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Chapter 638: Master Bai, the Benevolent, Eliminates Another Scourge

Ever since Bai Yuan's forces had captured Yellow Turban Fortress, he had tirelessly sought out and attacked every water bandit stronghold in the vicinity. He had already dealt a decisive blow to a significant number of these outlaws.

Yet, in such a vast and turbulent 'pond,' some fish inevitably slipped through the net. Li Dayu was one such rogue. His usual haunt was a formidable stone fortress nestled deep within Mopan Mountain – a peak no less imposing than Yingzui Mountain, rendering it a particularly stubborn and difficult stronghold to breach.

Bai Yuan had, in fact, already sent out scouts to precisely locate the stone fortress, preparing for an imminent assault on Mopan Mountain. But then, unexpected news arrived: the Yellow River had shifted its course yet again, and the waters around Mengjin County had receded.

With the receding waters, their vital rescue boats were rendered useless. Bai Yuan had quickly redirected his troops to an urgent task: the construction of mud sleds. This diversion was the only reason the stone fortress had been temporarily overlooked. Yet, to his astonishment, the very bandits he had paused to attack had now audaciously launched their own offensive. Such brazen impudence!

Bai Yuan's voice boomed across the landscape. "Militia, forward! We attack from both land and water! Wipe out that stone fortress!"

Though initially, hardly anyone seemed to be around him, and only a few soldiers were visible within the Yellow Turban Fortress under construction, the moment his command resonated through the air, a militia soldier sprang out from behind a nearby tree, loudly affirming, "At your command!"

Then, as if from nowhere, militia soldiers began to emerge from every direction.

A portion of them sprinted towards the water's edge, readying the boats for combat.

The remainder stayed on land, preparing for a land assault on Mopan Mountain.

These were raw recruits, recently conscripted from the refugees, and thus not yet trained or qualified to wield flintlock rifles. However, arming them with traditional melee weapons was not an issue. As they reached the stronghold's gate, they found a squad of militia soldiers bringing out a massive wicker basket, overflowing with swords, spears, bows, and arrows.

The newly trained recruits eagerly chose their weapons from the overflowing basket.

Some grabbed bows, others clutched long spears, and still others armed themselves with a shield in one hand and a saber in the other...

In mere moments, a cold-weapon force, numbering over a thousand, was thus rapidly assembled.

Liu Bawan, witnessing the swift mobilization, couldn't help but gasp in awe. "Master Bai," he exclaimed, "you've conjured up quite an impressive militia in the blink of an eye!"

"'Impressive?' Ha!" Bai Yuan threw his head back with a booming laugh. "This motley crew, simply grabbing whatever weapons they can find, is hardly impressive; they've only just begun their training. Now, the militia I organized back in Chengcheng County—*that* was truly formidable. They defeated notorious figures like Bu Zhan Ni and Bai Yuzhu!"

Liu Bawan recoiled in surprise. "Bu Zhan Ni and Bai Yuzhu are infamous bandit leaders!" he gasped. "Your militia actually defeated them?"

Bai Yuan smiled, a glint in his eye. "Precisely!"

Liu Bawan felt a renewed surge of profound admiration. If this man had indeed thrashed Bu Zhan Ni and Bai Yuzhu, then he was clearly a person of good standing, and someone utterly worthy of trust.

After a few more words, the massive cargo ships of Gao Family Village had already launched their offensive, surging out from their hidden positions in the dense reeds.

The sight of the colossal flat-bottomed boats once again left Liu Bawan utterly speechless with amazement. "What immense cargo ships!" he gasped. "How much grain can just one of these transport? No wonder the benevolent Master Bai was able to provide such abundant provisions to aid our Mengjin County!"

He watched as several large cargo ships barreled towards the water bandits' sampans. A fierce engagement instantly erupted. From his high vantage point at Yellow Turban Fortress, perched halfway up the mountain, he could only discern the broad strokes of the conflict, not the intricate details of the clashes.

Suddenly, "Bang! Bang! Bang!" the flintlock rifles barked. Then, "Boom!" a hand grenade detonated.

Liu Bawan couldn't quite grasp the full destructive power of these weapons, only the sounds they made. "Firearms?" he stammered, turning to Bai Yuan. "Master Bai... aren't these weapons... a little too much...?"

Bai Yuan chuckled. "You mean to say my firearms are illegal?"

Liu Bawan offered an awkward smile. "Well, just a touch."

Bai Yuan shrugged. "Spend some time in Shaanxi, and you'll understand. Without weapons like these, how can anyone possibly fend off the rebels?"

Liu Bawan hesitated, then conceded, "Hmm, yes... I suppose that's true."

Anyone with an ounce of sense knew just how violently Shaanxi had erupted in recent years. Moreover, during the Japanese pirate incursions in Jiangnan, the populace had spontaneously taken up firearms to defend themselves. Though technically illegal, the imperial court had remained silent, largely refraining from any post-conflict investigations. With these thoughts, Liu Bawan dismissed his earlier concerns.

The river battle swiftly ended. The bandit chieftain, Li Dayu, was cut down, and his remaining rabble scattered. Simultaneously, the land-based militia had rapidly reached the base of Mopan Mountain. Their scouts had long since locked onto the stone fortress's position, allowing the militia to storm it with minimal effort.

From their elevated position on Yingzui Mountain, they could still faintly discern flickering flames on Mopan Mountain to the south. The resounding crack of flintlock rifles and the booming explosions of hand grenades echoed between the two peaks.

Bai Yuan pulled out a telescope. After a moment of observation directed at Mopan Mountain, he smiled. "Good. They've stormed the stone fortress."

Liu Bawan blinked. "Master Bai, you can see that clearly?"

Bai Yuan passed the telescope to Liu Bawan. "Here, see for yourself."

Liu Bawan peered through the telescope toward Mopan Mountain. "Huh?" he exclaimed. "This contraption actually pulls distant scenes right up close! How utterly fascinating!" His vision pierced through the dense woods, clearly revealing a stronghold concealed amidst the trees.

Militia soldiers were pouring into the stronghold, cutting down the water bandits inside with a flurry of blades.

The scene was incredibly gratifying to witness!

Liu Bawan found himself clenching his fists. "Kill them! Cut those wretches down!" he roared. "Oh, this is exhilarating, truly exhilarating! Witnessing the water bandits being eradicated fills my heart with an inexplicable joy."

After a considerable time, a tremendous cheer rose from Mopan Mountain, clearly audible even from Yingzui Mountain. The battle was over.

Liu Bawan returned the telescope to Bai Yuan, a wistful sigh escaping his lips. "Master Bai, the Benevolent, has rid us of another great menace."

Bai Yuan offered a modest smile. "It's still far too early to declare victory. Xiaolangdi is vast, and eradicating the bandits here will require considerable time and effort. Moreover, Xiaolangdi straddles the borders of both Mengjin County and Xin'an County..."

Liu Bawan quickly interjected, "Master Bai, we cannot meddle in Xin'an County's affairs. But as for Mengjin County, I can promise you on behalf of the Lord Magistrate: proceed as you deem fit. Mengjin County will absolutely not obstruct your efforts."

Bai Yuan's smile widened. "That's excellent, truly excellent."

Having seen and heard all he needed, Liu Bawan clasped his fists respectfully to Bai Yuan. "Master Bai, I have observed the situation here in its entirety. I shall now return to the county seat to report to the Lord Magistrate. Mengjin County will undoubtedly expedite the clearing of a land route to Hengshui Town. We sincerely hope to forge a closer relationship in the days to come."

Bai Yuan simply said, "Excellent!"

Liu Bawan led his men down Yingzui Mountain and back to Hengshui Town, where twenty mud sleds awaited them. He and his party climbed aboard and, amidst the endless expanse of yellow mud, sloshed their way back to Mengjin County to report to the magistrate.

After hearing about Bai Yuan's endeavors on Yingzui Mountain, the magistrate carefully considered the report. He couldn't, it seemed, find any significant fault. "Forget it," he muttered to himself. "What if there are issues? Can I even do anything about them?" Merely governing this disaster-stricken county already demanded every ounce of his strength.