Chapter 150: Bluestone Pass!

Deep in the southern mountains of Boshan.

The towering bluestone pass stood like a natural fortress, truly embodying the saying, “One man guards the pass, ten thousand cannot break through.”

After two days of travel, Li Yuanjing and his companions finally arrived at this crucial chokepoint in central Qizhou.

Yet, what was originally a strategic route controlled by the official army had long since fallen into the hands of the Boshan Gang’s Ten Brothers for nearly a decade.

At this moment, although Li Yuanjing was unaware of the situation back in the capital, he showed no sign of worry.

After all, Li Yuanjing’s plan was constructed entirely around the Zhang family of the Duke of Britain’s household, prioritizing their interests above all.

He firmly believed that with the wisdom of the venerable Duke Zhang Wen, the most astute decisions would naturally be made.

With Zhang Wen’s endorsement backing him, what was there for Li Yuanjing to fear?

“Are you the scholar Li Yuanjing?”

Just then, as Li Yuanjing was marveling at the majestic, almost miraculous fortifications of Bluestone Pass, a response finally came from within.

But the voice was that of a woman.

A young woman dressed in blazing red armor, her stature not tall but her figure fiercely commanding.

There she stood—wearing a silver helmet, gripping a gleaming silver spear, accompanied by a dozen burly men, all atop the pure bluestone walls towering several meters high, looking down on them with eyes burning with hatred.

Li Yuanjing remained composed, smiling respectfully with hands clasped: “You must be General Zhao Yunlu, the beloved daughter of Master Zhao. I am Li Yuanjing, a scholar from Fengcheng. Greetings!”

“Li Yuanjing!”

“How dare you!”

Upon hearing Li Yuanjing openly acknowledge her identity and yet remain calm enough to greet her beneath her watchful gaze, the fiery red-clad Zhao Yunlu was instantly enraged, sharply shouting:

“Li Yuanjing, don’t think that because you brought some official soldiers, I won’t slaughter you! Do you know that the Boshan Gang harbors an unbreakable blood feud with you government dogs?”

“Miss, why waste time arguing with this bastard official? I want to avenge my father!”

Before Zhao Yunlu could finish, a girl clad entirely in blue suddenly leapt forward from behind her. She, too, wore a silver helmet and was about twelve or thirteen years old.

This girl bore a striking resemblance—about seventy to eighty percent—to Zhang Kewang, the Boshan Gang’s second-in-command known as “The Wall.”

Clearly, she was Zhang Kewang’s daughter.

Facing these two fierce women—one mature and fiery, the other young and fierce—Li Yuanjing showed no fear. Instead, he laughed heartily:

“General Zhao, young lady, what do you mean by that? I do not understand. I have come on urgent matters to consult with Master Zhao. I hope you will be kind enough to inform him.”

“Bastard!”

“Miss, this dog official is too arrogant! I want to kill him!”

At these words, Zhang Kewang’s daughter could no longer contain herself. Swiftly removing her small bow and arrow, she nocked an arrow and released it with a sharp ‘whoosh’ aimed straight at Li Yuanjing.

Though small, the arrow’s power was by no means weak.

Without flinching, Li Yuanjing stood his ground calmly, eyes fixed on the city walls above.

Just as the arrow was about to strike in front of him, Dong Peng stepped forward swiftly, drawing his waist knife. With a single slash, he cut the arrow cleanly in two.

“Bastard!”

“You still dare to stand there?”

Enraged, Zhang Kewang’s daughter prepared another arrow.

But Zhao Yunlu, recognizing Li Yuanjing’s extraordinary calm—after all, not everyone could remain unmoved facing a mountain collapsing overhead—quickly grabbed the girl, whispering sharply:

“Xingcai, stop this madness!”

“Miss, he killed my father! He is my father’s murderer! How can you still protect him...”

Xingcai, the young girl, suddenly broke down, tears streaming like a fountain, her whole body trembling uncontrollably.

Seeing this, Li Yuanjing felt a pang of unease.

Before Zhao Yunlu could respond, Li Yuanjing bowed slightly and said:

“Miss Xingcai, I understand the pain of losing a father deeply. But have you considered why you lost him? A hero like your father—why would he clash so fiercely with the main force of my official army?”

“I spit on that!”

“It’s because you officials torment people endlessly. My father could no longer bear it and went to confront your misfortune! Li, today, even if I become a vengeful spirit, I will tear you apart!”

Fueled by the anger Zhao Yunlu had stirred, Xingcai was desperate to fight Li Yuanjing.

Li Yuanjing was momentarily speechless.

The girl was well-developed but lacked sense.

Before he could speak, Zhao Yunlu quickly intervened, having someone restrain Xingcai, and demanded of Li Yuanjing:

“Li Yuanjing, stop your useless talk! Why have you come? My father is not in the camp; he has no time to see you!”

Li Yuanjing sneered coldly:

“General Zhao, do you take me for a fool? If I did not know Master Zhao was here in the camp, would I come at this time?”

“You...”

Zhao Yunlu was caught off guard by Li Yuanjing’s cunning.

But just as she was about to retort, a hearty laugh came from behind.

Turning, they saw a middle-aged man with graying temples, dressed in a refined blue scholar’s robe, looking nothing like a bandit leader but more like a learned teacher, smiling as he approached.

He bowed slightly to Li Yuanjing:

“Mr. Li, you are truly a rising star of Qizhou. Zhao here is impressed. My daughter and niece were rude; please forgive them.”

This was none other than Zhao Changgong, the head of the Boshan Gang’s Ten Brothers, known as the “Mastermind.”

Seeing Zhao Changgong himself appear, Li Yuanjing’s eyes narrowed intensely as he bowed:

“Junior Li Yuanjing pays respects to Master Zhao.”

“Uncle, he... he killed my father! How can you still...”

Xingcai’s heart shattered seeing Zhao Changgong greet Li Yuanjing warmly; despair filled her eyes as she looked to him helplessly.

Zhao Changgong sighed deeply:

“Xingcai, stop this nonsense. While it is true the official army caused your father’s death, have you ever wondered why your father didn’t consult me before opposing them?”

“Furthermore,” he continued, “Mr. Li is right. He did not come here to cause trouble with us Boshan Gang. Why then did your father risk his life fighting against Li and the main government forces?”

Zhao Changgong’s words carried great weight.

Though young and hot-headed, Xingcai was not foolish and finally began to ponder the matter seriously.

Li Yuanjing also bowed again:

“Master Zhao, if this misunderstanding is not clarified, who knows how many brave men will continue to lose their lives.”

Zhao Changgong smiled and nodded:

“Mr. Li, I admire your effort to come to this rough mountain stronghold and feel your sincerity. I wonder, would you dare to meet with me inside the camp? Let us talk face to face.”

“Sir, no!”

“Absolutely not!”

“This Zhao Changgong is cunning and deadly. Over the years, he has slain countless officials. His invitation must harbor ill intent...”

Before Li Yuanjing could reply, his companions erupted in alarm.

Dong Peng and Ma Huan stood firmly before him, while Zhao Zengjin and others surrounded him protectively, forbidding any rash move forward.

After all, the terrain of Bluestone Pass was treacherous.

Once inside, despite their numbers and elite weaponry, they would no longer control the situation.

Li Yuanjing did not wish to take such a risk either.

But what choice did he have now?

If he could not swiftly resolve the misunderstanding with these desperate outlaws, who knew what chaos might erupt next?

His voice turned cold and resolute:

“Enough talk. My decision is made. I will enter alone to meet Master Zhao. The others shall camp here and wait for me.”

“Sir...”

“Sir...”

Dong Peng, Ma Huan, and Zhao Zengjin were beside themselves, unsure how to persuade him otherwise.

Zhao Changgong burst into hearty laughter:

“Mr. Li Yuanjing, you are truly a hero of our time! Open the gates and welcome Mr. Li inside!”

“Yes, sir!”

Soon, the massive wooden gates of Bluestone Pass slowly opened, revealing a deep, shadowy tunnel at least a dozen meters long.

On the other side, a drawbridge was lowered, extending close to where Li Yuanjing stood.