Chapter Forty-Four: The Great Bend Caravan

Of course, writing it down here doesn’t mean that Wolfheart Stronghold has been acknowledged by the bandits of Qilian Mountain—it's merely a way to elevate their own status on their own turf.

"The Big Bend caravan!? Protected by Wolfheart Stronghold, Putuo Stronghold, and Stag Stronghold?"

"Isn’t the second master, Chen Zhou, from Big Bend? Does that mean he’s connected to the Big Bend caravan? Or is he their agent in this stronghold?"

Rubbing his chin, Hu San closed the book and muttered, "Interesting, interesting. According to that old bandit, this time of year is always when the caravan returns home, and these days seem to be when the Big Bend caravan passes through. If there aren’t any experts among them, perhaps I’ll intercept them for a share."

"Surely, after an autumn and winter’s plunder, the caravan must have gathered quite a haul."

"But the ambush shouldn’t be right beneath Wolfheart Stronghold, lest it attract unwanted attention. Better to move ahead a bit."

With this in mind, Hu San summoned Lin Hu and instructed him to take a few men down the mountain to gather information.

By evening, the bandits reported that they’d found traces of the caravan at Yaksha Ridge, but whether it was a branch of the Big Bend caravan was hard to say.

Judging by the caravan’s pace, they certainly wouldn’t cross Tiger Cliff tomorrow.

Hu San’s eyes flickered, and a decision formed in his heart.

At dawn the next day, Hu San led his squad out of Wolfheart Stronghold, heading straight for Tiger Ridge.

Bandits don’t necessarily have to ambush right below their stronghold; if all the caravans inquire a little, they’d know every stronghold’s location, making it easy to avoid. If the ambush is always right below the stronghold, there’d be little to gain.

So robbing is a skillful craft—even with great strength, if you don’t encounter a caravan, it’s all for naught.

Clearly, Hu San’s skills were considerable, or perhaps his familiarity with these woods was unmatched, since he’d spent months wandering the area.

Hu San had his men set up a roadblock early, and by midday, the distant sound of wagons approached. Soon, a dozen or so riders arrived first, followed by ten crimson-lacquered wagons, surrounded by knife-wielding guards—at least a hundred strong.

"Block it!"

Once the road was completely sealed, Hu San leapt onto a boulder, brandishing his long blade and shouted, "You merchants, how dare you slip past under grandpa’s nose? Have you not heard—this tree was planted by me, this road opened by me; if you wish to pass, leave a toll!"

With that call, Zhao Feng, Lin Hu, and others joined in, the bandits waving their weapons and shouting that they’d kill but not bury.

Though their numbers were few, their presence was fierce. Amid the clamor of voices and hooves, the caravan had to come to a halt.

Yet the other side seemed unfazed by Hu San and his men. After a snort from the horses, a rider emerged from the rear, his attire marking him as the leader of the caravan.

He sized Hu San up playfully, then laughed aloud, "Whose little brat are you? Barely grown, and already robbing travelers? Don’t you know this is Wolfheart Stronghold territory? You dare rob the Big Bend caravan here?"

"You sound as if you have some backing. Are you friendly with Wolfheart Stronghold?"

Hu San pursed his lips, visibly annoyed by such insolence, but hearing these words, he couldn’t help but inquire, perfectly mimicking an aggrieved youth.

"Ha ha ha, I wondered how there’d be such a skilled bandit force in Wolfheart territory—turns out it’s from Wolfheart Stronghold itself."

The rider shook his head slightly, as if a puzzle had been solved.

He was seasoned in travel, and could easily gauge the quality of Hu San’s hundred-strong squad. He’d been suspicious, but after Hu San’s reply, his doubts vanished.

He figured this must be the child of a bandit leader, sneaking out with a squad for some fun, and happened to encounter them.

"You see, our Big Bend caravan is well-acquainted with the three chiefs of Wolfheart Stronghold. If not for urgent business, we’d already be guests at the stronghold. Little one, go tell your elders—the Big Bend caravan is passing through. I’m sure they won’t blame you."

Hu San’s eyes spun, lips curled in a cold smile. "Do you really think I’m so easy to fool? Finally caught you fat sheep—if I let you go with a few words, wouldn’t it diminish the prestige of Wolfheart Stronghold?"

"If you trick me, how could I ever show my face again?"

He puffed out his chest, determined not to be deceived.

"How about I send someone with you to the stronghold? Unless you don’t dare—then you’ll just get beaten up."

The rider was not angered, finding Hu San’s antics amusing.

Hu San instinctively rubbed his backside, bluffing, "No way, who knows what tricks you have—hand over your goods now, or don’t blame me for being ruthless."

"Oh, I’d like to see how ruthless you can be. At your age, have you even killed a chicken?"

The rider laughed, then turned to the surrounding bandits, calling, "You lot, following this kid’s nonsense—aren’t you afraid your superiors will punish you?"

"Either clear the road, or go report to the stronghold leadership. Don’t waste time here."

Zhao Feng hesitated, stepping forward, "Sir, please be patient. Brother San, maybe we should consult the commander? I’ve heard of the Big Bend caravan—they’re under our stronghold’s protection. If you provoke them, it’ll be hard to explain to the commander."

"Consult? Consult what? I’ll take responsibility. If I return empty-handed again, I’ll be the laughingstock—they might as well kill me here."

Hu San refused to yield.

Zhao Feng shot a glance to the side, and Lin Hu, Snake Fang, and several youths surged forward, forcibly dragging Hu San off the boulder, coaxing, "Brother San, why bother with them? We’re here for the honey, aren’t we?"

"Look, Liang Chuan and the others have already gathered it. The spring water here is perfect for mixing it—why trouble yourself with them?"

The bandits produced teacups from the woods, fetched water from the stream, and poured honey from round wooden barrels.

As the water mixed in, a sweet fragrance wafted through the air, noticeable even ten yards away.

Hu San, still pouting and reluctant, was nonetheless drawn by the aroma, and ceased to pay attention to the merchants, though he did not withdraw his men.

Zhao Feng apologized to the lead rider, stepping forward. "Sir, the young master is always headstrong and won’t let you go easily. I’ll report to the commander. Once his aide arrives, even if the young master resists, he’ll comply. I ask your patience for a while."

"No matter!"

The rider’s nostrils flared—the fatigue of days on the road seemed to melt away in the honey’s scent. His gaze lingered on Hu San preparing the honey, and a smile appeared.

Zhao Feng withdrew, hurrying toward Wolfheart Stronghold. Before long, he returned, accompanied by a burly young man.

From afar, the young man called, "Young master, the old master orders you to apologize and release them. What kind of conduct is this?"

Zhao Feng shook his squad leader’s token, shouting, "Everyone, disperse at once—don’t block the road and upset our guests."

The rider recognized the squad leader’s token; seeing it, his doubts vanished.

Hu San glared at Zhao Feng, cursing, "You traitor! Reporting behind my back—just wait till I deal with you!"

The bandits poured all the honey onto a flat stone, setting out cups and saucers. Sunlight glinted off the surface, adding a refreshing coolness to early summer.

Zhao Feng could only smile wryly, watching Hu San invite his friends for tea. He turned to the rider, "The commander knows you have other duties and cannot invite you to the stronghold. The young master is preparing honey tea—our stronghold’s specialty. By the commander’s order, please have some to cool and refresh yourselves."

The rider hesitated—though this was Wolfheart Stronghold’s domain, and these men were certainly not imposters, their relaxed demeanor couldn’t be faked. Still, caution is wise.

With his experience, the rider knew their sincerity; the squad leader’s token confirmed their identity. Still, he hesitated to accept tea so freely—it wasn’t the way of merchants.

Before the rider could refuse, Hu San overheard and leapt up, shouting, "Zhao Feng, you traitor! Reporting is one thing, but giving away my honey tea? Do you know how much effort I spent on it?"

As they argued, the burly youth who’d come with Zhao Feng spoke up, "Young master, the old master said to serve honey tea to guests as punishment for your unauthorized mobilization. Otherwise, you’ll face a hundred lashes at home. The old master says you may choose, and I’ll faithfully record everything to report to him."

"You dog!"

Hu San’s face reddened; he drew his blade and lunged at the youth, but Lin Hu and Snake Fang quickly restrained him, pulling him aside and offering words of comfort.

Seeing this, the rider abandoned his refusal, and the other riders behind him found the scene amusing, bursting into laughter and making Hu San even more furious, yet helpless.

Here in Wolfheart Stronghold’s heartland, with their own people present, letting this stingy brat suffer a little was no harm. Besides, early summer wasn’t too hot, but after days on the road, everyone was exhausted, and the honey tea smelled divine.

A few riders conferred with their leader, and were tempted, rising and walking toward the boulder.

"Let everyone have some!"

Zhao Feng quickly called for his men to serve tea and began offering it to the caravan’s guards.