Starting from the imperial palace guards, his clones spread all over the world.

Chapter 609 Exchange of Prisoners of War
Li Muyun's shout echoed through the silent valley, creating a series of reverberations before dissipating.

He tightened the reins, and his warhorse pawed restlessly.

A man and his horse stood steadily outside the range of arrows at the gate of the mountain stronghold, like a stone thrown into a deep pool, waiting for the unknown response beneath the surface.

The mountain breeze brushed against his armor, bringing a touch of coolness, but it couldn't dispel the heaviness in his heart.

At this moment, the composure and unwavering belief in victory that he had at the beginning of the war were long gone.

All that remained was a cold, sinking fear, which coiled around his heart like vines, tightening ever more.

He could even clearly hear his own heart pounding like a drum, each beat striking his chest.

He stared intently at the dark gate of the mountain stronghold and the towering walls, his eyes wide open, not daring to relax for a moment.

It was as if a ferocious beast might pounce out from the shadows at any moment, ready to devour its prey and drag him into an abyss.

Especially that name, the name that had just annihilated the army of the Prince of Pingcheng with swift and decisive action.

"Li Muyun!"

A rough roar suddenly erupted from the stockade wall, carrying the savagery and disdain characteristic of mountain bandits:

"If you have something to say, say it quickly, and if you have a fart, hurry up!"

Li Muyun's heart skipped a beat, and he instantly recognized the owner of the voice—Lei Zhen, known in the martial arts world as "Iron Fist".

In the past, Li Muyun wouldn't have bothered to give such scoundrels a second glance.

But times have changed. Behind Lei Zhen stands Song Jiang, who has just achieved an impossible feat!

The name itself carries a chilling weight.

"presumptuous!"

Li Muyun took a deep breath, suppressing his surging emotions, and his voice suddenly rose, carrying the chilling aura unique to officials, echoing through the valley.

He wasn't angered by Lei Zhen, but rather he knew that countless eyes were watching him from behind.

He had to maintain this crumbling dignity and could not show the slightest weakness.

The previous theft of supplies was already a stain on their record.

If he shows any weakness now and is labeled as "afraid of thieves like a tiger," his career will likely be completely ruined.

"How dare you, a mere bandit, be so disrespectful to this official?!"

He spoke extremely quickly, revealing his true purpose before the other party could launch another attack, his voice deliberately slowed, carrying an undeniable air of authority:

"Listen up! I have come here on the orders of my master, Lord Qinfeng, to make a deal with you—to exchange prisoners!"

He paused briefly, then uttered the name clearly, like a pebble being dropped:
"Your chieftain of Yanshan Village, Yin Leiling, is currently being held captive in our army camp!"

"If you want Chief Yin to return safely..."

Li Muyun's gaze, sharp as an eagle's, swept across the stockade wall:
"Use the captured Prince Zhao Yan of Pingcheng, his sons, and all the guards of the Prince's residence to exchange for them!"

As soon as he finished speaking, the brief ecstasy and subsequent chill from half an hour ago flooded back into his mind uncontrollably.

At that time, the government troops were advancing with unstoppable momentum, Yin Leiling was captured, and Yanshan Village was on the verge of destruction.

With the bandit leader captured, the mountain stronghold will surely fall into chaos!
Even if Song Jiang had three heads and six arms, how much trouble could he possibly cause?

Lord Qinfeng was in high spirits and was preparing to order the three armies to march simultaneously, and it seemed that the destruction of the mountain stronghold was just around the corner.

The entire camp was filled with the exhilaration of victory in sight.

however.

That ecstasy was completely frozen by an urgent military report that tore through the night.

On the southern slope of Yanshan Mountain, Prince Zhao Yan of Pingcheng led his elite troops into the mountains without authorization! They were ambushed! The entire army...was wiped out!
Wang Jingchuan, the leader of the Yunshan Sect, died in battle!
Li Daosheng, a retainer of the Prince's Palace, escaped with serious injuries and his whereabouts are unknown!
Prince Zhao Yan and his two sons were captured alive!
When Li Muyun first heard the news, it felt as if a thunderbolt had exploded in his mind, so shocking that he almost fell off his horse.

absurd!

This is absolutely a rumor!

The Prince of Pingcheng had a strong army with many skilled warriors under his command. How could he be defeated by a group of mountain bandits?
He subconsciously looked at Lord Qinfeng.

The usually composed and steady commander's face turned ashen, and he fell silent as if frozen in ice.

Scouts sent out to verify the authenticity of the information reported back time and again, solidifying the cold reality layer by layer.

The news is true.

At that moment, a deathly silence replaced the clamor in the vast camp.

The flames of victory that had just risen were extinguished by this bucket of ice water, leaving only a wisp of smoke.

The advantage that the officers and soldiers had painstakingly gained with their blood was completely squandered by the arrogant prince's foolish and reckless advance!
The overwhelming sense of defeat was suffocating everyone.

finally.

Lord Qinfeng made a difficult decision: to exchange hostages.

The Prince of Pingcheng has an extremely noble status!

It has a particularly close relationship with the current emperor!
If anything were to happen to him at Yanshan, not one of the officials present could bear such a tremendous responsibility!
Who will be used to exchange them?

The debate erupted in the commander's tent.

Most generals believed that the mountain bandits were short-sighted and that releasing some ordinary prisoners and offering some gold and silver would be enough to win back the prince.

Yin Leiling?
That's the leader of the bandits in Changzhou, a third-rank master. Releasing him would be like letting a tiger return to the mountains, with endless troubles to come!

However, the voice of Lord Qinfeng, who had defied all opposition, still resonated loudly in Li Muyun's ears:

"Song Jiang's ability to ambush and annihilate the elite troops of the Prince of Pingcheng shows that he is no ordinary bandit! This villain is both intelligent and brave, and we must go all out to deal with him like a lion hunting a rabbit!"

"Now that Song Jiang has won a great victory, everyone in the stronghold will follow his lead. He is now the de facto master of the stronghold!"

"Now, let Yin Leiling go back..."

A chilling glint of insight into human nature flashed in Qin Feng's eyes:

"How can two tigers share one mountain? How could Yin Leiling willingly submit to someone else? How could Song Jiang tolerate being hindered?"

"When two tigers fight, one will surely be injured! Regardless of who wins or loses, Yanshan Village will be demoralized and fall apart!"

"This is... a strategy of using one tiger to devour another, and then reaping the benefits without lifting a finger!"

Lord Qinfeng's plan strikes right at the heart of the matter!
Li Muyun wholeheartedly agreed.

That's why he volunteered to come to this dangerous place to carry out this seemingly exchanged plan, which in reality sowed the seeds of a fatal rift.

Li Muyun snapped back to reality, forcefully pulling her thoughts out of her memories.

A deathly silence reigned atop the stockade walls.

Lei Zhen's voice disappeared, and there was no response.

The silence weighed on his heart like an invisible boulder.

He has to put pressure on him!
"I will only give you fifteen minutes!"

Li Muyun shouted again, his voice filled with unwavering resolve:
"If there's no reply in fifteen minutes, then you can expect to... collect Yin Leiling's corpse!"

He wanted to use this sense of urgency to seize control of the negotiation and take the initiative.

He had no idea what kind of turbulent undercurrents his "hope" had stirred up within Yanshan Village.

………………

Inside the village.

Li Muyun's words were like boiling oil poured into cold water, instantly causing an uproar.

"Did you hear that? The soldiers want to exchange prisoners for the village chief!"

"Change! Of course we need to change! With the chieftain around, we have a pillar of support!"

"But... the officials only brought down the chieftain? What about the brothers who were captured? They need to be brought back too!"

"Yes! We can't just replace the chieftain! So many of our brothers are in their hands!"

"If it works out... the chieftain and the brothers can come back... God help us!"

……

The crowd stirred, and a spark of hope ignited in the eyes of many.

The desire for family reunion is the most primal human instinct.

This longing made the air feel scorching.

Lei Zhen stood at the edge of the crowd, his face as gloomy as the sky before a storm.

He pursed his lips and remained silent.

He understood the longing, but the anger and resentment in his heart surged like magma.

Who does Yin Leiling think he is?!

Narrow-minded, jealous of talent, and short-sighted! What virtue or right does he have to remain the chieftain?!

Why should he!
Now, under the leadership of our elder brother, the stronghold has just won a battle that will be recorded in the history of the bandits, severely damaging the government troops and capturing the prince alive!

The eldest brother is the one who deserves the position of chieftain!
If Yin Leiling were to return...

Lei Zhen's heart sank.

What should I do, brother?
Abdicate? How could Yin Leiling tolerate that?

Refusing to step down? Who will bear the infamy of brothers fighting amongst themselves?

The newly formed unity in the bandit camp will be torn apart in an instant!

He wished the soldiers would chop Yin Leiling down right now!
But he could only keep those words stuck in his throat, his chest tightening with urgency.

Just then, an even louder commotion erupted.

Bai Yi, leading a group of people, looked excited as they escorted the prisoners toward the gate of the stronghold.

Those being pushed forward were none other than Zhao Yan, the Prince of Pingcheng, whose face was ashen, and his two sons who were trembling like leaves.

"Bai Yi! What do you want to do?!"

Lei Zhen strode forward, blocking their path, his voice low and suppressed with anger.

Bai Yi's previous dejection vanished, replaced by a near-fanatical gleam in his eyes:
"Lei Zhen! Your chance has come! Promise the soldiers and bring the chieftain back!"

He waved his arms excitedly:

"Once the chieftain returns to his post and joins forces with Song Yingxiong, our Yanshan Stronghold will have two heroes in charge!"

"The Prince of Pingcheng's forces have been wiped out! We only need to deal with Qin Feng and another group of government troops, and our chances of victory will greatly increase!"

"I can negotiate with the officers and soldiers. With my eloquence, I am sure I can bring the greatest benefit to the mountain stronghold in this prisoner exchange!"

In Bai Yi's view, top-tier combat power is the key to determining victory or defeat.

Now that Liang Jin is the only one left in the mountain stronghold, he is inevitably alone and unable to support the entire village.

The return of Yin Leiling, a third-rank expert, would be the greatest guarantee for the stronghold and the key to turning the tide.

Lei Zhen stared at him, his eyes as cold as knives:

"This matter must be decided by my elder brother, Song Jiang!"

His voice was firm and unwavering.

Bai Yi's excited expression froze for a moment, then he understood Lei Zhen's firm opposition. This was not difficult for Bai Yi to comprehend.

Liang Jin and Yin Leiling had long been at odds in the mountain stronghold, and had begun to openly and secretly fight each other. They were only maintaining a facade of harmony and had not yet completely broken off relations.

Now that Yin Leiling has been captured, Liang Jin has already done more than enough by not kicking him while he's down. How could he possibly allow Yin Leiling to return?
As Liang Jin's brother, Lei Zhen naturally shared Liang Jin's sentiments.

Bai Yi sneered inwardly, his tone turning cold as well:
"Lei Zhen, I think you don't want to save the chieftain at all, do you? Are you afraid that if the chieftain comes back, he will ruin your elder brother's plans?"

Lei Zhen's fist clenched instantly, his knuckles turning white, but his voice grew even deeper, carrying a sense of impending doom:
"The prisoners were won back by my elder brother Song Jiang and his brothers with their lives!"

"How to handle it is his decision! It's none of our business to interfere!"

Bai Yi angrily said:

"The chieftain's life is at stake! A quarter of an hour! Li Muyun only gave us a quarter of an hour!"

"If this continues and something happens to the chieftain, can you bear the responsibility?!"

If Liang Jin doesn't show up, won't the prisoners of war never be exchanged?
Bai Yi didn't want this matter to be delayed until something went wrong.

I'll take responsibility!

Lei Zhen took a sudden step forward, his bulging muscles bulging beneath his clothes, like an enraged lion, his roar shaking the surroundings:
"I'll take the blame with my life, Lei Zhen! Is that enough?!"

He glared at Bai Yi, his eyes burning with rage:

"Bai Yi, you know nothing! The Prince of Pingcheng is my protective charm!"

"If used properly, it can safeguard the mountain stronghold and make government troops hesitant to act against it!"

Bai Yi was intimidated by his imposing manner and subconsciously took half a step back, then straightened his neck, his face full of disdain:
"Your life? What's your life worth?! Can it be compared to the chieftain's?!"

"Our true protection lies in top-tier combat power like our chieftain! It's our own strength!"

"Only when our chieftain returns will we have the strength to fight against the government troops!"

"How can you rely on a mere prince to save your life! If the government troops lose patience and launch a full-scale attack when the prince is on the verge of death, how can you possibly resist?"

The two men, like two angry bulls, clashed in front of the village gate, spitting and blushing.

The surrounding bandits looked at each other in bewilderment, and a buzz of discussion arose.

Some supported Bai Yi's efforts to save the chieftain and his brothers, while others firmly believed that Liang Jincai was the only hope.

Two emotions clashed fiercely among the crowd, and invisible cracks quietly spread in the newly formed morale.

As the argument escalated, with some even placing their hands on knife handles, the atmosphere became so tense that it seemed like a fight could break out at any moment.

"Ah."

A soft laugh, not loud but exceptionally clear, seemed to possess some strange magic, instantly silencing all the arguments and commotion.

The voice wasn't loud, but it was like cool spring water, instantly extinguishing all the restless flames.

Everyone felt a sudden chill, as if an invisible hand had gripped their throats, and all sound came to an abrupt halt.

Hundreds of eyes turned to look in the direction of the sound.

"I was only gone for a short while, dealing with some trivial matters, how did it escalate into such a huge mess?"

The owner of the voice walked over slowly; it was Liang Jin.

His steps were steady, as if he were strolling leisurely, yet he exuded a sense of composure as if he were in complete control.

A clear, melodious cry of a eagle pierced the sky from the pitch-black night behind him.

The enormous shadow of the divine eagle, like a phantom of the night, silently swept over the top of the stockade wall, bringing a chilling sense of oppression.

When Liang Jin's figure appeared clearly in the flickering torchlight, the entire mountain stronghold square fell into an eerie silence.

The remaining bandits' eyes blazed with fanatical worship, and the defeated soldiers who had been driven back by the government troops were filled with hope, as if drowning men had grabbed onto a piece of driftwood.

Even Lei Zhen and Bai Yi, who were at loggerheads, seemed to be frozen in place, their words stuck in their throats, leaving only rapid breathing.

As Liang approached step by step, the invisible aura spread out like a tangible tide.

The crackling of torches and the fluttering of flags in the night wind became exceptionally clear.

Wherever he went, the crowd parted like a tide being cleaved by a sharp blade, automatically making way for him.

All eyes were fixed on him, filled with awe and anticipation.

Liang Jin stopped in front of Lei Zhen and Bai Yi.

The two instinctively wanted to explain.

Liang Jin simply raised his hand casually.

With a simple gesture, the two swallowed back the words they were about to utter, and could only hold their breath, stand at their sides, and await his decision.

Liang Jin's gaze calmly swept over the two tense faces, then slowly moved away, looking around at the faces around him, some fervent, some tense, and some expectant.

finally.

His gaze fell upon the towering eaves of the Hall of Gathering Righteousness, he slightly clasped his hands in a fist salute, and his voice, though not loud, clearly reached everyone's ears, carrying a heavy weight:
"Back then, as far as I could see, the court was corrupt, corrupt officials were rampant, and Changzhou was a barren wasteland with corpses of the starving. I had no choice but to rob government grain to help the disaster victims, which resulted in me being a wanted fugitive."

His voice carried a sense of vicissitude and profound emotion:

"It was Yanshan Stronghold that took in a homeless wanderer like me. It was Chief Yin who personally provided me with a place to stay. I, Song Jiang, will forever remember this kindness and gratitude!"

Upon hearing this, Bai Yi's eyes instantly lit up with immense joy, and his face even flushed slightly with excitement.

Lei Zhen's face turned pale, and he became so anxious that the veins on his forehead throbbed, and his lips moved as he almost desperately tried to dissuade him.

however--

Liang Jin's gaze shot at him like a cold lightning bolt, his eyes filled with severity and unquestionable authority.

That gaze was like a bucket of ice water, instantly extinguishing all of Lei Zhen's resentment, leaving him only able to grit his teeth and swallow back all his anxiety and anger.

Liang Jin's gaze returned to the crowd, his voice suddenly becoming deep and powerful, like a heavy hammer striking everyone's heart:
"Now that Chief Yin is imprisoned and the stronghold is in trouble! How can I, Song Jiang, be ungrateful and stand idly by?!"

"There is an opportunity to rescue the chieftain and all the captured brothers..."

Liang Jin's voice suddenly rose, booming like thunder, filled with unwavering determination:
"How could I, Song Jiang, turn a blind eye?!"

He suddenly waved his hand, as if cleaving away all hesitation and debate:
"Therefore, my mind is made up! I will agree to the government's exchange!"

"We must bring the chieftain Yin Leiling and all the captured brothers to justice..."

"Bring them all back, make sure they're all safe and sound!"

As soon as Liang Jin finished speaking, the long-suppressed cheers erupted like a volcano!
Everyone breathed a sigh of relief, but everyone was also incredibly excited.

"Well said! Hero Song is wise!"

"We support Song Yingxiong!!"

"The chieftain is saved! We are all saved!"

……

The cheers soared into the sky, shaking the torches on the stockade walls so violently!

While those who supported the rescue were overjoyed, those who originally supported Liang Jin were now completely won over by his resounding and righteous statement!
A leader who remembers past kindnesses and steps forward in times of crisis.

A leader who cares about the lives of all his brothers.

How could one not be captivated and swear to follow them to the death?
This bond is more powerful than any force in uniting people's hearts!

His decision to save people was not out of cowardice or compromise, but out of consideration for past kindness and the greater good!

This is more captivating than mere bravery!

With a leader like this, you don't have to worry about being abandoned!
Don't worry about being ruthlessly sacrificed!
No matter what decision Liang Jin makes, there will be people who support him.

But when he made that decision, he immediately won the support of all the pedestrians.

Bai Yi listened to the thunderous cheers around him and looked at Liang Jin's figure, which resembled a mountain in the firelight.

The initial elation in his heart receded as quickly as the tide, replaced by a chilling coldness and a deeper sense of worry and apprehension.

"Disregarding immediate gains and losses, and disregarding the suspicions of those in power, he insisted on rescuing Yin Leiling... This man's magnanimity and lofty ambitions are truly extraordinary!"

"With such a person around, Chief Yin... may not be able to hold his position for long!"

Bai Yi felt a surge of bitterness in his heart, and a strange thought arose: if Liang Jin had chosen not to save him, perhaps he wouldn't be so terrified.

Liang Jin's choice at this moment precisely demonstrates his terrifying vision and unfathomable schemes.

He seemed to see a lurking dragon, about to take flight with the force of wind and thunder.

This small Yanshan Village was destined to be just the first step in his ascent to the heavens.

"Given his magnanimity, wisdom, and martial arts skills, if he had risen to prominence in the bandit world before Chief Yin, I'm afraid... even I would have been impressed by him and chosen to follow him."

Bai Yi was startled and dared not think any further, only able to sigh inwardly:
"It's a pity... Chief Yin has been incredibly kind to me. In my life, Bai Yi has only ever believed in loyalty and righteousness. Song Jiang... is destined to be nothing more than an adversary."

This clear-headed realization left him feeling utterly cold.

Lei Zhen, standing to the side, sighed heavily and lowered his head.

He obeyed his elder brother's decision unconditionally, but his worries did not diminish in the slightest.

Once Yin Leiling returns, his elder brother's grand ambitions will undoubtedly face even more twists and turns, and endure countless hardships.

Liang Jin remained unmoved by the thunderous cheers.

He raised his hand again, and the deafening sound was quickly silenced as if cut off by an invisible gate.

All eyes were once again focused on him, filled with absolute trust and obedience.

"Exchanging prisoners of war is imperative."

Liang Jin's voice regained its calmness, yet carried a cold, undeniable sense of control:
"But how to exchange them is up to us!"

"Only by taking the initiative can we ensure the safety of the chieftain and his brothers!"

His gaze turned to Lei Zhen.

Lei Zhen suddenly looked up, his eyes blazing with renewed fire. He straightened his back and his voice boomed like a bell:
"Brother! Please give your orders!"

"Whatever you say, we'll do it!"

Liang Jin nodded slightly, his gaze sharp as a knife, and slowly moved toward the figure huddled on the ground, trembling like a leaf among the prisoners—Prince Zhao Yan of Pingcheng.

Liang Jin's finger, like a judge's pen, pointed precisely at Zhao Yan, his voice icy cold and devoid of any warmth:
"This person is of high status and is a target that the officers and soldiers must rescue; he is of great importance."

"Therefore, we'll use him alone to exchange for the chieftain Yin Leiling, and all the captured brothers!"

"There is no room for negotiation!"

The last few words, like ice beads falling to the ground, carried a chilling, murderous aura.

Liang Jin's gaze suddenly turned incredibly cold, as if it could freeze one's soul:
"We must make our officers and soldiers understand our resolve—this is not negotiation, it is an order!"

His finger suddenly turned to the two pale, almost limp princes beside Zhao Yan, and he delivered a cold-blooded verdict:
"As for these two, they're useless to keep."

"Chop off their heads!"

Liang Jin's voice was like that of someone from the deepest, coldest abyss, every word imbued with chilling killing intent:
"Send it to that official outside!"

“Tell him—”

Liang Jin's gaze seemed to pierce through the stockade walls, striking straight at Li Muyun's heart:
"If the chieftain and all my brothers do not appear unharmed at the gate within half an hour..."

A chilling smile curved his lips as he spoke, each word deliberate and deliberate, like a pronouncement from hell:
"The next one to be sent over will be the head of Prince Zhao Yan of Pingcheng!"

(End of this chapter)