Liu Tiezhu was taken aback, then immediately amused by Er Gouzi's words. Though Er Gouzi's statement was a bit exaggerated, one thing was certain: with such a dense minefield, unless someone could fly or burrow underground, they'd definitely take a few hits.
Over the next ten days, Liu Tiezhu led Er Gouzi to set up more crossbows and pit traps behind the minefield. Only when the entire entrance and exit of the stone cave were fully covered did Liu Tiezhu finally breathe a slight sigh of relief.
During this time, the training of Second Uncle and the others never stopped. Mornings were spent practicing marksmanship, afternoons digging escape tunnels—everyone was busy and content. Yang Haitian, after this period of recovery, had fully healed from his injuries, though the shattered finger bones hadn't returned to their original state, but it didn't hinder normal movement.
The eleventh day was New Year's Eve. Everyone put down their work and gathered to celebrate. Liu Tieshan took out several bottles of Xinghua wine from the cellar—wine Liu Tiezhu had acquired from the Zhang family camp. Normally, his elder brother and the others couldn't bear to drink it.
His sister-in-law and Yulan prepared a table full of hearty meat dishes. The family sat together happily, drinking freely and opening their hearts.
After the meal, his sister-in-law's eyes reddened slightly as she said she didn't know how her family was doing now. It had been three months since they moved from home to the mountains, and she couldn't help missing her parents. Usually, on the second day of the New Year, her elder brother would take her and Yaoyao back to her parents' home. But this year, given the circumstances, she simply couldn't go back.
"Sister-in-law, don't worry. Tomorrow, Dog and I will head into town and check on things for you," Liu Tiezhu said.
Huang Xiumei's home was in Shuiguan Village, on the southwestern edge of the town. Based on the current situation, the villages near the town should be unaffected. Hearing Liu Tiezhu's words, Huang Xiumei quickly waved her hand.
"Tiezhu, how could I let you take such a risk?"
Liu Tiezhu waved dismissively and said, "No risk. I know the people guarding the city; getting in and out is easy."
Huang Xiumei wanted to say more, but Liu Tieshan interrupted with a wave of his hand.
"Xiumei, let's listen to Tiezhu."
"We haven't visited the elders in months. Tomorrow, let Tiezhu bring some meat and money over."
Hearing this, Huang Xiumei's expression finally softened.
Meanwhile, in Liujia Village.
Looking around, the entire village was nothing but crumbling walls and broken beams, with no trace of New Year's cheer. The men of the village had been slaughtered, and the women had become prisoners of the Zhang family, serving as playthings for the bandits.
In the battle that night, all the bandits of Tiangang Stronghold were wiped out. Though the Zhang family army won, they suffered heavy losses. Out of over 130 men, only about 20 remained.
But that wasn't what stung the Zhang family the most. After all, if you lose people, as long as you have money and food, you can quickly rebuild. What truly pained them was the loss of the camp's supplies—months of plundering reduced to ashes in a single night.
Zhang Mingtao vented all his anger on Liujia Village.
At Liu Yusheng's home, the Zhang Mingtao brothers sat in the main hall, with Liu Yusheng and his father kneeling before them. The two were covered in blood, their eyes vacant, barely distinguishable from madmen. Over the past few days, Zhang Mingtao had used every means on the father and son. Making them eat excrement was routine.
"I'll give you one last chance. Where is Tiangang Stronghold?"
"If you don't tell me today, I'll cut off your legs right now."
Hearing this, Liu Yusheng's eyes filled with terror, and he stammered, "Brother Zhang, I really don't know where Tiangang Stronghold is."
"Whenever we made contact, it was always at the foot of the mountain."
"Since you won't tell the truth, don't blame me."
"Men, cut off their legs immediately."
Zhang Mingtao's face showed no emotion as he spoke coldly. He blamed the camp arson entirely on the Tiangang bandits—after all, only they had the capability.
Two Zhang family soldiers, upon hearing the order, immediately drew large cleavers.
"Wait, I'll talk."
"Tiangang Stronghold is south of the mountain, but I don't know the exact location."
In his panic, Liu Yusheng thought of Liu Tiezhu's hiding place. At this point, he didn't care anymore. He decided to bluff his way through first and figure out an escape later.
Hearing this, a murderous glint flashed in Zhang Mingtao's eyes. Without a word, he raised his gun and shot Liu Yusheng's father in the leg.
Liu Yanhai clutched his thigh, writhing on the ground like an earthworm.
"Damn it, still lying? The next shot goes into your old man's head."
As he spoke, Zhang Mingtao aimed his gun at Liu Yanhai's forehead. Earlier, Liu Yusheng had claimed Liu Tiezhu's hideout was south of the mountain, costing him dozens of men. Now he was saying Tiangang Stronghold was also south of the mountain—it was like treating him like a monkey.
"Brother Zhang, I swear, Tiangang Stronghold really is south of the mountain."
"If we go deep into the mountain heading south, we'll reach a pine forest where Tiangang's lookouts are stationed."
"Capture one of their lookouts, and you'll be able to find out where the stronghold is."
Liu Yusheng, sweating profusely, bluffed with conviction. He knew now that he had to gamble everything on this one chance to survive.
"You'd better be telling the truth, or I have a thousand ways to make your life worse than death."
After threatening Liu Yusheng, Zhang Mingtao turned to the burly man beside him.
"Guo Yong, take fifty men and escort him into the mountains."
"If he tries any tricks, break his legs immediately."
"Remember, your mission is to scout the path."
"Once you find Tiangang's lookouts, capture them and bring them back."
"Brother Zhang, I won't let you down."
Zhang Guoyong nodded, then ordered his men to drag the half-dead Liu Yusheng out. Soon, a fifty-man team set off toward the mountains in a grand procession.
Under Liu Yusheng's guidance, they entered the mountains and quickly headed south at a rapid pace.
Two hours later, Zhang Guoyong signaled everyone to stop and had Liu Yusheng brought forward.
"You bastard, are you messing with me?"
"There's nothing here but Taiwan acacia trees—where's the pine forest?"
Liu Yusheng replied, "Brother, the pine forest is just ahead."
"Keep going deeper, and you'll see it soon."
"You'd better not be screwing with me."
"Otherwise, I'll snap your dog legs right now."
Zhang Guoyong threatened, then kicked Liu Yusheng aside and ordered the group to continue.
The procession marched on for another hour.
Liu Yusheng, leading the way, suddenly brightened.
"Brother, look! There's firelight up ahead."
"That must be where Tiangang's lookouts are staying."
Liu Yusheng pointed toward the firelight and continued his bluff.
Zhang Guoyong followed his gaze and a smile spread across his face.
"Everyone dismount. Follow me and charge!"
At Zhang Guoyong's command, the fifty Zhang family soldiers all dismounted. They quickly followed his lead, surrounding the direction of the firelight.