Chapter 23: The Tale of the Bandit Slayer – Part: Infiltration

Looking at the arrogant and reckless bandit minions, Mo Xiaobai had no intention of snatching back his sword. He cast a deep gaze over the entire bandit camp. He had originally considered whether to give these bandits a chance later, but it seemed such thoughts were completely unnecessary.

Although his Territory lacked people, he would definitely not accept just anyone.

Following the lead bandit minions into the main hall of Tiger Head Stronghold, Mo Xiaobai smelled a strong odor of alcohol as soon as he entered.

At the very front of the hall, a middle-aged bandit chief with a beard held a wine jar, emitting a pungent stench from his whole body.

This was not the scent of wine, but a cloying, rotten smell.

“Chief, these few of them are from Eagle Beak Mountain.”

A bandit minion ran up, whispering a few words into the drunk chief’s ear. The middle-aged chief, who had been drinking, suddenly widened his eyes and shouted, “Is it you who brought the hundred gold tribute?”

“Reporting to Chief, we currently have not a single coin on us.”

“Hmm?”

Upon hearing this, the drunk chief “whooshed” to his feet, swaying forward under the influence of alcohol: “How dare you mock Laozi? You want to die?”

“Chief, we retreated in defeat from Eagle Beak Mountain, so we truly did not bring heavy gifts. However, Eagle Beak Mountain originally had them, but they were taken by others now.” Mo Xiaobai spoke quietly, stepping back half a step with a look of disgust. In his past and current lives, Mo Xiaobai had never liked drinking, let alone such extreme drinking as the bandit chief before him.

As soon as Mo Xiaobai finished speaking, Ma Laoliu beside him also followed, offering a forced smile. “Tiger Lord, how would we dare deceive you? Everyone knows our Eagle Beak Mountain chief is skilled with the horse-lance. Just that horse-lance alone is worth no less than eighty gold.”

“A horse-lance? Oh, is that the pale-faced He Chun?”

“Yes, yes, that is our chief He.”

“Burp~~ Where is that pale-faced guy? And who is this fair-skinned, tender-looking person?” Tiger Lord let out a large burp, pointing his right hand at Mo Xiaobai.

“Our Big He was killed, and our stronghold was destroyed. This person is the chief’s younger brother.” Ma Laoliu explained, then clasped his hands: “We have come to submit to Tiger Lord, hoping Tiger Lord can take revenge for Eagle Beak Mountain. Once the great grudge is settled, all of Eagle Beak Mountain’s belongings will belong entirely to Tiger Lord.”

“Burp~ Is this the hundred gold tribute you spoke of?” Tiger Lord, half-drunk and half-awake, walked forward and slapped Mo Xiaobai on the body.

Mo Xiaobai was suddenly attacked, stumbling and nearly falling to the ground.

“With such a weak body, I suppose you can’t even wield a lance.” Tiger Lord sneered and said in a deep voice: “I have also heard news about the Eagle Beak Mountain affair. It was done by a Lord who recently appeared in Dang Mountain. Since they could take Eagle Beak Mountain, their numbers must be considerable, right?”

“Not many, not many. Eagle Beak Mountain was destroyed because Big He was already on his deathbed, and everyone lost their composure.” Ma Laoliu continued to cooperate, wearing a look of “When Tiger Lord steps out, one is worth two.”

“Do not lie to me. Do you think I don’t know the other parties in the east also want to deal with that Lord? If they truly had no ability, how could several families plot together?” Tiger Lord suddenly dropped his drunken appearance and spoke coldly.

Hearing his words, Mo Xiaobai bowed and clasped his hands: “Please, Tiger Lord, help us take revenge for my Big Brother. If I get the chance to collect my Big Brother’s remains, I will not take a single coin of any property, only the personal wooden tablet on his body. That was carved by my mother’s own hands and gifted to my brothers. I want to retrieve the tablet and bury it with my Big Brother.”

“Hehe, is what you said true? You won’t even take the horse-lance?”

“Tiger Lord is mighty. Apart from seeking revenge for our blood, we have no other thoughts.”

“Hmm~ I guess you don’t have the ability to play tricks. Ergouzi, take them down to rest first. Change into some new clothes. After all, they are now my Tiger Lord’s people. Looking like poor beggars will only ruin my face.”

After Tiger Lord finished speaking, he lifted the wine jar and took another big gulp, his eyes full of greed.

Leaving the main hall, the bandit minion Ergouzi, who was on guard duty, led Mo Xiaobai and the others to the back camp. He casually threw a few single shirts and then left Mo Xiaobai in a dilapidated thatched cottage.

“My Lord, how was Old Six’s performance just now?”

As soon as Ergouzi left, Ma Laoliu smiled and came over to Mo Xiaobai: “But I still admire you, My Lord. Even though the identity was made up, you acted just like real brothers.”

“This is what they call life is a play, relying entirely on acting skills.”

Mo Xiaobai was not disgusted by the shabby cottage. He sat down heavily on a pile of straw, his hands behind his head: “Now we have successfully infiltrated. Next, we need to see what Maogong is doing.”

“My Lord’s plan is unparalleled. He will surely make those stupid idiots spin in circles.” Ma Laoliu was also an important supporting character with lines in this grand play, so he knew Mo Xiaobai’s plan. He grinned and flattered him.

“It’s just calculating a group of bandits, how can that count as a brilliant plan?” Mo Xiaobai shook his head, preparing to take a quick nap while there was nothing to do. But before he could close his eyes, a message arrived.

It was from Fatty Luyu.

No need to guess, he must have come to find me because of this Intellect Brain announcement.

“Hey, big brother. Since you’re having so much fun playing alone, you should also consider the feelings of us unlucky players.”

As soon as the call connected, Mo Xiaobai heard I Love Eating Perch spitting at him: “What kind of place is Qing Province? When bandits come, there’s nowhere to hide. You can’t betray me like this.”

“What? Are you anxious about this?” Mo Xiaobai was not surprised that Fatty came to find him, so he smiled and said, “How can you not be anxious? If I didn’t have the White Qilin Horse, I would accept it. But now both the horse and the pasture are ready. If I can’t protect my Territory, where should I go to complain?”

Fatty was indeed anxious. Almost all his Territory’s residents were busy around his Stable. He had no Defense facilities at all.

It seems he was truly panicked. Well, no more teasing this veteran driver.

Mo Xiaobai smiled in his heart and said, “Actually, it is very simple to protect your Territory. Just ride the White Qilin Horse to Prefecture City for a tour, and I guarantee someone will come find you.”

“Are you saying, look for NPC helpers?” Luyu reacted quickly. In the blink of an eye, he understood Mo Xiaobai’s meaning.

“Yes, there are many NPC factions in the Prefecture City. However, if you want to find a partner, you still need to choose carefully.”

“Hey, why bother choosing? Just tell me directly who to find. I’ll follow your lead.”

In Fatty’s heart, he had long linked Mo Xiaobai with the Will of the Universe. Since Mo Xiaobai knew the news about the Prefecture City NPCs, why would he bother thinking about it himself?

In this matter, Mo Xiaobai would definitely not betray him.

Fatty saw clearly, so Mo Xiaobai couldn’t help but be speechless: “Aren’t you afraid I’ll sell you out?”

“If you sell me, there’s nothing I can do. After all, the White Qilin Horse news came from you. I’m sticking to you now. Don’t be secretive, just say it quickly.”

“Fine. Go to the Northern Suppressing General’s Manor in Prefecture City. The Li Family is quite trustworthy. Cooperating with them at least won’t steal your Territory.”

“The Li Family?”

“The major dynasties in the Planes are created by the Intellect Brain based on history. The Northern Suppressing General is a descendant of Li Guang. Their whole family knows well that Precious Horses are hard to come by. If you dare not die, you can try to blackmail them a little.”