Shadow Forts Spreads Across the Land Chief Chen, From Escort to Bandit
In the martial world, the name Eighteen Shadow Forts is spoken with both dread and awe. Robbers, murderers, and smugglers they pillage the rivers and roads under the banner of justice: "Stealing from the rich, giving to the poor." Romantic as it sounds, don't be fooled. They strike wherever there's a silver in a pouch.
Despite the name, Eighteen Shadow Forts doesn't just have eighteen branches it boasts over one hundred and eighty, scattered across the land like wolf dens in the wild. Where there are people, there's wealth; and where there's wealth, there's a Shadow Forts lurking nearby.
Though the Eighteen Shadow Forts are notorious for their criminal activities, they gain favor by presenting themselves as champions of the common people, with opinions on their actions varying widely.
Its rise to prominence owes much to two men: Chen Guang, the current leader, and his ever-elusive strategist, Yang Jiping.
Chen Guang's story began as a humble orphan, taken in by a kind-hearted escort of the Chen family. The old man taught him the way of the blade, the code of honor, and even entrusted him with the family heirloom a dagger forged of dark steel and inlaid with silver. Chen followed his adoptive father through wind and storm, growing into one of the most promising escort guards in the Suzhou-Hangzhou region.
But the man once sworn to protect caravans now leads raids upon them. Why?
Rumor has it that on a fateful escort run, Chen was ambushed by Shadow Forts bandits. Defeated and disgraced, fearing retribution from his employers, he chose the outlaw path and defected to Shadow Forts.
But those who know more whisper a different tale. That day, Chen Guang did meet the Shadow Forts bandits but he bested them with ease. Just as the last of them fell, a young scholar descended from the cliffs. It was this mysterious scholar who was the key to Chen Guang's defection.
On that day, a woodcutter happened to be hiding nearby and witnessed the entire scene. According to him, the scholar whispered to Chen Guang for a moment, and then they stood still, the forest eerily silent. After an unknown amount of time, both suddenly burst into laughter, their voices echoing through the valley, causing leaves to fall in a flurry. Then, side by side, they vanished into the depths of the woods.
From that moment on, Shadow Forts' fortunes soared. With Chen Guang at the helm, every raid was a resounding success. His deep knowledge of escort routes, his cunning mind, and his unmatched martial skill made him a nightmare for any traveling merchant.
They say Chen doesn't fight to kill he fights to break. He'll toy with an enemy even after reading their every move, stretching the moment until their strength is gone and their will shattered.
Even within his own ranks, he's feared more than revered. He never raises his voice. He never strikes. Yet his punishments cut deeper than blades. One burly thug, once famed for his brute strength, was so rattled by a single "talk" with Chen that to this day, he trembles at the mention of the name.
So now you know. Even this glimpse revealed the terror of Chen Guang.