Chapter Six, Walking on the Sand

As soon as he got off the carriage, Ling Feng joyfully shouted, his gloomy mood vanished in an instant, and a radiant smile, as bright as the sun, spread across his pale face

He inadvertently glanced up at me, and I was taken aback, hurriedly lowering my head, my tongue tied: "So... that scar-faced robber, where is he?"

Standing there in shock, I suddenly came to my senses and took off running... However, with a single stride, the steed caught up to me. The scarred leader suddenly bent down, extended his long arm, grabbed my clothing, and forcefully lifted me up, laying me across the horse's back. The horse galloped wildly, its hooves flying, jolting up and down, threatening to dislodge my very insides.

The greedy gaze, the ugly face, and the devilish lewd smile of that bearded robber echo in my mind, becoming increasingly clear, as if right before my eyes, as if still pressing down on me... The scene of humiliation just experienced surges through my mind, oh God, that kind of humiliation... How can I face others?

I was suddenly taken aback, looking at him in confusion: "What?"

At this moment, how could he be here? Isn't he in Luodu? ... Why does his tone ... seem so frighteningly gloomy?

Is it him? How could he be here

He turned away, no longer looking at me, his face seemed to have had a layer of skin stripped away, leaving a trace of coldness

He was slightly taken aback and sighed with emotion: "Why are you, a mere girl, so stubborn?" The light in his dark eyes dimmed slightly, "Forget it, I will not blame you anymore"

A robber questioned, "Brother, could it be that the technique he is using is the 'Ice Cold Soul Snare' of the legendary swordsman Ice Cold Elder, which has been extinct in the martial world for thirty years?"

I wiped the tears from my face and asked, "Where are they?"

His eyes were wide open, staring at the enemy without blinking... A chill ran through my heart, my brows and eyes felt hot, and I couldn't help but exclaim: "Brother Zhang!"

Ah—ah—ah—ah! The sharp and piercing screams of Lu Shuyi and Xiaoke echoed, each sound pricking at me... I am sorry... Lu sister, Xiaoke, I am sorry...

Brother Zhang died because of me. Although we were not related by blood or kinship, I could not help but feel guilt and sorrow in my heart. My blood surged, and my eyes ached with tears as I tightly grasped his small hand. At this moment, I found myself in a situation of complete isolation and helplessness; life and death were left to fate. No matter how I struggled, it was all in vain.

He must have traveled quite a distance! Was it to save me? Did he know that I would encounter danger? My heart is increasingly moved, yet a thread of unease rises within me. With him saving and helping me in this way, how can I repay him?

He leaned in close, gripping my right wrist tightly, and forcefully pulled me to my feet, his reddened eyes flashing with a beast-like, devouring light: "Rest assured, he will not die. If you stay with me, I guarantee that your brother will live just fine"

Ah, have I returned home? It is the anxious and worried voice of my father. Father, I miss you so much!

Still tightly closing my eyes—daring not to open them, a flash of insight struck my mind, and I suddenly realized that the man I was holding was Tang Shuyang

Clinging to the horse's back, my entire body ached unbearably, feeling as if it were falling apart. My stomach churned violently, a wave of sour liquid surged incessantly, almost bursting forth from my throat

this despicable bastard

Three or four robbers charged at the coachman, brandishing their bright curved sabers with a fierce momentum. The icy glint of the blades flashed like lightning, clashing with the brilliant sunlight. In an instant, the forest was filled with cold gleams, resembling the explosion of fireworks, releasing a bloody hue. Suddenly, one of the robbers swung his weapon horizontally, producing a sound of flesh being torn apart.

He released me and strode forward with an air of arrogance. Just then, two or three dozen bandits surged in like a tempest, swift as the wind and lightning, standing imposingly among the trees, arranged in two lines, their formidable presence overwhelming.

Is someone calling me? Who is it? Why are they holding my hand? ... Yes, it's that robber ... ... No, don't touch me. ... ... I am slapping him, using all my remaining strength to push him away, tearing my throat to cry out loudly: "Don't touch me—get away—get away—let go of me—"

I no longer struggle, slowly opening my eyes, trembling my dark lashes, and anxiously looking at the person in front of me—what comes into view is a face filled with urgency, a handsome face that subtly reveals a hint of arrogance.

Be careful! I took a few steps back, and my heart suddenly tightened.

"Ah, where are Sister Lu and Feng?" I asked anxiously, raising my head to look around, but there was not a single shadow in the forest, only the sunlight gently swaying.

He pointed at me... that bastard... I glared at him fiercely, wishing that my gaze were a sharp dagger to gouge out his eyes

The towering trees reach into the clouds, their dense canopies spread across the ground, and the sunlight spills down in a shimmering slant, with beams of light piercing through the lush foliage, making the entire forest shimmer like glass, transparent and radiant

"You know your worth! Dying by my sword does not bring shame upon you!" Tang Shuyang coldly curled the corners of his lips, giving a disdainful smile

He is none other than Tang Shuyang

Tang Shuyang casually said: "After you left Luodu, I also left!"

I was greatly alarmed and shouted loudly, "Wait!"

Tang Shuyang smiled and said, "It's good that you woke up. You, indeed, have a strong fate. Being thrown off a horse and falling heavily to the ground, yet you are completely unharmed!" His gentle face suddenly turned cold, and he said sternly, "Fortunately, you are fine; otherwise, I would definitely have him torn apart by five horses!"

I pressed myself closer to my father, comfortably nuzzling against him, just as I usually do when I am being affectionate. I wrapped my arms around his waist and leaned against his chest, relishing in his indulgence. In this way, I no longer felt so cold; my father's embrace was so warm and comforting

Father - Mother - Brother Xining - Cousin

In this moment, I thought of—death

He may not necessarily be an upright and good person, yet he has saved me and helped me multiple times... How I wish that this warm embrace were from Xining Huaiyu, but at this moment and in this place, this broad embrace is my only support and trust

The smell of blood gradually intensified, extremely pungent, I covered my mouth and nose, staring in astonishment at Tang Shuyang's extraordinary skills. Although I had some suspicions, I still did not expect his abilities to be so exceptional

Completely falling into his embrace, leaning against his chest, delicate like a little bird... This posture is indeed too ambiguous. I sat up straight, pretending to be composed as I withdrew, sitting in front of the crackling bonfire, and awkwardly said: "I... am not very cold anymore... Where is this place?"

Let you go? A joke! The devilish face gradually looms larger before my eyes, that greedy gaze, the gaze of a ferocious animal in hunger, the gaze of a madman driven to insanity...

How did he know my nickname? Did Sister Lu say something? Are they also here? ... Oh no, they must have seen my shameless appearance. If Sister Lu doesn't say anything, Xiao Ke will definitely spill it ... Once Xi Ning Huai Yu finds out, he will surely look down on me ...

The small-eyed man, quick in action, pulled Xiao Ke over and subdued her fierce struggles, saying in a peculiar tone: "With such a fiery temperament, I will let you experience my power later."

He tightly gripped both of my wrists, his immense strength causing me to gasp in pain. With a sudden tug of my left hand, he tore away the satin belt tied around my waist, and then swiftly pulled it aside. In an instant, I felt a chilling wave of terror surge through my entire body, my breath suddenly caught in my throat, and I stood rigidly, not daring to move an inch.

As I lifted the car curtain, a burst of intense sunlight poured in, stinging my eyes. I exclaimed in delight, "This is a forest, the sunlight is just right, let's go for a walk down there."

I smiled sadly; thinking of the coachman, my heart felt heavy, filled with a sense of guilt

I interrupted his words without showing any emotion, looking at him firmly: "Boss Tang, there is no need to persuade me. Although I am very grateful for your multiple rescues, once a decision is made, I will absolutely not change it."

The burly man cursed, "Enough with the nonsense! If you don't come down soon, I will kill you all"

I do not understand why he is so angry, yet I am filled with emotion. I lowered my eyelashes, concealing my shy expression, and said softly: "Thank you!"

Tang Shuyang's brows furrowed tightly, and a chilling aura of killing intent gathered in his proud gaze: "The speed is indeed impressive! It seems that today I will have to unleash a massacre." He grasped my slender shoulder, a glimmer of confidence flickering in his eyes, flowing gently, "Don't be afraid, I won't let anything happen to you"

The bearded giant pushed me to the ground, and I immediately got back up and turned to run. However, before I could take two steps, he forcefully grabbed my entire body and instantly brought me down to the ground again

Most of the robbers have perished under Tang Shuyang's soft sword, leaving only three or four still attacking like trapped beasts. Suddenly, a fine steed came galloping towards me, and on its back was the scarred leader, his fierce countenance revealing a terrifying aura of murderous intent and ruthless determination

I covered my face, unable to control the tears rolling in my eyes: "He—he—he is so terrifying—so terrifying—I have no face to meet others—"

This is the path I chose for myself, and I cannot blame others. Was I wrong? ... Perhaps I was wrong from the very beginning. I should not have gone north to Luodu; I should have stayed in Yangzhou, by my mother's side ... Mother ... ... ... I'm sorry ...

I am sorry, A Man can no longer bid farewell to you, please forgive me

Tang Shuyang looked at me again, his gaze filled with intense interest, his thin lips breaking into a broad smile, the laughter deep and clear, like the full moon in a bright sky. He certainly remembered that on the day of Xining Huaiyu's grand wedding, he had seen right through me in the same way.

Tang Shuyang's gentle eyes were veiled with a layer of coldness, and his tone was calm: "He was struck in the head by me, threw you off the horse, and fell headlong to the ground"

They are all in the carriage! His gentle expression suddenly changed, and his stern face twitched with authority. I told you before, there are many dangers on the road, yet you refused to listen. Look, just now... if I hadn't arrived in time...

Having just escaped danger, why do I find myself in peril once more? Is my fate truly so tumultuous? ... Tears roll down my cheeks as I gaze at Tang Shuyang, who is determined to save me, looking at him with gratitude ...

I fell heavily to the ground, it hurt so much, the pain nearly took my breath away... In the distance, I seemed to hear a terrified roar, as if it came from another world, from the clouds above, or from the dark hell: "Miss Duanmu—"

The coachman stared intently at the robbers ahead, his right hand gripping the bow and arrow beside his leg, the veins in his tightly clenched fist bulging and trembling. He said in a low voice: "About ten of them, I cannot fight them off."

Gained—Gained—Gained

Tang Shuyang smiled faintly and replied candidly: "Exactly!"

Tang Shuyang's flickering figure was exceedingly strange, moving as swiftly as a fleeting ghost, light as a swallow amidst the relentless onslaught of blades and swords; the soft sword, as flexible as if it had no bones, struck with agility, resembling a venomous snake spitting fire, delivering a fatal blow that would seal the enemy's throat with blood. The flying legs kicked towards the enemy's abdomen and head, carrying the momentum of thunderous might, as if crashing waves were striking the shore, and fierce winds and snow were swirling, sending several dark figures flying.

In his eyes floated a profound emotion, a warmth and anticipation that was inexplicably compelling. He gazed at me intensely, his thick brows slightly raised: "Well... Miss Duanmu may call me 'Brother Tang' or 'Shuyang'. 'Boss Tang' sounds rather awkward."

This is an abandoned wooden cabin in the woods, where any passerby can come in and take shelter. The three of them are resting in the adjacent room and have already gone to sleep, so you need not worry. Tang Shuyang cleared his throat lightly, leaned forward, and began to poke at the burning campfire with a stick

Tang Shuyang had a lock of black hair hanging down from the sideburn on his left, and a circle of dark stubble around his chin. His thick, black eyebrows were sharp and prominent like a mountain peak. Beneath his eyes was a heavy shadow, reflecting a hint of weariness. Dressed in all black, he exuded a unique and unrestrained demeanor.

The brocade robe fell completely to the ground, leaving only the white base with plain patterned lotus bandeau and brocade trousers on my body. Waves of despair surged forth, as if a tornado sweeping away everything, engulfing all my thoughts.

"He is dead!" I exclaimed, staring at him with furrowed brows and a dazed expression. Upon reflection, it makes sense; in those moments of clashing swords and a storm of blood and gore, it is either you die or I perish, with no other options available

The bearded giant raised his thick eyebrows and stared at me with great interest. After a moment, he nodded slightly, a cold smirk appearing on his face

The small-eyed man held Xiaoke's wrists tightly, twisting them behind her back, and looked at Lu Shuyi with a grin, saying mischievously: "Sick beauty, everything in the carriage, including you few, belongs to us now." He impatiently shouted to his brothers, "This sick beauty, whoever wants her can take her, just gag her mouth, it's annoying to listen to."

After struggling fiercely, I lost consciousness, perhaps due to excessive fatigue and shock. Just in time, Tang Shuyang arrived and killed several robbers. Turning my head, I saw not far away on the grass, a bearded man lying on the ground, with bright red blood flowing from his neck, pooling into a shocking puddle on the grass

I am here, I am here, do not be afraid! Tang Shuyang embraced my shoulders, his palm caressing my disheveled black hair, allowing my tears to flow like rain: "If he truly cares for you... I will ensure he has no place to be buried!"

After leaving the city for half a month, traveling day and night, we have passed through states and counties, forests, wilderness, and lonely villages, yet Yangzhou remains far out of reach, and we are already utterly exhausted. Enduring the wind and sleeping in the open, Lu Shuyi's cold has worsened, while Ling Feng lies weakly against the cart, looking fatigued.

"Enough with the nonsense, those who seek death, come forth!" Tang Shuyang provoked, narrowing his cold eyes, still staring at the robber ahead, and said to me, "Weapons are blind, you should step back a bit!"

Miss ... ... Miss ... ... "Xiao Ke cried out sharply, her piercing wail evoking a sense of compassion in the hearts of those who heard it

It was the first time I realized that language could be so difficult and that words often fail to convey the intended meaning

The scarred leader continued to gallop wildly, weaving through towering trees. The lush greenery of the forest swept past my eyes in a blur, overlapping in layers; the howling wind rushed into my ears, scattering my thoughts and freezing my heart.

Uncertain of which part was struck, I only heard a piercing scream. The scarred leader, furious and humiliated, seized me and hurled me into the air—my entire body soared lightly, drifting in the sky, the dense branches and leaves swirling and swaying before my eyes, the glaring sunlight pouring into my eyes, scorching hot.

I raised my finely arched eyebrows and asked, "Why does Brother Zhang say that?"

So cold! So cold! All around is icy cold! ... A chilling air seeps into my body, from my toes, my forehead, from my fingers, my mouth and nose, the cold surrounds me from all directions, trapping me tightly...

In an instant, a group of robbers stared blankly at us; by the time they reacted, five of their companions were already dead. With a loud shout, they drew their whips and charged forward on horseback, brandishing their large knives, looking utterly ferocious, like demons from hell

I rushed over, shaking Ling Feng's body, and exclaimed: "Feng'er! Feng'er—" Anger burned in my eyes as I slowly raised my head and said angrily, "Hey, what have you done to him?"

The burly man with a thick beard pulled apart his thick lips and teased, "Oh, at such a young age, you already have to protect your sister?" He reached out swiftly, grabbing Ling Feng without regard for his struggles and shouts, and delivered a heavy slap to his neck. Instantly, Ling Feng rolled his eyes, his head tilted, and he fainted, collapsing to the ground.

I know that my gentle refusal has hurt him, but... I do not want our distance to grow closer. I can only brace myself and awkwardly explain: "Boss Tang has misunderstood, that is not what I meant... I am very grateful for your repeated help, but I feel that I am inexperienced in the world... I do not understand you..."

The reason you are robbing us here is simply because you cannot stand this world, or you cannot tolerate the ill-gotten wealth of the wealthy families. I understand that your lives are not easy. I steadied my fear and panic throughout my body and calmly said, "Let me put it this way, if you gentlemen spare us, I guarantee that you will not be treated poorly."

Miss Duanmu! Miss Duanmu... ...

I was taken aback, sobbing as I savored his cold, hard words that permeated the air like billowing smoke, akin to the ice spikes of a frigid winter, piercing and bone-chilling.

Where is Boss Tang going? I asked softly, in a perfunctory manner.

Twenty or thirty bandits formed a circle, taking turns to attack. Tang Shuyang's tall figure leaped and danced, swiftly dodging among the blades and shadows of the various bandits. Suddenly, the forest changed dramatically, the dazzling light and shadow fell like heavy snow in the cold winter, scattering everywhere; the piercing killing intent surged like a summer storm, raging wildly across the sky.

In the tranquil woods, on a bright afternoon, a cacophony of shouts and the sound of hooves approached from afar, growing closer and closer, shaking the earth and threatening to stifle my breath. ... A tiny black shadow gradually drew near, and a fierce face slowly became clear ...

Warm fingers lifted my chin, and he chuckled, "Wake up, you have been sleeping for a long time!"

The robbers jumped off their horses, brandishing gleaming curved knives, deliberately waving them in front of us to intimidate us, displaying their fierce and menacing countenances. One of them shouted fiercely: "Is there anyone else in the car? Get out, do you hear me?"

The large man in the center is likely the leader of the robbers, with two prominent scars crossing his left cheek, making him appear fearsome and striking; he pointed at Tang Shuyang and arrogantly shouted, "Are you the one who killed my brother?"

He muttered under his breath: "Beautiful girl, obediently let me enjoy you, and I will treat you well..."

I struggled fiercely, using all my strength to hit and push him, yet I could not move him even a fraction: "No—don't—no—"

In an instant, Tang Shuyang shook his soft sword, weaving a dense tapestry of silver light and shadow, and suddenly thrust towards the enemy's neck amidst the abruptly intensified cold gleam, sweeping across... Several screams echoed as a few robbers fell dead to the ground, with no visible wounds on their bodies, only a thin cut at their necks.

Ling Feng clutched my robe tightly, pressing it against my slanted back: "Don't come over... don't come over, if you dare to harm my sister, I... I will fight you to the end!"

The head of the coachman soared into the air, cutting through the bright sunlight, and fell to the ground; the splattered blood flowers scattered everywhere, dancing in the seemingly glass-like sunlight, ultimately falling to the ground

I merely smiled without speaking, silently gazing at him, pondering whether he intended to bridge the distance between us. His gaze grew increasingly fervent, as if the flames dancing before me were burning hot: "I heard Madame Xining call you 'Aman', may I call you that too?"

The robber, holding Lu Shuyi, pondered: "So, it seems you come from a wealthy family as well?"

"No—don't—don't—go away—roll—" The shrill screams came intermittently, so desolate! So desperate!

Tears streamed down as I cried out: "Please, let me go! I beg you..."

"Brat, get out of here!" The bearded man muttered under his breath, waving away his brothers. His murky eyes were filled with a raw, glaring light, burning as he looked at me. "You don't seem afraid of me, do you?"

Another robber said: "Big brother, we can't let them go. It's been a long time since the brothers had some fun. So, this little girl is the most interesting one, she's yours, big brother."

His tone suddenly became somber, concealing a hint of amusement: "Miss Duanmu, could you refrain from being so distant?"

My hands and feet were icy cold, and I hurriedly grabbed the whip, exerting all my strength to strike the steed fiercely. The horse, startled and in pain, reared up and galloped forward, charging towards the bandits. Soon, five or six bandits intercepted us ahead, and the horse, frightened, stood still and no longer galloped, gently swaying its tail.

The robber, holding Lu Shuyi, stopped in his tracks and turned around. I looked at the bearded man, steadied myself slightly, and said in a neither servile nor overbearing manner: "Could this brother spare me a moment to speak?"

Have I fallen into Slim Lake again? I remember that year when I was twelve, I accidentally slipped into the lake, and it was my cousin who saved me. I drank a lot of water and almost lost my life! It was in the cold winter months, and the icy lake water is still fresh in my memory. From then on, my cousin taught me how to swim.

Ling Feng hurriedly climbed onto the carriage

The scarred leader, seeing that he showed no fear, was slightly taken aback and sarcastically said: "Good! A true man! Yet he is destined to die by my blade, what a pity"

Ice Cold Soul Snatching? The ultimate martial arts for killing? ... I have never heard of such things ...! ... Tang Shuyang, the immensely wealthy man of Luodu, possesses unparalleled martial arts skills, so strange that they are shocking! I fear that very few people are aware of this!

The fatal wound on the neck must have been inflicted by Tang Shuyang. I seem to smell a strong scent of blood. Looking around, a group of robbers is already lying on the ground, blood flowing profusely, never to awaken again. The fierce battle just now must have been extremely perilous! To be able to defeat a group of ruthless robbers single-handedly and to do so swiftly, it is evident that Tang Shuyang's skills are unfathomable!

Tang Shuyang said with a serious expression: "You need not worry, I will make the arrangements myself. We cannot set off tomorrow; let us wait for two or three days. There is a small town not far ahead where we can rest for a few days. Madame Xining must see a doctor; otherwise—"

If it were not for him, today, I would...! ... No longer would it be the same Endumu feelings as before...! The mere thought of this sends uncontrollable tremors throughout my body, a fear that spreads from the depths of my heart to every limb, whipping every subtle sensation of my being...

Oh, this big brother, we a few brothers are returning to the countryside to seek refuge, you see...

I clung to his arm, trembling, and said: "What should we do? It seems there are many people; the robbers will definitely not let us go!"

"No, of course not—" I hurriedly denied, meeting his intense gaze. "Tomorrow, are we to set off? But Brother Zhang has died, and it is because of me..."

I too was jolted by the carriage, feeling a heaviness in my head, coldness in my hands and feet, and a weakness throughout my body

He eagerly lowered his head, gnawing at my cheeks, neck, and chest, his warm breath splattering against my cool, smooth skin, leaving behind a vivid mark of shame

Tang Shuyang helped me to stand up, assisted me in wrapping my outer robe tightly, and gently said: "Adjust your robe properly, don't catch a chill! They are fine, Madam Xining has also fainted, and Xiao Ke is taking care of her. Feng'er has already woken up, so there is no need to worry"

The burly man with mouse-like eyes turned to look at me, his eyes gleaming, chuckling foolishly: "Big brother, this kid has delicate skin and tender flesh, he must be a woman. Tonight, big brother can indulge himself to his heart's content"

Xiao Ke, Lu Shuyi's maid, excitedly swatted away his hand and angrily exclaimed: "Let go of me! Let go!"

The enormous body pressed down on me, so heavy that I could hardly breathe, my breaths becoming increasingly rapid; his shameless visage was extremely repulsive, the cruel and terrifying face etched in my eyes and mind, firmly impossible to shake off

A shiver ran through my heart and mouth; I had long been aware of the many dangers along the way. Yet when faced with them, an overwhelming fear still crashed against my senses like waves battering the shore. My voice involuntarily trembled: "Brother Zhang, what... what should we do..."

Immediately, the coachman nimbly drew his bow and, with a speed that was as swift as lightning, shot out four cold arrows in rapid succession, striking down four of the bandits...! ... The coachman turned out to be a master archer, hitting the target every time; no wonder Tang Shuyang was so confident!

The boundless fear crashed over me in waves, and I shouted indiscriminately: "Let go of me! Vile! Shameless! Let go of me, do you hear?"

Suppressing the unease in my heart, I turned my gaze to the blazing flames, silently contemplating; suddenly, a flash of inspiration crossed my mind, and I gently said: " 'Aman' is my nickname, and only my family and close friends would call me that."

The coachman sat on the driver's seat, drinking water while vigilantly looking around, and warned me, "Miss, you shouldn't linger too long in this forest"

This voice does not belong to a bearded man; who is he? ... How ... ... somewhat familiar ... ... ... calm and powerful ... ... quite unique ... ...

The arms that embraced his body quietly withdrew and rested in front of me. I slowly opened my eyes to meet his gentle smile; I suppose my face was already as rosy as cherry blossoms, surpassing even the peach flowers.

With a light sigh in my heart, I gazed at him and sincerely said: "Tang... elder brother, I hope you will not be angry. I believe we can become friends, provided that you do not mind that Duanmu Qing is a headstrong and fierce woman"

Sister! Sister!" Ling Feng jumped out of the carriage, his childish voice still sounding strong, "Sister, don't be afraid, I will protect you!"

The small-eyed man impatiently said: "Don't listen to her nonsense! I just enjoy being a robber here, playing with women; I still can't live a life of wealth and luxury. I say, big brother, this woman is yours now. If she embarrasses you, don't blame us brothers for laughing at you."

"Big brother, don't waste your breath on her!" A small-eyed man spat and swaggered forward, gripping the delicate chin of the young woman. With a lewd smile, he said, "Such a delicate beauty, big brother, let me have her tonight!"

The black hair cascaded like a waterfall. I turned my head and, through the gaps in the strands, I saw Tang Shuyang hunched over, his dark face interwoven with a chaotic yet calm contradiction. He fiercely cracked the whip, galloping on horseback, holding on tightly without letting go.

He grasped both of my wrists and held them high above my head... it was over... my hands and feet felt weak, my entire body was limp... everything was foul and cold... the entire expanse of the dark green forest was spinning, faster and faster, the brilliant sunlight was also spinning, so urgently... it felt as if I were dancing, the sea of clouds was boundless, the stars and moon were dim and lifeless, the whole world was shrouded in darkness, the lantern had been extinguished... it was dark, the mist filled the air between heaven and earth, everything was vague, everything was deathly silent... it felt as if I were dancing, the sea of clouds was boundless, the stars and moon were dim and lifeless, the whole world was shrouded in darkness, the lantern had been extinguished... it was dark, the mist filled the air between heaven and earth, everything was vague, everything was deathly silent...

"Alright, alright, come down, come down—" the coachman humbly echoed, jumping down from the carriage, swiftly grabbing his bow and arrow, nimbly drawing the bow and nocking an arrow, his gaze fixed on a single point. With two sharp whistling sounds, the arrows shot out like lightning...

A bearded man rode in on horseback, with thick eyebrows and coarse eyes, his dark and cunning gaze emanating a predatory light: "Damn it, all of you get down!"

Lu Shuyi coughed a few times, her voice becoming increasingly weak, and her delicate appearance, reminiscent of a pear blossom in the rain, appeared pitiful: "Esteemed brothers, please show some mercy. You are all valiant heroes and would never bully us, a few defenseless and weak women. There are some worthless items and silver in the carriage; please take them to buy some wine to reward your brothers. Esteemed brothers, you are magnanimous..."

We huddled closely together, relying on and encouraging each other. What should we do? What can we do? Is it possible that we are to meet our end here today?

Lu Shuyi grasped my hand tightly, her grip fierce, and my palm felt damp and clammy, quite unpleasant; she looked fearlessly at the bandits and spoke with great difficulty: "Brothers, the bandits are causing chaos—dynasties are being overthrown, the world is in turmoil, we are merely ordinary commoners, forced to return to our hometown to seek refuge—surely, you brave heroes would not make things difficult for us, a sickly and helpless woman..."

He grabbed my hand and shouted in my ear: "It is me! It is me! Open your eyes and see who I am, open your eyes—"

Kill—Kill—Kill

We have been besieged, left with only the fate of being slaughtered

The golden-red flames illuminated his shadowy face, casting flickering glimmers of light, enchanting and mysterious

The coachman chuckled foolishly and said pitifully, "Brother, we are merely poor common folk with only some worthless items. If you do not mind, please take them all!"

"Bastard, let go of me, bastard..." Xiao Ke cried out sharply, her face filled with fear and tears streaming down.

Miss Duanmu means that Tang is not a close person, so naturally, he cannot address you in that manner Tang Shuyang's tone was somewhat stiff, and his cold gaze revealed a hint of displeasure

Immediately afterwards, the sound of urgent hoofbeats and desperate shouts followed: "Stop, let her go! Let her go!"

Lu Shuyi looked nervously at Xiaoke, her vacant eyes gathering panic, yet feeling powerless... Three young women and a ten-year-old boy, are they destined to be at the mercy of fate? Is there any way to turn the tide...? Yes, one must think carefully... Think carefully...

In a state of helplessness, we assisted Lu Shuyi, who was looking ill, to get out of the car. Lu Shuyi was strenuously supporting herself, her entire body leaning against Xiao Ke, with a faint sheen of sweat on her forehead. Her complexion was a ghastly pale, reminiscent of a corpse, and her dry lips were covered with a layer of cold frost, evoking a sense of horror upon sight.

A series of piercing hoofbeats surged from the side, incessantly rushing towards my ears, startling my bewildered thoughts. Gazing intently, a group of figures in black suddenly appeared before us, intercepting the road and standing astride on horseback.

Seeing his lewd expression, a surge of anger filled my chest, and I really wanted to slap him twice

He asked with a smile, "Does Miss Duanmu believe that Tang is a narrow-minded person?"

After a long while, I woke up and suddenly felt that the body I was tightly holding onto was not my father's. It was a solid, heavy chest, a warm, strong embrace, and a strong, pleasant masculine scent. This does not belong to my father? Oh no, who is it?

Before his words had finished, the burly man suddenly gasped, his body stiffened, and he stared blankly ahead, with two straight cold arrows lodged in his chest. Subsequently, he slowly fell from his steed.

A wave of darkness swept in, and I lost all consciousness

The coachman muttered under his breath: "Not good, it's robbers! Get in the car quickly!"

The coachman is approximately thirty years old, of average build, and possesses an ordinary appearance, yet he exudes an air of shrewdness and capability. Were it not for Tang Shuyang's assurance of his trustworthiness, I would not be so inclined to believe in him

The bearded giant laughed heartily, his foul-smelling mouth directed at me, making me feel nauseous and causing my stomach to churn: "Let you go?"

The sound of killing reverberated through the earth, and the clash of swords and blades pierced the heavens.

With a sharp cry, Tang Shuyang drew a finely crafted soft sword from his waist. The blade was slender and sharp, its gleam as cold as frost, truly a sword that could chill all fourteen provinces. He beckoned to them with his hand, instilling absolute confidence and disdain to intimidate them, stirring their fighting spirit and unsettling their minds

On the afternoon of the third day, I finally understood that what Tang Shuyang meant by "unable to set off" had another layer of meaning: waiting for the arrival of two important women

"Aman, are you awake? Are you trembling again? Are you still cold?" Tang Shuyang spoke gently, his voice deep, resonating to the very core.

I sighed softly and said, "It can only be this way."

Aman! Aman! Aman, wake up quickly!

A robber's dark face emerged with a lewd smile: "Oh, all are beauties! Big brother, this time we can make it even more enjoyable than last time!"

Turning to look, this is a simple dwelling, empty and devoid of any belongings, merely a place to shield from the wind and rain

I furrowed my brows slightly, feeling a flicker of anger in my heart. However, Tang Shuyang had saved me multiple times, and perhaps he was holding me close now to help me ward off the cold. ... Enough, enough, he is not taking advantage of my vulnerability, nor is he intentionally tarnishing my innocence. Moreover, it is I who am holding him tightly ...

He drew a dagger from his boot, his sharp gaze fixed on a point, aiming at the scarred leader, and shot it out with fierce intensity

Tang Shuyang took off his black cloak and haphazardly wrapped it around my bare body, holding me tightly, increasingly closer, his affectionate tone deep and rich: "It's alright, really, it's alright!"

A burly man with a shifty gaze rode forward and shouted menacingly: "What are you all doing? Get out of the vehicle, do you hear me?"

He helped me to my feet, and in his deep, dark eyes, the clouds of turmoil dissipated, filled with concern: "Do not be afraid, he is already dead, he will not harm you again"

Gain—Gain—Gain

I brushed the strands of hair at my temples and asked with my head lowered, "You... aren't you in Luodu?"

The coachman let out a low growl: "Hurry up!"

A robber leered with narrowed eyes, slowly approaching, and roughly yanked Lu Shuyi closer... The robber effortlessly pulled Lu Shuyi into his embrace, as if holding a piece of soft silk, and stepped away... She had no strength left, yet still struggled defiantly...

The next day, I drove to the small town, found a refreshing inn to stay in, called for a doctor, and got some medicine. With Tang Shuyang's arrangements, everything was in order, allowing me to rest comfortably and peacefully, without any further worries.