Several peaks rose abruptly from the flat ground, thrusting into the sky like sword blades.

The group rode into the mountains, the terrain growing steeper as they followed a narrow mountain path deeper inside. After passing through a treacherous gorge, the view suddenly opened up.

The first thing that caught their eyes was a large lake, several li in circumference. The water was a deep, clear blue, and when the breeze blew, ripples shimmered across the surface.

A small river wound its way around the mountains, and near its upper reaches stood a tall mountain. Compared to the surrounding ranges, it wasn’t particularly lofty or imposing, but it was where the stronghold was located.

Peter Carter had chosen this spot well; neither the government troops nor the Turks had time to bother with it. In fact, even if soldiers did attack, it would be easy for them to retreat deeper into the mountains and hide.

Smoke curled up from the stronghold, and the sounds of chickens and dogs could be heard. When they saw about twenty people riding over, both the old and the young came out to greet them, cheering loudly.

Adam Carter received the hero’s welcome, warmly greeting everyone in return.

After spending several months together, he truly felt the affection these people had for him. He bent down, picked up a child, tossed him into the air, and caught him again. The child let out an exaggerated wail, making everyone burst into laughter. Adam Carter smiled as he set the child down and nodded to the crowd. Although this was a bandit’s den, from the laughter and joy, it seemed no different from a paradise.

These people hadn’t originally been bandits; they had been forced into it by the emperor’s three campaigns against Goguryeo.

According to the people in the stronghold, the chief, Peter Carter, had originally been a military officer, brave and fierce in battle. He had participated in the first campaign against Goguryeo, but during the second, he finally gave in to the urging and persuasion of his subordinates, and fled with Adam Carter and several dozen loyal followers, becoming deserters.

They had fled out of desperation, but later felt fortunate, because the second campaign against Goguryeo also ended in failure, and soon there was a third. If they hadn’t deserted, they would have ended up meeting the King of Hell.

The group traveled west and settled here, choosing this lawless area, bordered by the Yellow River to the west, near the Great Wall to the north, and with the Sui Empire’s important fortress, Mayi, to the southeast.

This place was poor and desolate, so even the Turks didn’t care for it. The imperial court was preoccupied with the chaos in the Central Plains and had no time to bother with this area. Peter Carter would occasionally lead the group out for a raid, but after several years, they also began to farm a bit and raise livestock, living a rather carefree life.

“Bu Yi, the chief is waiting for you.” A man with a broad face and big ears came up to greet him.

This was the second-in-command here, named John Bennett, a brother-in-arms to Peter Carter. No matter how big or small the matter, Peter Carter would always consult with him.

Adam Carter nodded and walked up the mountain with him.

Halfway up the mountain was a fairly spacious flat area, where several large houses had been built from bamboo, timber, withered vines, and thatch. The wooden fences connected them together, forming the stronghold’s assembly hall.

Though the dwellings were simple and crude, they felt natural and welcoming.

Above one of the large houses hung a big plaque with the words “Assembly Hall” written on it, the calligraphy both neat and powerful, adhering to proper form.

Adam Carter knew it was written by his father. Though Peter Carter looked rough, he was skilled in both the literary and martial arts. According to John Bennett, the chief’s calligraphy captured the graceful freedom of the Southern Dynasties, while also possessing the upright strength of Northern calligraphy.

Although Adam Carter had some talent as an inventor, his own handwriting was far from distinguished—one could even call it chicken scratch. But even with his untrained eye, he could tell that Peter Carter’s writing was indeed excellent.

The characters of this era were very complex, and while he could recognize most of them, writing them was a real struggle.

To his surprise, besides Peter Carter, there were several others in the assembly hall, all smiling and nodding at Adam Carter.

Adam Carter had been here for several months. Besides adapting to the unfamiliar environment, he had been dealing with the people of the stronghold. At first, they respected him for the chief’s sake, but now it was because of his decisiveness and courage.

The people here were all from military backgrounds, with no scholarly airs—only the belief that whoever could fight was the true leader!

Section Three: Wealth Across the Land

“Bu Yi, how was the haul?” A red-faced man sitting nearby called out loudly as Adam Carter walked in.

“Is that even a question?” Another man with a bluish face laughed. “Every time Bu Yi goes out these past few months, he’s never failed.”

“Killed fifteen Turkic soldiers, brought back a woman, fourteen horses, and some bows and arrows.” Adam Carter reported simply, with a hint of regret.

He didn’t regret killing too many or capturing too few women, but rather the loss of two horses.

But that was something he couldn’t control—if the horses hadn’t died, it might have been them instead.

They did their best to gather what they needed—bows, warhorses, equipment—nothing went to waste.

The red-faced man was named Paul Grant, and the blue-faced one was Mark Stone, both brothers who had followed Peter Carter through life and death.

A flicker of surprise passed through everyone’s eyes as they looked at each other, clearly not expecting Adam Carter to have raided the Turks this time.

“Bu Yi, actually, I called you here to discuss something.” Peter Carter’s beard was stubbly, his face rugged and fierce, but though he looked intimidating, his voice was steady, and the look he gave his son was gentle.