The Supreme Asura

Chapter 78: Forest Bandits

After completing his training, Mu Feng headed to the Mu family stables to select a sturdy horse. He prepared supplies, including a bow, arrows, and provisions, for his journey to Yan Valley to purchase medicinal herbs.

However, Bai Ziyue and Mu Kuang insisted on joining him. Seeing that Mu Kuang's injuries had mostly healed, Mu Feng agreed, and the three set off on horseback, leaving An Nan City through the western gate.

The official road was blanketed in snow. With the new year just beginning, travelers were sparse, and even merchant caravans were rare.

The vast white landscape, devoid of human activity, carried an air of desolation—evoking the poetic image: "A thousand mountains see no birds, ten thousand paths bear no footprints."

"Brother Feng, I've heard about Yan Valley from Mu Li. They say it's full of volcanoes and even inhabited by demons. I've never seen a volcano or demons before," Mu Kuang exclaimed as they galloped along the road.

"Neither have I! I'm curious to see what demons look like," Bai Ziyue added.

"I've seen volcanoes before, and I encountered demons once in the capital. They're similar to fierce beasts but possess demonic energy and can take on human forms," Mu Feng explained with a smile.

"But as I've heard, a demon's ability to take human form depends on their cultivation level. Most demons prefer to retain their beastly appearances since transforming into humans consumes their energy."

"Are demons powerful?" Bai Ziyue asked.

"I've never fought one, so I can't say for sure. But demons can rival humans on the continent, so their strength must be considerable. In Nan Ling Kingdom, demons are rare and usually confined to deep mountains and forests. Their primary territory is said to be a place called the Wildlands."

As the cold wind cut through the air, Mu Feng retrieved three wine pouches from his spatial ring, tossing one to each of his companions. Taking a swig himself, the warmth spread through his body, driving away the chill.

The trio rode on, drinking as they traveled toward Yan Valley.

Up ahead on the snowy road, a small convoy of three wagons crept forward, escorted by over a dozen guards. The contents of the wagons were concealed under canvas covers.

The road was flanked by a pine forest, now transformed into a snow-laden woodland. Unbeknownst to the convoy, pairs of watchful eyes peered out from the trees.

"Loose!"

Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh!

Arrows whistled through the air, piercing the silence.

Thud!

A guard cried out in pain as an arrow struck his side, toppling him from his horse. Another was less fortunate, an arrow piercing his skull, killing him instantly.

In mere moments, four guards were downed by the surprise attack.

"Bandits!"

A guard shouted as the remaining escorts dismounted, drawing their weapons and forming a defensive circle around the wagons.

Laughter erupted from the forest as over twenty bandits emerged. Clad in animal pelts and armed with blades and swords, their rugged appearance exuded menace.

The leader, a burly man riding a massive gray wolf, stepped forward. Wielding a massive battle axe on his shoulder, his scarred face was a picture of savagery.

"Let's see what treasures you're hiding in those wagons," the leader sneered.

"Please, noble sirs, have mercy! It's just food—nothing of value!" A portly, blue-robed merchant stepped forward, bowing repeatedly.

"Food? Open it up!"

At the leader's command, a bandit slashed the canvas cover, revealing crates filled with medicinal herbs.

"Boss, it's herbs!"

A bandit pulled out a handful of herbs, prompting the leader's face to darken.

"Lying to me? You think I'm a fool?"

He kicked the merchant, sending him sprawling to the ground.

"These herbs must be worth thousands of gold coins. Take them all!"

The bandits surged forward to loot the wagons.

"Please, no! These herbs are our livelihood!" the merchant begged, clutching the leader's leg.

"My brothers' livelihoods depend on me. Shut up, or I'll kill you!"

The leader kicked him away again.

Swoosh!

An arrow whizzed through the air, striking a bandit in the back and killing him instantly.

Swoosh! Swoosh!

Three more arrows followed in quick succession, each finding its mark and felling another bandit.

"Who's there?!"

The bandits turned toward the road, where three figures on horseback approached. One of them held a bow, clearly responsible for the arrows.

"Broad daylight and you're already robbing people? Have you no respect for the law?" Mu Feng said coldly as they stopped their horses.

The bandit leader glared at the newcomers. "You killed my men. Now you'll die for it. Kill them!"

At his command, the bandits charged with weapons drawn.

Bai Ziyue and Mu Kuang smirked as they drew their own swords, leaping off their horses to meet the charge.

Mu Kuang roared as he swung his blade. A bandit tried to block, but his weapon shattered under the force of Mu Kuang's Tier-1 Yuan blade. The bandit was split in two, blood staining the snow.

A second swing unleashed a blue blade aura, cutting down another bandit mid-charge.

Bai Ziyue moved with precision. His longsword flashed, decapitating one bandit in a spray of blood. He followed up with a flurry of sword shadows, striking down two more attackers.

The bandits, none of whom had high cultivation, stood no chance. Their reliance on banditry betrayed their lack of skill and strength.

Mu Feng remained on horseback, observing calmly. He would step in only if necessary.