Rebirth: Phoenix Riding the Ninth Heaven

Jing San led a well-trained team, taking advantage of the inky darkness and the complete silence of the night, and quietly approached the gate of a magnificent courtyard. They moved with great caution, fearing that even the slightest sound would alert those within. When they reached the gate, everyone paused in unison.

At this moment, one of Jing San's men stepped forward and asked in a low voice, "Boss, is this the family?" Jing San didn't answer immediately. Instead, he carefully examined the list and the marked location in his hand in the dim moonlight. After double-checking, he said with certainty, "Yes, this is the family! There are three brothers in this family, all living in this courtyard. The eldest and the second are married, while the third lives alone in the side room. The old couple lives in the main house, and the eldest has a young child. After some investigation, we found that only that guy named Lao Fudan was idle all day and did not work. For such a small profit, he actually sold the terrain and defense structure here to the Xiongnu. It's absolutely despicable! Our mission tonight is to bring the third brother to justice. If he encounters resistance, no mercy, kill him on the spot!"

Jing San's eyes flashed with determination and coldness. The team members behind him also had solemn expressions, holding their weapons tightly, ready to face the upcoming battle.

He was the third child in the family, his two older brothers already having established their own families and careers, leading comfortable lives. While the family hadn't yet split up, the brothers were now adults, each with their own priorities. Although his parents doted on him, the youngest, in these difficult times, even with their pampering, their supplies were limited. Furthermore, he was inherently lazy, unwilling to work for what he desired. Therefore, for him, finding a good meal was practically impossible.

One day, a bearded old man suddenly approached him and insisted on inviting him to go drink with him. At first, he was a little hesitant and wary, but when he thought about enjoying free wine and delicious food, he didn't think too much about it and immediately agreed and followed the strange old man to a tavern.

After the two of them were seated, they began to enjoy the feast to their heart's content. They ate meat and drank wine with big mouthfuls, feeling very comfortable. When they were full, the bearded man gently patted the third brother's shoulder and asked with a smile: "Brother, are you satisfied with the food and wine today? Is the wine to your taste?" Zhao Laosan nodded hurriedly, patting his chest with his hand, and responded with a beaming face: "Brother, you are so generous! The food and drinks are first-class. I have never tasted such delicious dishes and mellow wine!"

Hearing this, a sly glint flashed in the bearded man's eyes, and then, striking while the iron was hot, he said to the third brother, "Since you're satisfied, I won't beat around the bush. To be honest, I asked you to come here to help me with a few things. As long as you're willing to help me get these things done, you'll naturally be well fed and well fed in the future. I'll pay you a sum of money every month as a reward, and if you do a good job, there's no problem giving you extra rewards!"

However, upon hearing that there was money to be made, the man, who had previously behaved erratically and appeared somewhat arrogant and self-indulgent due to his pampering at home, immediately perked up. Without hesitation, he patted his chest and vowed to the older brother, "Brother! Just ask. No matter what it is, just give me the order and I promise to do it gloriously and securely!" As he spoke, his face was filled with confidence.

At this moment, the bearded man standing nearby stared intently at the third brother, his lips curled up slightly, revealing an elusive smile. This smile seemed to conceal countless profound meanings, leaving one perplexed. Then, he slowly spoke, "Very well, you've enjoyed my meal tonight. In that case, please help me find out about the population distribution in this village and whether there are any patrols. If so, find out how many there are. Also, check the number of young and middle-aged people in the village and the status of the food supply. Remember, these matters must be thoroughly investigated!"

Upon hearing this, Zhao San's mind flashed like lightning, and he instantly understood the key point. Although he usually appeared fearless and distracted, he was still well-informed about certain major events. He stared at the bearded man in front of him in astonishment, stammering, "Brother... Brother! What... what are you doing? Are you planning to rob our village?" As he spoke, beads of sweat formed on his forehead.

When the bearded man heard what Zhao San said, the corners of his mouth curled up slightly, revealing a sly smile. He patted Zhao San's shoulder gently, and said in a calm but somewhat seductive tone: "Brother, don't be nervous! We have always been cautious in doing things, how could we be discovered so easily? Besides, every time we meet, we chat in the town, without anyone knowing. Who would have thought that we were doing something? As long as you do what I say, it's just some simple little things. When the time comes, not only will you be able to eat and drink delicious food, but you will also get a lot of money. Is there any job in the world that is easier and more comfortable than this! Let me ask you, did you enjoy the food and wine today? Did you enjoy the wine and wine?"

Zhao San's heart began to waver as he listened to the bearded man's words. He recalled the sumptuous meal they had just had, and he smacked his lips unconsciously, as if savoring its delicious flavor. After a moment, he gritted his teeth, forcibly suppressing the last vestiges of unease within him, cursing silently, "Damn it! I'm just going to take care of myself first. I just need to eat and drink. I don't care about anything else!" Then, he nodded and replied, "Okay! Big Brother, I'll do whatever you say!" And so, Zhao San and the bearded man became a nefarious accomplice. Using various means, the two of them thoroughly investigated the entire area, including its layout, personnel, and terrain.

Night fell upon the village, bringing a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere. However, amidst this stillness, a group of figures quietly approached Lao San's house. Leading the group was none other than Jing San, who, accompanied by several of his men, treaded cautiously, fearing the slightest noise.

Inside, the third brother was half asleep. He had gone to town again today to meet with the bearded man and report on the recent events. Due to the recent intense investigations, the two had decided to temporarily reduce their interactions. They'd even shared a round of drinks. After a satisfying meal and a few drinks, the third brother staggered back to his room and fell into a deep sleep.

Just as the third brother was sleeping soundly, he suddenly felt a chill on his neck. He opened his eyes abruptly and saw a gleaming machete at his neck! In an instant, the third brother's drunkenness dissipated and he regained consciousness.

Then, before Lao San could react, he was dragged out of the house like a dead dog. Jing San and the others were furious and rolled up their sleeves, punching and kicking Lao San. Poor Lao San had no power to fight back and could only curl up on the ground with his head in his hands, allowing everyone to punch and kick him. Soon, he was beaten all over and only had his last breath left.

At this time, the elderly couple and two brothers who lived in the neighboring Dongjing heard the noise and hurried out. When they saw the scene in front of them, they were stunned - they saw a group of soldiers dragging the dying third brother away.

"Master Guan, what is going on? What has our third son done wrong? Please, have mercy on him!" The old couple cried and rushed forward, trying to stop Jing San and the soldiers. The two brothers followed closely behind, pleading together, "Master, please have mercy!" For a moment, the scene was in chaos...

Jing San's face was filled with rage, and he showed no mercy to the people in front of him. He raised his voice and shouted, "Do you know what kind of evil things your third brother has done?" The voice was deafening, as if it was going to blow the roof off.

"He actually collaborated with the enemy and betrayed his country! If it weren't for the fact that you might not know about this, why would we have arrested only him for the serious crime of confiscating property and exterminating the clan? This is already considered a special mercy and a lenient sentence. If you still want to stop me here, don't blame me for arresting your entire family and putting them in jail!" Jing San became more and more angry as he spoke. Veins bulged on his forehead and his eyes were wide open, like an enraged lion.

"You neglected to restrain and discipline him on weekdays, which led to him making such a heinous mistake. If those Huns really invade, the mountains and rivers will be destroyed, and all lives will be lost. I want to see who among you will be able to survive then!" Having said that, Jing San glared fiercely at those people on the ground who were wailing for mercy, then grabbed the third brother and strode towards the door.

Everyone filed out, and the villagers, hearing the commotion, also poured out of the courtyard like a tide. Seeing the third child being dragged out of the village like a dead dog by the soldiers, everyone finally dared to step forward and ask what had happened. What had the third child done wrong? Why were the soldiers here to arrest him? The village chief hurried forward to question the elderly couple, but the third child's parents were there, like wooden figures, silently lowering their heads.