Chapter 0006: Sudden Change

In an urgent situation, Huang Jie could not think carefully about where the problem lay, but the current circumstances were critical. The sounds of fierce shouts and killings reached his ears, and he saw dozens of figures rushing out from the woods on both sides, charging directly towards the convoy

It can be said that the battle of Siming Mountain was a turning point for Wu Gang, transforming him from a mere soldier into a junior officer, and it was also the most proud moment of his life. Observing the eager expressions of the soldiers, Wu Gang began to recount the events. As he narrated, the soldiers' eyes grew brighter with each word. When he reached the moment where the besieged rebels, having exhausted all options after several days, desperately attempted to break out, and he led the soldiers to deliver a decisive blow, the tension on their faces was overshadowed by immense admiration.

Lord Huang... I... I am in...

Although Huang Jie is not a military general, as the governor of the prefecture, he is certainly not someone who is incapable of defending himself. Otherwise, Governor Zhang Chaozong would not have specifically arranged for him to accompany Wu Gang on this mission. Yesterday, the journey was safe and uneventful; who would have known that today, after passing Shangyu and before reaching Shaoxing, such an incident would occur? Huang Jie instinctively glanced at the large cart behind them, and he concluded that this mission must have leaked information from somewhere, as someone was attempting to ambush the prisoner transport to rescue Zhu Yicheng. Yesterday, the journey was safe and uneventful; who would have known that today, after passing Shangyu and before reaching Shaoxing, such an incident would occur? Huang Jie instinctively glanced at the large cart behind them, and he concluded that this mission must have leaked information from somewhere, as someone was attempting to ambush the prisoner transport to rescue Zhu Yicheng.

The scene with the books came too suddenly; until Wu Gang fell to the ground and breathed his last, those soldiers had not yet reacted. At that moment, several arrows shot out from the trees by the roadside, and in the blink of an eye, two unsuspecting soldiers were immediately struck down.

These rebels have been surrounded for several days, seeing no way to escape above or below. Over a thousand bandits, led by their chief, are charging recklessly into the fray, and it seems they are about to reach us. I sensed something was amiss; if these fellows really broke through, the archers would struggle to hold their ground. I gritted my teeth and quickly called over a few brothers to rush over. I aimed directly at a rebel in front and struck him with a knife...

Staying is death, escaping is also death

If it were merely a regular convoy, Huang Jie would definitely lead his men to break through immediately in this critical moment. However, this task is different; it is important to note that he is under the orders of Zhang Chaozong to escort the imperial prisoner Zhu Yicheng to the capital. Who is Zhu Yicheng? He is the grandson of the Third Prince Zhu! This is a person of significant standing, even recognized by His Majesty. If this task were to fail, not only would Huang Jie, a mere ninth-rank official, be unable to bear the responsibility, but even Zhang Chaozong would find it difficult to protect himself.

In the eyes of the soldiers just a moment ago, Wu Gang appeared as a formidable celestial general, invincible and fierce. At this moment, however, the dagger in his hand had fallen to the ground. He stared wide-eyed, mouth agape, desperately gasping for air, while his hands clutched tightly at his neck. An arrow, seemingly from nowhere, was lodged in his throat, and bright red blood gushed forth like water from a breached dam. He wanted to scream, but no sound emerged; his lungs could only exhale, devoid of any intake. All his strength was suddenly drained, and his throat emitted a series of choking sounds akin to a slaughtered chicken before his entire body collapsed straight down.

It must be said that although Wu Gang is not a martial arts master, he has managed to rise to the rank of a commander through his accumulated achievements in the great battle of Siming Mountain, demonstrating considerable skill. Just watching the waist knife dance in his hand is enough to evoke a fierce wind. Coupled with the fierce determination he gained from being on the battlefield, he exudes an imposing aura that suggests a sense of unparalleled dominance in the world.

Enemy attack! Enemy attack!

Do not panic! Gather around me! Form a formation and defend against the enemy!

Hehe, of course! These words from the soldier struck a chord with Wu Gang. When it comes to the suppression of bandits in Siming Mountain, Wu Gang can be said to have made significant contributions. He was originally just a minor squad leader, but in battle, he led the charge, using his steel knife to behead several traitors in succession, which earned him a promotion to captain due to his outstanding achievements.

This group of unknown powerful individuals is quite numerous, and what is even more despicable is that there are skilled archers among them. If I turn around and flee now, there might be a slim chance of survival, but what good would it do to run back? Having lost a wanted criminal and suffered casualties, Huang Jie and his entire family would face the dire consequence of extermination. If I fight to the death, perhaps I could repel the enemy. Even if I die in battle, maybe the Emperor would spare my family in consideration of my loyalty to the country.

Wu Gang gestured as he spoke, passionately recounting how he easily defeated the first rebel with a single move, and then swiftly took down the second rebel. With the strength to turn the tide, he stabilized the situation. His martial prowess was reminiscent of the legendary Zhang Yide, who bravely defended the bridge, and Zhao Zilong, who fought valiantly at Changban Slope, making a remarkable seven charges in and out. The soldiers beside him were left in awe, their mouths agape.

Finally, the soldiers who had regained their senses began to shout in terror, their sharp and hoarse voices shattering the tranquility of the previous moment. The entire unit was thrown into chaos, with some drawing their swords and others fleeing, while some, in their panic, disregarded everything and turned to run away.

Master Zhou

Like a person who has been invigorated, Wu Gang wielded his waist knife and slashed a few times towards the empty space, creating a beautiful flourish before turning around. Just as he was about to continue boasting, his body suddenly trembled, and his eyes widened in shock, revealing an expression of utter astonishment and despair.

Huang Jie reached out and pulled Zhou Zhongliang out of the car, simultaneously drawing a small knife from his waist and thrusting it into Zhou Zhongliang's hand. His twisted, fierce face contorted with rage as he shouted in Zhou's ear, forcefully pushing him towards the back of the car. He then turned around, fixating his gaze on the approaching thief, stepped forward, and raised his sword, loudly proclaiming: "Warriors! Follow me to slay the enemy!"

Not good

You must go to the rear carriage immediately. If I, unfortunately, die for my country, you must quickly kill that person. Absolutely do not let that person fall into the hands of the thieves! Remember! Remember!

Perhaps having listened to storytelling frequently on ordinary days, Wu Gang became increasingly animated as he spoke, gesticulating with his hands and feet, and even drew his waist knife to demonstrate on the spot

Huang Jie was taken aback; he never expected such a turn of events. As he watched the scene unfold, the entire team was thrown into chaos in just a few seconds. Not only had four or five soldiers died, but even Wu Gang's body lay not far away.

Hearing a noise, Huang Jie in the car suddenly pulled back the curtain and leaned out to look outside. Just as he called out, he saw a soldier running towards him suddenly fall to the ground, an arrow still quivering in his back, the corpse lying merely five feet away from him

Zhou Zhongliang cautiously poked his head out of the car, only to reveal his pale face and trembling body

Huang Jie jumped down from the large vehicle and drew his sword, calling out loudly in an attempt to rally the panicked soldiers for a local defense. With his loud call, several nearby soldiers quickly gathered around him, forming a small formation against the vehicle. Although the group still displayed signs of confusion and fear, the presence of the decisive Huang Jie made them much better off compared to the earlier state of being like headless flies.

"Master Wu, I have heard that during your campaign against bandits in Siming Mountain, you personally dealt with several traitors. Is this true?" The journey was long, and covering the distance with a covered head was exceedingly dull. Moreover, this assignment was not military in nature, so a few soldiers, feeling bored, began to chat. As they conversed, the topic shifted to the recent rebellion in Siming Mountain. One young soldier, noticing that Wu Gang did not stop their idle chatter, mustered his courage to ask a question.

I struck one down with my left blade and killed another with my right. Do not be deceived by the numbers of those rascals; in my eyes, they are nothing more than mere chickens and dogs, not a single one is a match for me in a single encounter

What has happened? What is going on outside?