Behind the convoy, villagers bound and treated like prisoners were driven forward.
Their faces were ashen while children and women stifled their sobs, gritting their teeth to suppress their cries and avoid attracting the attention of the bandits.
Boss, there are a few pretty young women among them.
Once you've had your fun, hand them over to us.
When have we ever been denied? Just remember to take it easy this time.
Don't kill them.
Yes, yes, yes.
The bandits spoke openly, their conversation heard by several nearby villagers, causing their faces to pale even further.
These people were nothing short of demons.
The group advanced slowly until they reached the entrance of the camp.
"Stop!" the leader shouted.
"What is wrong, boss?" But the words caught in his throat as he beheld the scene before him.
The camp he had newly established had been reduced to ruins.
At the entrance of the camp, the feeble light of the setting sun filtered through the gaps in the dense forest, casting a delicate glow.
A skeleton clad in leather armor sat on the steps.
Its gaze surveying all those below.
The bandits swallowed hard, their throats dry.
"This is truly a nightmare," one muttered.
"You are quite slow.
If you don't hurry, I might just return for dinner.
" The skeleton spoke slowly.
The bandits were taken back, two of them nearly collapsing in shock.
Why you were waiting for us? Chapter 239.
The recruitment token half an hour ago after Fong Hao and his companions had thoroughly cleared the bandit camp.
A silver treasure chest was unceremoniously thrown before him by a skeleton.
He promptly chose to open it.
Acquired fortress construction blueprint, blueprints for crafting a white steel dagger, a battle panther flute for soul crystals, and 22 battle coins.
The rewards were rather modest, consisting of a fortress construction blueprint, and a crafting blueprint for a white steel dagger.
He already possessed a fortress, which had proven invaluable during battles.
The newly acquired blueprint would be sold to others upon his return.
He continued to examine the White Steel Dagger.
white steel dagger, blue two hardwood, two white steel ingots, one thick tough leather.
There is nothing particularly special about it, and Fong Ho's territory had yet to feel the unit's skilled in dagger usage.
It merely added to his collection of blueprints.
As he stored away the items he had obtained, Ditiga approached with purposeful strides.
My lord, all the bandits within the camp have been eradicated.
Not a single one has escaped.
Good.
Now we need only wait for the bandits to return.
Fongghao replied.
According to the conversation he had overheard, the bandits would return to their camp with their spoils after completing their plunder.
My lord, I shall go arrange for personnel to prevent their scouts from returning prematurely.
Very well.
Go and make the necessary arrangements.
Domiga accepted the command and departed with a group of soldiers.
At that moment, Anja returned with several individuals carrying the spoils they had gathered.
The escaping bandits had brought forth a considerable amount of valuables.
In addition to various gold and silver ornaments and textiles, there was a small chest filled with coins numbering over 3,000.
These ruffians are not as wealthy as those in Cold Wind City.
Anja remarked with disappointment.
This small place cannot be compared to the Cold Wind Mountains.
Funha responded, "Skull Crusher S has plundered the Cold Wind Mountains for many years to amass such wealth.
How could these bandits possibly measure up? Indeed, look at this.
Anja said, handing over an old map.
Map mysterious stable.
Type single page map description.
A single page map marked with special locations.
You may dare to venture forth and perhaps uncover unexpected treasures.
It is indeed a map.
Where did you find this? Fonhow inquired.
It was in the central building, likely the bandit leader quarters.
Anja pointed to the rear.
There stood a two-story wooden structure, the largest in this rudimentary camp, serving as the leader's residence.
"It is a map.
Once this matter concludes, we should explore this location," Fong Hao suggested.
Agreed.
After searching the camp, Fong Ho and his companions awaited the return of the bandits.
As time passed, the unmistakable sounds of rockish laughter from the bandits echoed up from the valley below.
The forest was dense and tangled with canopies that obscured the sky.
As twilight descended, the already dim sky grew even more somber.
Fongghao gazed down the mountain path and beheld a long procession of vehicles making their way uphill.
Among the laden carts were villagers, their hands bound, trudging forward like slaves.
Standing at the mountain gate, they looked at Fong how in astonishment.
You are rather slow.
If you don't arrive soon, I might just head back for dinner.
Fong remarked slowly.
Clang.
Two bandits were startled, stumbling backward as their weapons clashed against the cart, producing a dull thud.
Why you were waiting for us? The bandit leader exclaimed, his eyes wide with disbelief.
He could not fathom that after a successful raid, instead of women and wine to celebrate, he was met with a skeletal figure capable of conversing with him.
Otherwise, who else would come here? Fungha replied.
The leader swallowed hard, his gaze sweeping over his surrounding lackeyis, and mustered the courage to inquire.
What do you want from us? Nothing much, just a little slaughter, came the chilling response.
No sooner had the words left his lips than an eerie transformation, swept through the tranquil woods.
A multitude of specters emerged like phantoms from the shadows, brandishing weapons and lunging at the bandits like wild beasts.
Arm yourselves and retaliate.
Slay these wraiths or none shall survive.
The leader bellowed, rallying his men.
Gather around me quickly.
The spectral onslaught was fierce, crashing into the ranks of the bandits.
In a mere moment, dozens of bandits lay sprawled in pools of blood.
The bandit leader shouted orders, but chaos unraveled along the mountain path.
With bandits continuously falling, their anguished cries silenced by the wraith's merciless strikes.
Nearby, a small defensive circle formed among the bandits, struggling to withstand the relentless assault.
Yet, it was clear from the unfolding scene that they were merely staving off their inevitable demise.
As the leader and his few remaining men were pressed back by the wraiths, they fought desperately, but one by one they succumbed.
Casting a glance at Fong Hao, who was observing the spectacle from the steps, the leader shouted, "What do you truly desire? If you seek living souls, you may have these slaves.
But if you push us to the brink, neither of us will emerge and scathe.
" Though he had never encountered wraiths, he had heard tales of their need for living sacrifices to perform dark rituals.
Fongghao regarded the bandits but chose to remain silent.