Escape after crossing

The three continued to search for clues in the mountain stronghold and accidentally overheard the conversation of the bandits. They learned that there was a secret place in the back mountain of the mountain stronghold.

Jiang Ziluo was secretly delighted, as it seemed that they were getting closer to the truth. However, just as they were about to investigate further, they were discovered and chased by bandits.

The three of them hid from place to place and finally got rid of the pursuit, but the guarding of the mountain village became stricter. Jiang Ziluo realized that it would be more difficult to explore the secrets of the mountain village now, but they were unwilling to give up.

Taking advantage of the night, the three of them quietly climbed onto the roof of the mountain stronghold and observed the movements of the bandits.

During the observation, they found some bandits secretly taking something out from the back mountain. Jiang Ziluo decided to follow these bandits to see what they were hiding.

The bandits hid and skulk along the way, and finally brought the items back to their residence. After confirming that there were no outsiders, they took out the items they had stolen from the back mountain.

"Brother Erlong, do you think we can sell these for money?" A bandit frowned and asked doubtfully. He looked at the items in his hand, feeling a little unsure.

"Brother Erlong, will there be any discovery with so many things? What if the village chief finds out..." another timid bandit said tremblingly, with a look of fear on his face.

"Yeah, Brother Erlong, now that these are out, who should we find to sell them to him?" The third bandit scratched his head and asked with a worried look on his face.

Jiang Ziluo, Mingyue and Mingxi hid in the bushes not far away, holding their breath and eavesdropping on the conversation of the bandits. They were secretly glad that they did not alert the bandits.

"We must find a reliable buyer and cannot make any mistakes." Brother Erlong said in a serious tone, with a hint of ruthlessness in his eyes.

"But where can we find such a buyer?" The timid bandit frowned, looking worried.

"I have heard that there are ghost markets in big cities that specialize in trading all kinds of shady or scarce things. It's just a bit far from here. Brother Erlong, should we try there?" another bandit suggested after hesitating for a moment.

"Well, this is a good idea! However, this matter must be kept secret and not let other brothers find out." Brother Erlong thought for a moment and nodded in agreement.

When Jiang Ziluo saw what they took out, he suddenly realized that what these people were holding was unrefined iron ore. This also explained why there was extra monthly income in the cottage's account book.

The mountain behind this mountain stronghold should be an iron mine, and the items these people secretly took out were undoubtedly unrefined ore. The things those bandits secretly took out were unrefined iron ore.

Jiang Ziluo clearly remembered that iron can be roughly divided into several types, among which the more common ones include magnetite, hematite and limonite. However, she was not very sure about the exact classification and characteristics of these ores.

After all, she had only occasionally seen a book about various mineral resources, but had not studied it in depth or memorized it.

Of course, Jiang Ziluo really didn't know what kind of iron it was. She had read a book about various mines before, so she didn't remember it clearly.

However, judging from the records of the bandits, each transaction was quite substantial. If there were no huge demand for this kind of iron, such a huge transaction amount would not have been possible.

Jiang Ziluo took Mingyue and Mingxi to hide. After making sure that there was no one around, he breathed a sigh of relief and turned to look at Mingxi.

"Mingxi, follow them to the ghost market and see who they sold these things to. And investigate further. Remember, your own safety is the most important."

"Well, okay, sir, will you guys continue to stay here?" Mingxi agreed, but she did not forget to ask Jiang Ziluo about his next plans.

"Mingyue and I will continue to investigate here. If we find anything, we will contact you in time. If we leave here, Mingyue will leave a secret code for you." Jiang Ziluo looked at Mingxi seriously.

"Well, you guys be careful." Mingxi nodded, a hint of worry flashing in his eyes.

"Don't worry!" Jiang Ziluo patted Mingxi's shoulder and comforted her, "I will protect myself and Mingyue."

After saying that, Jiang Ziluo gave a few more instructions and asked Mingxi to follow those people.

Looking at Mingxi's departing back, Jiang Ziluo turned around and continued looking for clues with Mingyue.

Mingxi followed the bandits carefully, trying not to make any noise. She was full of curiosity and nervousness, wondering what this so-called ghost market would look like.

Finally, they arrived at their destination. The lights here were dim, barely enough to illuminate the surroundings, but it still looked eerie. There were many figures, as if hiding countless secrets. There was a mysterious atmosphere in the air, which made people feel uneasy.

The bandits found a remote corner with ease, and seemed to be waiting for someone. After a while, a mysterious buyer in a black robe with an unclear face appeared. After a brief greeting, the two sides began the transaction.

Mingxi tried her best to hide herself and listened to their conversation. She could only hear the buyer lower his voice and say, "The quality of the goods this time is good... The price is still the same."

The bandits nodded in agreement. Then the buyer took out a pile of silver from his pocket and handed it to the bandits. The whole process was quick and quiet, and did not attract anyone's attention.

Just as she was about to move closer to try to hear their next conversation, she suddenly felt a sharp gaze directed at her.

Her heart tightened, and she quickly hid her body deeper into the darkness. She didn't dare to move, for fear of being discovered. After waiting for a moment, and making sure it was safe, she slowly poked her head out to observe the situation.

At this time, the goods had been delivered, and the bandits left with the silver. Mingxi decided to follow the mysterious buyer to see where he was transporting these things.

She followed the buyer from a distance, keeping a certain distance to avoid being discovered. After a while, the buyer finally entered a large house that looked quite impressive. Mingxi looked at the closed door.

Mingxi wrote down the address and prepared to go back and tell Jiang Ziluo. She thought that maybe if she followed this line, she could uncover the secret behind the village.

Mingxi hurried back to the village and saw Jiang Ziluo and Mingyue waiting for her anxiously. She didn't even have time to catch her breath and hurriedly told them about her tracking.

"I followed him to a big house, but didn't go in." She then described the appearance of the house in detail.

Jiang Ziluo frowned, thought for a moment and said, "It seems that this matter is really a bit tricky."

She thought for a while, then said to Mingyue, "You and Mingxi stay here, I'll go see what that big house is."

Mingyue looked at Jiang Ziluo worriedly: "But..."

Jiang Ziluo interrupted her: "Don't worry, I'll be fine. Just wait for my news here, and pay attention to whether there are any other abnormal situations around. If there is any movement, notify me immediately." After that, she turned and left.

Mingxi and Mingyue looked at each other, their eyes full of worry, but they knew that they could only trust Jiang Ziluo now. The two stood there silently, watching Jiang Ziluo's back as she left, praying in their hearts that she would return safely.