Chapter 1 The Tiger's Den

Zhou Jing led his men up the mountain, through dense forests, and soon found the Tiger Head Mountain stronghold.

The stronghold was located in a valley, with towering rock walls on both sides. Only one main road led into the stronghold, and the gate was tall and sturdy.

In front of the gate was a long slope, rising higher inside the gate. Two checkpoints could be seen guarding the only way into the stronghold. Standing on the open space of the slope outside the gate, only the tops of the checkpoints inside could be seen.

"It's a terrain that's easy to defend and difficult to attack," muttered Fang Zhen.

"Is that so? I think it's full of openings."

Zhou Jing looked at the climbable mountain walls on both sides, and smiled narrowly.

Rumble, rumble...

Just then, the gate opened, and a large group of bandits wielding knives and shields poured out.

The bandits quickly formed a battle formation. Although crooked, it was not entirely without order. They all held knives, axes, and wooden spears, glaring fiercely.

The two sides faced off in front of the stronghold. One side had fifteen hundred men, the other just over two hundred, a stark contrast.

Zhou Jing carried his iron spear, calm and collected, allowing the enemy to form their battle formation.

The two hundred or so lackeys behind him were not so calm. Seeing that the enemy had several times their numbers, they couldn't help but panic and stir. Only after Guo Hai Shen and Fang Zhen roared at them a few times did their morale barely stabilize.

At this moment, the four leaders of Tiger Head Mountain stepped forward.

Peng Jin sized up Zhou Jing, cupped his fist, and said in a deep voice, "Is this hero the Life-Reaping Yama, Chen Feng?"

"That's me!" Zhou Jing replied loudly.

Peng Jin snorted. Although he knew the other party's intentions, he asked again:

"I have long admired your name. I wonder what brings you here?"

Zhou Jing pointed his spear at the other party and shouted, "We, Chen Feng, Guo Hai Shen, and Fang Zhen, brothers, are leading an expedition on behalf of Red Cloud Mountain. Today, we have come to subdue you!"

"Guo Hai Shen?"

The four leaders were stunned. The lackeys hadn't mentioned this when they reported.

Peng Jin quickly observed and recognized Guo Hai Shen standing to the side. His expression changed, becoming even more jealous and resentful. "So it's the Iron-Armed Azure Dragon in person. I didn't expect someone as famous as you to join Red Cloud Mountain?"

Guo Hai Shen had once visited Tiger Head Mountain, and these people recognized him.

Hong Dingxian frowned. "So it's Brother Guo. We can be considered old acquaintances. We have no old grudges or recent enmities. Why have you come to provoke us?"

Hearing this, Guo Hai Shen cupped his fist and explained with a serious expression:

"Several months ago, I suffered imprisonment. It was the righteous actions of brothers Chen Feng and Fang Zhen, as well as friends from Heavenly King Stronghold and Red Cloud Mountain, that saved me from danger. I have now become sworn brothers with Chen Feng and Fang Zhen, sharing life and death. I have been seeking refuge in Red Cloud Mountain all this time. We are grateful for Red Cloud Mountain's kindness and have heard that Chief Yu intends to expand, so we plan to repay the favor. We have come here solely for official business, not because of any personal grudges with you."

Peng Jin understood the situation and said with dissatisfaction:

"If you want to repay a favor, then repay it, but why make our Tiger Head Mountain your target? Are you looking down on us? That Red Cloud Mountain also has a big appetite. We used to leave each other alone, but I didn't expect them to have such intentions! Truly hateful!"

Fang Zhen shouted loudly, "Enough idle talk! Today, we three brothers have come to challenge you to a duel. If you lose, you will hand over Tiger Head Mountain!"

Peng Jin found it amusing and sneered:

"I know your martial arts are extraordinary, but why would we agree to such a bet and duel with you? You only have two or three hundred men. Do you think you can take my stronghold with this method? Isn't that wishful thinking? I see that you are also heroes, so we won't make things difficult for you today. If you treat us well, we can invite you up the mountain for wine. But since you have spoken so rudely, you should leave quickly."

Zhou Jing remained expressionless and said slowly:

"I'm afraid you have no choice. Grandpa has come to ask for a fight. Whether you want to fight or not, you have to fight! Today, we'll speak with our abilities. You four can come at me together. I will face you alone. If you can defeat Chen, we three brothers will submit to Tiger Head Mountain! If you cannot defeat this spear in my hand, then you will surrender!"

Hearing this, Peng Jin's eyes flashed with a hint of temptation.

But after thinking about it, he didn't think it was necessary.

After all, they had the advantage in numbers. Why should they take the risk of agreeing to a duel? Winning would have limited benefits, and losing would mean losing their foundation. Who would want to do such a losing business? Did Chen Feng take them for fools?

However, just as he was hesitating, Fang Zhen suddenly rolled his eyes and deliberately snorted, taunting, "We only have two hundred men, yet we dare to come and challenge you. You are timid and avoid the fight, which is truly laughable. I think you shouldn't be called the Four Heroes of Tiger Head Mountain, but rather the Four Worms of Tiger Head Mountain."

Guo Hai Shen knew what Fang Zhen meant and thought to himself that he was being impolite. He then cooperated with the provocation, deliberately revealing a disappointed expression:

"I originally thought the four leaders were all heroes. That's why we came to challenge you fairly today. But now that I see you again, I didn't expect the four leaders to become such cowardly rats. I, Lao Guo, misjudged you."

Fang Zhen echoed loudly, "That's right, that's right. This mountain is full of soft egg yolks. You shouldn't call it Tiger Head Mountain anymore, but rather Nipple Mountain! No, nipples might be harder than you. You should call it Runny Mountain."

"Pfft..."

The two hundred or so Red Cloud Mountain lackeys behind them couldn't hold back and made leaky sounds, laughing on the spot. This swept away their previous tension and greatly boosted their morale.

"You farting dog!"

"You're the one who's runny! Your whole family is runny!"

The thousand or so Tiger Head Mountain lackeys were enraged, glaring and cursing.

Peng Jin was also very annoyed, but also had a headache.

This bastard's words were too damaging, but he had been put on the spot. If he avoided the fight and returned to the stronghold, he would probably lose the support of the crowd, and it would become a joke in the martial world. The nickname "Nipple Mountain" would be impossible to shake off.

"Why not go all out and have the little ones charge up and kill these two hundred or so men until they are routed, and capture this Chen Feng, Guo Hai Shen... Anyway, they only brought these people, it's practically a gift."

Peng Jin muttered to himself, his eyes darkening. He was about to make up his mind and order the entire army to attack.

However, at this moment, Shi Dong took the liberty of rushing out of the formation, carrying a large axe, roaring loudly:

"You have a lot of nerve! How dare you ridicule me like this! Isn't it just a martial arts contest? I accept! Watch me smash your dog mouths!"

This man had a simple mind and couldn't stand being provoked.

Zhou Jing's eyes lit up. Without saying a word, he raised his spear to meet him, shouting, "Well done!"

Peng Jin was anxious and hurriedly shouted:

"Brother Shi, don't fall for his provocation. Come back quickly!"

However, Shi Dong turned a deaf ear, burying his head and charging forward, his eyes fixed on Zhou Jing.

Although he usually admired Chen Feng's deeds, at this moment, with his anger surging, he couldn't care about so much. He just wanted to compete with his axe.

In front of the two armies, two figures quickly approached, each swinging their weapons and smashing them towards the other.

The spear and axe collided!

Clang!!

In an instant, it was as if a thunderclap exploded on the ground!

Shi Dong's hands instantly split open, blood spurting out. The axe was sent flying by the spear, and he was left with only a broken wooden handle in his hand.

Whoosh—the iron axe spun out, shooting dozens of steps away, deeply embedded in a tree trunk, making a dull sound.

Zhou Jing switched to holding the spear with one hand, resting the spear shaft on Shi Dong's shoulder and pressing down hard.

Thump!

Shi Dong knelt directly on the ground, feeling as if he had a mountain on his shoulder. He used all his strength to resist, his face turning purple, but he couldn't shake it in the slightest.

In just one exchange, he was completely defeated!

Seeing this scene, the people of Tiger Head Mountain turned pale with fear.

Peng Jin was immediately lost. His martial arts were only slightly better than Shi Dong's. Seeing this, he couldn't help but be extremely fearful.

Beside him, Hong Dingxian's eyes narrowed, but he couldn't care about so much. He raised his Golden-Backed Ring Blade and rushed out, shouting:

"Release my stronghold brother!"

"Brother Hong, don't!" Peng Jin was shocked and hurriedly tried to stop him, but it was too late.

Whoosh!

The golden blade shone, flashing past the eyes.

Zhou Jing narrowed his eyes, casually grabbed Shi Dong and threw him backward, then raised his spear to meet him.

He wanted to test Hong Dingxian's skills, so he held back most of his strength and used spear techniques to fight.

The iron-cast spear was not as agile as a wooden stick, and could only move straight, lacking some exquisite changes, but it was powerful and heavy, with both advantages and disadvantages.

However, his spear skills were now extraordinary, and he could switch styles freely. Even with an iron spear, he had formed his own style, with a domineering aura between swirling thrusts!

Clang clang clang clang—

The two figures spun around, their shadows frequently crisscrossing, with blades and spears flying, stirring up dust and rocks.

The Golden-Backed Ring Blade was as fast as golden light, its blade swirling, its sharpness piercing, like the sun releasing its rays, causing dizziness.

The Black Iron Coiling Dragon Spear was as steady as an iron pillar, its spear shadows layered, its fierce wind raging, like a black dragon sweeping across the plains, making hearts and souls tremble!

"Your martial arts are quite extraordinary."

Zhou Jing was calm and composed, with strength to spare to speak.

After a series of exchanges, he realized that this man's blade skills were exquisite, and his strength was not bad either. His martial force was about 90, which was a rare master among the outlaws. Although he was not a match for a hundred like Guo Hai Shen, he could handle fifty or sixty people without any problem.

Hearing this, Hong Dingxian's expression changed, and he was shocked.

How could he not realize that his opponent had not used his full strength? Every time he hit the opponent's spear shaft, he didn't see the opponent's posture waver, but instead his own arms were numb from the shock.

At this moment, a sharp sound of breaking wind suddenly rang out.

Swish!

An iron arrow was actually shot straight at Zhou Jing!

In the Tiger Head Mountain's ranks, Li Pei had quietly raised his bow at some point and launched a sneak attack with a cold arrow.

"Second brother, be careful!"

Guo Hai Shen's expression changed drastically, and he hurriedly shouted.

Hong Dingxian's expression also changed. He glared at Li Pei, who had launched a sneak attack, greatly dissatisfied, and his blade skills subconsciously slowed down.

Zhou Jing's eyes were like lightning. He flipped his hand and used his spear to force Hong Dingxian back, then, without dodging or avoiding, he suddenly let out a loud shout towards the rapidly approaching arrow:

"Get lost!"

His tongue bloomed with spring thunder, using martial arts qi and blood, and the sound waves spread almost visibly, shaking the air.

At this time, the arrow was only three feet away from Zhou Jing, and it suddenly froze in mid-air, vibrating at a high frequency.

Pa!

In the next instant, the arrow suddenly exploded, and the iron arrowheads and shaft scattered everywhere.

This arrow was actually shattered by a roar from a distance!

The entire field fell into dead silence in an instant.

Both sides saw it clearly, stunned and horrified.

This... is this still a human being?!

"How did he do that? How is this possible with human strength?!"

Li Pei's eyeballs almost flew out of their sockets. His whole body trembled like a sieve. Suddenly, he realized that Zhou Jing was looking at him, and his heart was immediately filled with fear. He felt that the bow in his hand had become a hot potato, and he threw it away as if he had been electrocuted.

Seeing this unbelievable scene, the hearts and souls of the thousand-strong Tiger Head Mountain gang were shattered, their morale plummeted, and they began to panic.

On the other hand, on the Red Cloud Mountain side, the two hundred lackeys were as if injected with chicken blood, howling with excitement and madness.

"Second Master is mighty!"

"He's simply a heavenly soldier!"

Hong Dingxian was shocked and equally incredulous.

He gritted his teeth and wanted to explain that he didn't know about the cold arrow beforehand. He was about to stop temporarily.

However, at this moment, Zhou Jing did not wait for him to speak, and his speed suddenly increased. Before he could react, he grabbed his collar and threw him backward.

Whoosh!

Hong Dingxian's eyes blurred, and he felt as if his whole body was flying through the clouds. He flew directly into the Red Cloud Mountain's formation and fell in a daze. Only then did he realize how much strength Zhou Jing had held back when they had just exchanged blows. Throwing him was like throwing a child!

Zhou Jing turned his head to look at the horrified Tiger Head Mountain gang and shouted:

"I originally wanted to compete with martial arts, stopping when enough is enough, but you launched a cold arrow to harm me! Then don't blame me for being ruthless!"

After saying that, Zhou Jing strode forward without hesitation.

He actually charged alone into the formation of the thousand-strong Tiger Head Mountain gang!

Peng Jin's expression changed drastically. Regardless of the two stronghold leaders falling into enemy hands, he shouted loudly:

"This person cannot be fought head-on. All troops, listen to my order, charge together!"

The one thousand five hundred Tiger Head Mountain bandits obeyed the order and had to suppress their inner fear, shouting loudly to embolden themselves, and rushed to meet him.

"Crap, quickly go and take care of my second brother!"

Seeing Zhou Jing rushing into the enemy army alone, Guo Hai Shen was immediately anxious and hurriedly ordered the two hundred men to come forward to engage in battle, with himself charging at the front.

At this time, Zhou Jing's legs rotated, as fast as galloping horses, and he had already rushed into the bandit crowd.

Bang bang bang—

The Black Iron Coiling Dragon Spear was wide open and closed, diagonally picking and sweeping, directly sending flying everyone who blocked his path.

He did not catch these bandits and kill them, but instead went straight for Peng Jin and Li Pei in the back.

The layers of bandit formations could not stop him at all, and were all overturned to both sides. The scene was like splitting waves.

Figures were constantly being picked up into the air, like agitated water sprays!

Zhou Jing was unstoppable, and it seemed that the thousand-strong army would be broken through in the next moment!

Peng Jin was so frightened that he lost his courage. He directly abandoned the thousand-strong army that was fighting hard and ran into the stronghold, shouting in a lost voice:

"Close the gate! Don't let him in!"

Li Pei also fled back in a panic. Behind him, many bandits also ran in fear.

The lackeys behind the door hurriedly pulled the winch.

Squeak—

The thick, sturdy wooden gate slowly closed, isolating the scene of the battle outside.

Not only did it block the enemy, but it also locked out more allied bandits who did not have time to escape into the stronghold.

Only the sounds of fighting, exclamations, and painful cries came in through the door.

Seeing this, Peng Jin and Li Pei breathed a sigh of relief. Their backs were covered in cold sweat, and they almost collapsed to the ground.

"Phew... phew, fortunately, we made it in time..."

Li Pei's mouth was dry and his tongue was parched. He spoke cautiously, with lingering fear.

Peng Jin was also still in shock. He swallowed and muttered to himself: "Is this the courage of a ghost and god? It's even more terrifying than the rumors! He's simply not human!"

Li Pei was at a loss and asked:

"Brother Shi and Brother Hong have been captured by him, and thousands of brothers have been locked outside. I'm afraid they're all lost. I've also offended that Chen Feng. What should we do now?"

Peng Jin's eyes changed. He greatly regretted coming out to meet this Chen Feng, relying on their superior numbers. He didn't expect this person to be so fierce... Could it be that the other party deliberately brought only this many people, showing weakness to lure himself out?!

He gritted his teeth and said, "We can only close the stronghold's checkpoints. All brothers will defend the stronghold, and wait for this Chen Feng to leave!"

A dignified stronghold of ten thousand people was actually scared like this by one person. It would definitely be laughed at by the martial world. But Peng Jin couldn't care about it anymore. He was really scared out of his wits.

Li Pei said tremblingly: "I think, why don't we just surrender to that Chen Feng?!"

"Impossible!"

Peng Jin flatly refused.

He was not willing to hand over Tiger Head Mountain, which he had operated for many years!

However, at this moment, the gate suddenly shook.

Bang!

Wood ash fell rustlingly.

Peng Jin and Li Pei instantly stopped talking, looking at the door with suspicion and uncertainty.

Bang bang!

Two more impacts sounded, as if striking their hearts.

The sturdy wood of the gate cracked and split, as if it had been hit by a siege hammer.

"That's impossible..."

Peng Jin's eyes were horrified, his hands and feet trembling, out of control.

The next moment, a thunderous roar exploded!

Bang!!!

Splintered wood flew everywhere, the gate shattered and burst open!

In the dust, the figure of Zhou Jing with his iron spear in hand walked in leisurely.

Behind him, there were bandits all over the ground, throwing away their armor and begging for mercy. No one dared to get up and resist.

With an iron spear in his hand, he directly smashed open the Tiger Head Stronghold's mountain gate, which weighed more than a thousand pounds!

Looking at this scene, almost the same thought appeared in the hearts of all the lackeys hiding behind the gate...

Overlord!

Thump! Thump!

Peng Jin and Li Pei were frightened out of their wits. They both collapsed to the ground, trembling all over, unable to even stand up.

The two men looked up in horror at Zhou Jing. Although they were two muscular men, at this moment, they wished they could hug each other and scream, their frightened appearance like two lambs waiting to be slaughtered.

Zhou Jing stopped and stood in front of the two men.

Whoosh!

The bloody spear tip suddenly pointed at Peng Jin's nose.

The swirling bloody wind stung Peng Jin's eyelids, but he was too scared to even close his eyes.

Just then, Peng Jin heard Zhou Jing speak indifferently, but in his ears it was like heavenly music:

"Will you surrender or not?"

Hearing this, Peng Jin's whole body was as if electrocuted. He suddenly changed to a kneeling position, held his fists in both hands above his head, kowtowed and shouted in panic:

"Hero, spare my life! I am willing to surrender! The chair of the Tiger Head Stronghold Master belongs to you, brother. I am willing to offer it with both hands!"

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