Even in such a harsh wilderness, there are bandits. In fact, they are even more rampant.
This Black Wind Stronghold is one such group, living by robbing passing travelers and caravans.
Although not many people take this route, with its favorable geographical location and ruthless methods, Black Wind Stronghold still manages to thrive quite well.
This time was no exception.
They had long noticed the caravan camped in the mountain hollow, so even amid the blizzard, they had to send someone to scout.
If they found that the guards were not strong, Black Wind Stronghold would immediately unleash its full force to completely wipe out the caravan.
But they never anticipated running into Zhao Ya.
After some interrogation, Zhao Ya dragged the survivor back into the mountain hollow.
It was only then that the guards tasked with keeping an eye on Zhao Ya were surprised to discover that Zhao Ya was not in his tent at all.
However, now was not the time for talk, as Zhao Ya casually tossed the person he dragged back to them.
"This is...?" The guards hurriedly caught the person, suddenly filled with confusion.
"He says he’s from Black Wind Stronghold, and I killed a few of his companions. You figure out what to do."
Black Wind Stronghold!
Hearing this name, the guards trembled all over, their faces instantly growing serious.
Having planned to take this route, they naturally had investigated beforehand and knew what Black Wind Stronghold was about.
Unexpectedly, even on such a snowy night, Black Wind Stronghold’s greed wasn’t deterred; they had sent someone to scout.
While the guards sent messages inside and planned to thank Zhao Ya, they saw him already turning to leave.
Having done this, Zhao Ya had already gone above and beyond. Whatever strategies they planned to escape from Black Wind Stronghold were now the caravan guards’ problem.
Zhao Ya wasn’t interested in engaging further, returning directly to his tent.
Meanwhile, everyone, including the boss, was awakened.
After questioning the scout from Black Wind Stronghold, everyone’s expressions changed.
The lead guard, Chen An, was especially filled with a lingering fear.
It was fortunate that Zhao Ya found them; otherwise, they might have been carelessly trapped by Black Wind Stronghold.
"Old Chen, what should we do now?" Boss Liu Bolong asked anxiously.
"Don’t panic, boss. According to this guy, they were just scouting, which means Black Wind Stronghold isn’t ready to act yet. We still have time. If we leave quickly under the cover of night, we should be able to avoid this crisis."
Hearing Chen An’s analysis, Liu Bolong nodded, "Alright, there’s no time to lose. Start preparing for departure."
Saying this, he turned around and walked out.
"Boss, where are you going?" Chen An asked.
"This matter was thanks to that mysterious lone traveler. I must thank him in person."
With that, Liu Bolong left the tent, heading outside the camp.
The snow had stopped, but the strong wind persisted.
Even in thick leather clothing, Liu Bolong felt the biting cold wind.
It was hard to imagine how the lone traveler overcame such harsh conditions.
Before reaching the oilcloth tent, Zhao Ya’s voice came from inside.
"What is it?"
Liu Bolong quickly stopped, "My friend, don’t get me wrong, I came to thank you. If it weren’t for you noticing the scout from Black Wind Stronghold, we might still be oblivious."
"No need for thanks; those scouts disturbed my sleep near my tent, so I naturally dealt with them," Zhao Ya said calmly.
"My friend, we plan to depart now. After all, who knows when Black Wind Stronghold might come, and should you not mind, you’re welcome to leave with us." Liu Bolong offered sincerely.
To his surprise, Zhao Ya directly declined.
"No need, I’m used to traveling alone. I appreciate your kindness."
"But if you stay here, you might be in danger when the Black Wind Stronghold people arrive..."
Liu Bolong wanted to persuade more but was stopped by the approaching Chen An.
Chen An gave him a look and whispered in his ear.
"Boss, this must be a high-skilled warrior! And such masters usually have peculiar temperaments. So, it’s best not to say more, or we might offend him, and we won’t be able to leave."
Although Chen An’s voice was low, Zhao Ya, with his sharp ear power, heard everything clearly.
I have to admit that although Chen An only had Fourth Realm strength, his Jianghu experience was considerable; otherwise, he wouldn’t dare lead a caravan into this dangerous wilderness.
Like now, he clearly mistook Zhao Ya for a reclusive master with an eccentric temperament.
Zhao Ya didn’t argue against this.
Then Chen An called outside, "Thank you for your help, friend. I, Chen An, owe you one. If fate allows us to meet again, I will surely repay you."
Zhao Ya didn’t mind and simply replied with one word.
"Alright!"
Then Liu Bolong announced his name as well before leaving with thanks.
These caravans, always busy traveling, moved quickly once prepared to leave.
In just about a quarter of an hour, they packed up tents and other stuff, then drove away from the mountain hollow.
Before leaving, Liu Bolong specifically had people deliver several jars of wine and some roast chickens to Zhao Ya.
This time, Zhao Ya didn’t refuse.