Chapter 149: The Ma Shan Bandit Gang

Chapter 149: The Ma Shan Bandit Gang

"You've truly changed!"

Mu Feng was taken aback, struggling to comprehend Mu Ling'er's words.

"If one day I become a bloodthirsty demoness, a scourge of humanity, standing opposed to everything we hold dear… what would you do?" Mu Ling'er's voice was calm but carried an undercurrent of pain as she gazed at him.

Mu Feng froze. He couldn't understand what she meant or the sacrifices she had made for him.

Deep within her beautiful eyes, a flicker of torment surfaced. If Mu Feng ever saw the other side of her—the darkness she hid—how would he react? Would he despise her? Fear her? She had no answers.

Mu Ling'er deeply cared for Mu Feng. Though they weren't born of the same parents, their bond as cousins ran deeper than most siblings'. To her, Mu Feng was among the most important people in her life.

Mu Feng smiled and gently embraced her. "Sister, what nonsense are you talking about? Demoness or not, you're my sister, my closest family. No matter what you become, I could never turn my back on you."

He leaned back to look into her eyes, his gaze resolute. "Right now, you're stronger, and you protect me. But one day, when I surpass you, I'll make sure no one ever hurts you. Because we're family, and family stands by each other, no matter what."

Mu Ling'er's eyes grew misty, her lips curving into a rare smile. She leaned in and planted a gentle kiss on his forehead. "Rest well and recover. I'll take care of things."

Mu Feng nodded, watching as she left. Within the Shura Divine Jade, a faint feminine soul silently observed Mu Ling'er's departure, her gaze contemplative.

Preparations for the Mission

Seated cross-legged on his bed, Mu Feng swallowed a Bone Mending Pill and began refining its medicinal power. Warm energy flowed through his body, knitting together his fractured ribs. In just two days, his injuries had largely healed. Visiting Bai Ziyue and Mu Kuang, he found Ziyue in good spirits, but Mu Kuang's hand still required more time to recover.

"Brother Feng, I'm fine. Let me join you!" Mu Kuang pleaded, despite his bandaged hand.

"No, you need to recover properly. Ziyue and I can handle this mission," Mu Feng said firmly.

"Don't worry," Bai Ziyue chimed in with his usual bravado. "With me by Brother Feng's side, no ragtag group of bandits stands a chance. The future sword immortal, Bai Ziyue, won't let you down!"

Mu Kuang reluctantly sighed. "Fine. But promise me you'll both stay safe."

The duo left the academy's residential area and made their way to the beast stables. Their mounts—a Serpent-Tail Panther and a Wind Wolf—were waiting, having been cared for by the academy's stablehands.

Mounting their beasts, Mu Feng and Bai Ziyue rode off toward the academy gates, their destination: the treacherous Ma Shan.

The Bandit Stronghold

The Ma Shan region was nestled along the southern border of the Nan Ling Kingdom, a rugged terrain dotted with dense forests and jagged peaks. After two days of hard riding, they finally approached their target.

The Ma Shan bandit gang, numbering over three hundred, had carved out a stronghold in the mountains. Situated halfway up a steep cliff, the stone fortress overlooked the region like a predator surveying its prey. The compound consisted of wooden and stone structures large enough to house hundreds of people. Dozens of rough-looking bandits patrolled the area, their crude armor and wicked blades glinting in the sunlight.

In the stronghold's main hall, a boisterous feast was underway. Over a hundred bandits filled the room, drinking heavily and brawling amongst themselves. At the head of the hall, seated on a bear-pelt throne, was a towering figure clad in tiger fur. Ma Li, the bandit leader and a Condensation Realm Level 2 cultivator, guffawed as he downed another jug of wine.

His two deputies flanked him: one in black robes and the other in green, both grinning as they toasted to their leader's health.

"Bring her in!" the second deputy bellowed.

Two bandits dragged a trembling young girl into the hall. Her ragged clothes barely covered her, and her face, though smeared with dirt, retained an innocent beauty. Fear clouded her eyes as she struggled against their grip.

"Boss," the deputy said with a smirk, "this one's fresh. We found her during our last raid. A real untouched flower, perfect for you."

Ma Li's lecherous gaze raked over the girl, his grin widening. "You always know how to please me, Second Brother!" He stood, grabbed a jug of wine, and approached the girl.

"Drink!" He forced the wine down her throat, laughing cruelly as she sputtered and choked.

"Take her to my room. Let's see how long that innocent act lasts!" Ma Li barked, shoving the girl toward the door. The bandits erupted in laughter as the terrified girl's pleas echoed through the hall.

Justice Descends

Under the moonlight, Mu Feng and Bai Ziyue galloped down a narrow mountain trail, their mounts' hooves pounding against the earth. In the distance, a cluster of lights flickered in the darkness.

"Brother Feng, there's a village ahead," Bai Ziyue said.

Mu Feng nodded. "Let's rest there for the night. We need to be at full strength for tomorrow."

But as they approached, the sounds of wailing and screaming reached their ears. The village was under attack.

Dozens of bandits on horseback tore through the settlement, setting homes ablaze and slaughtering anyone who resisted. Cries of anguish filled the air as villagers scrambled to escape.

"Bastards!" Bai Ziyue hissed, gripping his sword tightly.

Mu Feng's eyes turned icy. "We leave no survivors—except one. Let's move."

As they charged into the village, a scene of horror unfolded before them. A young man lay pinned against a wall, blood pooling at his feet. A bandit loomed over his wife, ripping at her clothes with a lecherous grin.

"Your wife's pretty. Let's see how she feels about me!" the bandit sneered, laughing maniacally.

Before he could take another step, a flash of white light streaked through the night. A sword pierced his chest, and he froze, his lecherous grin turning to a grimace of pain.

Behind him stood Bai Ziyue, his sword dripping with blood. The bandit collapsed to the ground.

Mu Feng approached, draping his cloak over the trembling woman's shoulders. His voice was cold, devoid of mercy. "Kill every last one of them. Leave only one alive."

Bai Ziyue's blade gleamed under the moonlight as he grinned. "Gladly."