Daily Intelligence System: Don't Kill Me, Honey! Chapter 1541 - 352: How Could He Be This Strong

Iron Neck Mountain?

Gazing at the sharp, uneven stones and thick woodland of the lofty peak in front of them, a heavy unease gripped the entire group. As veteran wanderers in the Jianghu, they understood that outlaws were surely hiding on top of this elevated terrain.

A region where serpents and beasts lurk, a territory dominated by free-roaming thieves.

For these travelers to get through, they suspected that conflict was unavoidable.

Xu Caijin summoned the steward and instructed, "Go find Master Li."

At these words, the steward hurried off to locate Master Li, and shortly after, Master Li appeared.

"Third Young Lady."

Master Li appeared as a slender fighter, highly capable, reaching the Wolf Smoke Realm stage, which marked him as quite strong among ordinary people. Back in Mianshui County before, he outmatched Nan Batian several times over. Nan Batian wouldn't even qualify to carry his footwear.

Xu Caijin bowed to Master Li and asked, "Master Li, we're nearing Iron Neck Mountain. Are there bandits up there?"

In response, Master Li stated, "Yes, Iron Neck Mountain hosts a band of robbers, commanded by a figure called Mountain Climbing Vine. He's an expert in the Rainbow Realm. To cross this mountain, we'll probably need to offer some gold and silver."

Hearing this, Xu Caijin inquired, "Master Li, what amount do you estimate is required?"

Master Li pondered briefly and replied, "I encountered Mountain Climbing Vine once; let's begin with 300 taels."

Xu Caijin gave a slight nod.

At the same time, within the Iron Neck Mountain stronghold, a robust fellow was carefully serving wine to two white-clad men bearing swords and displaying haughty demeanors.

The white garments featured "Kunlun" stitched on the right chest area.

Truly, these two were Kunlun Sect disciples, and their white attire indicated elevated rank, equivalent to elder status.

Right then, the pair turned to Mountain Climbing Vine and declared, "When you spot the girl with facial sores from the image we provided, notify us at once. She is a person the Kunlun Sect seeks."

To this, Mountain Climbing Vine answered deferentially, "Don't worry, brave heroes. If I catch sight of this girl, I'll definitely let you know. Kindly have some tea."

Observing Mountain Climbing Vine's willing cooperation, the two felt pleased. In the Shanxi and Shaanxi areas, aside from King Qi Residence, who else would fail to honor the Kunlun Sect?

As Mountain Climbing Vine tended warily to his visitors, sounds of rushing feet echoed from outside, with a bunch of underling bandits dashing in to report to Mountain Climbing Vine, "Boss, they're coming, they're coming—the plump targets have arrived!"

Mountain Climbing Vine scowled and responded, "What fat sheep nonsense? Have the Third Master inspect them first. Don't you see I have distinguished guests present?"

"Oh, right, right..."

The underlings quickly agreed and dashed away.

Mountain Climbing Vine then turned back with a jovial expression to the two Kunlun visitors. The men eyed Mountain Climbing Vine and commented, "The boss has matters to handle; go take care of your affairs first."

Mountain Climbing Vine laughed and said, "What affairs? Nothing ranks higher than entertaining you two honored guests, haha..."

...

"Miss."

The caravan progressed steadily and finally reached the base of Iron Neck Mountain, where a hole had been excavated smack in the road's center, with a young tree planted inside it.

It stood squarely in everyone's way.

These veteran guards weren't naive; they instantly knew it signaled a blockade, an obvious setup for plunder.

Their faces darkened. That's when Master Li approached Vice Leader Ma and Leader Sun Cong. Master Li questioned, "Sirs, what's our next move?"

Before Sun Cong could respond, Vice Leader Ma interjected, "Looks like they're demanding a passage fee."

"Setting a tree to obstruct the path is thief slang: This mountain is mine to claim, and this tree is mine to plant."

At that, Master Li remarked, "Ah, I grasp the custom. The chief agrees to pay 300 taels of silver for safe passage this time; who among us will handle the talks?"

Vice Leader Ma replied, "That falls to Leader Sun, of course."

After saying this, Sun Cong shot him a look, and Master Li turned to Sun Cong, suggesting, "Shall I request Leader Sun to step up?"

Sun Cong answered, "Fine."

As the head, handling mountain crossings fell to him. He accepted the silver from Master Li and walked toward the little tree, scanning the area.

He deposited the silver into the hole beside the sapling, cupped his hands, and called out to the woods around, "Salutations to the three elders and four young ones. I'm Sun Cong, head of Zhen Nan Escort Agency from Huangzhou Prefecture. Traversing your noble territory today, I see the peaks are pristine, the streams pure, and the bounty plentiful. I've placed 300 taels of silver here to forge ties with the mountain's valiant souls, in hopes that on later journeys, we'll watch each other's backs in the Jianghu."

"I trust the three elders and four young ones of the mountain will show their faces, allowing us to build camaraderie."

With those words spoken, Sun Cong leaned to yank the sapling free, following the escort trade's tradition that after settling the fee, one could remove the barrier. Then, upon clearing the path, the robbers could collect the payment and head back up.

Yet this day proved unusual; as Sun Cong stooped, an arrow zipped into the hole by the tree, jolting him and forcing his hand away in haste.

A shrill whistle followed.

Moments later, hordes of bandits poured out, filling the trees thickly. Shortly, a fellow astride a massive steed, wielding a massive Wolf Fang Club, rode up.

Sun Cong retreated a step and, hands clasped, asked, "Might you be the chief?"

The rider on the great horse eyed Sun Cong and declared, "No, the chief I'm not. My family name is Kong; I'm the Third Master here at the stronghold."

Sun Cong saluted again with clasped hands, "Honors to Third Master."

Third Master Kong looked over Sun Cong and stated, "You seem versed in the ways. Drop the cargo and carts; the rest of you can clear off."

Huh!

At this demand, the whole party recoiled in shock. They realized bandits typically avoided excess. Normally, upon meeting groups like escort firms, they'd merely take a nominal toll, given the steady flow of merchant traffic. If every passing trade group got looted clean, who'd risk commerce? Without traders to target, what would sustain them?