Chapter 1 The Beginning

On this expedition, Peng Jin was eager to earn merit, directly bringing two thousand bandits from Tiger Head Mountain to make a show of strength, while Zhou Jing's side still had the original two hundred lackeys from Red Cloud Mountain.

The group of more than two thousand traveled, stopping and going, and along the way, Peng Jin took the opportunity to describe the situation at Yellow Marsh Mountain.

"There are five leaders at Yellow Marsh Mountain, namely the chief 'Little Wenqu' Xu Gui, 'Bull-Wrestling Hand' Yu Zhen, 'Four-Armed Arhat' Tang Guang, 'Thousand-Mile Ear' Qiu Yong, 'Horse Prime Minister' Wang He... Their martial arts skills vary, but none of them are a match for Brother Hong. It's just that the chief Xu Gui, although his kung fu isn't anything special, is quite cunning and has managed Yellow Marsh Mountain very successfully."

Peng Jin's tone was tinged with jealousy.

Zhou Jing was curious: "How successful is it?"

Peng Jin explained: "There are three villages near Yellow Marsh Mountain that are in secret communication with the mountain stronghold, acting as their eyes and ears, guarding several key routes. At the slightest sign of trouble, these villagers will go up the mountain to report, and any outsiders who approach will inevitably alarm Yellow Marsh Mountain. In addition, their mountain stronghold's fortifications are quite complete, easy to defend and difficult to attack, and they have somehow acquired a lot of military equipment and armaments, making them very troublesome."

Hong Dingxian also chimed in from the side, speaking in a deep voice:

"In terms of martial arts, we naturally have the upper hand, but the leaders of Yellow Marsh Mountain rarely engage us in martial arts fights. Their stronghold's soldiers and horses are well-trained, advancing and retreating in an orderly manner, and their military formations are better than those of our Tiger Head Mountain. In previous competitions, we lost more often than we won, repeatedly suffering losses, and thus a feud was formed."

...Sounds like this Yellow Marsh Mountain chief is a thoughtful person, and his development is indeed quite good.

Zhou Jing blinked: "What's the background of this Xu Gui?"

"This person is a scholar, but he repeatedly failed the imperial examinations. I don't know why he ended up as an outlaw. It's been quite a few years now," Peng Jin replied.

Guo Haishen also said in a timely manner: "I have also visited Yellow Marsh Mountain. The leaders on the mountain are proficient in some unorthodox skills, but their martial arts are mediocre, so I'm not very interested. However, I do have some impression of the chief Xu Gui. This person handles matters with moderation and always has a book in his hands. He doesn't seem like a bandit, but more like a scholar."

Hearing this, Zhou Jing pondered to himself.

The style and approach of this Yellow Marsh Mountain are very different from those of Tiger Head Mountain. The leaders' skills are ordinary, and most of them have unique talents in other areas, so they don't rely on individual martial arts and bravery like Tiger Head Mountain.

Trying to lure them out for a martial arts duel will probably not be so easy...

Zhou Jing thought to himself.

...

The group traveled all the way, and it didn't take long to reach the territory of Yellow Marsh Mountain. They didn't deliberately avoid the villages at the foot of the mountain along the way.

One reason was that the villages were located on the main road into the mountain, making it difficult to avoid them. The second reason was that even the small paths in the mountains and forests had Yellow Marsh Mountain's roaming sentries.

It was difficult for a force of more than two thousand people to sneak into the territory that the other side had been operating in, not to mention that this was a blatant challenge, so they didn't avoid anyone. The group directly entered the main road to the mountain and went up the mountain as quickly as possible.

Before long, the Yellow Marsh Mountain stronghold came into view.

Hidden by dense forests, the terrain was treacherous.

The main stronghold was located on a protruding cliff, accessible by a hanging basket. Below the cliff was a branch stronghold, serving as a gateway, with more complete fortifications than Tiger Head Mountain. The branch stronghold's gate had arrow towers on both sides, as well as spiked moats and wooden barricades in front of the gate. Through the crenellations on the stronghold wall, one could see many bandits patrolling or standing guard, their defenses looking quite impressive.

Everything paled in comparison. Fang Zhen had originally thought that the Tiger Head Mountain stronghold was already quite easy to defend and difficult to attack, but now, seeing Yellow Marsh Mountain, he realized what a truly dangerous place was.

In comparison, the Tiger Head Mountain stronghold was simply undefended, like the difference between professional and amateur.

"How can such a treacherous terrain be attacked?"

Fang Zhen was greatly surprised.

Guo Haishen pondered and analyzed:

"If we want to take this stronghold, we must divide our forces into two groups. One group will attack the main stronghold from the other side of the mountain path, which must also be heavily guarded, and the other group will break through the branch stronghold below the cliff. Both groups are indispensable; otherwise, the troops from the main and branch strongholds can be transferred to each other at any time via the hanging basket, allowing them to fight or retreat."

Everyone nodded in agreement.

Zhou Jing stroked his chin and tutted, "This stronghold is indeed safe, easy to defend and difficult to attack, but I'm afraid of a landslide... Look, if the cliff above the main stronghold collapses, it can directly bury the..."

Hearing this, everyone's expression turned subtle.

One had to admit, that seemed to be the case...

But even with this weakness, it would still require an act of God. The cliff's rock wall was thick, and it didn't look like it would be prone to landslides.

Zhou Jing shook his head, tossed this idea aside, and brought the topic back to the main point: "We're not here to attack the stronghold, but to challenge them to a battle and lure them out."

Peng Jin quickly nodded, looked at Yellow Marsh Mountain, and then became puzzled:

"Strange, we haven't been concealing ourselves along the way, and Yellow Marsh Mountain's spies must have reported it. Why hasn't anyone stopped us along the way? In the past, when we challenged them, they would usually come out to fight. Why are they holed up this time?"

Just as the group was muttering, a middle-aged scholar in a blue robe suddenly appeared at the crenellations of the branch stronghold's wall.

This blue-robed scholar had a short beard under his chin and a lean appearance. He was the Yellow Marsh Mountain chief, "Little Wenqu" Xu Gui.

Xu Gui looked at the group of more than two thousand from afar and said loudly:

"What are you Tiger Head Mountain leaders doing in my Yellow Marsh Mountain territory?"

Hearing this, Peng Jin composed himself, stepped forward, and shouted loudly:

"Our two families have always been at odds. Today, I've brought my men to settle old scores and beat you Yellow Marsh Mountain into a pulp!"

On the way, they had discussed that this time, Tiger Head Mountain, as their old rival, would come forward and issue the challenge as usual.

Zhou Jing and the others would temporarily stay out of sight, hiding in the ranks, and then take action after the people were lured out, charging into the formation to capture the leaders.

Xu Gui didn't get angry when he heard this, but stroked his beard and smiled jokingly: "Why is Chief Peng in such a good mood today? Could it be that you've had a few too many cups?"

"Stop trying to be friendly with me. Come out and fight! Let's have a proper battle!"

Peng Jin raised his saber and pointed directly, shouting out the challenge.

Xu Gui remained unperturbed and said unhurriedly: "I'm not feeling well today and I'm not in the mood to play around with you. Besides, my stronghold's brothers' lives are precious. How can we have nothing better to do than to fight and be brave with you?"

At this moment, Shi Dong suddenly had a flash of inspiration and deliberately shouted:

"Could it be that you Yellow Marsh Mountain are afraid to accept the challenge? Hmph, a bunch of cowardly rats! I think you shouldn't be called Yellow Marsh Mountain anymore, but... but Indecent Marsh Mountain!"

He was reminded of how he had been defeated by Fang Zhen, so he started imitating him.

However, Xu Gui didn't get angry at all, but chuckled:

"It's been a while, Stone Leader, and you're starting to use your brain too, huh? But a mere taunt will only work on idiots with empty heads, right?"

"Who are you calling an idiot with an empty head!" Shi Dong blushed and became enraged.

Fang Zhen's mouth twitched as he listened, and he secretly kicked Shi Dong in the back to shut him up and stop embarrassing himself.

Xu Gui scanned the crowd and said slowly:

"Chief Peng, I'm not in the mood to compete with you these days. If you want to fight, then try attacking my stronghold. Otherwise, go back where you came from."

After saying this, he actually went down from the crenellations and no longer spoke to the crowd, riding the hanging basket back to the main stronghold on the cliff.

Peng Jin was dumbfounded.

The other side refused to accept the challenge, so he had no role to play.

Yellow Marsh Mountain was heavily guarded, and there were archers on duty. It was impossible for his two thousand men to attack head-on, so he could only stare blankly at the spot.

"That Xu guy is a real coward. What do we do now?" Shi Dong scratched his head.

"What's the rush? Let me think."

Peng Jin's face was a little embarrassed, and he racked his brains to think.

However, after thinking for several breaths, he couldn't come up with anything.

Zhou Jing rolled his eyes and said: "Don't bother. Let me think of a way."

"What's your brilliant plan, Brother?"

Peng Jin breathed a sigh of relief and quickly asked, eagerly.

Zhou Jing looked at the terrain of Yellow Marsh Mountain and then at the weather, his eyes flashed, and he had a plan.

"Since Yellow Marsh Mountain is unwilling to accept the challenge, we can't just wait here... How about this, you set up camp here and confront them, shouting insults every now and then. Stop shouting at night to give them a chance to rest. At that time, I'll quietly climb the mountain and sneak into their stronghold, launch an attack from within, and directly capture their leaders, forcing them to surrender. That way, things will be settled."

Since they had been turned away, the matter still had to be handled. Since they couldn't lure the opponent out of the stronghold, they could only resort to some extraordinary means.

Because Yellow Marsh Mountain had two strongholds, he couldn't be in two places at once, and doing another solo door-breaking wouldn't be as effective. Moreover, Yellow Marsh Mountain's defenses were far superior to those of Tiger Head Mountain. They had somehow acquired bows and arrows and arranged many archers to stand guard at the passes and arrow towers. If he wanted to break through the gate, he would have to face a wave of arrows, and there was a chance of getting injured.

Forcing his way in was certainly possible, but the risk was not small, so Zhou Jing thought it over and felt that it would be better to use a more flexible approach this time.

Although Yellow Marsh Mountain's terrain was treacherous, his skills were enough to climb it easily. As long as he took advantage of the night to avoid the sentries' line of sight, sneaking into the stronghold wouldn't be a problem. He could just carry out the assassination.

Guo Haishen was a little worried: "I'm afraid something might happen if Second Brother goes alone. Let me go with you."

Zhou Jing shook his head: "No need. It's easier for me to act alone. If I want to leave, they won't be able to stop me. Eldest Brother, you are also a master of martial arts. Just stay here to prevent any accidents."

Hearing this, Guo Haishen had no choice but to agree.

The others had seen Zhou Jing's bravery and did not object to this plan. They immediately did as Zhou Jing instructed, ordering the lackeys to set up camp on the spot and shout insults at Yellow Marsh Mountain.

...

At the same time, Xu Gui returned to the main stronghold and was discussing matters with the Yellow Marsh Mountain leaders in the main hall.

"Chief, that Tiger Head Mountain is our defeated opponent. How dare they attack us? If we stay holed up now, it will make us look afraid and increase their prestige for nothing!"

Another leader, Yu Zhen, complained loudly.

Xu Gui's eyes flickered, and he slowly said:

"Tiger Head Mountain came to challenge us without any warning. There must be something strange about it. I saw that Peng Jin seemed to want to lure us out, and although I don't know why, we can't let him have his way. Let's just let him shout outside and ignore him to see what he does."

The leaders nodded and accepted this explanation.

Although Xu Gui was almost completely ignorant of martial arts and was the weakest of the leaders, he had led Yellow Marsh Mountain to rise in these years, and the leaders had long been convinced by him.

Xu Gui stroked his beard and pondered:

"Peng Jin dared to block my stronghold with two thousand men. He must have something to rely on, but I don't know what it is. However, his arrogance has given me an opportunity. If we seize the opportunity and take down Peng Jin and the others, we can annex Tiger Head Mountain, and my Yellow Marsh Mountain will be the only dominant force in Lu River!"

The leaders' eyes lit up, and they became excited at the prospect of this tempting pie.

"What's your plan, Chief?" someone asked.

Xu Gui thought for a moment, the corners of his mouth curved up, and he said with a chuckle:

"Let's first see what Peng Jin does. If he sets up camp outside and refuses to leave, then we will divide our forces into two groups tonight and launch a night attack. One group will take the troops from the lower stronghold and attack head-on, while the other group will leave the stronghold through the secret passage and encircle the opponent's rear. Attacking from both sides, we will surely be able to capture Peng Jin's group completely!"

He knew the way of the cunning rabbit with three burrows. Not only did he build the Yellow Marsh Mountain strongholds on this terrain with different elevations, but he also ordered people to dig several secret passages connecting to the outside world, so that outsiders would not know about them.

Just as everyone was discussing, one person sitting at the end suddenly spoke:

"Chief, please wait. May I say something?"

Yellow Marsh Mountain originally had five leaders, but now there were six people sitting in the hall. The person speaking was the extra person.

Hearing this, Xu Gui looked at this person and said with a smile:

"Brother Deng Zhi, speak your mind freely."

This sixth person was Deng Zhi, who had once served as the commander of the cavalry in Anlin Prefecture. Now he had become the sixth leader of Yellow Marsh Mountain. He had only recently become an outlaw, and had not yet made a name for himself in the bandit world. The outside world did not yet know about him.

He was now much thinner and had been tattooed on the face.

Deng Zhi held onto the armrest of the chair and said in a deep voice: "When I looked down from the stronghold just now, I saw that Chen Feng was hiding in the formation. You have only heard of his name, but you don't recognize him. I have fought with him, and I will never forget his appearance. I will never be mistaken!"

"Are you talking about the Soul-Reaping Yama?!"

Xu Gui and the leaders were stunned. They didn't expect to make such a discovery.

Deng Zhi nodded: "After Chen Feng wreaked havoc in Anlin Prefecture, he disappeared. Now he's mixed up with Tiger Head Mountain, most likely as a bandit there... Chief, you just said that Tiger Head Mountain has something to rely on. In my opinion, it must be this Chen Feng!"

Another leader was puzzled: "This Soul-Reaping Yama is skilled in martial arts. I've heard of that, but can he be Tiger Head Mountain's reliance with just one person?"

"Everyone, do not underestimate this man!!"

Deng Zhi immediately shouted, a flash of fear in his eyes.

Seeing everyone stunned by his roar, Deng Zhi calmed down slightly and said seriously:

"You don't know this person's abilities, but I have seen them with my own eyes. That Chen Feng has the courage of ten thousand men, and his aura of ferocity is like a demon star descending! If he charges into the formation without you knowing, the morale of the soldiers will plummet, and they will collapse in an instant! The Tiger Head Mountain is deliberately challenging us outside. That should be their plan!"

"Then does Brother Deng have a way to defeat him?"

Xu Gui frowned and asked worriedly.

Deng Zhi took a deep breath, his expression resentful, and gritted his teeth:

"This Chen Feng caused me to lose my official position. I hate him to the bone, and I have been imagining how to deal with him for months. This person cannot be defeated by ordinary people. You can use at least five hundred swordsmen and pikemen to form a formation and trap him in the formation, squeezing and surrounding him to death! Or dig a pit and lure him into it. After he falls into the trap, use a rain of arrows to kill him!"

Xu Gui pondered for a while, but shook his head:

"If this Chen Feng is so capable, then I have developed a love for talent. If we capture this person this time, it's best to keep him alive and invite him up the mountain to join us, so that my Yellow Marsh Mountain can gain this brave general."

"Chief, think twice! If you hold back, I'm afraid you will fail!"

Deng Zhi became anxious and quickly persuaded him.

Xu Gui waved his hand and said: "Don't worry, I will deal with it carefully. If it really can't be done, I can only kill him... By the way, Brother Deng was once an official army commander and is proficient in the art of war. He is a talented person in my stronghold's military affairs. It just so happens that this Chen Feng has a grudge against you, so how about Brother Deng leading the soldiers to handle this matter?"

Deng Zhi's expression stiffened, and his heart was immediately in turmoil.

His experience in Anlin Prefecture had scared him out of his wits, and a deep fear remained in his heart. He subconsciously dared not deal with Zhou Jing.

But now he had thousands of soldiers in hand, and the large number of people gave Deng Zhi a little confidence.

He hesitated for a while, then gritted his teeth, got up, cupped his fists, and said decisively:

"That Soul-Reaping Yama wreaked havoc in Anlin Prefecture that day and cut off the prefect's arm. I was also implicated and was sentenced by the government for failing to protect and deserting my post. I was to be exiled to the borderlands. Fortunately, the chief rescued me on the way, and I escaped. Since I came up the mountain, I have not made any contributions. I am willing to be the vanguard in this battle!"

Seeing this, Xu Gui smiled and nodded with satisfaction:

"If we can defeat the Tiger Head Mountain army in this battle and capture this Chen Feng alive, Brother Deng will be credited with the first merit!"

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