Three days later.

At the gates of Dawn City.

A team consisting of three hundred strong warriors and two hundred Iron Wolf Guards escorted a large caravan of a thousand people, departing from Dawn City.

"Nowadays, with chaos and war everywhere, there are bandits all around. Relying solely on our caravan’s own men, it’s hard to make it back safely. We could be ambushed on the way, not to mention making it back!"

"Previously, when we set off from Yu City in the territory of the Xiao family, we traveled three thousand miles, facing numerous challenges. We encountered bandits at least ten times, which was extremely dangerous. We lost more than a dozen lives before finally arriving at Dawn City."

"This time on our return, and later when we bring supplies back to Dawn City, we will probably need the assistance of Commander Chen Qi all the way!"

The manager of the caravan was talking to Chen Qi, his face plastered with ingratiating expressions.

This Lord Chen Qi held a high position in Dawn City, being one of the few confidants of the elusive city lord, commanding a part of Dawn City’s forces and leading an army of ten thousand.

To safely navigate the dangers of the journey, they had to rely heavily on this influential figure.

"It’s no trouble."

Chen Qi, tall and broad-shouldered, had a pair of light blue eyes that seemed exceptionally calm.

His gaze was fixed straight ahead, unwavering.

"The caravan is of great importance to Dawn City, we cannot afford any mishaps!"

Tianmen Gorge.

Like a slit in the sky.

This place was extremely treacherous, with mountains on either side rising like sharp swords, obscuring the sun and sky.

The vast sky was reduced to a mere line!

This was the necessary route to the nearest Xiao family city, Yuncheng!

At the same time, it was also an extremely dangerous path.

The nearby mountains were continuous, with dense forests and perilous peaks. The thick trees hid countless bandits.

They were fierce outlaws and murderous madmen who had fled into the mountains from nearby regions, each more ferocious than the last!

For the caravan just arriving here, this was undoubtedly a huge challenge.

Most of the more than ten losses previously suffered by the Xiao family caravan had occurred nearby.

"There are many fierce bandits in this area, we must be extra careful!"

The caravan steward reminded Chen Qi with a chuckle.

Eyes like those of a tiger or leopard, yet incredibly vigilant.

He was alert to every rustle of the wind and grass around him.

This was a habit formed from years of wandering the world and adventuring.

The safety of the caravan rested on his shoulders.

Without rich experience and high alertness, it would be impossible to be in charge of a large caravan transporting extremely valuable goods.

Realizing his words might be inappropriate, Xiao, the supervisor, quickly smiled and said, "Of course, with General Chen here, what bandits? They are just trivial clowns, not worth mentioning!"

"Still, caution is necessary!"

Chen Qi nodded his head.

He was not careless.

Being chosen and trained as a confidant by Waldo, he was naturally different!

As his voice fell.

His horse suddenly stopped.

With a wave of his hand!

The tall and mighty soldiers behind him immediately halted!

Each one of them had fierce eyes and their surging fighting spirit was unreservedly unleashed!

"Speak of the devil, and he shall appear!"

A cold smile appeared on Chen Qi’s face.

"Attack!"

The three hundred strong warriors and two hundred Iron Wolf Guards, on his command, charged into the forest like arrows, enveloped in a powerful battle spirit.

More than a hundred ragged-looking desperados with fierce eyes, wielding machetes and axes, were hiding perfectly.

Seeing the fully armed and fierce soldiers of Dawn City, they were shocked!

"We’ve been discovered, fight them!"

The bandit leader reacted.

He commanded the bandits to clash with the soldiers of Dawn City.

...

This was a battle without suspense.

The soldiers of Dawn City, whether the strong warriors or the Iron Wolf Guards, were among the most elite fighters in the world.

Like an invincible dragon, they ruthlessly slaughtered the inexperienced and reckless bandits.

The usual fierceness of the bandits crumbled before the spears and swords of Dawn City’s soldiers!

In less than ten minutes.

The battle ended!

All 120 bandits were annihilated!

And on the side of Dawn City, not a single person was lost!

Not a single person was injured!

A great victory!

...

"Spare my life, General! Please spare me! I have elderly parents and young children to care for, I beg you to spare my life, I will be eternally grateful! General, please!"

The bandit leader had completely broken down.

His body was drenched in blood, but it was all his own men’s blood.

At this moment, he was terrified, trembling all over.

What kind of beings are these?

Why are there such formidable soldiers?

You should know that he himself was an elite warrior from the Ye family’s Four Symbols Army, battle-hardened.

Since becoming a bandit, he had often led his subordinates in conflicts against regular armies.

But he had never seen such powerful, fearless, and ferocious soldiers!

The intense murderous aura emanating from their bodies showcased their incredibly rich combat experience!

Pfft!

A spear suddenly pierced through the heart of the bandit leader.

"Death is deserved!"

Chen Qi did not even glance at the body behind him.

"Move on!"

"Speed up, cross Tianmen Gorge!"

"Although Tianmen Gorge is not far from Liulimen City, the mountains are high and the roads dangerous. It’s difficult for Ye family’s forces in Tianmen City to reach here, but the risk is still huge, we cannot take it lightly!"

At the front of the caravan, a nimble young man heard the order.

He immediately blew a long, clear whistle.

Moments later, a hawk fluttered high into the sky, overlooking the area below!

The caravan sped up!

They quickly passed through Tianmen Gorge.

Shortly after, the hawk swooped down again.

The young man reached out to let it land on his hand, his face suddenly changed.

"Be careful!"

"Ambush ahead!"

"Everyone, don’t panic, we’ll be back soon!"

Chen Qi’s expression changed.

He immediately ordered the young man training the hawk to continue surveillance.

Then, the five hundred-strong army of Dawn City split into two groups.

...

"City Defense Lord, are you sure the caravan will pass this way? In my opinion, the best place for an ambush should be Tianmen Gorge. The terrain there is treacherous, and catching them off guard, we could easily take down this caravan traveling between the Xiao family and Dawn City!"

A scholar-like staff officer was following behind a burly man dressed in armor.

Behind them, in the dense jungle, were about two thousand people hidden.

To deal with the Xiao family caravan, the lord of Tianmen City had led most of Tianmen City’s forces to set an ambush.

After all, Tianmen City is located in a remote area, near barren lands and treacherous mountains.

The primary role of the city’s forces was to suppress the bandits in this area.

Then, the scholarly staff officer continued, "As long as we completely cut off this trade route, the person in Dawn City will have no way out but death!"

However, the lord of Tianmen City shook his head.

"Although Tianmen Gorge is treacherous, if we know it’s an ambush site, the other side will certainly be aware of it too and will be cautious when passing through. Setting an ambush there is more likely to be discovered."

"Instead of that, it’s better to set up an ambush outside Tianmen Gorge!"