It was a rare occasion that Dongguan visited Azure Dragon Fort, and Madam Lu was greatly taken with the place. Since we couldn't bear to disappoint her, we ended up staying for a full four days. On the morning of the fourth day, we bid farewell to Lu Tong and the others early on and set out on the road back to Earth City.

Finally, just before sunset, we made it back to the inn in Earth City. "Star Kid, you’re back," Qing Niang, the innkeeper, called out to us from a distance. "En," we all gave slight nods.

"There’s a letter waiting for you," Qing Niang said, pulling out an envelope from a drawer and handing it to me. Ah, it must be a letter from home. I was overjoyed.

I quickly tore open the envelope, while Long Xin and Long Qi, along with the others, leaned in curiously. "Family emergency, return quickly." A chill ran down my spine. The signature was Chen Zhen’s.

The handwriting was scrawled, suggesting Chen Zhen must have been incredibly anxious when writing this. Something big must have happened back home, and certainly nothing good. If it didn't directly concern me, Chen Zhen wouldn't have sent the letter here.

The only people directly related to me are Mother and Chen Feng. Could something have happened to them? My heart hammered in panic.

"Ah!" Long Qi and Long Xin next to me also showed expressions of grave concern. "Boss, I need to go home first!" I was frantic, wishing I could fly back to the village immediately. "But it’s getting very late," Long Xin said, though she was also worried, her point was valid.

"We can't wait," I bolted out of the inn and sprinted toward the stable. "Xing Chen, no matter what happens, write to us if you need anything," Long Xin urged anxiously. "We will definitely rush over." "I will." With that, I leaped onto my horse and, into the deepening night, began my journey home.

There are three routes from Meng Chong to Bi Qi. The sea route takes three months. Another involves crossing the Serpent Valley, which would take at least forty days even at the fastest pace.

The shortest, but also the most perilous, route cuts through the Woma Forest. However, with my strength greatly increased, I naturally didn't fear such dangers. Furthermore, I had traversed the Woma Forest once before, so I was familiar with the path.

Although I had firmly resolved never to enter the Woma Forest again, this was undeniably the quickest road back to Bi Qi. It took me just over twenty days to cross the Woma Forest from Meng Chong; the hardships and perils encountered along the way are too numerous to recount. In the distance, I could finally see the thick, palisade walls of Silver Maple Village.

Fallen leaves swirled through the village, presenting a desolate scene devoid of any human figure. A strong premonition of dread settled in my heart. I spurred my horse straight toward my home.

But after slamming open the door, the interior was also empty. What was going on? I rushed out of the house and ran toward the residence of the Lord of the House.

The manor gates stood wide open, and on the large lawn before them stood hundreds of retainers, women, and children, every one of them clad in mourning sackcloth, their faces etched with sorrow. The younger retainers, however, clenched their fists, their expressions filled with indignation and grief. No, it couldn’t be.

Fear seized me, paralyzing me. Sackcloth and mourning… Had something happened to Mother? Amidst the crowd, I instantly spotted Chen Zhen.

"Brother Chen Zhen, where is my mother?" I couldn't wait, charging into the throng and seizing Chen Zhen’s arm. "Xiao Man, you’ve finally returned." Chen Zhen’s face was wet with sorrow. He looked at me, hesitating to speak, which only stoked my anxiety to a fever pitch.

"Just say it! Where is my mother?" I roared this out, channeling my fighting spirit to its limit, the sound echoing across the entire scene, drawing the attention of everyone present. "Xiao Man, your mother was only captured.

She is safe for now," Chen Zhen said quickly. "What? Captured?

Who—who captured my mother?" I nearly broke. Heavens, why would this happen? I lost all composure instantly.

"Xiao Man. Calm down, listen to me," Chen Zhen said, placing a restraining hand on me. "Yes, I must be calm.

I have to stay calm," I forced myself to soothe the violently pounding heart in my chest. "A month ago..." In just a few minutes, Chen Zhen clearly recounted the entire sequence of events. It turned out that a month prior, a band of thieves of unknown affiliation had attacked the village.

But unlike previous incidents, the Lord of the House was away, transporting a crucial shipment of medicinal herbs to the great city of Bi Qi, so the number of guards remaining in the village was small. The bandits exploited this oversight, broke into the village, stole vast amounts of gold and valuables, and abducted many people who were inside, mostly women and children. Among those taken were my mother, the Lady of the House, the Young Master, and the Young Miss—over a hundred people in total.

They left a demand: if they wanted their captives returned, they were to prepare fifty million gold coins and deliver them to Kunlong Stronghold, located at the junction of the Serpent Valley and the Woma Forest! When the Lord of the House returned and learned the news, he reluctantly complied, delivering the money to Kunlong Stronghold. To his surprise, the bandits not only refused to release the hostages but demanded another fifty million.

The Lord of the House realized the Kunlong bandits had no intention of letting anyone go, so he sent an urgent request for aid to Silver Maple City. Reinforcements were quickly dispatched from the city. However, the bandits of Kunlong Mountain were too formidable; the forces sent by Silver Maple City could not breach the stronghold and suffered heavy casualties.

A stalemate ensued. The Kunlong bandits then issued a new ultimatum: if the ransom was not delivered and the army withdrawn by the twentieth of the month, they would execute all the captives. The sackcloth worn by the crowd was in mourning for the retainers who sacrificed themselves defending the village.

"What about Brother Chen Feng?" I asked, forcing down the surging anger. "Chen Feng is with the army now," Chen Zhen replied. "So, Brother Chen Feng is safe!" A layer of worry lifted from my heart.

"Why are these bandits so brazen, challenging the army directly?" In my experience, common folk never openly fought officials, and while these bandits weren't exactly law-abiding citizens, they shouldn't be this arrogant. "There’s nothing to be done. Kunlong Mountain’s terrain is treacherous and difficult to assault.

No matter how many troops the army sends, the bandits can defend their stronghold easily. Even if they took the fortress, the mountain forest lies right behind them; if the bandits scatter into the woods, the army is powerless." Chen Zhen sighed helplessly. "Banditry in Kunlong Mountain has been a problem for a long time.

The army has organized several punitive expeditions, but with little success. Many villages, unable to bear the menace, even issued Ranger Quests to eliminate them, all ending in failure. Over time, they could only adopt preventative measures, strengthening guards in villages, and the bandits had fewer chances to strike.

But this time, one lapse in vigilance gave them the opportunity they needed." Is that so! Those damned bastards, I hope they don't fall into my hands, or I will make them suffer a terrible end. I rarely lose my temper, but this time I was truly enraged.

They actually abducted the only family I had left in this world. A nameless, furious fire erupted in my chest. Mother has been held in that den of thieves for a full month.

I dared not imagine her condition. Just thinking about what might happen to my mother’s exquisite face falling into the hands of mountain bandits spurred a mad impulse in me. These people deserve death.

Having learned the situation, I was unwilling to waste another second and turned to leave, only to be pulled back by Chen Zhen. "Where are you going?" "To save my mother!" I wrenched myself free from Chen Zhen. "Xiao Man, don't be impulsive.

What can you do alone?" Chen Zhen looked anxious. "Xiao Man! Just wait here.

The Lord of the House will surely bring them back!" Uncle Wei from the crowd caught me in a tight embrace. "If you go like that, you're just throwing your life away!" "Let go of me, Uncle Wei," I gasped, held tightly by Uncle Wei’s bear-like grip. "I know exactly what kind of temper you have," Uncle Wei showed no sign of loosening his hold.

"Ah Chong only has you as his sole heir; I won't let you go die." "Damn it!" I was fuming, so angry my lungs felt ready to burst. At that moment, I couldn't afford to care about anything else. I suddenly unleashed my strength.

My fighting energy burst forth in an instant. Boom! Uncle Wei’s massive, bear-like body was sent flying backward.

Without looking back, I bolted away! "Boom! Ouch!

You wicked boy, stop right there!" I heard the anxious shouts of Uncle Wei and the others behind me. Chen Zhen also lunged after me, "Wait for me!" "..." I had no time for pleasantries. I continued running toward home, where my warhorse was.

"Even if you go, you need to know the way," Chen Zhen, panting heavily, called from behind. I suddenly stopped dead and turned back. "You’re not here to stop me." "Stop you for what?" Chen Zhen reached me, gasping.

"Even if you weren't going, I would!" "Good man." I sprinted again. "I'll go home to get my horse. Meet me at the village entrance." "Hurry up." On the main road, two swift horses cut through the darkness like the wind, leaving behind two gray streaks.

Finally, only the faint, hurried sound of hooves could be heard in the distance. The crescent moon hung high! Below Kunlong Mountain.

On the wide grassland, military tents stretched out in rows. Inside the largest tent at the center, dozens of warriors, mages, and priests dressed as high-level Rangers paced back and forth anxiously. "Old Ye!

Can the City Lord truly invite a master of the Scarlet Moon level?" "He definitely can," Ye Xiang Tian replied, his expression grave. "This time, no matter the cost, we must completely annihilate these lawless bandits. Even if it costs a fortune." Clop, clop, clop, clop!

The sound of intense, rapid hoofbeats echoed outside the tent. "They're here!" Everyone couldn't help but show looks of relief. The tent flaps were soon thrown open, and over a dozen Scarlet Moon Rangers, clad in God of War Armor, Demon Robes, and Ghostly Battle Suits, filed in.

The one leading them was none other than Ye Xiang Zhen, the City Lord of Silver Maple City. The dozen or so Scarlet Moon Rangers behind him were strangers to the assembled group. To his left was a golden-haired female mage of stunning beauty and a graceful figure, wearing the standard attire of a Scarlet Moon Mage.

Her expression was cold; a mere sweep of her eyes sent a chilling sensation through everyone present. To his right stood a tall warrior with blue hair and blue eyes, also in Scarlet Moon Warrior gear. His bearing exuded a majestic, almost kingly dominance that inspired respect.

Slightly behind them was a Scarlet Moon Priest, but he wore a Priest's helmet, obscuring his features. Yet, by instinct, everyone sensed he was no ordinary person. Following these three were six Scarlet Moon Warriors, two Scarlet Moon Priests, and five Scarlet Moon Mages.

Every one of them wore stern expressions, their eyes holding a fierce glint—clearly individuals of immense power. The dozens waiting inside couldn't help but reveal their joy. It seemed the City Lord had brought formidable helpers this time.

"City Lord," Ye Xiang Tian bowed respectfully. "The forces are assembled. When do we charge Kunlong Mountain?" The dozens behind him also looked eager to fight.

"We have also dispatched experts from the villages surrounding Silver Maple City to assist the military action; they await the City Lord's command at any moment!" A middle-aged man dressed as a mage spoke; he was the Village Chief of Fallen Leaf Village. The others were clearly village chiefs or clan leaders, and they nodded slightly. It appeared the bandit menace of Kunlong Mountain had caused great suffering to the surrounding villages, and everyone hoped to seize this chance to eradicate the Kunlong bandits completely.

Even though the odds seemed slim, no one wanted to miss this opportunity. "Gentlemen!" Ye Xiang Zhen raised a hand slightly, and the tent instantly fell silent. "This siege operation is a matter of necessity for the military, and to ensure success, I have specially invited the masters from the Divine Moon Palace to reinforce us." "Could it be the Divine Moon Palace from White Sun Heaven Gate?" Ye Xiang Tian quickly asked.

"Indeed." Ye Xiang Zhen nodded, smiling faintly, and gestured toward the severe-looking Scarlet Moon experts behind him. "Yan Kong of the Flying Tiger Hall, Divine Moon Palace, pays respects to you all." Ye Xiang Zhen indicated the tall, blue-haired, blue-eyed warrior to his right, who stepped forward and spoke in a clear, resounding voice. "Raging Tiger Yan Kong!" Everyone present gasped in surprise.

"It's actually Raging Tiger Yan Kong! Now we can definitely wipe out those despicable bandits!" Raging Tiger Yan Kong was renowned not only for his powerful fighting energy but also for his mastery of its application—a supreme expert among warriors of the same level. He could freely manifest his energy to create bizarre, unpredictable killing moves that were impossible to guard against.

He was considered a top talent among the younger generation of the era, which explained the astonishment of the crowd. A wave of enthusiastic cheering erupted in the tent, and Yan Kong allowed a faint smile to grace his lips. After all, the Divine Moon Palace of White Sun Heaven Gate was one of the nine strongest factions in the world.

Its thirteen Hall Masters were all supremely powerful, ranked among the top hundred masters on the Marfa High Master List. It was only natural that local heroes like Ye Xiang Tian, whose cultivation only reached the level of High Warrior, would show such reverence. Many couldn't resist approaching Yan Kong to strike up a conversation, and Yan Kong appeared poised and smiling, seemingly having ample reserve strength—handling such attention seemed second nature to him.

"Yan Luo of the Flying Cloud Hall, Divine Moon Palace," the golden-haired female mage maintained her icy demeanor. She didn't even glance at her surroundings, yet her crisp, cold voice still struck a chord of breathtaking surprise and agitation. "Madwoman Yan Luo!" This time, the cheers were even louder than before, yet no one dared approach to chat.

The world knew that the beautiful Madwoman Yan Luo possessed a frigid temperament and offered courtesy to no one. She was the most feared figure in the Divine Moon Palace. Madwoman Yan Luo specialized in instant magic; spells like Flash and Ice Roar, which possessed immense destructive power and wide area damage, were as effortless for her as casting a Fireball was for an ordinary mage.

Moreover, her movements were agile; ordinary warriors found it nearly impossible to close the distance. Coupled with her cold disposition and merciless strikes, she was someone easily avoided in the Ranger world. Her appearance here moved everyone deeply.

"Yan Zhen of the Flying Leaf Hall, Divine Moon Palace," the priest-clad man behind them stated in a low voice. This man also spoke sparingly, but he was clearly a ruthless character. "Mad Daoist Yan Zhen." Someone immediately recognized Yan Zhen’s name.

A man's reputation precedes him; Mad Daoist Yan Zhen was historically infamous for his treachery and cruelty. He once single-handedly destroyed six Level Seven factions, a glorious achievement. He had only one ultimate skill: poison.

His poison was ubiquitous, formless, and invisible. In the entire Ranger world, no one was willing to confront such an opponent. "With the support of these three Hall Masters from the Divine Moon Palace, we will definitely level the wicked bandits of Kunlong Mountain this time!" Everyone's confidence soared.

Ye Xiang Zhen looked at the agitated crowd in the tent, greatly satisfied. "This forced assault on Kunlong Stronghold is bound to succeed without fail." "Roar! Victory!

Victory! Victory!" The atmosphere in the tent reached a fever pitch, and even the masters of the Divine Moon Palace were deeply moved. It was evident that these local heroes placed great expectations on them.

"Since the forces are assembled! We should start planning the strategy for this forced attack on the stronghold!" Ye Xiang Zhen gestured, and silence immediately fell. "We will follow the City Lord's command in all matters." At the same time, on Kunlong Mountain.

In the central hall of Kunlong Stronghold, everything was brightly lit. Along two rows of benches, figures sat solemnly, their gazes fixed on a red-haired woman pacing back and forth in the center. If Xing Chen were present, he would surely be shocked.

These people could be none other than Chi Yan and her faction of the Raging Dragon Gang. "The Pigeon Group reports! The Silver Maple City military force below has successfully invited experts from the Divine Moon Palace to aid them!" A young High Priest rushed into the hall and delivered the latest intelligence.

"They have finally arrived," Chi Yan said calmly. "I didn't expect to fight him again so soon," Chi Xiao muttered darkly. "Chi Jiao's vengeance can finally be exacted," Chi Kun gritted his teeth, clearly viewing avenging Chi Jiao as his utmost priority.

"It’s a pity that the blue-clothed swordsman with the fast sword—we still haven't found his whereabouts, otherwise..." "Don't worry about that. As long as he reappears, we will definitely dig him out," Chi Xiao asserted. "That is a matter for later," Chi Yan said calmly.

"Let's focus on what's in front of us. This entire setup we’ve painstakingly prepared was aimed at luring the experts of the Divine Moon Palace here. Now that they have truly arrived, we must not let this opportunity slip away easily." "This time, we must wipe them out completely," Chi Xiao declared.

"The Divine Moon Palace surely never expected that in a tiny Kunlong Stronghold, they would find us, their old adversaries!" Chi Kun sneered. "Since we have the foresight and they are caught unprepared, they have already lost half the battle before it even begins." No one suspected that two months ago, the Raging Dragon Gang had already made thorough preparations for this day’s battle. All of this was thanks to the Raging Dragon Gang's incredibly powerful intelligence network.

The Pigeon Group had uncovered a critical piece of information: the Divine Moon Palace had a highly important mission in the Bi Qi Zombie Cave that must be completed. Based on this intelligence, the Raging Dragon Gang began its intense planning. Silver Maple Village had truly suffered an undeserved calamity.

In truth, the bandits who originally occupied the area had long been secretly eliminated and replaced by members of the Raging Dragon Gang. This replacement was finalized before Chi Jiao even launched that campaign. "At first, I worried that the Divine Moon Palace might ignore the plea from the Silver Maple City Lord, especially the aloof Yan Luo.

But I never expected that the one leading the charge this time would be Yan Kong. Given his reputation-seeking nature, he would certainly agree to the Silver Maple City Lord's request," Chi Yan said calmly. "So, it seems even Heaven is helping us." "It's a shame the Divine Moon Palace only sent three branch halls this time," Chi Kun maintained his gloomy expression.

"Be satisfied," Chi Xie remarked. "Three halls are still a quarter of the Divine Moon Palace’s strength. That will sting them for a while." "The rest is just waiting for them to step into the trap," Chi Xiao was already impatient.

"I truly want to see the Madwoman Yan Luo crying for her daddy." "I doubt it," Chi Xie replied. "That woman, even if you put a knife to her throat, might not even blink." "Madwoman Yan Luo," a fierce look flashed in Chi Yan's eyes. "This time, you will surely die."