.

Half a month ago, these robbers struck again.

Their act of terror this time was to abduct more than thirty disciples of the Iron Bones School, leaving behind a letter demanding ransom.

Other gangs usually block roads and rob, stealing money and goods. This group, however, has taken a step further by kidnapping people and demanding ransom.

"Dammit!"

Jun Changxiao stormed out of his quarters and shouted, "Dare to bully my Iron Bones disciples? Be they robbers or thieves, I'll kill them all!"

Having finally recruited a hundred disciples, losing more than thirty in one swoop was intolerable!

His murderous intent and angry words showed that Jun Changxiao had fully adapted to his new identity and the brutal reality of the Starfall Continent.

"Head!"

Li Qingyang chased after him, "Let me go with you!"

As the second-in-command of the Iron Bones School, he couldn't remain indifferent while his fellow disciples were taken by bandits.

Lu Qianqian also followed.

Jun Changxiao stopped and said, "New disciples are yet to report. You two stay back and take care of them. There's no need for you to follow me to Black Mountain."

Li Qingyang looked serious, "Head, there are at least 200 robbers in Black Mountain, and their leader is said to be a martial artist. I'm afraid you won't be able to handle them alone..."

"This is an order," Jun Changxiao said firmly.

At that moment, he exuded a rare sense of authority.

Though he wanted to protest further, Li Qingyang could only bow and say, "I will obey the head's order."

Jun Changxiao descended the mountain, his expression cold.

He was serious and angry.

"Sister," Li Qingyang said, worried as he watched Jun Changxiao's figure disappear down the mountain, "what if something happens to the head? What will we do then?"

"It's simple," Lu Qianqian said, leaning against the door with her arms crossed. "I'll be the head, and you'll be the senior disciple."

Li Qingyang's mouth twitched at her words.

...

Black Mountain.

Located fifty miles from Qingyang Village.

Here, mountains stacked on top of each other, forming natural barriers and difficult terrain, which made it a perfect hideout for bandits.

The local government and many sects had tried to eliminate the bandits, but the treacherous terrain often resulted in failure.

Over time, Black Mountain became a forbidden zone, a place no one dared to enter.

Today, on a winding mountain path, Jun Changxiao ascended step by step. If any warrior knew the head of the Iron Bones School was heading to Black Mountain alone, they would surely bow in respect: "I admire your courage!"

"How do I deal with the bandits and rescue the disciples?" Jun Changxiao muttered as he climbed.

Despite his anger, he began to think seriously about the situation.

From what Li Qingyang had told him, not only were there 200 robbers, but their leader was likely a martial artist, making the task even more challenging.

With the first-grade Han Feng sword, the Nine-style Folding Sword technique, and having opened ten of the twelve meridians, Jun Changxiao could handle about twenty robbers at a time. But taking on 200, especially if there was a martial artist among them, was a different story.

He checked his space ring, noting the beginner's amulet and speed talisman from the novice gift package, and thought, "These spells aren't suitable for combat."

Then, his gaze fell on the hard-to-receive knife.

This item always frustrated him because it had been given as the first wish fulfillment, which he had considered a casual joke.

Curious about its potential, Jun Changxiao gently gripped the handle and pulled slightly.

"Boom!"

A loud noise echoed.

Jun Changxiao was thrown tens of meters away by the sheer force.

In the real world, he stumbled back several steps, barely managing to stay upright.

"That was close!" he gasped.

When he pulled the knife, a violent energy surged between the handle and sheath. If he hadn't let go quickly, he would have been injured.

The system's voice chimed in: "The hard-to-receive knife must be unsealed before use. Forcibly pulling it out will only harm you."

"Why didn't you say so earlier?" Jun Changxiao complained.

"You didn't ask," the system replied.

"..."

Jun Changxiao was speechless.

After calming down, he realized the knife's potential. "If it's so powerful when just partially unsheathed, it might help me rescue the disciples!"

Confidence surged within him.

"Wait," he paused, noticing two burly men standing on the stone steps ahead, each holding a weapon and smirking menacingly.

"Liu," the shorter man laughed, "Am I seeing things, or did someone actually dare to come to Black Mountain?"

Liu glanced at Jun Changxiao and replied indifferently, "He looks like a scholar here to enjoy the scenery."

The short man jumped down, brandishing his large ring knife. "Boy, do you know you've entered a thief's den?"

"Yes," Jun Changxiao responded calmly.

The short man was surprised, then laughed, "You still dared to come? Are you tired of living?"

Jun Changxiao asked, "Are you thieves?"

The short man rested his knife on his shoulder and boasted, "Yes, I'm a bandit from Black Mountain, known as the Iron Knife Little Overlord."

Jun Changxiao shook his head.

These thieves had an inflated sense of superiority.

The taller man, Liu, grew impatient, "Seventh Brother, stop wasting time and deal with him quickly."

"Okay," Iron Knife Little Overlord said, his expression turning fierce. "Boy, hand over your valuables, or I'll search you myself."

"Search away," Jun Changxiao replied.

Iron Knife Little Overlord grinned evilly, "If I search, you'll be in pieces."

"What if I hand them over willingly?" Jun Changxiao asked.

"You'll at least have an intact body," the bandit sneered.

Jun Changxiao sighed, "So, either way, I die?"

"Hahaha!" Iron Knife Little Overlord laughed, "Boy, once you step into Black Mountain, you're as good as dead..."

"Whoosh!"

Before he finished, Jun Changxiao's Han Feng sword pierced his chest. "Sorry, but I don't plan on dying just yet."

Iron Knife Little Overlord's face twisted in pain and shock.

"Whoosh!"

Jun Changxiao withdrew the sword.

The bandit fell, rolling down the steps, leaving a long blood trail.

"Seventh Brother!" Liu roared, drawing his sword in fury.

"Whoosh!"

Han Feng sword was at his neck in an instant.

Jun Changxiao's cold voice cut through the tension, "Tell me, where are my Iron Bones disciples?"

Liu swallowed hard, "They... they're in the camp..."

"Whoosh!"

The sword slashed, blood splattering.

Liu collapsed, rolling down the mountain road like his companion.

"Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!"

More than ten robbers rushed down with weapons, glaring at Jun Changxiao.

He sheathed his sword, declaring calmly, "Inform your leader that the head of the Iron Bones School has come to redeem his disciples."