Chapter 57: A Shocking Entrance
Chapter 57: A Shocking Entrance
At this moment, the raider group had just experienced the unexpected event of a boulder falling, and they were still in a state of panic. Despite their numerical advantage over the small group of Wang Chao and Ma Han, they were in disarray upon seeing them charge in suddenly.
"Calm down! There are only ten of them, and we can handle it. Prepare to defend against these guys and show them the might of the Dark Wind Fort!" Li Xiong, the second-in-command, quickly stepped up and steadied the situation.
Under Li Xiong's leadership, the raiders gradually calmed down and began to prepare seriously to resist Wang Chao and Ma Han.
However, they reacted too slowly. Before this group of raiders could get ready, Wang Chao, riding his horse, had already charged into their midst.
With over 30 strength points each, these near-vassals' powerful presence was amplified by the momentum of their galloping horses. Their initial attacks effortlessly felled many raiders, especially Ma Han, whose great saber instantly beheaded several raiders in a flash.
The duo's awe-inspiring entrance shocked the entire group of raiders, once again dampening their morale.
At this moment, Li Xiong deeply regretted his decision to bring along these new recruits, who had only recently joined and lacked experience. Their timid demeanor was a far cry from the fierce reputation of raiders.
Most of these raiders were recent additions to the group, and they had yet to witness much bloodshed. Li Xiong had intended to use the slaughter at Niujia Village as a baptism of fire for these recruits, hoping to awaken their brutality and ferocity. However, he hadn't anticipated encountering such a situation so soon after their recruitment.
With no time for regrets, Li Xiong focused on the immediate task at hand—dealing with the current threat.
"These two must be the leaders of this group. As long as I can hold them off, victory will eventually be ours!" Li Xiong glanced at the two chiefs hiding behind the boulder, knowing they would soon join the fight. He was confident that once he stalled the two opponents, his allies would arrive to turn the tide.
With this thought, Li Xiong rode forward, shouting with anger, "You insignificant bandits, how dare you invade the grandeur of the Dark Wind Fort! Face me if you dare!"
As Li Xiong's voice echoed, he charged towards Wang Chao, brandishing a great saber similar to Ma Han's. With a swift stroke, he aimed to slice down upon Ma Han!
Li Xiong's training in the Gale Blade Technique was evident, and his skill far surpassed Ma Han's. His strike was not only faster but also packed an astonishing power.
Despite Ma Han's quick defense, blocking Li Xiong's blow with the hilt of his saber, the sheer force behind Li Xiong's attack forced Ma Han and his horse to retreat several steps. Ma Han's hands felt numb, as if they had been struck by a heavy hammer.
"Useless! Face me if you dare!" Li Xiong showed disdain, thinking Ma Han was weak. He raised his great saber again, ready to finish Ma Han off. But at that moment, Wang Chao's long spear struck like a venomous snake, aiming for Li Xiong's throat.
If Li Xiong continued his attack, he would surely be impaled by Wang Chao's spear.
Li Xiong's eyes flashed with cold determination. He parried Wang Chao's spear with his saber and simultaneously, Ma Han recovered, riding forward to join Wang Chao in battling Li Xiong.
The two, with their combined strength of 30 points, struggled to gain an advantage against Li Xiong, whose strength was a formidable 42 points.
With the other man's blade technique far surpassing Ma Han's in level, Ma Han's attacks were easily seen through. Although Li Xiong was unfamiliar with the Thunderbolt Gun Technique of the Wang Chao faction, most of his attention was focused on Wang Chao.
Under these circumstances, Wang Chao and Ma Han's initial battle against an opponent of equal level was extremely painful and challenging. They were even at risk of being swiftly defeated by a few of the enemy's strikes.
"I thought you had some skills, but it seems you're just a bunch of weaklings. How dare you challenge the might of the Dark Wind Fort?" Li Xiong taunted, his face filled with derision.
As Li Xiong watched Wang Chao and Ma Han struggle to hold their ground, two figures suddenly entered their battle circle and engaged him in combat.
Li Xiong glanced at them with a sneer, assuming they were just a couple of small-time bandits eager to protect their boss. He didn't pay them much mind, casually swinging his great saber, intending to dispose of them swiftly and teach them that some battles were not for them to meddle in.
But as his blade descended, Li Xiong's expression changed instantly. His great saber was blocked by one of the newcomers, and the force transmitted through the weapon made the experienced Li Xiong realize that these two individuals were no less skilled than Wang Chao and Ma Han.
Li Xiong was utterly dumbfounded. How had such low-level near-vassal-level fighters become so common? Which powerful force had sent out such a large group of four skilled fighters? Could it be the Zhang Family?
As these thoughts raced through his mind, Li Xiong's battle intent waned. He was well aware that his strength was only sufficient to face three opponents of this caliber. If he faced all four, defeat was inevitable.
The situation was dire, with ten near-vassal-level experts, including Wang Chao and Ma Han, forming a crescent-shaped encirclement around Li Xiong and his several dozen trembling raiders.
"Damn it, what are those two up to? Why haven't they shown up yet?" Li Xiong cursed in frustration.
The situation was perilous, despite his side having more numbers. Facing four, no, ten near-vassal-level masters was a daunting task.
Li Xiong's eyes widened in disbelief as he stared at Wang Chao, Ma Han, and the others. He realized that all ten of them were near-vassal-level experts, an unexpected turn of events. How could they possibly fight against such a formidable force?
Li Xiong was close to tears. How had near-vassal-level fighters become so devalued? These experts could at least serve as platoon leaders or company commanders in an army. How had over ten of them suddenly appeared, and they had come to rob him?
If it weren't for the inconvenient timing and location, Li Xiong would have thoroughly interrogated them to find out which major power they had offended.
"Wait, that's not right. That horse... isn't it from our fort?" Li Xiong's attention was drawn to the black wooden plaque hanging from the neck of Wang Chao's horse. He suddenly realized that these people were the very group of 'mere bandits' he had dismissed before.
(End of Chapter)
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