Physical enlightenment begins with Xingyi Quan

Before dawn, the convoy had already left Old Yang's Inn.

The road narrows as the shadows of mountains creep closer on both sides, ancient trees reaching for the sky, their branches and leaves blocking out the sun.

By midday, the light in the woods had already dimmed like dusk.

"The Black Wind Ridge territory is just ahead."

Su Derong's voice was not loud, but it reached everyone's ears clearly.

He reined in his horse and looked around, his gaze sweeping over the rugged rocks and deep forest gaps: "Follow the old rules. Travel along the outer perimeter, without venturing into the deep valleys. Find a sheltered spot to camp before sunset, keep the campfire burning all night, and take three shifts for night watch."

Everyone responded in unison.

Zhou Yong rode up to Chen Jianghe and lowered his voice, "Brother Chen, is this your first time at Black Wind Ridge?"

"Yes." Chen Jianghe nodded. "Please give me your guidance, Brother Zhou."

"I wouldn't call it giving pointers, but I can certainly offer some advice," Zhou Yong grinned. "Black Wind Ridge, though the name sounds intimidating, is actually a 'treasure land'."

"A treasure land?" Chen Jianghe raised an eyebrow.

He paused, then pointed his riding whip at the mountain shadows ahead: "See that? There are many wild beasts in these mountains. Wild boars, deer, roe deer, and if you're lucky, you might even encounter exotic beasts like the 'Iron-backed Bear' or the 'Red-striped Leopard.' For us martial artists, qi and blood are fundamental. Ordinary domestic pork and mutton have limited nutritional value. But these wild beasts that roam the mountains and fields year-round, consuming the essence of plants, possess a vital energy in their flesh that is several times stronger than that of domestic animals."

Chen Jianghe's heart stirred slightly: "Brother Zhou, are you saying that martial artists often go into the mountains to hunt in order to replenish their qi and blood?"

"Exactly!" Zhou Yong nodded. "The martial arts schools and gangs with some reputation in Yilin County organize their disciples to go into the mountains every now and then. Firstly, to gain practical experience, and secondly, to hunt for prey. Especially large martial arts schools like 'Zhenlei' and 'Yufeng' have dedicated hunting teams. I've heard that several major families in the inner city even hire 'hunters' year-round to search for rare and exotic beasts for them."

He paused, then lowered his voice: "However, Black Wind Ridge is divided into inner and outer areas. The official road we're on, which runs along the foot of the mountain, is the outer area. Further in, that's the real danger zone—poisonous miasma, swamps, and I've heard that there are even powerful 'spirits' deep inside. Only experts with internal strength dare to venture there."

Wang Gui, speaking in a muffled voice from behind, continued, "Last year, the 'New City Escort Agency' lost three escorts deep in Black Wind Ridge. They said they were chasing an injured 'Ironback Bear,' but they went even deeper, and none of them came back."

Chen Jianghe understood: "That's why the escort team only travels along the outer official road."

"Exactly." Zhou Yong nodded. "Although the official road is narrow, it is a path paved with the blood of our predecessors. The trees on both sides are cleared regularly, making it difficult for people to hide. As long as you don't rush and take shortcuts, don't cross the ridge at night, and follow the rules, you can get through safely eight or nine out of ten times."

As they were talking, Zhao Tieshan reined in his horse and turned around. He whispered a few words to Su Derong in front of the caravan, then raised his voice and said, "There's a sheltered mountain hollow about three miles ahead. It's spacious and has a good view. As usual, we'll camp here tonight and cross the ridge at dawn tomorrow."

Everyone's spirits lifted.

The mountain pass was located at a bend in the official road, backed by a steep cliff, with a wide view in front and gentle slopes on both sides, making it easy to defend and difficult to attack. Even more valuable was a shallow spring at the foot of the cliff, with clear and cool water, perfect for horses to drink from.

"Same as always!" Su Derong dismounted, his voice steady and powerful. "The caravans will form a circle, with the cargo boxes in the center! Zhou Yong and Wang Gui, lead your men to clear the area. Clear all weeds and pebbles within a radius of thirty paces! The porters will be divided into three groups: one to chop firewood, two to fetch water, and three to stand guard!"

"Understood!" everyone responded in unison.

Zhou Yong grinned and patted the scabbard at his waist: "Don't worry, young master, I've walked this ridge seven or eight times, I know it very well. Even if a wild boar comes running over at night, I'll make it tomorrow's breakfast."

Wang Gui nodded honestly, "I have sharp ears; I can hear any noise."

The camp was quickly set up. Su Derong then called out three names: "Chen Jianghe, Zhou Yong, and Wang Gui, the three of you will be on night duty tonight."

He walked up to the three men, his gaze sweeping over them one by one: "Night shifts are divided into three shifts, each lasting one hour. Chen Jianghe will be on duty from 7 PM to 9 PM, Zhou Yong from 9 PM to 11 PM, and Wang Gui from 11 PM to 1 AM. I'll take over after 1 AM."

He paused, lowering his voice but speaking clearly: "Remember all the rules for night watch—first, never remove your armor or weapons. second, keep the campfire burning all night, adding firewood every quarter of an hour. third, don't just stare at the fire; listen carefully to all directions, especially the shadows outside the wagon formation and the top of the mountain wall."

Zhou Yong clasped his hands in a fist and said, "Young Master, rest assured, we understand the rules."

Su Derong nodded, then took out a bamboo whistle from his pocket and hung it around his neck: "You still remember the code, right?"

"I remember," Wang Gui replied. "One short whistle, a partridge cries, an alarm; two sharp whistles, an owl cries, an enemy attack; three long and one short, a cacophony of crows, a call for help."

"Alright." Su Derong put away the bamboo whistle. "The rest of you, get some rest."

.......

Night was falling.

The wind howled through the woods, mingled with the cries of unknown night birds, sometimes near, sometimes far, sometimes high, sometimes low.

The flickering light of the campfire stretched and distorted the shadows of the trees, casting them on the rock face like ghostly figures.

Chen Jianghe stood quietly beside the car when he suddenly heard faint footsteps behind him. He quietly placed his left hand on the lime bag at his waist.

"It's me," Su Derong's voice rang out, tinged with weariness.

Chen Jianghe relaxed slightly and turned to see Su Derong walking over with a small leather bag, sitting down on the cargo box next to him.

"Senior brother, are you still not resting?" Chen Jianghe asked.

"I can't sleep." Su Derong uncorked the leather bag and took a swig—it was water, not alcohol.

He wiped his mouth and handed the wine bag to Chen Jianghe: "Want some?"

Chen Jianghe took the sip and felt the cool sensation in his throat.

The two fell silent for a moment, with only the crackling of the campfire.

After a long pause, Su Derong suddenly spoke, his voice so low it was almost drowned out by the wind: "Jiang He, do you think this shipment... can be delivered safely?"

Chen Jianghe turned to look at him. In the firelight, Su Derong's usual carefree smile was gone, replaced by a deep-seated worry.

"What are you worried about, senior brother?"

Su Derong did not answer immediately. He picked up a dry twig from the ground and poked at the embers around the campfire, sparks flying everywhere.

"The Green Dragon Gang has just taken over Lin Family Fortress and needs time to reorganize and digest it. For now, their reach cannot extend to Wolf Fang Gorge. They can simply send a letter and pay a fine to avoid trouble there," he said slowly. "But Black Wind Ridge... I still feel uneasy about it."

"Xiao Qing of the Azure Dragon Gang is extremely ambitious," Su Derong continued, his voice growing increasingly low. "Since he dared to massacre the Lin family and seize power, he won't be content with just being a fortress lord. Setting up checkpoints and collecting taxes on key roads outside the city is only the first step. I'm worried... he'll use the guise of 'bandit suppression' to extend his reach into Black Wind Ridge."

"Suppressing bandits?" Chen Jianghe frowned slightly.

"That's right." Su Derong smiled bitterly. "Black Wind Ridge is notorious for its banditry. If the Green Dragon Gang ambushes us here under the guise of acting on behalf of Heaven and eliminating the remaining bandits, and robs our goods, they can simply blame it on 'internal strife within the bandit gang' or 'accidental injury' afterward. Who will investigate? The government is more than happy to have someone help them eliminate bandits, so they'll just turn a blind eye."

Chen Jianghe felt a chill run down his spine.

This is not unfounded worry. In chaotic times, such methods are commonplace. Under the guise of righteousness, they are actually committing murder and robbery.