Chapter 2, Heart-Stopping Kill

The thief's grappling hook operator, seeing his strike fail and the hook head completely broken, could not help but exclaim in unison, "Wow... this fellow is quite formidable, he has escaped with his life..." It is unclear who shouted this, but the others immediately dropped their broken grappling rods and fled with their heads covered. Without weapons in hand, how could they fight desperately? It would be strange if they did not retreat first

The setting sun, reflecting the remnants of the evening glow, has dyed the western sky a deep crimson. The procession, now engulfed by the howling winds, can no longer appreciate the breathtaking beauty of this moment

What are you getting up for? If you say more, I will first chop off your bird's head. When the master asks, just say you were caught in the chaos of battle and were cut down by bandits. What can you do to me?

The young official also took the opportunity to rise, while several soldiers accompanying Gao Yingmei to escort the young official gathered around. Usually, these subordinates had received considerable training from Gao Chong, and they indeed possessed formidable lethality. Each of them wielded a broadsword with its edge already chipped, blood droplets hanging from the tips of the blades, yet their murderous intent remained undiminished.

Elder brother, please be very careful. We few are taking care of this filthy official, but I do not understand why you brought this burden along, which has unnecessarily delayed important matters

The sky had already darkened, and even in the distance, one could hardly discern the shapes of people; only shadowy figures were bumping about chaotically. Seeing the young master in a daze, Gao Yingmei assumed he was frightened into a stupor. She thought to herself: I consider myself an extraordinary woman of my time; how could I possibly marry this cowardly and worthless young master? In her mind, she felt that being held by him was a great humiliation, and she could not help but shake off An Jing's hand that was gripping her wrist, while saying: "Are you not terrified to the point of losing your wits, young master?"

The official rolled his eyes, paying no heed to Gao Yingmei's complaints. His mind raced as he analyzed the current situation. Upon closer inspection, amidst the chaos ahead, the bandits were numerous, like a swarm of locusts, while the imperial troops were dwindling in number. The palace maids and eunuchs protecting the phoenix sedan were either crying or screaming, with eight or nine out of ten lying on the ground, clutching their heads, trembling with their bottoms in the air. Gao Chong, who had broken through the encirclement, was already approaching the phoenix sedan, while the remaining imperial troops had been divided into several small groups by the large mass of bandits.

Ah? Don't be so harsh... The official couldn't help but smile bitterly, and he turned his hand to grasp her wrist, suddenly feeling her skin smooth and tender like satin. "Hey, if you want to smash it, go ahead. I won't hold it against you. Consider it a merit for your protection. These soldiers can testify... By the way, soldiers, is it true that the Empress Zheng is in the phoenix sedan ahead?"

Once again opening his eyes, the young man was overwhelmed by the sounds of slaughter in his ears, and the strong smell of blood surrounded his nose. Occasionally, liquid splattered on his face, and as it dripped, he could see its crimson hue. He was horrified; it was blood! Suddenly, a severed head flew towards him, landing squarely within his line of sight.

Well... a few soldiers ultimately did not dare to defy the orders from the 'Yane', and turned to run towards the sparse forest in the east, amidst the chaos, no one paid them any mind

Eh? Not dead yet? Then what are these soft, tender lumps that fell on my face? ... As I reached out, I came to support that object ... Gao Yingmei felt both shy and angry; it was quite a coincidence that she fell right onto that filthy fellow's face, and even more coincidentally, this guy had a high nose bridge, which pressed against the most sensitive part of her lower body, making her feel weak and soft all over. She trembled her legs but couldn't stand up, almost throwing away the sword in her hand ... It was quite a coincidence that she fell right onto that filthy fellow's face, and even more coincidentally, this guy had a high nose bridge, which pressed against the most sensitive part of her lower body, making her feel weak and soft all over. She trembled her legs but couldn't stand up, almost throwing away the sword in her hand ... At that moment, the dazzling grappling hooks came probing from all sides. There was no time for Gao Yingmei to think much; with a flick of her wrist, she unleashed a flurry of sword flowers, enveloping the area within a zhang around her. With the sound of clashing metal, all the grappling hooks were severed and scattered across the ground. She also used the momentum from An Hui's support to leap up, finally resolving the awkward situation.

Gao Yingmei felt both shy and amused. Upon hearing him speak this way, her neck flushed red. Gripping his arm, she lowered her voice and said: "It's not like I did it on purpose... why are you making a fuss? I went through so much trouble to ensure your safety, and instead of thanking me, you blame me for causing you trouble? Fine, I will just go out and end it myself, you take care of yourself..."

The neighing of horses, the shouting of people, the clashing of gold and iron, the swishing sound of blades being wielded, the thudding sound of sharp weapons piercing flesh, the mingled cries of agony, wails, and screams carried by the fierce mountain winds within the gorge... before my eyes lies a complete scene of a hellish slaughterhouse... severed limbs, broken arms, and heads scattered all over the ground, the bodies of men and horses steaming with heat...

Gao Yingmei was also taken in by him, thinking that this filthy official was about to flee. However, to her surprise, he actually picked up a knife and now spoke utter nonsense, even failing to recognize his biological father, Lord An. Could it be that this official truly injured his head? With doubts in her heart, she could not help but ask: "You, you do not recognize that official?"

Ah? You... you in the yamen, are you not truly injured on the head? That person is your father, Lord An, and the man wielding the gun is my elder brother, Captain Gao Chong.

These relentless bandit prisoners, those with stubborn necks, are to be sent up for your esteemed grandmother's sword to chop... This voice is no longer hoarse, but is chillingly filled with murderous intent. Within the yamen, it can be discerned that it is that woman disguised as a male 'soldier'. Every time the sword light flashes, it immediately raises wails of despair, followed by blood splattering, heads flying, and limbs scattering... It seems she truly is a female killing god, and indeed she is formidable, but one wonders what she is doing mixed in with the army

The young official was just about to argue when suddenly a tripwire startled the horse, causing it to let out a loud neigh and tumble down. Gao Yingmei was also caught off guard, and together with the young official, they rolled down from the saddle bridge. The young official fell in a disoriented state, and as he opened his eyes, he saw a dark object crashing down towards him, thinking to himself that his life was over. Then, with a jolt to his head, he was struck squarely, followed by a cacophony of clashing metal and the delicate reprimand from Gao Yingmei.

The young man let out a dry laugh and looked at Ying Mei, saying: "... Little soldier, this young master has not been scared to the point of wetting his pants. After all, I am a tall and strong young man of seven feet. How can I stand by and watch my father in danger without taking action? If you are afraid, you may flee for your life. This young master would rather die on the battlefield than live a life of cowardice!"

The official's son said with irritation: "Why ask if you already know? You and I should go help them out; that soldier wielding the spear truly possesses the courage of a thousand men"

He swung his hand and truly went up with a knife. Observing his unsteady and staggering steps, a look of confusion flashed in Gao Ying's beautiful eyes, as she thought that this filthy fellow lacked courage. Had she misjudged him? At such a moment, he still dared to charge forward with a knife, which indeed showed some courage and determination. With this thought, she tightened her grip on the sword in her hand and followed him.

Did you fall and hurt yourself, or are you just stunned? Have you forgotten your own name? Uh... In the yamen, with that knife in hand, what is your intention...

The swaying official's son supported Gao Yingmei with one hand, while with the other he patted his forehead, gazing at Gao Yingmei, mumbling, "You have crushed this official's son to death..."

"Very well, you all hurry to ambush in the sparse forest, so as to provide support, go quickly..." With a command from the officer, he stepped out quickly and picked up a blood-stained broadsword nearby. The several soldiers looked at each other in confusion, unsure of what to do. Finally, they turned to Gao Yingmei, but the officer impatiently said: "Aren't you going yet?"

All of this is a bloody reality, and the official was completely dumbfounded. He was still in the same position as before, hanging in front of the saddle bridge, his head and legs drooping to the left and right of the horse. He slightly turned his head and saw the chaotic scene ahead, where the disheveled imperial troops were engaged in a fierce battle with mountain bandits. The entire canyon was filled with the clash of soldiers and thieves... A chill rose from my back, and cold sweat soaked my body. My goodness, those who traverse and are reborn are either princes, young masters, or members of royal families. Even in their next life, they are some wealthy scion. What kind of deity have I offended to be thrown onto the battlefield?

Who is the official over there accompanying the gun-wielding soldiers? He does possess a certain degree of loyalty and valor... The officer inside pointed with a knife and turned to ask the beautiful Gao Ying.

A soldier beside him did not think much of it and, upon hearing the words, casually pointed to the dark, sparse forest path to the east, saying, "Sir, there is a convenient little path over there that I have walked many times."

"Are you saying this is not true?" Gao Yingmei, caught by the wrist, felt quite uncomfortable. Struggling but unable to break free, she said: "Today I have witnessed the elite imperial troops of the Song Dynasty, the Longwu Xiangjun, and they are indeed this filthy. They were scattered by a group of mountain bandits, and that High Commander Gao is even more of a coward, fleeing with his men as soon as the handover was made"

At this moment, the official truly felt that he was in a life-threatening situation on the battlefield. However, being protected by a woman made him feel even more humiliated. He waited until the soldier charged forward with his gun before he spoke up, "Soldier... please help me up, it's quite uncomfortable hanging like this..."

Uh? My father? Oh, then what should I call myself?" He felt embarrassed; during this journey through time, he had not yet had the chance to meet my father, An Zheng.

The official did not even glance at her, but quickly organized the chaotic thoughts in his mind. With a flash of his eyes, he spoke, "Who knows if there is a convenient path leading out of the gorge?" Upon hearing this, Gao Yingmei let out a cold snort; this coward was probably about to flee for his life. Sigh, let him go then

At this moment, the young man finally realized that what was truly striking was the beauty of "Grandma Gao"'s figure, which left one both amused and exasperated. Is this considered a fortunate yet warm blessing?

The fierce wind howled from the side, and the officer turned to look. A broadsword, its edge glinting, was coming down upon him. The sword-wielding bandit had leaped into the air, likely intending to strike him and the false 'soldier' on horseback down. Just as this thought crossed his mind, there was a 'thud' sound, and he saw that the airborne bandit had been pierced through the chest and out the back by a spear. With a flick of the spear, the heavy man, weighing over a hundred pounds, was flung away. In his ear, he heard a loud shout, "... You only need to ensure the safety of the officer, do not concern yourself with anything else..." Not far ahead, the Empress's palanquin was in danger, yet that High Commander Gao had actually fled the battlefield, leading a group of imperial guards retreating towards the gorge... Truly shameless... Lord An had already charged forward, and I shall go assist him..." The speaker was none other than Gao Chong.