The light of the sword is like the moon reflecting on Kyushu

Chapter 2019 Let's Make a Bet

As the night air grew colder, Hassan ordered his men to set up tents in preparation for rest. Nearly a hundred yaks were gathered together, already fast asleep. The Tibetan caravan's tents were pitched around the herd for defensive purposes.

Chili said, "Those yaks just fell asleep standing up? How can their legs take so much weight?"

Feng Jiuxiao said, "I can handle it."

Chili asked, "Why do they sleep standing up?"

Feng Jiuxiao said, "From what I understand, there are three reasons. The first is their defensive instinct. Because on this Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, there are wild beasts such as wolves and snow leopards that may attack them at any time. Maintaining a standing posture can alert them to predators and allow them to escape or fight back more quickly. You see, yak herds usually stand in a circle to rest. This is their instinct, the instinct to protect their young. Although there are no young calves now, they are protected in the middle, with the adult yaks taking turns to guard them."

Secondly, it's to adapt to the extreme environment. The snow-covered ground here is extremely cold in winter, and standing reduces the contact between the yaks' bellies and the frozen ground, preventing heat loss and frostbite. Additionally, the air is thin in high-altitude areas, making breathing difficult; standing allows the yaks' lungs to expand more fully, making breathing easier than lying down.

The third reason is their unique body structure. Yaks have special tendons in their legs that reduce muscle energy consumption when standing, allowing them to achieve a semi-sleep state.

Chili stared blankly at Feng Jiuxiao, "Where did you find out, Young Master?"

Feng Jiuxiao said, "In the young marquis's study."

Chili asked incredulously, "Are there books about yaks in his study?"

Feng Jiuxiao said, "What are you saying? The study of the dignified Second Young Master Qi is filled with all kinds of classics! The Classic of Mountains and Seas, Western Mountains Classic, records: 'On the hill of Kunlun there is a beast that looks like an ox but has hair growing from its four joints, called "Mao Niu".' This is the earliest record of a yak. ​​The Book of the Later Han Dynasty, Biography of the Western Qiang, records: 'In the Qiang land there is Mao Niu, whose meat can be eaten, whose hair can be woven, and whose horns can be used to make utensils.' The Tongdian of the Tang Dynasty, Border Defense Records, records: 'The Tubo people raise many yaks, whose hair can be used to make tents, and whose milk can be used to make ghee.' The Book of the Barbarians records: 'In Nanzhao there are long-haired oxen that can carry a thousand catties and travel through the snowy mountains; the Yi people call them "Ya Niu."'"

Chili gave a thumbs up and said, "Awesome!"

Feng Jiuxiao replied, "You flatter me."

Yuan Zishan said, "It's getting late, let's set up our tents and rest."

Feng Jiuxiao said, "Okay!"

The group began to set up the tents.

Seeing that the people around the campfire were gradually starting to rest, the Eight Immortals, who were in the distance, also prepared to rest.

Naxuxian suddenly whispered, "Brother, those Tibetans must have a lot of good stuff. What do you think we should do...?"

The White Ape Immortal had already slipped into the tent and, in a low voice, hissed, "Do you want to die? The Fengs and the others are over there!"

Nasusen chuckled sheepishly, "They were all asleep for the rest of the night...!"

"They have someone on night duty!"

"I can use hidden weapons..."

"Seventh Brother! If you really want to go, I won't stop you! But if you fail, don't implicate the brothers! Go!"

“This…” Na Xu Xian sighed and had no choice but to crawl into the tent as well! He shared a tent with Lao Ba Yin Yang Xian.

Old Eight chuckled and said, "You too, why do you have to covet those Tibetan goods? Itching for a bite?"

Naxuxian lay in his tent, gazing up at the roof, and sighed, "The thief never misses his chance!"

Yin Yang Immortal said, "But there's a condition! If you'll be caught if you reach out, then you'd better not move!"

"You said my lightness skill is also quite good, and I walk so quietly that I'm lighter than a mouse, how could they possibly detect me?"

"Who are they you're talking about?"

"Of course it's Feng Jiuxiao and the others!"

"I don't know either, but based on rumors circulating among people in the martial arts world, I estimate that he can hear it!"

"Is it really that strange?"

Old Eight Yin-Yang Immortal chuckled, "Big Brother said you can go, but if you get caught red-handed, don't implicate the brothers. That's what I meant too. I advise you to behave yourself. If you really want to try, then go ahead! Anyway, I've warned you, based on my guess, that person could hear our conversation!"

Naxuxian was startled and lowered his voice: "Impossible! We're at least thirty feet away from them. How could he hear us talking?"

Yin Yang Immortal chuckled, "If you don't believe me, then go ahead!" With that, he turned his head, covered himself with a blanket, and prepared to go to sleep.

Nasu-sen stared at the awning, his eyes unblinking for a long time. He couldn't sleep.

Nearly a hundred yaks, each carrying at least two hundred jin (approximately 100 kg) of goods. Based on past experience, the most valuable goods from Tibet were snow lotus, cordyceps, saffron, and Kunlun jade. But Lao Qi didn't want to steal these things, because even if he did, they wouldn't be easy to carry.

What he wanted to steal was the Tibetan knife from the old Tibetan man's waist!

The hilt of that knife was inlaid with numerous gemstones and jade! Cat's eye, emerald, dovetail red—all kinds of valuable gems were present! Whether the knife was sharp or not was no longer important; just the scabbard alone was enough to sell the knife for five thousand taels of silver, at least five thousand taels!

It felt like ants were crawling inside his heart, and he tossed and turned, unable to fall asleep!
Damn it, let's give it a try!

As long as Feng Jiuxiao's tent makes any noise, I will run away. How can he catch up with me?
He tiptoed out of the tent!
The bright moon shines lonely and cold, the stars are hidden, and the world is vast!

The moonlight illuminated the earth, making the view quite clear.

Naxuxian, like a fox, swiftly approached the Tibetan caravan's tent cluster.

He had already scouted the location and knew that the Tibetan elder was in the sixth tent.

The freezing cold and the deserted wilderness lulled the Tibetans into a false sense of security. They didn't believe bandits would come out to rob in the dead of night. In their minds, groups of bandits, confident in their strength, would rob openly and honestly, and wouldn't stoop to sneak attacks in the dead of night!

Who would risk the cold wind to sneak into this deserted wilderness in the middle of the night to steal things?

So no one was on night duty.

There is no need for anyone to keep watch at night.

Their most important goods were carried on a large herd of cattle, which were completely surrounded by their tents. To retrieve the goods from the yaks would inevitably disturb them, and the slightest movement would cause the bells around their necks to ring!
Soon, Nasu-sen approached the tent, where snoring could be heard.

That old geezer is sleeping soundly, while I'm freezing! Damn it! Naxuxian cursed under his breath, carefully approaching the tent and gently lifting a crack... Suddenly, he felt a gust of wind!
Nasu-sen was shocked and hurriedly retreated!

The curtain was lifted, revealing Hassan's tall figure!

Nasu-sen ran wildly and disappeared behind the mound of earth in an instant.

He secretly rejoiced, thankful he hadn't shown his face! Even if he met them tomorrow, they wouldn't recognize him!

Hassan's eyes flashed, he sheathed his sword, and turned back to his tent.

Feng Jiuxiao and Pang Shiwu squeezed into one tent. Pang Shiwu peeked out through the crack in the "door": "As expected, he couldn't hold back and actually made a move. It's a pity his skills are too poor; he was scared away by Hassan's single slash!"

Feng Jiuxiao was lying on the blanket, resting with his eyes closed. "That guy was after Hassan's dagger!"

Pang Shiwu said, "A waist knife? Oh, I remember now, Hassan's waist knife has a scabbard full of precious gems, it should be worth a lot of money!"

Feng Jiuxiao closed his eyes and said calmly, "This guy is too greedy. His boss clearly warned him not to act on his own, but he still couldn't resist! This shows that they are not a united front!"

Pang Shiwu said, "When disaster strikes, everyone flies away!" Hassan stood at the tent entrance, looking around. He specifically looked at Feng Jiuxiao and the others' tents, but there was no movement inside. His gaze fell on the distant mound, where the tops of tents could be vaguely seen.

At that moment, a young man emerged from the next tent. He came up behind Hassan and said in a deep voice, "Should I go over and finish them off?"

Hassan said, “No need! Their target shouldn’t be us, but themselves.” His gaze fell on Feng Jiuxiao’s tent.

The young Tibetan asked, "Who are they?"

Hassan shook his head. "I don't know. As long as they pose no threat to us, who are the butler and his men?"

The young Tibetan man said, "My third brother..."

Hassan immediately put his finger to his lips, signaling him to be quiet! Then he pointed to Feng Jiuxiao's tent, meaning to be careful, walls have ears!
The young Tibetan immediately shut up and crawled back into his tent.

Nasusen fled back to his den like a wounded fox!

Yin Yang Immortal chuckled, "You succeeded so quickly?"

Nasu-sen cursed in a low voice, "Success my ass! I almost got cleaved in two!"

The Yin-Yang Immortal feigned concern: "Oh? What happened?"

Naxu Xian said resentfully, "That old geezer's martial arts are actually quite good! Damn it, that one strike was definitely above the ninth realm!"

Yin Yang Immortal was taken aback. "What? That old Tibetan man is actually at the ninth level of combat power? I didn't realize that!"

Nasusen lifted his shirt, revealing his left back, where a bloody scar came into view!
Yin Yang Immortal was startled and immediately asked, "Are you injured?"

"Damn, his invisible blade aura is incredibly powerful!"

"Let me apply the medicine for you!"

With a rustling sound, Yin Yang Xian took out the ointment. As the cotton swab dipped in the ointment and applied it to the wound, Na Xu Xian gasped. He then immediately stuffed the pillow into his mouth and bit down hard, so that at least psychologically he felt much less pain.

"Luckily I reacted quickly, otherwise this knife might have damaged my internal organs!"

Yin Yang Immortal carefully put away the ointment, then suddenly felt a little nervous: "Won't he come after us?"

Nasusen shook his head: "No! After all, there are eight of us on our side!"

Yin Yang Immortal was speechless: "But they have nearly a hundred people!"

Naxuxian was taken aback. "Yes, there are many of them, why don't they chase after us? Oh, cough, you've confused me. He certainly wouldn't dare to chase after us!"

"Why?" Yin Yang Immortal asked incredulously!

"That whole group of them are mostly cowherds. How many of them could be experts? I reckon the old man is the only expert among them! He must have figured out that there are eight of us, so he doesn't dare to take the risk!"

"Hmm, that makes sense! You really want that knife?"

"Of course! What? You... have something in mind?"

"What I mean is, since that old Tibetan man is so powerful, then... if the eight of us gang up on him, so what if he's at the peak of the ninth realm?"

"But didn't my brother say not to touch it?"

"It's not advisable to make a move in front of Feng Jiuxiao! Tomorrow morning, the Tibetan caravan will definitely head south towards Gaozhou, while Feng Jiuxiao and his group will definitely head north, so they are destined to separate! We should take advantage of their separation and have the eight of us brothers join forces to kill the old Tibetan man, steal his waist knife, and then collect the spoils! Of course, we must persuade the eldest brother first!"

From the next tent came the voice of the White Ape Immortal: "Alright, Seventh Brother, I'll play along with you tomorrow! Anyway, with Sixth Brother around, we won't lose Feng Jiuxiao." Sixth Brother, the Divine Strategist Linglong Immortal, is best at intelligence gathering. As long as he's there, there's no need to worry about losing Feng Jiuxiao. We can go ahead and steal the waist knife without any worries! Besides, there's only one road north. As long as we ride fast, we can catch up again in no time!

The White Ape Immortal agreed to rob Hassan again because he knew that Hassan's caravan was carrying Tian Shan Snow Lotus, a sacred healing medicine! Each of the eight men could carry five or six lotuses without hindering their operation!

Feng Jiuxiao kept his eyes closed, but he was still wide awake.

"Fifteen, let's make a bet!"

Pang Shiwu asked, "What are we betting on?"

Feng Jiuxiao said, "Do you think the Eight Immortals will try to rob Hassan tomorrow?"

Pang Shiwu said, "Rob? No way! Their specialty is stealing! If we try to rob them by force, we risk being hacked to death!"

Feng Jiuxiao said, "Do you also think that if we use force, they won't be able to handle it?"

Pang Shiwu said, "Of course not! That definitely won't work!"

Feng Jiuxiao asked, "What do you mean it won't work?"

"Brother, you noticed that Hassan is at the peak of the ninth realm, right?"

"Of course!"

"One peak ninth realm cultivator can hold off four peak eighth realm cultivators. What if another peak ninth realm cultivator joins the fray? The best outcome for the Eight Immortal Thieves would be a draw! A slight misstep could result in total annihilation!"

"You mean that the young Tibetan man who looks a bit like Gyatso is their trump card?"

"Yes! You noticed it too?"

"How could I not notice him? He looks so much like him! And his demeanor is so similar! I suspect he's also a Tibetan prince!"

"That's right! He was talking to Hassan about Third Brother, and Hassan told him to shut up. I guess we've seen through his identity! One died, and another one comes. Gaozhou looks very dangerous!"

Feng Jiuxiao said, "It's impossible for today's events not to alarm the Imperial City Guard. The Song army will definitely take action."

Pang Shiwu said, "Anyway, I don't think the Eight Immortals of Thieves will go back to rob Hassan!"

Feng Jiuxiao said, "That's just your opinion! They don't have your discerning eyes! They can't tell who the real experts are! So, they'll definitely try to steal it tomorrow!"

Pang Shiwu said, "Since that's the case, I'll take the bet! What if I win?"

Feng Jiuxiao said, "Prajna Vajra Finger!"

Pang Shiwu was overjoyed: "One side is settled!"

Feng Jiuxiao asked, "What will you give me if you lose?"

Pang Shiwu said, "Brother, you have everything I have, and everything I have now was given to me by you. I can't think of anything I could lose to you!"

Feng Jiuxiao said, "Hehe, you lost, so I'll flick you on the head ten times!"

"Row!"

A mournful wolf howl echoed outside the tent!

A huge wolf with bared fangs, fierce eyes, and heavy breathing was watching the yak herd from afar!
Behind it stood dozens of ferocious and terrifying wolves, exuding a murderous aura!
Thank you for your strong support and encouragement from Yudong!