Chapter Nine, Winds Rise and Clouds Surge
Her complexion was somewhat cold as she said softly, "It’s none of your business! Kuo Tian, rest assured, I will definitely take you away!"
Suddenly, he stood up abruptly, straightening his back; narrowing his dark eyes, he then widened his bright black pupils, emitting a cold, bloodthirsty light. The chips were still in his hand; she wouldn't run far, as long as she remained on the grassland, he would be able to drag her out!
Upon hearing this, Kuo Tianying's handsome brows relaxed, and he said in a clear voice, "Is the princess saying... the princess is thirsty, right? Have some water!"
I have nothing to say!" Niko said softly, as a stream of clear tears rolled down her cheeks, overflowing.
The knights of the Desert Tribe mobilized, dispersing to search every corner of the northern grasslands... For a full two days, they found nothing, not a single trace or clue.
Yu Jiang was filled with regret! He had long known that she was not an ordinary woman, that she would not miss any opportunity, especially since she was well-prepared and had already made plans.
When the chieftain spoke of Yang Shenxue's escape, Ni could catch a glimpse of a tinge of regretful pain in his harsh eyes
If you are tired, just lean on me and take a nap for a while His voice was deep and powerful
It is the hottest season on the grassland, the most oppressive midday.
Kuo Tian walked over and sat beside her, his complexion somewhat darker than before. "Princess... you have lost quite a bit of weight lately. Is he not treating you well?"
Everyone must remember, without my command, the people of the Gas tribe are not allowed to kill a single person. Is that clear to everyone?
"Why are you doing this?" he reprimanded
With a swift gallop across the land, the archer nimbly drew an arrow and aimed at Shang Xie. With a sharp whistle, the iron arrow shot forth, propelled by great force. Shang Xie suddenly sensed a powerful wind rushing from behind, chilling to the bone. Without turning back, he swung his blade horizontally, severing the arrow shaft in two, which fell to the ground. In the next moment, three iron arrows swiftly followed, even more forceful; with two clangs, the broken arrows fell in response—yet another struck Shang Xie's chest.
The knights mounted their horses in succession, turning their heads eastward, galloping wildly in an orderly manner. At this moment, a fervent passion burned in the hearts of all the knights, and a belief surged within them. The warhorses galloped as if flying, the earth trembled, and a fierce aura soared into the sky
Watching as his cavalry dwindled and the fallen increased, Ao Xie realized that the situation was lost, and that further fighting was futile; preserving strength was of utmost importance. Thus, he gathered the remnants, issued a command, turned his horse's head, and fled northward.
As long as Xia Xin and the two guards do not appear, she will not run away alone. He has long seen through her; if she could let go of others, with her intelligence and cleverness, she could escape unnoticed, and he would definitely be unable to stop her. He is eager to return to confirm whether Xia Xin and the other two are still in the Hanmo tribe, but he believes that Sainan will certainly do everything in his power to keep watch over them.
The events that have transpired in the past two days are truly earth-shattering; how could she possibly be unaware? The chieftain has returned in a frenzy... The chieftain is conducting a large-scale sweep of the grasslands... The chieftain's frenzied and despairing howls... It seems that Yang Shenxue has already fled
His eyes blazed with consuming fury, "Go, summon Niko!"
She detected the sarcasm in his tone, and with a start, she became much more alert. With a snort, she declared, "I want to ride the horse myself!"
Kuo Tian leaped up and walked away, casting a glance at Yu Jiang, who was approaching quickly. His chin involuntarily twitched slightly, and a glimmer of joy and confidence passed through his handsome eyes, yet in the thickening twilight, it appeared exceptionally profound and solemn
She also heard the footsteps and caught a glimpse of Yu Jiang approaching from the corner of her eye. She then took the water pouch he handed over, quietly blinked at him, and tilted her head back to drink the water
Mai Sheng jumped off the horse and rushed over, kneeling on the ground with his head drooping, his face filled with deep remorse and pain. "Chieftain, Mai Sheng deserves to die, Miss Yang... she is missing!"
This time, in our raid, we must reclaim the Gas tribe, slay Shangxie, and make the Jiyie tribe submit to us. Shangxie is fierce and valiant, skilled in battle, commanding six thousand cavalry. He will not surrender easily, and we cannot be assured of victory in a direct confrontation with him. Therefore, we must strike swiftly and unexpectedly, catching him off guard; if we capture Shangxie, his six thousand cavalry will surrender. Whoever beheads Shangxie will be promoted one rank; for every enemy head taken, a cup of wine will be rewarded!
He can certainly see that the chieftain is worried about the princess escaping while he is away during their battles; it is even more evident that the chieftain's "concern" and his care for the princess along the way reflect a man's heartfelt intentions towards a woman. The chieftain is not an ordinary person, and it is likely to be extremely difficult for the princess to leave the grasslands. However, what does the princess truly think?
The deep and dense night enveloped the entire grassland, drowning out all sounds, as well as the encroaching aura of death and the glimmer of blood, until midnight
The horse slowly, slowly reared back and fell down.
You are all outstanding, like the valiant eagles of the grasslands! Now, assemble and set off!
Draped in a green and gold embroidered cloak, he stood tall facing five thousand knights, exuding an imposing presence. To his left were Yang Wawa, Kuo Tian, and Luo Sang, while to his right stood several guards including Mai Sheng. He cast a sharp gaze over the entire assembly, his eyes bright and intense, his jaw clenched, and raised his voice:
It seemed as if all his energy had been drained away, and with a thud, Yu Jiang fell onto the grass. His lips were severely chapped, covered in dust and sand, his face was weathered and slightly haggard, yet his pair of black eyes rolled around energetically, shining brightly with a piercing brilliance.
Ni looked at his desolate handsome face and felt a sense of despair engulfing her, to the extent that she had no memory of how she walked out of the chief's tent and returned to her own quarters
Mai Sheng's heart shattered, trembling as he recounted the events. Not long after the chieftain and his troops had departed, they found a flat area, laid down a tiger skin rug, and allowed Miss Yang to sleep on it. They then went to gather firewood and lit a bonfire. Several big men spoke softly, drank some milk wine, and later, for some unknown reason, each of them became drowsy and fell into a daze. They slept until the chieftain sent someone to fetch them, waking Mai Sheng and the others, only to discover that Yang Wawa, Kuo Tian, and Luo Sang were missing!
She would not abandon Xia Xin and the two guards to escape alone; the three individuals in the tribe must be part of her plan. He dispatched someone to keep a close watch on Ni Ke, ensuring that she does not step out of the tent. The white silk cloth that she needed to hand over to Ye Tianming and Lin Yong had already reached his hands before the expedition, but he did not recognize any of the characters on the cloth. Although he could speak the language of the southern states, it was merely speaking without comprehension. He dispatched someone to keep a close watch on Ni Ke, ensuring that she does not step out of the tent. The white silk cloth that she needed to hand over to Ye Tianming and Lin Yong had already reached his hands before the expedition, but he did not recognize any of the characters on the cloth. Although he could speak the language of the southern states, it was merely speaking without comprehension.
She felt helpless, yielding to him! She had to admit that he was a wise and charismatic tribal leader, a domineering yet gentle man of the grasslands. He was both an iceberg and a flame, a bomb that exploded in the lake of her heart. Her strong and resilient insides could not withstand his explosive power, and now she was in a state of utter chaos and distress. If it weren't for A Cheng and that warm love, she believed she would have long succumbed to his domineering tenderness, falling for him...! However, she should not be in the grasslands, in the late Warring States period; she should be in the 21st century. She must return to the 21st century, so no matter what, she has to escape! If it weren't for A Cheng and that warm love, she believed she would have long succumbed to his domineering tenderness, falling for him...! However, she should not be in the grasslands, in the late Warring States period; she should be in the 21st century. She must return to the 21st century, so no matter what, she has to escape!
Yang Wawa was dressed in riding attire, with a pink silk scarf tied around her straight black hair, and wearing a pair of lightweight riding boots, exuding a unique charm and spirited demeanor. At this moment, she was extremely displeased—before reaching the Jias tribe, every single opportunity had been ruthlessly snuffed out by him. The scorching heat rushed towards her, with a hot furnace behind her; lacking any experience of being jolted on horseback, and after galloping for an entire morning, her body felt as if it were falling apart, making her long to lie down immediately and enjoy a comfortable, deep sleep. The scorching heat rushed towards her, with a hot furnace behind her; lacking any experience of being jolted on horseback, and after galloping for an entire morning, her body felt as if it were falling apart, making her long to lie down immediately and enjoy a comfortable, deep sleep
How could she feel drowsy? She had not yet had the chance to understand, her mind was clear, and slowly, she sank into a dreamland
When they were two hundred li away from the Gas tribe, Yu Jiang ordered a halt to rest and recuperate. The knights unloaded the cooked meat and milk wine from their warhorses, sat on the ground, and heartily tore into their food, drinking deeply as if they were consuming raw flesh and blood. They chatted and laughed, creating a lively atmosphere. After a while, having finished eating and drinking, they lay back and fell into a deep sleep, and immediately, the surroundings became quiet, with only the sounds of nasal breathing and the grinding of teeth as they snored.
The chieftain unexpectedly picked up Yang Wawa and placed her on the saddle. Then, he leaped onto the horse, gave a nudge with his legs, and the divine steed "Fire" let out a long whinny towards the sky and shot forward like an arrow. Kuo Tian, Mai Sheng, and the others immediately followed, and before long, they caught up with all the riders, galloping at the forefront.
She will definitely regret it! The consequences of fleeing are something she absolutely cannot bear
Could it be that he has a masochistic tendency? She sensed that his gaze was becoming increasingly intense, with layers of meaning hidden within his pleasure, causing her face to flush involuntarily. She averted her eyes, looking towards the dimly lit horizon... The surroundings were silent, and she felt her mind was in a haze, her eyelids heavy to the point of being unable to open them. She longed to lie down and sleep beautifully!
Mai Sheng was taken aback for a moment, then swiftly mounted his horse, closely following the chieftain. Immediately after, six riders on iron-hoofed steeds pursued wildly. Clouds of choking dust rose up, and the entire grassland appeared chaotic, reminiscent of the primordial era.
It is quite strange; at this moment, he is extremely eager to share the victory of his battles with someone, and that person is the fiery little woman who has been on his mind. In the past, he would never have felt this way, or rather, he did not need to; he was content to know it himself.
He wished he could cut himself, but he need not lift a finger; the chief would fulfill his wish!
Only you dare to scold me! Yu Jiang chuckled heartily, seemingly unbothered, his hearty yet deep laughter resonating in the cool evening breeze, drifting far and wide
Sainan had never seen such a terrifying expression of a cannibal from the chieftain, and he trembled as he replied, "In, inside!"
Kuo Tian anxiously said, "Princess, please do not say that. Everything is beyond anyone's prediction! It is our failure to protect that has led the princess to fall into the hands of the Cold Desert Tribe..."
Yang Wawa could not contain her surging emotions; this stirring pre-battle declaration aimed to boost morale and consolidate fighting strength. This rascal indeed possesses remarkable skills, being well-versed in commanding tactics and psychological warfare
Mai Sheng was deeply shocked upon hearing this: the chief's tone was extremely severe, yet also filled with sorrow and pain. He slightly raised his eyes and saw the chief's face, which was terrifyingly ghastly, resembling a fierce ghost, and like a ferocious tiger with its mouth wide open, ready to swallow him whole at any moment. Having followed the chief for many years, he had never seen him so out of control, driven mad and furious over a woman.
The blade gleams under the moonlight, arrows fall like rain, and flesh and blood splatter
Come here! Come here! he shouted hoarsely
In the eastern night sky, a faint glow of fish-belly white emerges, and before long, the red sun will rise slowly. The joy and excitement of victory will also be shared with her
Led by the chieftain, the fierce desert cavalry charged forward amidst the night and the flames, shouting as they came. The flying arrows pursued relentlessly like swarming locusts, refusing to let go. The fleeing ones were filled with fear and trepidation, while the pursuers, emboldened by their psychological advantage, grew ever more audacious in their pursuit, like rabid dogs, intent on tearing their enemies apart
The cool breeze blows, the beautiful sunset sinks into the desolate tall grass, the crimson clouds stain the western sky, and the dusk of the grassland possesses a kind of melancholy and magnificent beauty
The five thousand iron cavalry of the Desert Tribe, like lightning cutting through the night, like a whirlwind that uproots everything, like a sandstorm that obscures the sky and blocks the sun, galloped relentlessly across the vast grasslands, akin to a pack of wolves suddenly appearing on the dark prairie, frantically pouncing upon the Gas Tribe
Upon hearing the chief's impassioned words, the knights immediately became excited, their spirits soaring, unable to restrain themselves from whispering and discussing among one another, creating a lively atmosphere beneath the dense shade.
Nico neither condescends nor is arrogant, saying, "What does the chieftain refer to? I do not understand!"
"There is nothing wrong..." she comforted, a hint of bitterness coloring her delicate features. "In these past few days, has he made things difficult for you? If it weren't for me, you wouldn't have been imprisoned in the Cold Desert Tribe..."
If someone escapes, you will bring their head to see me! He stood up, dropped a harsh remark, and strode away
Everyone heard it clearly! The knights responded in unison, their voices echoing through the heavens
"Do you know why I called you here?" Yu Jiang poured a bowl of strong liquor, not even glancing at her.
The fur lay spread on the ground, with torn fine hairs swirling in the air, pure white, golden, and dark brown, all tumultuous, much like his tangled emotions. In the center, the low square table had been shattered to pieces, and the remnants revealed the ferocity of the force used. The entire tent was a chaotic mess, dirty and disordered, resembling a desolate scene ravaged by a tornado.
Galloping on horseback, he was lost in a myriad of thoughts, his mind swirling with images of her in all her enchanting forms, her filled with rage, her wise and composed self. Yet all these thoughts ultimately converged into one point—she had escaped once more, and he must capture her, no matter what!
The cavalry of Jiya fought desperately, understanding that they were facing a night raid, a tactic they often employed themselves, a life-and-death battle with no retreat. In the brutal slaughter and struggle, cowardice and hesitation meant death. Gradually, under the command of Chief Shangxie, they entered a state of combat, vowing to fight the enemy to the end
He was taken aback, not expecting her to have such a cold and hard side. However, at this moment, the only thing he felt pain over was that he had already lost control over Yang Shenxue... His thick brows knitted together, "Alright, very well! Don't think I don't know what you're thinking!"
The blazing sun emits scorching tongues of fire, roasting the earth and baking the trees, flowers, and grasses, as well as the birds and beasts; the venomous rays pour down, enveloping everything, while heat waves roll and rampage around, leaving no escape, as if they intend to dry and exhaust people. There is not a breath of wind, and three to five towering trees provide a vast expanse of shade, beneath which five thousand knights stand in dense darkness.
Everyone has worked hard! Under this scorching sun, you have all been running with me for an entire morning, and you must be wondering what this is all about and where we are headed. Now, I can tell you that by nightfall, we will reach the Gas tribe. Last night, Shang Xie led six thousand cavalry from the Jie tribe to seize the Gas tribe and slaughtered our brothers. We are rushing to give them no time to prepare and to reclaim the Gas tribe!
She once fantasized that one day the chieftain would come to realize he could not live without her, and would marry her, or that she would simply accompany him until old age, which she would have been willing to do. However, she was not that fortunate woman... Yang Shenxue had already firmly captured his heart... In his heart, there was never a place for her, and now, he felt an extreme aversion towards her!
Ni could fully understand that the chieftain had unknowingly developed feelings for Yang Shenxue, perhaps even he himself was unaware of it! The chieftain had always held a deep disdain for women, thus when he occasionally summoned her into his tent, she felt fortunate and happy, even if the chieftain was merely venting his emotions; nonetheless, she was willing.
Yang Wawa smiled with her lips pursed, tilting her face slightly as she looked at him fearlessly: I will infuriate you! I will infuriate you! I will infuriate you!
Yang Wawa ate very little, and after a day of jolting, her stomach was in turmoil. She sat on the soft grass, hugging her knees, gazing intently as the sunset was gradually swallowed by the night, the deep purple twilight engulfing the last trace of the afterglow.
He let out a long howl towards the sky, his sorrowful cry piercing the dawn's morning air, shaking the heavens and the earth. Suddenly, he dashed towards "Blazing Fire," leaped onto his horse, pulled the reins, and galloped westward, like a tornado ravaging the land, stirring up clouds of dust, and disappearing into the distance.
The queue is arranged neatly, the knights are spirited, holding their heads high and chests out, with bows and arrows ready, curved sabers hanging at their waists, and their expressions stern and resolute. Sweat gathers drop by drop into a fine stream, trickling down their faces and soaking into the parched grass.
Yu Jiang sat on the felt bed, tightly clutching a blue backpack against his chest. Before him lay her clothes spread out. The belongings remained, but the person had already left. He did not know if he could find her again. The thought that he might never see her again engulfed him with boundless pain and hatred.
Do you really want to know?" Yang Wawa crossed her legs, sat up straight, and looked at him coldly, mocking, "I am asking him, where did that bastard lock them up, and has he made things difficult for them?
On one hand, it stirred up the fervor of conquest, while on the other, it fought desperately for survival; this brutal battle raged on, darkening the skies and leaving no room for respite.
Just like his shattered heart, just like his fragmented body
Five thousand knights fiercely and sharply bite into the throats of their enemies
He is sad, he is in pain, he is furious, yet he simply does not realize why he cannot bear her departure
The chieftain stated directly! Ni responded indifferently, her charming face exuding a sense of coldness.
Among the various bottles and jars, he was unsure of their contents. A folded object caught his attention. He carefully unfolded it, fearing that he might tear it; what came into view was a colorful image and intricate patterns, very detailed, yet he could not comprehend it at all. He thought to himself that he must ask her about it.
Yet, he thought in despair, she had already escaped, damn it, she had already slipped out of his control
Yu Jiang stood at the entrance of the tent, standing tall, with blood coursing through his veins, showing no signs of fatigue or drowsiness. His subordinates were busy clearing the battlefield, each occupied with their tasks, while the most relaxed and solitary was the revered chieftain. After incorporating the two thousand cavalry from the Jiye tribe, he could finally afford to relax for a moment; next, he would devote all his energy to dealing with her
Unceasing and sleepless, without touching a drop of water, without eating a morsel of food, sweeping across the grasslands, rushing through the woods, climbing over the sand ridges, galloping across the wasteland... The ultimate sprint finally came to a halt after noon at "Blazing Fire." He leaped off his horse, seized Sainan by the collar, stared at him intently, and urgently asked, "Where is he?"
The chieftain Yujiang led the charge, galloping at the forefront of the cavalry, with banners fluttering and snapping in the wind. Under the guidance of the chieftain's great flag, they broke through the camps of the Jiyi cavalry as if entering a no-man's land, advancing relentlessly and sweeping through the encampments of the Jiyi cavalry with the force of a tempest.
Upon receiving the order, the guard immediately turned and ran off. Before long, Ni entered the tent, trembling with fear. Suddenly seeing the maid at the entrance still bleeding profusely, as well as the chaotic scene inside the tent, she was shocked to the point of turning pale, unable to utter a word.
Yujing sat down and stared at her sharply, "What are you talking about?"
You are well aware of my temper, so when she entrusted the silk to you, you did not personally hand it over to her guard, but carelessly gave it to a maid! You clearly know that the maid would definitely pass the item on to me, and you calculated that in my rage, I would surely kill her with a single stroke. " Yujiang glared at her with disdain, his tone severe, "Indeed, if it were in the past, I would have immediately killed her for daring to escape. However, this time you are mistaken!"
Yu Jiang leaned closer, extending his index finger to gently caress her tender lips, cheeks, and forehead with the back of his finger, silently sighing, a look of self-reproach and tenderness unconsciously appearing on his face. He gently lifted her up, sat down, and let her rest against his chest
"Which bastard?" he frowned and said, after a moment of contemplation, he suddenly realized, straightened his face, and asked, "Are you calling me a bastard?"
The sudden attack by the Desert Tribe caught the sleeping cavalry of the Jiye Tribe off guard. What is happening? Where did these cavalrymen come from? It also awakened the astute Shangye. After a moment of panic, he began to calmly organize a defense. However, it was too late; Shangye had not completed his deployment and had not gathered the forces to resist. The sharp arrows of the Desert Knights had already been shot towards their chests, the gleaming battle blades had already struck towards their necks, and the heavy iron hooves had already trampled their camp. However, it was too late; Shangye had not completed his deployment and had not gathered the forces to resist. The sharp arrows of the Desert Knights had already been shot towards their chests, the gleaming battle blades had already struck towards their necks, and the heavy iron hooves had already trampled their camp
Yu Jiang assigned people to guard the four sentinels, with each person assigned to a tent, keeping watch throughout the night without rest or relaxation. Kuo Tian tried every possible means to escape, but ultimately was unsuccessful and could not gather any information about the other three tents or the situation of the princess
The arrow from the Yujiang came rushing in, lifting him up as if he were a small chick. The tightly clenched hand trembled slightly, with bulging veins on the back of the hand; his dark, bright eyes seemed ready to explode, with deep pain hidden in the corners. In a hoarse voice, he said, "You truly deserve to die"
In fact, he did not want her to follow him into danger, nor did he wish for her to navigate through the chaos of blades and arrows, or to traverse the thin line between life and death. He would ensure her safety; however, on the ever-changing battlefield, where life and death can be decided in an instant, who can truly say for certain?
In Yujiang's heart, there was not a trace of pity, "If you find her, consider yourself lucky; if you do not find her, you will warm my subordinates' beds!"
A guard hurriedly entered the tent, lowering his head in fear, and said, "What orders does the chief have?"
She was sleeping deeply and soundly, showing no signs of waking up, remaining in a deep slumber. At first, I suspected she was doing it on purpose, but my feelings of affection overcame the impulse to wake her. Leaving behind Kuo Tian, Luo Sang, Mai Sheng, and others, a total of eight guards, to ensure her safety, he solemnly instructed them before mounting his horse and heading towards the Gas tribe
The chieftain has died, and the remaining cavalry, without fighting, have surrendered in droves...
He held her clothes, inhaling the scent that belonged to her lingering on the fabric. A stream of clear water seeped from the corner of his eye, slowly winding down, dripping down, and soaking into her clothes, as if merging into the sea.
His gaze was icy and ruthless, like a bloodthirsty sword piercing through the heart and eviscerating; he squeezed out a voice from deep within his throat, "Tell me, what on earth is going on?"
The Shangye tribe is not to be underestimated; they are renowned for their bravery and skill in battle. Soon, they organized an effective resistance, displaying extraordinary valor. The sounds of drums, horns, and battle cries reverberated through the air, shaking the heavens. The entire Gas tribe was in a frenzy, tense, fervent, and mad with bloodlust, killing without a second thought. Heads flew into the sky and rolled on the ground; severed hands and feet were scattered everywhere. The wails of mourning and cries of agony were incessant, piercing the night with their sorrowful echoes.
In the chief's tent, there occasionally emanated wretched and indignant howls, akin to the cries of wolves in the vast desert and the roars of fierce tigers in the deep mountains, terrifying to the extreme, sending chills down the spine and causing the heart to tremble. Amidst the lingering echoes of the howls, a faint hoarseness permeated the desolation, rendering it hauntingly sorrowful.
Shang Ye was taken aback as a dense rain of arrows fell in succession. In an instant, more arrowheads pierced into his body, and bright red blood gushed down like a waterfall, flowing over the warhorse and soaking into the grass. His body remained stiffly upright on the warhorse, his pupils dilated, staring into the distant and mysterious night sky—unwilling, so unwilling!
The serene visage in slumber, charming and pure, is as flawless as a baby untouched by the world's smoke and fire. Even the iron-hearted men, filled with passion, can become tender and affectionate.
He was frenzied and violent, wielding a treasured blade, indiscriminately hacking and killing, leaving no object unscathed... In his eyes, everything was superfluous... Near the edge of the tent, a pool of bright red blood was shocking to behold... Two maidservants lay motionless on the ground, their bodies marked with numerous wounds, narrating the brutality and bloodiness of the slaughter... Two maidservants lay motionless on the ground, their bodies marked with numerous wounds, narrating the brutality and bloodiness of the slaughter...
Niko's heart quickly sank, not because of the chieftain's disdainful expression or his cold personality, but because—in just a short span of two days—the chieftain Junhao's handsome visage had already taken on a layer of weariness... His spirited demeanor was entangled with a bitter and sorrowful expression... Thus, the chieftain's treatment of Yang Shenxue was no longer merely a matter of conquest.
He did not respond, but instead rode his horse with even greater abandon.