The Gale Vanguard marched imposingly along the road toward the frontier. Ayina had volunteered to personally lead a unit of elite cavalry to scout ahead, partly to clear the path for the main army, and partly to quickly familiarize herself with the situation at the front.
That afternoon, Ayina and her contingent arrived in a mountainous and wooded region. The roadside was dense with trees, and sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows. Ayina watched her surroundings vigilantly when suddenly, the sound of a gong rang out, and a group of bandits burst from the woods, surrounding them completely.
The bandit leader at the front rode a lean horse, wore his hat crookedly, and wielded a long saber, grinning as he shouted, "This road is mine, these trees are mine! If you want to pass, leave your toll money behind!" With that, he smugly tossed his head, but his hat accidentally fell off, provoking a burst of jeers and laughter from his subordinates.
Chapter 173