Chapter 9: Three Arrows Secure Liangshan (Part One)

Liangshan Marsh.

To be honest, the eight hundred li expanse of water is truly a natural haven.

Mountains rise like towering waves, waters stretch to the sky; within this eight hundred li marsh, ten thousand troops are concealed. Without tens of thousands of soldiers laying siege, it’s simply impossible to capture anyone. As long as one hides within the lake and doesn’t emerge, no matter how many armies come, I shall stand firm and unyielding. (Historically, Liangshan Marsh did cover eight hundred li. I explain this further in a later chapter—you can check back or look it up yourself.)

At this moment, at the foot of Liangshan, before the Golden Sand Beach, a caravan of roughly one hundred twenty to one hundred thirty merchants had halted, gazing upon the vast marsh.

After all, everyone knew this would soon be their stronghold.

There was no denying it—this was a prime location!

Leading the caravan were five riders mounted on horseback.

“Brother, why don’t we just charge in directly? With your bravery and Brother Yuan Lang’s prowess, that Wang Lun fellow is no match,” Zhu Gui whispered to Ren Yuan.

“Not yet. With all this commotion, if Wang Lun isn’t blind, he must have already caught wind. I expect he’ll bring his men out any moment now,” Ren Yuan replied.

Ren Yuan sat astride a tall, majestic horse—a fine steed gifted by Chai Jin. Though not the finest, it was still exceptional.

“Song Wan, how is the formation holding?”

Along the journey, Ren Yuan had already begun to consolidate and intimidate the group, especially the farmers brought from Chai Jin’s estate.

At first, many resisted him, some even tried to provoke. But Ren Yuan boldly declared he could take on their entire group alone.

After effortlessly subduing forty or fifty men barehanded, the farmers relented and gradually pledged loyalty.

“Brother, rest assured. Everyone eagerly wants Wang Lun chased away so we can claim this fortress ourselves,” Song Wan said, eyes wide as he surveyed the eight hundred li marsh. No wonder his brother had parted with half his profits to trade for this place. It was clear his brother’s vision was leagues beyond ordinary men.

Offensively and defensively, it was a fortress both easy to defend and difficult to assault.

This was Liangshan!

Suddenly, the sound of drums echoed—“Dang, dang, dang, dang!”

Over twenty small boats appeared on the water, each carrying over ten men. The leading vessel bore two flags: one for Liangshan, the other for the white-clad scholar-warrior Wang Lun.

“I heard there’re only three to five hundred fighters on this mountain. Looks like Wang Lun has called down most of them,” Zhu Fu quietly counted the men and spoke to his elder brother.

“Hmph, what’s the use of having more men? Brother’s coming with Chai Jin’s letter of legitimacy. Wang Lun would do well to show some sense. If not, does he think my Triple-Pointed, Double-Edged Blade is just for show?” Zhu Gui, having been with Ren Yuan long enough, knew well his strength and paid no heed to Wang Lun’s various ranks.

Zhu Gui’s main purpose today was to scout a suitable location for a tavern. Ren Yuan had already told him that once they took the mountain, Zhu Gui would oversee all the inns, gathering intelligence and greeting guests.

“All men, give Chai Jin a proper face—fall back thirty paces in order.”

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Seeing the boats approaching, Ren Yuan ordered his men to retreat thirty paces.

The newly integrated force surprisingly maintained order, retreating with discipline.

Meanwhile, Wang Lun’s men had yet to reach shore.

“Brother, this Ren Yuan is clearly no friend. With Chai Jin’s letter in hand, there’s no need to engage him head-on,” Du Qian advised Wang Lun from the lead boat.

“Hmph! Why should I listen?” Wang Lun’s face darkened. “We’ve been on this mountain for over half a year, painstakingly gathering our belongings. Now one letter and I’m to abandon it? How would I face the world after that?”

“But brother, Ren Yuan is no pushover…” Du Qian, having heard Ren Yuan’s reputation, knew their own limited skills wouldn’t hold up.

Wang Lun, proud and intolerant, ripped up Chai Jin’s letter in fury, cursing him harshly.

To be fair, Du Qian thought that although Ren Yuan’s actions were questionable, at least Chai Jin had notified them in advance and offered compensation to exchange the stronghold—far better than an outright attack.

Once someone enters the outlaw life, being outmatched and losing a fortress is just part of the game.

“Hmph, let’s see what he’s really made of. See? They’re retreating too! That pillar of strength must be all show. Order the men to disembark immediately!”

Unable to dissuade Wang Lun, Du Qian felt it wise to keep his distance.

Soon, Wang Lun and his men stormed ashore, jostling chaotically before finally facing Ren Yuan and his group.

“Who goes there? Why dare you trespass on Liangshan?” Wang Lun shouted, sword pointed angrily.

“Wang Chief, don’t play coy. Chai Jin’s letter has surely reached you. You’ve led most of the mountain’s forces down already. Let’s be frank,” Ren Yuan stepped forward confidently.

“This fortress—I want it. Will you give it up?” he demanded.

“Hmph! Ren Yuan! I got here first. Why should I yield? First come, first served—don’t you understand?” Wang Lun’s face blackened with rage.

“Wang Lun, this treasure of Liangshan rightfully belongs to the virtuous. Though you came first, look at what you’ve done to the place!” Ren Yuan retorted.

“I’m no stranger to the rules of the rivers and lakes. Give me the fortress, and I have a cart full of gold and silver to offer you!” Ren Yuan ordered a wagon forward, laden with treasure.

“Scoundrel! Do you take me for a beggar? Ren Yuan, you’ve gone too far!” Wang Lun’s eyes flickered greedily at the treasure but his face remained furious. Scanning around, he suddenly bellowed, “Whoever takes Ren Yuan’s head shall be a third-ranked leader! Fifty taels reward!”

At once, two men burst from behind Wang Lun, one wielding a long blade, the other a huge axe, both riding inferior horses and shouting wildly as they charged Ren Yuan.

These were local criminals Wang Lun kept as trusted lieutenants.

“Brother, let me handle this. Consider it my first merit,” Ren Yuan prepared to strike but was stopped by Yuan Lang.

“Watch out for hidden weapons.”

Ren Yuan trusted Yuan Lang implicitly but nodded.

“Don’t worry, brother. These two country bumpkins are no match for me.” Yuan Lang, proud in his own right, accepted that Ren Yuan was stronger but scoffed at the others.

Armed with a pair of forged steel war clubs, Yuan Lang stepped forward to face the two henchmen.

Clang!

At the clash of weapons, Yuan Lang stood unmoved. Both assailants’ hands were severely injured, blood spurting forth as their weapons flew from their grasp.

Bang! Bang!

Without giving them time to recover, Yuan Lang’s arms swung twice, each blow smashing their heads. The grisly scene silenced the Liangshan side instantly.

Wang Lun’s expression twisted, shifting through colors like a dye shop’s palette.

“Anyone else want to come up?” Yuan Lang raised his clubs in triumph, challenging the mountain troops.

Wang Lun dared not respond, instead retreating into his ranks.

Ren Yuan would not let him escape so easily.

Grabbing the iron-frame bow hanging from the saddle, Ren Yuan spurred his horse forward.

“Wang Lun, if you think to flee now, first ask if my arrows will let you!”