C13 Return to the Mountain Village

Lee Fei was at a loss for words and felt compelled to remind her, "Miss, let's get two things straight: first, I'm a bandit, and second, these ten carts of goods now belong to me, not you."

Lee Furong protested vehemently, "But those are clearly the Lee family's goods. Are you really going to side with them and contribute to this injustice?"

"Miss, please refrain from speaking," Jiang Kun implored with a look of terror directed at Lee Fei. "I beg your pardon, sir. My young lady meant no disrespect. If you could spare her, I, Jiang Kun, would be eternally grateful and pledge my loyalty to you, ready to serve in any capacity to repay your generosity."

At that moment, his severed arm was haphazardly bandaged with scraps of cloth, and the excitement caused fresh blood to seep through.

Jiang Kun was deeply frightened by the magic Lee Fei had used, worried that Lee Furong's provocations might lead to a lethal response.

Lee Fei felt a twinge of interest upon hearing this. He saw potential in Jiang Kun and thought that if he could win him over, he would gain a reliable follower.

Narrowing his eyes, Lee Fei said, "Are you sure about this? Following me means living the life of an outlaw."

Jiang Kun, head bowed, replied with conviction, "I've given it plenty of thought. I'm unencumbered by family ties, and I have no dependents. Becoming an outlaw is of no consequence to me."

Feigning contemplation, Lee Fei turned to Lee Furong and announced, "In light of Jiang Kun's plea, I'll let you go. Make haste before I reconsider."

Lee Furong was visibly resistant, while the other four were visibly elated, showering her with thanks. They eagerly ushered the reluctant Lee Furong away, knowing that if the young miss was safe, the Suzerain would be lenient with them upon their return to Emberhollow.

"Release me," Lee Furong demanded, pushing the others away with a defiant look. She confronted Jiang Kun, "Have you lost your senses? What future lies with a bandit? Forget the goods; come back to Emberhollow with me."

Jiang Kun, head still lowered, fought back tears as he responded, "Please, young miss, say no more."

Lee Furong was resolute. "If it weren't for your selfless protection, I would not be alive. I cannot abandon you here alone."

Jiang Kun finally broke down in tears, his shoulders shaking uncontrollably.

Lee Fei spoke with a hint of irritation, "Are you trying to play the tragic hero for me? If you're not keen on leaving, fine, come back to the hideout with us. You're not married yet, are you?"

Upon hearing this, Black Dog quickly responded, "Head Honcho, I'm still unattached."

Their exchange frightened Lee Furong out of her wits. Glancing at Black Dog's countenance, she felt a wave of revulsion.

Jiang Kun pressed her, "Miss, you must go now. I can no longer offer you protection."

Lee Furong, frustrated and torn between her attachment to Jiang Kun and her aversion to marrying Black Dog, made a difficult decision and ultimately walked away.

Black Dog's face was etched with disappointment, lamenting the missed opportunity.

Lee Fei gestured to Black Dog and inquired, "Is there a healer in our stronghold?"

Black Dog answered, "Uh, no, Head Honcho, we don't have one."

After a moment's thought, Lee Fei turned to Jiang Kun, "Here's what you'll do: head back to Wreah County to get your wounds treated. Once you're out of danger, come find me in the stronghold."

Jiang Kun pondered, deeply moved, 'Why does he trust me so much? Isn't he worried I might not come back once I'm healed?'

Overwhelmed with gratitude, Jiang Kun looked earnestly at Lee Fei, his body shaking as he knelt down and said, "Sir, you have shown me great kindness. I, Jiang Kun, will repay you with my life. Please accept my deepest bow."

Lee Fei smiled slightly and dismissed the formality, "A man should only kneel to the heavens, the earth, and his parents. We don't do that here. By the way, do you have enough money?"

Jiang Kun sheepishly shook his head. Lee Fei then instructed Black Dog to collect some money, eventually amassing over twenty taels of silver, and hurried Jiang Kun to get back to town quickly to avoid dying from blood loss on the way.

Afterward, Lee Fei rallied everyone to return to the hideout with the ten carts of loot they had acquired, taking the opportunity to discuss the stronghold's affairs with Black Dog.

Their stronghold was known as Black Dragon Keep, situated atop Plymhazy Mount, just a mile from Wreah County. Black Dragon Keep had been established less than a month prior. The mount had been previously occupied by a small band of bandits, numbering only a few dozen, who were vanquished by Heilong and his followers, after which the place was officially renamed Black Dragon Keep.

The Keep's recent formation meant the bandits had not yet developed a strong loyalty to Heilong, which is why Lee Fei was able to easily bring them under his control.

Heilong had once been an officer in the military academy of Ping Xia City. During the seventh year of the Yuan You era, tensions between Qouprovia and Xixia escalated, with war looming on the horizon. Heilong, lacking courage, contemplated defecting to Xixia. However, after two major defeats, Xixia was in ruins, and Heilong, realizing the tide had turned, fled.

He spent over a decade in hiding, and during this year's famine, many desperate people were forced to abandon their homes. Some perished from hunger, while others turned to banditry. Heilong gathered these individuals to his cause.

Black Dragon Keep had a singular rule: abandon your former name upon joining, and adopt a nickname by which fellow bandits would address you.

The second-in-command at the Keep was a woman. Described by Black Dog, she was a beauty without equal—willow-leaf eyebrows, large, dewy eyes, a delicate oval face, and a petite, graceful figure. To call her a celestial nymph would not be an overstatement.

Upon hearing Black Dog speak of the second-in-command, Lee Fei's mouth watered. He gestured dismissively, "Enough. If such a woman existed, she wouldn't be up in the mountains thieving."

"Alas, as beautiful as she is, she's a venomous creature," Black Dog lamented. "She keeps the company of toxic beasts. To get intimate with her could mean death by snakebite before you've even shed your clothes."

Curious, Lee Fei inquired, "Has anyone in the Keep ever attempted to court her?"

Shaking his head, Black Dog replied, "Those who have tried are all dead. So, I really wouldn't know."

Lee Fei cocked his head, pondering for a moment. Realizing the truth in the statement, he refrained from further questioning.

Upon ascending Plymhazy Mount, Lee Fei was met with the so-called stronghold. To call it a stronghold was generous—it was nothing more than a simple wooden fence.

At the entrance, there wasn't even a proper gate. Any small detachment of soldiers could easily overrun the place.

Moreover, the terrain of Plymhazy Mount was too gentle to defend effectively. Lee Fei resolved that once he reclaimed his belongings, he would find a more suitable hideout. This location was far too perilous.

Hearing noises from outside the stronghold, a group of elders and women emerged, each brandishing a torch. Their faces lit up with excitement at the sight of the ten fully loaded carriages.

Soon after, a woman with a bold sense of fashion stepped forward. She wore only a short top, revealing her slightly protruding belly, embodying the beauty that Black Dog had described as beyond words.

Black Dog approached, gesturing towards Lee Fei, "Second-in-command, this is our new Head Honcho, endowed with extraordinary skills."

The second-in-command cast an intrigued glance at Lee Fei, then became captivated by the four skeleton soldiers by his side.

Far from being scared, she stepped forward eagerly and inquired, "Where did these skeletons come from?"

She didn't question where Heilong had gone or why Lee Fei was now the Head Honcho. Instead, she was deeply fascinated by the skeleton soldiers.

Lee Fei replied nonchalantly, "In my younger days, I apprenticed under a remarkable master who taught me numerous spells. These skeletons were conjured by magic. They're here to pay their respects to the second-in-command."

With his words, the four skeleton soldiers extended their bony hands and gave a slight wave.

The second-in-command exclaimed with excitement, "To witness such a peculiar art is truly remarkable."

Black Dog chimed in, "Second-in-command, we've had a substantial haul today. One entire cart out of ten is filled with food."

The second-in-command dismissed him with a wave, "I know, you're quite the chatterbox." She then turned to Lee Fei, "One of the first things we do upon joining the mountain is choose a nickname. What's yours?"

Lee Fei pondered for a moment before speaking, "Well, you can call me Little White Dragon."

The second-in-command nodded in agreement and introduced himself, "My given name is Zhao Ruyu, but I'm known as Poisonous Scorpion. You have my permission to call me Ruyu from now on."

Lee Fei responded with a smile, "The honor is all mine."

Black Dog chimed in, "If that's the case, we'll need to rename Black Dragon Keep. Head Honcho, would you do the honors?"

Lee Fei was indifferent and suggested offhandedly, "Let's go with White Dragon Fort."

Zhao Ruyu's eyes sparkled with approval as she exclaimed, "That's a great name! Black Dragon Keep has such a foreboding sound to it, but White Dragon Fort has a nice ring to it."

Black Dog shuddered involuntarily, thinking that nothing in the stronghold was more chilling than her collection of venomous snakes.

Suppressing a yawn, Lee Fei said, "Second-in-command, I'm quite tired today. Let's continue our conversation tomorrow. Black Dog, please find me a room to rest in."

"Sure thing," Black Dog replied, nodding. "Follow me, please."

And so, Black Dragon Keep was reborn as White Dragon Fort. Under Lee Fei's leadership, it steadily expanded and established deep roots in Qouprovia. But that, of course, is a story for another time.