Montenegro

In the face of this audacious act by the notorious Black Mountain robbers, Wang Jun's sense of responsibility and protective instincts surged. These were his disciples, his martial family, and he wouldn't allow them to be held hostage by criminals.

"Oh shit!" he exclaimed with determination. "Dare to bully my Solid Strike disciples, whether you're robbers or bandits, we'll deal with them all!"

Wang Jun's resolve was clear. He had worked hard to recruit a hundred disciples, and seeing more than thirty of them taken away was unacceptable. His fierce determination showcased his adaptation to the harsh reality of the Starfall Continent.

Li Qingyang, the second elder brother of the Solid Strike School, rushed to Wang Jun's side. 

"Head," 

he said resolutely, "I'll go with you. We can't let our fellow disciples suffer."

Wang Jun appreciated Li Qingyang's dedication and nodded. "Let's go together. We'll rescue our disciples and teach those bandits a lesson they won't forget."

With their hearts set on this mission, Wang Jun and Li Qingyang prepared to confront the Black Mountain robbers and secure the release of their captured disciples. The stakes were high, but their determination was unwavering.

Lu Lu also joined Wang Jun and Li Qingyang as they prepared to confront the Black Mountain robbers.

Wang Jun, however, stopped in his tracks and turned to them with a warm smile. "There are disciples who haven't come to report. You two stay in the martial arts school to take care of them. You don't have to follow me to Montenegro."

Li Qingyang's expression turned serious as he voiced his concern. "Head, Montenegro is said to have at least 200 robbers, and their boss is rumored to be a Foundation Establishment Cultivator. I'm afraid that if you go alone..."

Wang Jun's determination remained steadfast as he interrupted, "This is an order."

In that moment, Wang Jun's authority and resolve were undeniable. Despite his desire to continue dissuading him, Li Qingyang had no choice but to bow respectfully and say, "I will obey the head's order."

With a firm stride, Wang Jun descended the mountain, his gaze reflecting his inner anger and determination.

Left behind, Li Qingyang couldn't help but worry about the head's safety. He turned to Lu Lu and asked, "What should we do if something happens to the head during this mission?"

Lu Lu leaned casually against the doorframe, crossing her arms. "It's simple," she replied with a mischievous glint in her eye. "I'll be the head, and you can be the first disciple."

Li Qingyang's mouth twitched at Lu Lu's unconventional solution. He couldn't help but wonder what kind of adventure awaited Wang Jun in Montenegro, a place known for its treacherous terrain and ruthless bandits.

In the treacherous terrain of Montenegro, Wang Jun climbed the winding mountain road step by step. If a warrior were to learn that the Solid Strike leader was venturing into Montenegro alone, they would likely salute him with respect for his bravery.

As he ascended, Wang Jun contemplated how to deal with the bandits and rescue his disciples. His anger had turned into determination, and he finally began to think seriously about the situation.

From Li Qingyang, he had learned that not only were there about 200 bandits on the mountain, but there was also the possibility of a Foundation establishment cultivator among them, making the task even more daunting.

Wang Jun knew his own capabilities. With his first-grade Ice Shard Sword and mastery of the Nine-style Folding Sword, he could handle more than twenty opponents at the Meridian opening stage four or five. However, facing over 200 bandits, and potentially a Foundation establishment cultivator, was an entirely different challenge.

Moreover, if there indeed was a Foundation establishment cultivator, the odds of a successful mission were slim. Wang Jun contemplated his options and glanced at his space ring, where the amulet and the novice gift package were stored. He mumbled to himself, "These two spells aren't suitable for combat."

His gaze then fell upon the troublesome knife, a weapon he had received as his first wish. He had casually chosen it without much thought, and now it held greater importance.

Wang Jun couldn't help but wonder about the quality of this knife. He unconsciously gripped the handle and slowly drew it from its sheath.

A loud noise reverberated as Wang Jun attempted to unsheathe the troublesome knife, causing him to be thrown several meters back by the force. He stumbled, barely maintaining his balance.

Breathing heavily, Wang Jun realized he had narrowly avoided injury. He chuckled with relief, "That was a close call."

The system's voice chimed in, "The troublesome knife must be unsealed before it can be used. Forcibly pulling the knife out of the sheath will only hurt yourself."

Wang Jun couldn't help but complain, "Why didn't you tell me that earlier?"

The system retorted, "You didn't ask."

Wang Jun sighed in silence, then regained his composure. He realized that the knife's violent release of energy indicated its high quality, which could potentially aid him in rescuing his disciples. This newfound confidence bolstered his determination.

However, his confidence was short-lived, as he suddenly stopped in his tracks. Two burly men stood on the stone steps ahead, each armed with a weapon, wearing menacing grins.

The shorter of the two men laughed and said, "Liu, am I seeing things? Did someone dare to venture into Montenegro?"

Liu Ge, the other man, glanced at Wang Jun with a smirk and remarked, "You look like a fragile literati who came here for a leisurely stroll."

Without hesitation, the shorter man leaped down, brandishing a large ring knife and issuing an eerie challenge, "Boy, do you know you've entered the den of thieves?"

Wang Jun maintained his calm and responded, "I'm aware."

The shorter man raised an eyebrow and taunted, "Aren't you going to come up? Do you want Lao Shou to come down there and teach you a lesson?"

Wang Jun chuckled and asked, "Are you bandits?"

The shorter man proudly affirmed, resting his big ring knife on his shoulder, "Yes, we're the bandits of Black Mountain, and they call me 'Iron Knife'."

Please note : "Lao Shou" in the context means "Old Hand" or "Veteran."

Wang Jun shook his head with a smile, finding the thief's overconfidence somewhat amusing.

Impatient, the thief called Liu Brother urged, "Seven brothers, don't waste time with him. Let's get this over with."

"Alright," 

The Iron Knife expression turned fiercely evil, "Boy, will you hand over your valuables willingly, or should I have my brother here perform a thorough search?"

Wang Jun simply replied, "Search away."

The Iron Knife grinned maliciously, "Once I'm done searching, you'll be left with nothing."

Wang Jun continued to playfully engage, "What if I choose to hand them over willingly?"

The Iron Knife proudly asserted, "You might leave with your life intact."

Wang Jun chuckled and touched his nose, "So, no matter what I choose, I can't escape, right?"

The Iron Knife burst into laughter, "Boy, from the moment you stepped into Montenegro, your fate was sealed—no escape."

Without warning, Wang Jun swiftly drew Ice Shard sword and thrust it directly into his chest, his voice resolute as he uttered, "I'm sorry, but I haven't had my fill of life, so allow me to kill you first."

The Iron Knife was taken aback, and intense pain spread through his body.

Wang Jun didn't hesitate, striking again with his sword.

The Iron Knife tumbled down the stone steps, leaving behind a long trail of blood. His lifeless body came to a rest at the foot of the staircase.

"Seventh Brother!" 

The howling thief, Liu Brother, angrily drew his sword.

But at that moment, Ice shard sword was already at his neck.

Wang Jun, with a cold smile, demanded, "Tell me, where are the disciples of my Solid Strike Sect?"

The thief Liu Brother swallowed hard, his voice trembling, 

"Top of the mountain"

With a swift motion, Wang Jun's sword slashed, and blood sprayed three feet.

The thief Liu Brother clutched his blood-soaked neck in desperation until his life faded, rolling down the mountain road like a discarded iron knife.

As the lifeless body tumbled, more than ten robbers, armed with weapons, rushed down the mountain, their eyes fixed on Wang Jun with furrowed brows.

Wang Jun calmly sheathed his sword and declared, "Tell your leaders that the Solid Strike Sect has sent its leader to negotiate for the release of our disciples."