Chen Jingchou saw the soldier kick the woman down and was about to step forward. Suddenly, a soft hand grabbed his arm. Chen Jingchou turned around and saw that it was Yu Xiaoxue. She had put down her bowl and chopsticks and followed him to the door. "Brother Chen!" Yu Xiaoxue said. Don't go over yet…"
Just as Chen Jingchou was about to reply, he suddenly saw an officer walking down from a high place in the town. With a saber slung on his waist, he pointed at the soldiers and shouted,""What are you guys waiting for? You're dragging it out! You can't even handle such a small matter!"
One of the soldiers bowed and replied," Reporting to the captain. We were about to take these boys away, but these unruly women are clinging onto us!"”
"Hmph!" the officer said. Useless thing!" He strode over and pushed through the crowd. Seeing that the situation was not good, the commoners hurriedly returned home to hide.
A woman knelt on the ground with tears all over her face. She cried out to the officer,"I beg you! Grandpa! Return my child…"
The officer walked over and kicked her over, scolding,""Motherf * cker! Cut the crap!" He raised his broadsword and was about to chop down on the woman's neck. The woman cried out in fear. Her face was pale, and her eyes rolled back as she fainted.
Right at this moment, a young girl's voice suddenly rang out from afar. Her voice was clear and bright as she shouted,"Stop! You bastards!"
The military officer's saber hung in the air. He turned around and shouted,""Who is it? How dare you?"
Not long after, a young girl appeared from the end of the town. She was dressed in red and was about sixteen or seventeen years old. She had a long sword hanging from her waist. The young girl walked up to the soldiers with her head held high. She placed her hands on her hips and scolded,"Humph! A useless thing would use a knife to bully women and children?”
The officer was stunned. He glared and shouted,""How dare you! Who are you? How dare you meddle in the affairs of the government army!"
The young girl looked up at the sky and did not even look at them. She said,""When you see injustice on the road, draw your sword and help! Is there a need to know who I am?"
The officer was furious. It was a rebellion! What are you guys still standing there for? Hurry up and arrest her!" The soldiers shouted, drew their sabers, and charged forward.
"Hmph!" the young girl said. With just the few of you!" He raised his sword and brandished it to block the attack. The red shadow flew around in an elegant manner. A few soldiers couldn't resist it and cried out in pain as they fell to the ground. In just ten moves, they were all knocked down. The young girl lifted the sword and shook it a few times. She kicked a soldier hard and scolded,""Humph! He really had no ability! He only knew how to bully the good and fear the evil with a knife! I despise this kind of scum the most!" He turned around and pointed the tip of his knife at the officer."It's your turn next! Obediently hand over your life!"
The officer raised his head and laughed wildly. "What are you laughing at?" The young girl asked.
"I'm laughing at you!" the officer said. Do you really think that all the relatives and soldiers of our Princess Dugu are good-for-nothing?”
The girl did not answer. The officer suddenly raised his knife and slashed at the girl. The wind whistled and the momentum was heavy. The young girl was shocked and hurriedly jumped away, using her sword to parry. The two sides exchanged more than ten moves in an instant. The officer's strength was extraordinary, and he fought desperately like a crazy tiger, gradually gaining the upper hand. The young girl gradually could not hold on any longer, and danger appeared one after another. After a few more moves, the officer suddenly bent over, stretched his left leg forward, and slashed at the girl's feet. The girl saw that the situation was not good and hurriedly jumped back. However, she was still half a beat too slow. Suddenly, she felt a pain in her foot. Her right leg had been cut by a blade and blood seeped out. The girl landed on one foot and was unable to stand properly. Her feet swayed and she fell to the ground. The officer shouted and jumped up. Using all his strength, he slashed at the girl's head.
The steel knife was accompanied by a strong wind, and it looked like it was about to split the girl's neck in half. Suddenly, there was a flash of white light. Xielali took out an iron sword and placed it between the steel knife and the girl. With a clang, the officer's arm went numb, and the steel knife was shaken away, almost falling out of his hand. The sword remained unmoved.
The officer hurriedly took a few steps back and looked up. The person who had blocked his weapon was a 15-year-old youth. He was furious and shouted,"Son of a b * tch, do you want to die too?”
"You dog soldiers only know how to bully the people! I will enforce justice on behalf of the heavens today!"
When the officer heard this, he laughed out loud and said,""What an arrogant tone. That depends on whether you have the ability!”He raised his saber and slashed over.
Chen Jingchou thought to himself that he had practiced kung fu for more than a month and had never had the chance to use it in actual combat. Today was the perfect day to test it out on him. He sheathed his sword, held his breath, and secretly channeled his strength. When the officer saw this, he hesitated for a moment. However, he thought about how a thin and weak youth like him had nothing to fear. He spat on the ground and swung his saber at Chen Jingchou's head. Chen Jingchou clenched his right palm. Seeing that the large blade was coming at him ferociously, he leaned his body slightly to the left. The blade slashed down along his clothes. With a clang, it cut into the ground, sending sand and stones flying everywhere. Just as the officer was about to raise his saber, Chen Jingchou's right palm had already struck out. With a loud bang, the Ye Wu Technique landed heavily on the officer's abdomen. The officer only felt his blood churn in his chest. His hand went limp, and the steel knife fell to the ground. His eyes rolled up, and white foam came out of his mouth. He fell back without making a sound. Chen Jingchou was also quite surprised. He did not expect that in just a short month, his cultivation would improve so quickly.
Yu Xiaoxue came over and said,"Brother Chen, that sister seems to be injured. Let's go help her!"”
"En!" Chen Jingchou replied. The two of them walked back to the girl. The women also carried their children and gathered around to express their gratitude. Chen Jingchou said,""We can't stay here for long. Go home quickly!”Everyone thanked him again before leaving.
Chen Jingchou bent down and asked the girl,""Miss, how are your injuries?”
Who knew that the girl frowned and turned her head, saying,""Go away! I don't need you to meddle in my business!"
Chen Jingchou didn't understand." We don't have any other intentions. We just want to give you a hand!" he said.”
The girl turned her face back and said,"Hmph!" No need! I, Tuoba Yu 'er, will not accept any help from you Sui people!”
Chen Jingchou was not pleased with this and said,""Forget it, don't force yourself! "Let's…" As he spoke, he reached out to help her.
Tuoba Yu 'er waved her right hand and said anxiously,""Go away! I don't need your help. Go away!”
Chen Jingchou stood up, not knowing what to do. "Go away!" Tuoba Yu 'er said. Go away! You two are accomplices of the yaomo! If you want me to accept the help of the Sui people, then I would rather die!”Chen Jingchou had no choice but to walk to the side with Yu Xiaoxue.
"Brother Chen, what should we do now?" Yu Xiaoxue asked.”Chen Jingchou was slightly angry. He wanted to leave, but when he saw Tuoba Yu 'er holding her foot, he could not bear to see her in pain. He said,""I don't know! We saved her out of kindness, but we don't know why she's so angry! He couldn't heal her, but he couldn't leave her alone. What a headache!”
The few of them were in a stalemate for an hour. Suddenly, three people walked past the path behind the mountain. When they saw Tuoba Yu 'er, they cheered excitedly and shouted,"Found it! Haha! I finally found it!"
"Thank goodness you're safe!" someone said as he walked forward. Second Miss!" Not long after, a man walked out from the mountain road. He laughed loudly and strode in front of everyone. Chen Jingchou looked at the burly man. He was in his thirties and had a strong physique. He wore a brocade robe and a jade belt. His face was covered with a curly beard, and every strand of his beard was like iron. His eyebrows were like swords, and he had an imposing appearance.
The burly man walked up to Chen Jingchou and cupped his hands in thanks,""Little brother, it's all thanks to you for standing up for me and saving my lady!”
"Big Brother, you're too kind!" Chen Jingchou said. This is what I should have done!"
" Thank goodness Miss Yu 'er is safe," someone beside the burly man said." Otherwise, we really don't know what to do. Thank you so much!"”
"It's really nothing…" Chen Jingchou replied.
"Little brother!" You don't have to be so polite. We saw it clearly from above just now! Unfortunately, water from afar couldn't put out a nearby fire at that time. If the two of you hadn't stepped forward in time to save her, my troublesome girl would have really lost her life!”
Tuoba Yu 'er lay on the ground and said angrily,""Brother-in-law! What are you guys talking about? Why did he have to thank these two people of the Sui Dynasty?”
The burly man turned around and his face darkened.""Girl, your brother-in-law saw everything clearly from the beginning to the end! Do you think my brother-in-law is blind? She saved your life, and you didn't even thank her, but why did you throw a tantrum at her?”
"When did I?" Tuoba Yu 'er asked. Who saved my life? I can deal with these people myself. No one asked them to…"
"Shut up…You're being stubborn again!" The burly man shouted. He Lan Ming, Yuan Xiu!"
"Yes, sir!" The two men beside the burly man answered in unison. "You two! Help me take this girl away and find a place to treat her. Remember to keep an eye on her! Otherwise, she'll come out and cause trouble again!" The two of them agreed.
The burly man turned around and said to the person behind him,"There's more! Go to the inn over there and tell Boss Qian to quickly prepare good food and wine. I want to entertain these two benefactors!”"Yes, sir!" The man bowed. "Alright!" You can all go on your own!"
Helan Ming and Yuanxiu helped Tuoba Yu 'er up. Tuoba Yu' er said,""Brother-in-law! Why are you so nice to them?" Helan Ming and Yuan Xiu were afraid that the burly man would get angry, so they tried to persuade him,""Second Miss! Let's go! Let's go!" She hurriedly helped Tuoba Yu 'er away. For a moment, only the burly man, Chen Jingchou, and Yu Xiaoxue were left on the empty ground.
The burly man shook his head. How nerve-racking…There was really no way to deal with her! I'm really sorry for offending you two!”
"Big Brother, you don't have to be so polite!”"In order to express my gratitude, please do me the honor and let me entertain you!"”
"This!" Chen Jingchou said. Thank you for your kindness, Big Brother! But I don't think it's necessary... we..."
"Come, little brother!" Why are you being so polite? Let's go together!"
Chen Jingchou only felt that it was difficult to refuse the warm hospitality, so he followed the burly man with Yu Xiaoxue. After turning a few corners, they arrived at an inn. The tables in the inn were already filled with all kinds of dishes. "My two benefactors! Please sit down!"
"Then this little brother will be polite!" Chen Jingchou said.”Sitting down in the guest seat, Yu Xiaoxue sat down next to Chen Jingchou. The burly man then took the main seat. After exchanging pleasantries for a while, Chen Jingchou said,"Oh right! I haven't asked for big brother's name yet.”
"My surname is Zhang, and my name is Lie Zi. My cursive name is Zhong Jian. However, because I'm the third in the family, the people in the clan are used to calling me San Lang.”
"So it's Big Brother Zhang!" Chen Jingchou said. My name is Chen Jingqiu. This is Miss Xiaoxue. We are traveling companions.”
"Hello, Big Brother Zhang!" Yu Xiaoxue said.
"Miss Xiaoxue!" Zhang Lie laughed. Please forgive me for my lack of hospitality!"
Zhang Lie continued to persuade them to drink. After eating with the two of them, he suddenly put down his wine glass and said,"Little Brother Chen! You're so young, but you already have such good skills. Congratulations!”
"I'm ashamed!" Chen Jingchou put down his chopsticks and said. My master forced me to learn the Ghost Valley Dao technique, but I never took it seriously! He was really showing off in front of an expert, making big brother laugh at him.”
"Brother Chen, you don't have to be so modest!"”After pondering for a moment, he said,"So this is called the Ghost Valley Daoist Technique. This foolish brother has really broadened his horizons today." Come, come, come, let's drink!" He raised his glass. Chen Jingchou also raised his cup in welcome. The two of them drank and drank until the cup was dry. Zhang Lie kept persuading Yu Xiaoxue to eat with great enthusiasm.
After three rounds of wine, Zhang Lie said,"Brother Qiu!" To be honest…this foolish brother is very interested in your Daoist technique. Could you please introduce this foolish brother to your respected teacher at a convenient time so that this foolish brother can also benefit from it?”
Chen Jingchou put down his bowl and chopsticks and sighed,"" Since that's the case, I should introduce you to Big Brother Zhang, but…but Master is trapped in the mountain now, and his life is in danger…"
Zhang Lie put down his wine glass and said in surprise,"Oh!" There's such a thing!" Chen Jingchou saw that Zhang Lie was straightforward and had a good impression of him. He told Zhang Lie the whole story of Chen Fu being trapped.
Zhang Lie pondered for a while and said," Hmm…So you're looking for a divine cauldron that can refine hundreds of medicines so that you can treat your Martial Uncle Lei Xiaze's illness and then save your master?"”
"Yes!" Chen Jingchou replied. The cauldron was called the Shennong Cauldron, and it was said to be one of the ten legendary ancient divine artifacts. It was previously kept by the Tuoba tribe of Xianbei.”
"Shennong Cauldron?" Zhang Lie asked curiously.
"Yes," replied Chen Jingchou.
Zhang Lie raised his wine glass and drank it in one gulp. He laughed and said,"Brother Chou! The two of us are really fated!”
"What do you mean, Big Brother Zhang?" Chen Jingchou asked.……”
"Come!" Zhang Lie said. Let's drink again!" He poured the wine. Chen Jingchou also drank it.
"To be honest, the Tuoba tribe you're looking for is my wife's tribe!" Zhang Lie laughed. My wife's name is Tuoba Yue 'er, the sister of the girl you just saw!”
"But the map that Senior Aunt gave me indicated that the Tuoba tribe should be on the northern grasslands, right?" Chen Jingchou asked in confusion.”
Zhang Lie did not answer. He took a big bowl, filled it with wine, and drank it all in one gulp. With a clang, he threw the bowl on the table and said,"That's right! However, their tribe had been massacred by Yang Guang, the fatuous ruler, outside the Great Wall last year. They had suffered heavy casualties! The Shennong Cauldron was also seized at that time. I was in the Central Plains at that time. When I heard that there was a major change in my wife's mother's family, I rushed back to the north! Currently, I am temporarily leading the remaining clansmen to search for a place with abundant water and grass. They are currently passing through here!”
"The Tuoba tribe was killed by Yang Guang?" Chen Jingchou asked in shock.”
Zhang Lie nodded. "Then does Big Brother Zhang know where the Shennong Cauldron went?" Chen Jingchou asked after pondering for a while.”
"Oh!" Zhang Lie muttered. I'm not too sure about that. According to my guess, it should have fallen into the hands of the Imperial Court.”
"In the hands of the Imperial Court?" Chen Jingchou asked.”
"Brother Chou!" Zhang Lie said. If you need any help, I have quite a number of subordinates and can do my best to inquire for you.”"But…it's useless to be anxious about this kind of thing. You two should finish your meal while it's still hot!"”
The three of them continued eating in the inn. Zhang Lie's attendant suddenly rushed in with a panicked expression and shouted,"Third Master! Something bad has happened!"
"I'm sorry!" Zhang Lie was unhappy. Brother Chou, excuse me for a moment!" He got up and walked to the door of the inn. The attendant whispered a few words in his ear. "This matter is indeed serious!" Go back to the village immediately! Tell everyone to be on guard!" "Yes!" the attendant replied. Third Master!" He hurriedly ran out.
"I'm really sorry!" Zhang Lie walked back to the table and said. Qiu Di, Miss Xiaoxue! Just now, the scouts in the tribe suddenly informed me that something urgent had happened. I have no choice but to take my leave!”
Chen Jingchou and Yu Xiaoxue stood up. "Big Brother Zhang!" Chen Jingchou asked. Is there anything I can help you with?”
" This…" Zhang Lie hesitated slightly." It's like this. When our tribe was searching for water and grass, we were closely followed by a Sui army. They firmly believe that the Divine Cauldron is in our hands, so they come to harass us from time to time! Recently, this foolish brother and his subordinates had finally managed to kill them off. Unexpectedly, the scouts had just reported that they had discovered another suspicious army near Blackhills Town!”
"Oh!" Chen Jingchou said. There was actually such a thing! What were these troops doing here?”
"I'm not too sure either," said Zhang Lie. -- The Sui army that followed us was very strange. In order to defeat them, our clansmen suffered heavy casualties! I am very worried about the official army that appeared this time, just like the one that followed our tribe in the past, so I want to inquire about the Sui army camp.”
"Big Brother Zhang!" Chen Jingchou replied. We'll go with you."
"How can that do?" Zhang Lie asked. The two of you are my guests! Besides, that's too dangerous!"
"Big Brother Zhang! Please let me go with you. We might be able to help!”
"If that's the case, then I'll have to trouble Brother Chou and Miss Xiao Xue!" Zhang Lie muttered to himself for a moment.”
Zhang Lie took out his weapon, which was an iron pestle that weighed more than a hundred pounds. Both ends of the pestle were wrapped in golden hoops. He said,"The government army camp is in the forest three miles southeast of the town. There's no time to lose. Let's set off now!”The three of them raised their spirits and headed southeast. After an hour, they arrived outside the camp. The three of them hid in the forest and looked into the camp. They saw that there were flags and guards patrolling. There were about two to three thousand of them.
"Brother Chou, there are many enemies. We must be careful!" Zhang Lie said.”He used light body martial arts and sneaked into the camp first, followed by Chen Jingchou and Yu Xiaoxue. There were many trees in the camp, making it easy to hide. After passing through ten tents, they soon arrived in front of the commander's tent. Zhang Lie made a gesture and the three of them went around the tent. They leaned against the tent and listened attentively. The tent was silent. Zhang Lie bent down and gently lifted a corner of the tent. He looked inside and couldn't help but be stunned. Chen Jingchou and Yu Xiaoxue were puzzled and also looked down into the tent.
There were no soldiers guarding the tent. A thick wooden stake stood in the middle of the tent. Several children were tied to the stake and their mouths were stuffed with cloth. The children could not stop sobbing, clearly extremely afraid. Zhang Lie put down the corner of the tent and said softly," I don't know what these government troops are up to. It's really strange. They even captured five or six-year-old children?"”
Chen Jingchou also did not understand and could not guess what was going on. "Brother Chen!" Yu Xiaoxue whispered. These children were so pitiful! Shall we go and rescue them?"
Chen Jingchou nodded and turned to Zhang Lie,""Brother Zhang, I want to save the child!”
Zhang Lie said," I have the same idea. I'll stay outside and watch. You and Miss Xiaoxue go in to save them. At the same time, look for any secret military intelligence." Be careful!"
Chen Jingchou opened the corner of the tent and quickly leaned in with Yu Xiaoxue. "Little Xue, go untie the ropes on the children. I'll check if there's any important military information." Chen Jingchou whispered.”As he spoke, he gently walked to the commander's table, opened the scroll, and carefully inspected it.
Yu Xiaoxue walked to the pillar and untied the children one by one. She said softly,"Good child, don't cry! I'm here to bring you home!" So he took out the cloth balls from their mouths one by one. Who knew that just as he took out a younger child, the child was so scared that the moment the cloth ball left his mouth, his nose ached and he cried out! This time, Yu Xiaoxue was so scared that she was at a loss. She stayed there and didn't know what to do. Chen Jingchou heard the crying and was shocked. He quickly jumped over and covered the child's mouth. However, they were still a step too late. There was a commotion outside the tent, and the sound of footsteps shook the sky and earth. The soldiers of the Sui army rushed towards the tent.
Zhang Lie lifted the corner of the tent and shouted,"Hurry up and leave!" The enemy has discovered us!"
"Then…what about these children?" Yu Xiaoxue hesitated.”
Chen Jingchou hesitated, only to hear the voices outside the tent becoming denser. About a hundred soldiers had surrounded the tent. Zhang Lie saw that the situation was not good and quickly retreated into the tent. "Big Brother Zhang…" Chen Jingchou said.
"We've already revealed ourselves, so we can't say for sure. We can only fight them head-on!" Brother Chou, you and Xiaoxue protect the child and rush out with me!”He raised the hundred jin iron pestle and shouted as he hacked outwards. Two soldiers had just arrived in front of the tent and their heads were facing Zhang Lie's iron pestle. They could not dodge in time and were beaten into meat paste. Zhang Lie rushed out of the tent and cut a bloody path through the crowd. Chen Jingchou and Yu Xiaoxue protected the child and followed closely behind. Zhang Lie charged left and right, slashing and sweeping like a ferocious tiger descending a mountain, awe-inspiring. The soldiers were terrified and didn't dare to get too close. The three of them rushed out of the encirclement, passed through several layers of fences, and approached the camp gate.
"Brother Chou!" Zhang Lie said. Snowy! Take the child and leave first! I'll block them!"
"Big Brother Zhang, be careful!" Chen Jingchou said.”Waving his iron sword, he charged towards the door.
Just as they were about to reach the camp gate, a group of men and horses suddenly charged out from the right side of the gate. They set up a battle formation in front of the camp gate, raised their crossbows, and blocked the way, surrounding Chen Jingchou and Yu Xiaoxue. A short and stout lieutenant walked out first. He pointed his finger and shouted,"How dare you! How dare you kidnap someone in the camp of the government army! Are you tired of living?"
Chen Jingchou raised his iron sword and cursed,"Dog soldier!" If you have the guts, don't rely on numbers. Come and fight alone to determine the winner!”The soldiers raised their spears and were about to step forward.
"Good lad!" said the lieutenant. He waved his right hand and shouted,"All of you, retreat!" I want to see what kind of ability he has to dare to behave atrociously in the camp! Let this captain personally deal with him!" The soldiers agreed in unison and took a few steps back.
The lieutenant waved his right hand and threw off his cloak. He picked up a hundred-jin meteor hammer and rushed forward with a loud shout. Then, he smashed it toward Chen Jingchou's face. Chen Jingchou raised his iron sword, and with a shake of the blade, he parried the handle of the hammer from the side. The lieutenant swung left and right aggressively. Chen Jingchou focused his attention on the battle, his long sword erratic, the meteor hammer unable to get within half a foot of him. After dozens of exchanges, the lieutenant was completely helpless against a youth in front of all the soldiers. His face turned pale, and he gradually lost his composure. With a loud shout, he leaped forward and used all his strength to strike at Chen Jingchou's head. Chen Jingchou saw it clearly and dodged to the side. He used the Flowing Cloud Claw, and his sword flashed like lightning, as fast as a shooting star. The lieutenant couldn't stop in time and his wrist was cut by Chen Jingchou's sword. The meteor hammer flew out of his hand and flew into the air. It landed seventy to eighty feet away and with a muffled thud, it smashed a large hole in the mud.
The lieutenant hurriedly retreated back to his original formation. His expression was extremely ugly as he shouted,"Release the arrows! Quickly release the arrows!" Arrows flew like locusts from the place where the bowstring rang. Chen Jingchou hurriedly leaped up and waved his sword to deflect the arrows. At this moment, Zhang Lie arrived from behind and killed the soldiers. He picked up two corpses and used them as shields, waving them up and down to protect Yu Xiaoxue and the children.
The lieutenant was furious and shouted,"Go, everyone! Chop them into meat paste!"
Zhang Lie crossed his iron pestle and glared at him. The soldiers were terrified and shouted in unison, but no one dared to go forward and surrounded Zhang Lie and the others.
The lieutenant saw that the soldiers were timid and couldn't help but be furious. He kicked the soldier beside him away and walked a few steps forward. Suddenly, he raised his head and laughed wildly."Humph! Little brat! As expected, he had some skills! Looks like I have to show my true abilities!”With a swoosh, he tore open his chest armor and threw it on the ground. He grunted, his eyes bloodshot, his muscles shrinking and his skin darkening. A moment later, a black skeleton stood in front of everyone. Its entire body was emitting a rancid stench, making one feel nauseous. He bent his leg bones slightly, and without looking back, he suddenly leaped backward. He raised his hand bones, and two soldiers could not dodge in time. With two cracking sounds, his hand bones pierced through their chests, causing them to die. Blood spurted out wildly. The skeleton lifted the corpse's collar and opened its mouth to suck blood from the wound.
With this sudden change, not only Chen Jingchou and the other two, but even the soldiers in the camp were stunned. The soldiers trembled and couldn't hold their spears. They retreated in fear. When Zhang Lie saw this, he suddenly shouted,"The demons are here! He was starting to kill! Everyone, run for your lives!" In the chaos, no one heard who shouted. All the soldiers only wanted to save their lives and panicked. They threw away their armor and weapons and fled. The camp was in chaos.
"Let's go!" Zhang Lie turned around and said. If we don't leave now, it'll be too late!" He and Chen Jingchou protected the child. The three of them blended into the crowd and rushed out with all their might.
Who knew that just as he walked a few feet, the skeleton flew over and blocked in front of him. Chen Jingchou thrust his sword forward, but the skeleton did not dodge. It extended its hand and grabbed the blade of the sword. Like two iron pincers, it clamped the sword tightly. Chen Jingchou couldn't pull it out in a hurry. He threw away the iron sword and used Ye Wu's technique with his left palm to slap the skeleton. The distance was close, and the skeleton couldn't dodge in time. With a few cracking sounds, a few of its ribs were broken. Chen Jingchou also felt a sharp pain in his palm and retreated a few steps.
The skeleton unsheathed its sword. Its hand bones were like two sharp blades, sweeping up and down, forcing Chen Jingchou to retreat. Chen Jingchou had thrown away his weapon, but he couldn't use his palm to parry the attack, so he was in danger one after another. Suddenly, with a " chi " sound, he couldn't dodge in time, and his sleeve had been slashed. Zhang Lie saw that the situation was critical, so he stepped forward to save the skeleton. He struck the skeleton's back with his pestle. The black skeleton opened its arms and took a few steps back. Its teeth chattered as it suddenly turned around and jumped toward Yu Xiaoxue.
"Be careful!" Zhang Lie and Chen Jingchou shouted at the same time.”Seeing that it was too late to save him, Zhang Lie raised his iron pestle and threw it at the skeleton.
Yu Xiaoxue stood in front of the children, raised her hand and waved the iron ring, aimed at the skeleton's arms, and attacked with all her might. With a cracking sound, the skeleton's hand broke the moment it touched the iron ring.
Before the skeleton could retreat, Zhang Lie's iron pestle flew over. This throw gathered all the strength of Zhang Lie's body. The iron pestle usually weighed more than 100 pounds. Its current momentum was really enough to split mountains and crack rocks. It pierced through the back of the skeleton, and with a bang, it stabbed into a tree trunk several feet away, causing the branches and leaves to fall off. The skeleton swayed a few times. Chen Jingchou had already picked up his sword and leaped up. With a flash of sword light, he chopped off the skull and flew into the sky. The skeleton stood there stiffly, and after a few cracking sounds, it fell into a pile of bones. The three of them did not dare to stay. Zhang Lie pulled out his weapon from the tree trunk, carried the child, and hurried out of the camp.
Not long after, he had already rushed back to the town. The three of them heaved a sigh of relief. Zhang Lie found two attendants and ordered,"Take these children and go door-to-door. You must send them back to their parents!”
The two attendants agreed and led the children away. The three of them stood on the spot to rest. Thinking back to what they had just encountered, they were all still afraid and could not believe that this was true.
"Big Brother Zhang!" Chen Jingchou asked. Look at that monster, what is its background?”
"This kind of thing!" Zhang Lie muttered. This is also the first time I've encountered it! I really don't understand!"
"Big Brother Zhang!" Yu Xiaoxue said apologetically. It's all my fault! I didn't take good care of the child. I've implicated everyone!”
Zhang Lie smiled." Miss Xiao Xue, you don't have to blame yourself. If it weren't for you, those children would have died long ago!"”
Chen Jingchou also said," That's right, Xiaoxue. You don't have to worry about it. You saved those children. They can't thank you enough!"”
Yu Xiaoxue listened to them and felt a little better. At this time, Zhang Lie's attendants had returned and reported that the children's parents were mostly from the town and had been sent home. The children of foreigners had also been sent to look for their parents.
"You may leave first!" Zhang Lie nodded.”The attendant bowed and left.
Zhang Lie turned his head and said,"If it wasn't for Brother Qiu and Miss Xiao Xue's help, I really wouldn't have been able to return safely!" If you don't mind, my camp is currently stationed on the nearby Dayan Ridge. Would you like to go there?”
Chen Jingchou said," This, we've already disturbed Big Brother enough today. How can we be so shameless?!"”
"Hey!" Zhang Lie said. Don't stand on ceremony! There are many Tuoba clansmen in Foolish Brother's Stronghold. Perhaps some of them know some clues about the Shennong Cauldron. Why don't you come with me and stay for a few days?”
Chen Jingchou thought for a moment and said,"Since that's the case, then I'll be disturbing you!" Thank you, Big Brother Zhang!"
Zhang Lie led the way as the three of them headed north. He had a forthright personality and soon forgot about what he had seen in the camp and started talking about the scenery beyond the Great Wall. Not long after, they climbed up a mountain ridge. The sky was like a dome, faintly glowing with blue light. Stars could be seen in the east, and the crescent moon was like a hook. The red sun set in the west, and the sunset glow was like fire. The endless green grass under their feet was smeared by the setting sun like a huge golden blanket, spreading all the way to the end of the sky. A cool breeze blew. Chen Jingchou and Yu Xiaoxue had never seen such a magnificent scenery. They couldn't help but sigh and feel indescribably comfortable. He climbed down the hill and continued forward. In the distance, he saw a large patch of grass that was slanted on the hillside. In the middle of the hillside, white dots flashed. "That's my wife's tribe." Zhang Lie pointed.”The three of them quickened their pace and soon arrived outside the camp.
When the clansmen on sentry duty saw this, they hurriedly came forward and cupped their hands."Third Master, you're back!" Zhang Lie nodded and led Chen Jingchou and Yu Xiaoxue into the camp, straight to a large tent. Two attendants stood outside the tent and welcomed them. Chen Jingchou recognized them as Helan Ming and Yuan Xiu. "Third Master!" You're finally back!"
"Yes!" Zhang Lie said. Is Yue 'er here? I have two distinguished guests! I want her to meet him."
"Madam is inside, and so is Miss Yu 'er," said Yuan Xiu.”
"Right!" Zhang Lie said. How is Yu 'Er's injury?"
"Don't worry, Third Master! Fortunately, her injuries were not serious this time. She would recover after a few days of rest.”
"It's good that you're fine!" Zhang Lie said. Brother Chou! Miss Xiaoxue! Please follow me in!"
Zhang Lie lifted the tent and the three of them entered. The curtain was several feet wide and was divided into two layers. The middle layer was separated by a felt. The ground was covered with a red wool carpet, which was painted with various patterns. A woman in her twenties came out from the inner room and bowed to Zhang Lie.
"Brother Chou!" Zhang Lie said. Miss Xiaoxue! This is my wife, Tuoba Yue 'er.”
"My two benefactors!" Tuoba Yue 'er said. Please sit down! Yue 'er sincerely thanked her two benefactors for saving her sister's life!”He Lan Ming had already told him about what had happened, and he bowed.
Chen Jingchou and Yu Xiaoxue quickly returned the greeting. Chen Jingchou said,"Madam is too polite! This is what I should have done!" Zhang Lie invited Chen Jingchou and the others to sit down. A servant brought them some oil tea, and everyone was chatting. Suddenly, he heard a beautiful pipa sound coming from inside. The tune was soft and gentle, round and crisp, lingering.
"Is Yu 'Er playing the pipa inside?" Zhang Lie asked.”
"Yes!" Tuoba Yue 'er said. Husband!"
Zhang Lie waved at Chen Jingchou and Yu Xiaoxue and said,"Let's go in and take a look." The three of them walked inside together.
The inner room was decorated as a bedroom. The floor was covered with a few layers of thick wool blankets, and a few brocade quilts were neatly stacked on the side of the tent. Tuoba Yu 'er was kneeling on a blanket in the north. She was playing the pipa with her eyes closed.
"Yu 'Er!" Zhang Lie shouted.
Tuoba Yu 'er opened her eyes and looked up excitedly.""Ah! Brother-in-law! You're back!" Suddenly, he saw Chen Jingchou and Yu Xiaoxue and said,""Eh? Brother-in-law! Why are you still with these two Sui people?”
Hearing this, Zhang Lie was displeased and said,"It's still in the Sui people, the Sui people! These two are your saviors! He's also a friend of brother-in-law and everyone else!"
"But brother-in-law, they…" Tuoba Yu 'er put down her pipa and said.
"Yu 'Er!" Zhang Lie interrupted. Not all Sui people were bad people! No matter what kind of clansmen they were, there were good and bad, and they could not be treated the same way! How many times has my brother-in-law told you? Why don't you understand?”
"But!" Tuoba Yu 'er said. Brother-in-law…" He suddenly pouted and turned his head."Humph! Forget it! No matter what my brother-in-law says, all the people of the Sui Dynasty are my mortal enemies. This will never change!”
"Sigh! You little girl! Why was he always so stubborn! You'll never change!"
Zhang Lie paused and changed the topic. He said seriously,"There's more! 'Yu' Er, do you know that you almost caused a huge disaster today?”
"What…what trouble did I cause?" Tuoba Yu 'er asked curiously.”
"You still have the cheek to ask? You always don't understand everyone's current situation!" Brother-in-law brought your clan to travel thousands of miles and finally found a place with abundant water and grass in this area. He was just about to settle down and recover his strength…But today, you are in Blackhills Town. You didn't even think about it and started fighting with the Sui army.”
"Ah!" Tuoba Yu 'er exclaimed. I…"
"Silly girl!" Zhang Lie said. Now, he finally understood! If you do this again, you'll only be thinking about revenge, revenge! Ignoring our overall situation, brother-in-law…"
Tuoba Yu 'er suddenly said,"Wait!" Brother-in-law! I really didn't get into a conflict with the government troops today for revenge…"
When Zhang Lie heard this, he became even angrier and shouted,"Shut up! How many times have you done the same thing in the past! The lives of an entire clan almost died in your hands! What else do you want to argue about?"
Tuoba Yu 'er felt wronged. "Brother-in-law, I've remembered what you scolded me for the last time. This time, it really isn't…" As she spoke, her eyes turned red and tears kept rolling in her eyes, but they didn't fall.
Zhang Lie was so angry that his beard stood on end. He did not say a word and did not know how to scold him.
"Big Brother Zhang!" Chen Jingchou stepped forward and said. What Miss Tuoba said is true, and I can testify for her. She did come forward today to stop the government troops from killing women and children.”
"Oh!" Zhang Lie turned his head and asked curiously. Was she really trying to save the commoners?”"This little brother saw it with his own eyes. It is indeed so!" Chen Jingchou said.”
"If that's the case, then what she said is true?" Zhang Lie asked.”
Chen Jingchou said," That's true. While I was still hesitating, Lady Tuoba had already stepped forward and saved those women and children! So please don't blame her anymore."
Zhang Lie pondered for a moment before turning around and saying to Tuoba Yu 'er,""Alright then! This time, on account of Brother Qiu's testimony for you, Brother-in-law will not blame you anymore-but you are not allowed to do it again, understand?”
However, Tuoba Yu 'er raised her head and said angrily,""Brother-in-law! I'm not convinced! Why can't my words compare to the words of this detestable Sui person!”
Tuoba Yue 'er walked in and hurriedly advised,""Alright, alright, Yu 'Er... Brother-in-law has already given you a way out, so don't say anymore!”
"Sister!" Tuoba Yu 'er said angrily. Even you are helping them?"
Tuoba Yue 'er did not answer. She turned around and apologized,""My two benefactors! I'm really sorry... Yu 'Er, if you've offended me in any way, please forgive me!”
"Furen's words are too serious. Please don't worry too much!" Chen Jingchou hurriedly said.”Tuoba Yue 'er turned her head and said,"Come, Yu' er!" You haven't thanked your two benefactors for saving you!”
Tuoba Yu 'er turned around and lowered her head."Humph! I understand now…You and your brother-in-law are bending your arms outwards, and everyone is bullying me together! Annoying! I don't want to talk to you anymore!" He closed his eyes and stopped talking.
Tuoba Yue 'er stepped forward and advised,"Yu' er!" Yu 'Er! Don't be like this!" Tuoba Yu 'er ignored her no matter how much she tried to persuade her.
"Yue 'er!" Zhang Lie said slowly. It's all because you treat her too well that you spoil her to this extent! It'll be fine once her anger subsides. Let's go out first!”
Everyone walked out of the tent. "Everyone has seen it, right? This is the temper of my brother's precious sister-in-law!"”
"Big Brother, I think Lady Tuoba is very chivalrous!" Chen Jingchou said.”
Zhang Lie sighed and changed the topic."Right! Brother Chou, I've just asked my men to investigate the whereabouts of the divine cauldron you're looking for. No one on the ridge seems to know about it at the moment.”
"Martial Aunt told me before that it was very likely that Grand Tutor Yuwen took it away," Chen Jingchou said.”
"Grand Tutor Yuwen?" Zhang Lie was surprised. Is it the Imperial Court's Grand Tutor Yuwen?"
"Yes, Big Brother Zhang also knows Grand Tutor Yuwen?" Chen Jingchou said.”
"Of course, but I'm not very sure." When I was in the Central Plains, I heard about it many times. As far as I know, Grand Tutor Yuwen is an Imperial Protector of the Imperial Court. He has a golden heavy sword by his side and possesses boundless power and courage that no one can withstand!”
"Martial Aunt said the same thing," Chen Jingchou said."If the cauldron falls into the hands of such a person, it will be very difficult for us to retrieve it…"
"Brother Chou!" Zhang Lie said. How about this! Don't be in a hurry to find the cauldron. Let me send a few capable subordinates to inquire around first.”
"This!" Chen Jingchou said. This is too troublesome, Big Brother Zhang!"
"Don't say that!" Zhang Lie said. You saved my wife's life and helped me defeat the soldiers. It's only right for me to help you.”He turned around and said,"He Lan Ming! Go inform Helian Bo and tell him to call the best scouts to the meeting tent!”
"Thank you, Big Brother Zhang!" Chen Jingchou said.”
"Don't worry!" Zhang Lie said. You and Miss Xiaoxue can stay in my camp for a while!”
Chen Jingchou and Yu Xiaoxue could only stay in Zhang Lie's camp. Zhang Lie slaughtered sheep and roasted meat every day. He took out good wine and entertained the two of them. He even took the time to teach Chen Jingchou and Yu Xiaoxue how to ride horses and herd sheep. He also took them to admire the beautiful scenery of the grasslands on the frontier. The hospitality was extremely thoughtful, and five or six days had passed without him realizing it.
Early this morning, Chen Jingchou and Yu Xiaoxue came to Zhang Lie's tent to inquire about the news of the Divine Cauldron. The tent had already been raised. Zhang Lie was sitting on a sheepskin chair in the north, and a few attendants were standing in the hall, discussing matters. Zhang Lie suddenly saw Chen Jingchou and said happily,""Brother Chou! You came at the right time!" Chen Jingchou and Yu Xiaoxue walked over. Zhang Lie invited them to sit down." Last night, two of my subordinates came back and reported to you that they have found the whereabouts of the Shennong Cauldron!"”
"So fast!" Chen Jingchou exclaimed.
"Brother Chou, don't look down on my subordinates. They are all experts who are capable in handling matters!" Zhang Lie laughed. -- According to his investigation, the cauldron had indeed fallen into Grand Tutor Yuwen's hands. He had been hiding it in a bunker in Zhuo County in the north.”
When Chen Jingchou heard this, it was indeed no different from Ah Han's estimation, so he was not very surprised. He said,""Big Brother Zhang, since Grand Tutor Yuwen has already taken the cauldron, why did he hide it in Zhuo County? You didn't send it back to the capital?"
"This foolish brother isn't too sure." In short, Grand Tutor Yuwen had taken the cauldron for himself, and it was said that even the Emperor did not know about it. -- However, the strange thing was that for some reason, the Emperor had found out about Grand Tutor Yuwen's secret possession of the divine cauldron!”
"Even the Emperor knows about this news!" Chen Jingchou exclaimed.”
"Yes!" Zhang Lie said. When he heard this news, he was furious and immediately sent an internal court eunuch to Zhuo County to order Grand Tutor Yuwen to hand over the divine cauldron immediately! At the same time, Grand Tutor Yuwen was summoned back to the Eastern Capital and severely reprimanded. "The eunuchs of the inner court will be responsible for transporting the divine cauldrons to the south. My subordinates have already found out the route of the cauldron transporting army!”
"Big Brother Zhang, thank you so much!" Chen Jingchou said happily.”
"They set off from Zhuo County and used a ship to travel south along the Yongji Canal. It seems that they are going to transport the Divine Cauldron to…" Zhang Lie waved his hand and continued.
Just as Zhang Lie was speaking, Tuoba Yue 'er suddenly ran in hurriedly and shouted,""Husband! No, not good!"
"Yue 'er!" Zhang Lie said. What happened?"
"Husband, Yu 'er!" Tuoba Yue' er said anxiously. Yu 'Er secretly ran away! He said he was going to find the divine cauldron…"
Zhang Lie was shocked. He stood up and said,"When did this happen?"
Tuoba Yue 'er said,"It seems, it seems like it was last night!" She also left a letter saying that she was going to retrieve the Shennong Cauldron of our Tuoba tribe and asked us not to worry. She also said…she knew that husband would definitely stop her, so she decided to leave without saying goodbye.”
"Nonsense!" Zhang Lie was furious. This girl who only knows how to cause trouble! How would she know where the Divine Cauldron was?”Walking back and forth, he suddenly turned around and said to his subordinates,""I understand now. She must have overheard you when you reported the news of the Divine Cauldron to me last night!”
"Then…then what should we do?" Tuoba Yue 'er asked. Husband?"
"Yue 'er, don't worry!" Zhang Lie said. Since that's the case, I'll make a trip personally and find her no matter what!”
"Big Brother Zhang! I'll go with you!"
"Alright!" Zhang Lie said. We're going to take back the Divine Cauldron anyway! We might as well set off together!" He turned his head." Yue 'er, don't worry! I will definitely bring Yu 'Er back safely!”
"Husband, you must take care of yourself!" Tuoba Yue 'er said.”
Zhang Lie nodded and ordered the people in the tent,"Elder Yuan! Helian Bo! During my absence, I'll leave the matters of the tribe to you!”The two of them agreed in unison. "Time is tight, Brother Chou!" Miss Xiaoxue! Please pack your things and we'll be on our way immediately!”
This book is provided by FunNovel Novel Book | Fan Fiction Novel [Beautiful Free Novel Book]