Chapter Forty-Four: The Assault

“Mr. Qi, you’ve finally arrived! The brothers have been waiting for you for so long; from yesterday until now, we’ve all been holding back our energy. Just tell us what to do!”

Captain He of the county soldiers’ camp and Sun Jiu, along with several others, hurried forward, hands clasped in greeting as soon as Qi Jun arrived with his men.

Captain He had met Qi Jun before and knew he was a retainer recruited by County Commandant Feng. Since his own superior treated Qi Jun with respect, he naturally dared not be negligent either.

“Greetings, Captain He, and thank you all for your hard work!” Qi Jun returned the salute and said, “We are now well acquainted with the situation at Panlong Ridge.”

As he spoke, Qi Jun pointed up the mountain. “Look, from this mountain path up to Shizui Cliff is the first pass, where a simple watchtower has been erected. From Shizui Cliff up to Dragon Claw Peak lies the second pass. Beyond Dragon Claw Peak, further up, is the bandits’ lair at Panlong Ridge…”

Qi Jun described the outline of Panlong Ridge in the darkness, using the information provided by the captured third-in-command of the bandits.

Captain He, Sun Jiu, and the others were all taken aback, exchanging surprised glances.

They had once thrown themselves against the defenses with all their might and failed to breach even the first pass, yet Qi Jun seemed so familiar with the terrain and fortifications of Panlong Ridge. Naturally, this both shocked and puzzled them.

“Mr. Qi, it’s not that we don’t trust you. The situation up there is complicated—we can’t afford any careless talk!” Captain He couldn’t help but interrupt, his face clouded with doubt.

Qi Jun paused briefly, instantly understanding Captain He’s concern. With a helpless gesture, he signaled to Liu Biao, who immediately strode to the rear of the villagers’ ranks and dragged forth the tightly bound third-in-command of the bandits, tossing him at Captain He’s feet.

“And this is…?” Captain He, unfamiliar with the man, glanced at the captive and then at Qi Jun, seeking confirmation.

“This is none other than the notorious third-in-command of Panlong Ridge, the one they call Bonegrinder. We captured him alive today!” Liu Kui, not waiting for Qi Jun to answer, jumped in with pride.

Captain He and Sun Jiu were stunned again. Bonegrinder’s very name sent shudders through Anqiang and the neighboring counties. Yet here he was, trussed up like a hog ready for slaughter.

They crouched down, examining the infamous bandit as if he were some rare curiosity, while the county soldiers behind, having caught wind of his identity, jostled for a look at the so-called fiend of legend.

Now drenched to the bone by the cold rain, Bonegrinder cowered, his body trembling violently from cold and terror, like a wild beast near death.

News of Bonegrinder’s capture swiftly spread among the county soldiers. The fatigue and chill brought on by the long vigil and the rain instantly gave way to a surge of excitement; they clamored in unison, eager to storm Panlong Ridge and capture the bandit chief alive.

This was exactly Qi Jun’s intention. Keeping the bandit third-in-command alive and parading him before the county soldiers at the foot of Panlong Ridge served to powerfully boost their morale and fighting spirit.

Much of the dread surrounding Panlong Ridge stemmed from the fear of Bonegrinder himself.

Everyone knew that falling into his hands meant a fate worse than death, but now that this demon lay bound at their feet, that inner terror was dispelled.

“Mr. Qi, I salute you! However you wish to fight, just give the order—we have no further doubts,” Captain He declared solemnly, the last of his skepticism replaced by respect.

Qi Jun knew the morale and mindset of both the soldiers and villagers were now settled; it was time to lay out his tactical plan.

“Captain He, please select ten elite archers to advance with me. Captain Sun, you’ll lead fifty county soldiers to bring up the wagons. Once we’ve cleared the two passes, move in on my signal. Before we reach the bandit stronghold, I have a way to breach their gates. Then, Captain Sun, unleash your men for the final assault and take them in one stroke!”

“Captain He, you’ll keep the remaining soldiers here to guard against any returning bandits. Once we’ve broken through the second pass, bring your men up the mountain to support us.”

“This…” Captain He felt uneasy. Wouldn’t this hand the glory of capturing Panlong Ridge to Sun Jiu? If no bandits returned for support, wouldn’t he be left with nothing to show for his effort?

He frowned but said nothing.

“Rest easy, Mr. Qi! We’ll charge with all our might and never hold you back!” Sun Jiu, however, was overjoyed, knowing Qi Jun was deliberately giving him a chance to earn merit. His eyes reddened with gratitude as he bowed.

“Captain He, I am but a humble scholar, seeking neither fame nor reward. I only wish to avenge the villagers and rid them of this scourge. Without your support, our chances of victory would be slim. Once we succeed, the chief merit will be yours,” Qi Jun quickly added, noticing Captain He’s discontent and making clear he had no desire to claim credit.

Realizing Qi Jun had seen through his thoughts, Captain He smiled. “Mr. Qi, you flatter me. Guarding the base of the mountain is a vital task—I will hold my position with vigilance and not let a single bandit slip through.”

“Brother, I want to go with you!” Qi Feng burst through the crowd, holding up his crossbow.

Qi Jun, thinking of the dangers and unpredictability of battle, didn’t want his younger brother at risk.

“So you’re Qi Feng, right?” Deng Fang stepped forward with a broad grin and gave Qi Feng’s arm a squeeze.

“Ow—who are you?” Qi Feng shook him off, stepping back warily.

“Heh, if you’re Brother Jun’s brother, then you’re my brother too. You should call me Second Brother!” Deng Fang, undeterred by Qi Feng’s resistance, reached out again, teasingly.

“That’s enough, Deng Fang. I’ll leave him with you. Get to know each other quietly—we’ve no time to waste. Let’s begin the assault!” Qi Jun cut off their banter with a stern command.

“No problem, Brother Jun. Since you’ve arranged everything, I’ll stay here with Captain He. You can rest easy—Qi Feng is in good hands,” Deng Fang assured him, thumping his chest.

“Move out!” Qi Jun nodded and signaled the ten elite archers selected by Captain He. Under cover of the night rain, more than ten men advanced stealthily toward the first pass at Shizui Cliff.

A flash of lightning briefly illuminated the distant bandit stronghold atop Panlong Ridge. As thunder rumbled, Qi Jun’s party crept forward like vipers, closing in on the bandit watchtower without a sound.

Qi Jun signaled for silence, then crept to the base of the tower. Pressing himself to the wall, he glanced upward—through the rain, he could just make out the snores of a sleeping bandit.

He edged around the corner toward the entrance on the first floor. At that moment, lightning flared again—and for a split second, he locked eyes with a bandit who had just stepped outside.

Both froze, but Qi Jun reacted first. As the light faded, he swiftly raised his crossbow and fired. The bandit dropped dead without a sound.

Qi Jun leaped forward, catching the body before it hit the ground and lowering it gently. He held his breath, listening for any sign of alarm above. The snores upstairs continued undisturbed; his silent kill had gone unnoticed.

Satisfied the first floor was clear, Qi Jun beckoned to the waiting archers, who filed inside and stormed the upper level.

The snores inside abruptly ceased, and the bandits guarding the tower met their end in their sleep.

The call of a partridge echoed through the rain from Shizui Cliff—a signal. Sun Jiu, knowing Qi Jun had succeeded, immediately led the villagers and soldiers forward.

After assigning a few men to secure the watchtower, Qi Jun continued with the archers, braving the rain as they advanced toward Dragon Claw Peak.