Chapter 124

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Chapter 124: Ambush and Killing (1)

The people at Huanxi Villa were blissfully unaware of the events happening far away. They were excitedly discussing what had just occurred, marveling at the impressive display of strength by Shi Niu, and felt deeply envious. Many of them silently resolved to work harder once they returned to the sect, hoping to one day achieve such a formidable moment themselves.

Only Shi Niu remained unchanged, steadily driving his carriage forward. It seemed he was unaware of the idolization of others. Fortunately, having just come through the so-called great battle, he wasn’t in the mood to sing his signature song. Otherwise, the image he had just established in everyone’s minds might have quickly crumbled.

Of course, not everyone from the villa was in high spirits or calm. The only one not pleased was probably He Tianshu.

He Tianshu, though not exceptionally outstanding among the disciples of the Piaomiao Sect, was still considered among the elite. Although he had been “assigned” to the Huanxi Villa’s herb field, his martial skills were still noteworthy. Otherwise, how could he be a captain? He was aware of the gap between himself and Shi Niu, but he hadn’t realized just how significant it was. Now, after a prolonged match with no clear victor and seeing Shi Niu’s opponent defeated with a single palm strike, severely injured and bleeding, he realized that the difference between him and Shi Niu was far from trivial. It seemed he had been quite arrogant in the past.

He still had a long road ahead.

Among the group, there was one who was different from the rest, a non-mainstream, the heartless Zhang Xiaohua. This fellow had never studied martial arts systematically and therefore was unaware of its dangers. When he saw Shi Niu’s powerful strike that sent a strong opponent flying, he seemed to recall his own past experiences and immediately lost interest. While others were discussing, he silently picked up a book and immersed himself in reading.

He didn’t even pay attention to He Tianshu’s self-deprecating remarks.

The highway robbery incident, like a ripple in the river, quickly disappeared from sight and soon became a topic of amusement during meals. Even when the disciples of the Piaomiao Sect were met in the next small town, it was only mentioned as a casual joke.

However, as the saying goes, “What is said in jest might be taken seriously”, and among the Piaomiao Sect disciples in this small town, Lan Dong was a meticulous person. Upon hearing the story, he felt something was off. It was normal for the people of Huanxi Villa to be unaware since they were from outside, but he had been managing this area for several years and had never heard of such highway bandits. Moreover, they’re the kind that didn’t accomplish anything?

He immediately became suspicious but knew he couldn’t openly discuss his concerns with Ou Yan and others. After all, they had already concluded that these were just a bunch of foolish thieves. Besides, it was also possible a group of bandits had appeared while he wasn’t paying attention.

What he could do was quickly write down his thoughts on a note and report them to his superiors for further decision-making. He believed that once his superiors saw the information about Villa Owner Ou, they would promptly report it to the higher-ups of the sect and would not dare to delay.

Once the news was sent out, he felt somewhat relieved. His next task was to find an opportunity to inform Villa Owner Ou or Shi Niu and the others to raise their alertness.

However, when he shared these concerns with Ou Yan and the others, it turned out just as he expected, Ou Yan and Shi Niu didn’t take it seriously at all. Only Great Aunt Qin slightly frowned, wanting to say something, but seeing the resolute look in Ou Yan’s eyes, she kept quiet. She knew that Ou Yan was determined to go to Spring Rebirth Valley, and nothing anyone said at this point would change her mind.

But then again, who would know about Ou Yan’s trip to Spring Rebirth Valley?

And even if someone did find out, what reason would they have to stop her?

Would they be doing it just for fun?

Seeing that his words didn’t make an impact Lan Dong didn’t press further. However, when Ou Yan was about to leave, he suggested sending some disciples to accompany her on the journey. This, too, was rejected. The Piaomiao Sect disciples in the small town were few, and their martial skills were only average. Only Lan Dong was on par with He Tianshu, but he couldn’t leave the town for long. Unless he personally escorted her, it wouldn’t make much difference, the others could only offer their best wishes.

Ou Yan declined Lan Dong’s offer, citing that she didn’t want to disrupt the Piaomiao Sect’s daily operations.

So the group once again set off with their horses and carriages, continuing their journey, while Lan Dong returned to the town to resume his daily routine.

It wasn’t until the second night after Ou Yan and the others had left that news came from the Piaomiao Sect. When Lan Dong opened the message delivered by the carrier pigeon, his face changed dramatically. The message read: “The Piaomiao Sect has dispatched an Elder to support. Upon receiving this message, immediately mobilize all available forces to ensure the Villa Owner’s safety. All Piaomiao Sect forces along the way are to prioritize the Villa Master’s safety.”

Lan Dong couldn’t help but cry in his heart. It had already been two days and one night since Ou Yan and the others had left. Who knew what might have happened by now? He quickly wrote a brief summary of the situation and sent it out via carrier pigeon to inform the Piaomiao Sect disciples in the next town. However, this area was already beyond the sphere of influence of the Piaomiao Sect, and their forces were spread thinly. The next town was quite far away, whether they could respond in time was uncertain, but all he could do was send the message and hope for the best.

After completing these tasks, Lan Dong immediately summoned all the Piaomiao Sect disciples in the small town, mounted swift horses, and set off along the route that Ou Yan and her group had taken, pursuing them without delay.

Meanwhile, after bidding farewell to Lan Dong and the other Piaomiao Sect disciples, Ou Yan’s group continued along their planned route, pressing forward without rest. However, after the robbery incident, they became even more vigilant, sending people ahead to scout any suspicious areas before proceeding. After several days without further incidents, their anxiety gradually eased.

In truth, for them, the dangers of the Jianghu were not something new. Both Shi Niu and Great Aunt Qin had weathered many storms in their lives. But this time, their numbers were clearly insufficient, and they also had to protect Ou Yan, so they had to think carefully before making any move, ensuring no mistakes were made.

After traveling for another three days, the evening sun began to set in the west. The sky grew dim, and they found themselves in a desolate area, with no village ahead or behind. A glance at the map showed that the next town was still far away, so it seemed they would have to camp in the wild for the night. Great Aunt Qin quickly instructed Shi Niu to find a suitable place to rest as they traveled.

As night fell, the carriage finally reached a small river with a spacious clearing by the bank, just right for setting up camp. The group stopped the carriage and began unloading their supplies, preparing to camp there for the night.

Although tasks like setting up camp and cooking weren’t directly related to Zhang Xiaohua, he had grown close to everyone during their time together. How could he just stand by and do nothing? Zhang Xiaohua, with his considerable strength, eagerly helped the male and female disciples move things and pitch the tents, working diligently, which made everyone like this hardworking young man even more. By the time they finished their work, it was completely dark. The group split up to take care of different tasks, the male disciples took up guard duty around the camp, while the female disciples and some of the villa staff prepared dinner, leaving Zhang Xiaohua with nothing to do.

Seeing that it was still early for dinner, Zhang Xiaohua looked around and noticed a dark patch not far away that seemed to be a small grove. An idea came to him, why not take this time to gather some firewood from the grove and also complete his daily training?

With that thought, Zhang Xiaohua stood up and began walking towards the grove. He had only taken a few steps when someone called out to him. Turning around, he saw it was Qiu Tong, with Ou Yan and Great Aunt Qin standing beside her.

Zhang Xiaohua quickly stopped and smiled, greeting them respectfully. After exchanging pleasantries, Qiu Tong asked: “Zhang Xiaohua, were you planning to go out?”

Zhang Xiaohua smiled and replied: “I noticed it’s still early for dinner, so I thought I’d go to that grove over there to gather some firewood for tonight.”

Qiu Tong said: “What a good child, thinking to gather firewood.”

Zhang Xiaohua modestly responded: “It’s nothing, Big Sister Qiu Tong. I used to do this often at home.”

At this moment, Ou Yan asked: “After gathering the firewood, are you planning to practice some martial arts?”

Zhang Xiaohua was stunned and asked: “Big Sister Ou, how did you know?”

Ou Yan smiled and replied: “You’ve been practicing martial arts every morning and evening during this journey, how could we not notice? But Zhang Xiaohua, you’ve truly surprised us with your diligence. I’ve also heard from He Tianshu that you spend a lot of time reading. You’ve already read quite a few of the books I lent you.”

Zhang Xiaohua blushed slightly and said, embarrassed: “Big Sister Ou, I didn’t have much choice. I’ve only learned bits and pieces of martial techniques, and I’m afraid I won’t get them right, so I practice in secret. As for the sword techniques, they were taught to me by Elder Yu, and he didn’t want others to know. I’m just worried I’ll forget them, so I practice in private.”

Ou Yan chuckled and said: “I’m not blaming you. In fact, I admire your dedication. I know a little about Elder Yu’s sword techniques, so feel free to keep practicing as you have been. No one has been spying on you. Seeing how passionate you are about martial arts, I’ll speak to my brother after this matter is settled and see if there’s a good opportunity for you.”

Who was Ou Yan’s brother? He was the great sect master of the Piaomiao Sect! A single word from him could fulfill Zhang Xiaohua’s dreams. Zhang Xiaohua couldn’t believe his ears and stood there in a daze.

Qiu Tong noticed Zhang Xiaohua’s dumbfounded look and whispered: “Zhang Xiaohua, aren’t you going to thank the Miss?”

Zhang Xiaohua snapped out of his daze, his face full of excitement, and said joyfully: “Thank you, Big Sister Ou! If I get the chance, I’ll definitely work hard on my martial arts.”

Ou Yan said: “Zhang Xiaohua, don’t get too excited just yet. I can only make a suggestion, but whether it works out or not will depend on you.”

Zhang Xiaohua replied: “Just having the opportunity is enough, Big Sister Ou. I’ll do my best to seize it. Oh, by the way, there’s something else I’m not sure if I should mention.”

Ou Yan asked curiously: “What else is there? Go ahead and say it.”

Zhang Xiaohua hesitantly said: “Well, it’s about the books you lent me, Captain He also wants to read them. Is that okay with you?”

Ou Yan laughed and said: “It’s okay. He Tianshu is not an outsider. If someone from the Medicine Hall wants to learn the art of planting, as long as he doesn’t spread it around, it’s fine. Also, make sure not to damage my books, or else I won’t let him read them.”

Only then did Zhang Xiaohua feel relieved. Ever since He Tianshu gave him the small sword, he had wanted to find an opportunity to tell Ou Yan about He Tianshu’s desire to read the books. However, throughout their journey, there hadn’t been a suitable moment. Today, he finally expressed his intentions, and a wave of relief washed over him. As the old saying goes, “When someone gives you something, you should reciprocate”. It wouldn’t be right to deceive them.

At this moment, a pleasant voice rang out: “Zhang Xiaohua, how is your right hand recovering? Can you hold the sword?”

Zhang Xiaohua gratefully looked at Great Aunt Qin and said: “Sister Qin, thank you for your concern. It’s getting better. My recovery has been fast, and I can hold the sword now, but it’s still not very flexible.”

Great Aunt Qin said: “Fingers that aren’t flexible can indeed be a major flaw in practicing swordsmanship. You should practice diligently but also pay attention to moderation. Don’t overwork yourself and injure your fingers, that wouldn’t be good.”

Zhang Xiaohua smiled and said: “I know. I’ve been doing recovery exercises. As soon as I feel pain, I stop immediately.”

The four of them chatted a bit more, and then Zhang Xiaohua took his leave. However, after just a few steps, Ou Yan called out from behind with a few more reminders: “Zhang Xiaohua, don’t go too far. Come back early after your practice. There might be a storm tonight.”

Upon hearing this, Zhang Xiaohua looked up at the sky. Indeed, it was overcast. The stars that usually shone like pearls were nowhere to be seen, and even the full moon had disappeared.

Zhang Xiaohua smiled and said: “Got it, Sister Ou. I’ll come back after my practice, I’m still waiting for dinner.”

After saying that, he waved to the three of them and walked alone towards the dark area.

When Zhang Xiaohua reached that place, he realized that it wasn’t a forest but a small hill. Although he couldn’t gather firewood, it didn’t stop him from practicing his boxing.

Zhang Xiaohua first took out his beloved small sword and practiced the sword technique with ease. After many days of training, his sword moves have become even more refined, unlike the first time when he accidentally poked a large hole in bamboo with the small sword. Zhang Xiaohua had spent this period focusing on controlling the force of the sword. Now, he could control it with great precision. When applying more force, he could easily pierce through objects in front of him, be it stones or large trees. When applying less force, he could, with the same speed, lightly touch a tree, leaving only a tiny mark. This was a little trick that Zhang Xiaohua had figured out on his own after becoming proficient in his sword practice.

Ou Yan was right. Just as Zhang Xiaohua finished practicing the Big Dipper Divine Fist nine times, that familiar cool sensation spread throughout his body, and raindrops began to fall with a “pitter-patter”. Since he had completed his training for the day, Zhang Xiaohua didn’t linger any longer and quickly ran back to the campsite. However, halfway there, he suddenly felt something strange and stopped. He allowed the increasingly dense raindrops to fall on him but when he calmed down and listened carefully, apart from the hurried footsteps near the bonfire ahead and the shouts of people saying “It’s raining, take in the clothes”, there didn’t seem to be any other sounds. The pattering of raindrops, sometimes dull, sometimes crisp, masked all other movements in the world.

As the rain intensified, Zhang Xiaohua didn’t dare to stay longer and hurried back to the campsite.

Meanwhile, on the small hill where he had just practiced, a person dressed in night clothes, with their face covered, silently poked their head out. They coldly watched his retreating figure, then glanced at the rainy night sky, smiled with satisfaction, and swiftly left using their lightness skill.

When Zhang Xiaohua ran into the campsite, it was a scene of chaos. The rain had come down so suddenly that, despite everyone being somewhat prepared, they were still caught off guard and scrambling. By the time they had finally managed to gather everything together, the rain was pouring down like a river.

Zhang Xiaohua shared a tent with He Tianshu. By the time he entered, He Tianshu had already packed everything up and said with a smile: “Went to practice your fist techniques again? Got yourself soaked.”

He then casually handed a dry towel to him. Zhang Xiaohua accepted it with a smile and said: “It had just started raining when I was practicing. I got soaked while helping them pack up.”

After drying the rain from his head with the towel, Zhang Xiaohua suddenly remembered and said: “I saw the Villa Owner earlier. She said you can read her books, but you can’t share them with others, and you mustn’t damage them.”

He Tianshu replied: “Then I have to thank you, Xiaohua.”

Zhang Xiaohua was puzzled and asked: “Wouldn’t it be the same if you spoke to the Villa Owner yourself? Why did you ask me to do it? You see her every day, but I haven’t seen her for several days until today.”

He Tianshu responded awkwardly: “Well, you’re still young and might not fully understand. After all, Villa Owner Ou is the head of Huanxi Villa, and I’m just a disciple of the Piaomiao Sect’s Medicine Hall. Bringing it up directly might not be appropriate.”

Zhang Xiaohua seemed to understand and nodded, then suddenly remembered something and said: “Oh, I also need to thank Captain He for speaking kindly about me in front of the Villa Owner. She said that once this matter is resolved, she will find an opportunity to speak to Sect Master Ou about letting me learn martial arts.”

“What? Really?” He Tianshu seemed skeptical and asked, “Did the Villa Owner really say that?”

“Yes!” Zhang Xiaohua nodded happily.

He Tianshu smiled and said: “What I said about you was simply the truth. If you have earned the Villa Owner’s favor, that’s your good fortune. When you have the chance in the future, you must repay her well.”

Zhang Xiaohua replied: “Of course, I definitely will. The Villa Owner is like a big sister to me, and I will certainly repay her.”

He Tianshu added: “However, learning martial arts requires opportunity and timing. Your body hasn’t fully recovered yet, so even if you start practicing, it might not yield great results. You should be mentally prepared for that. Also, in the Piaomiao Sect, there are many diligent disciples like you. You might seem hardworking here at Huanxi Villa, compared to Ma Jing and the others, but you’ll need to work even harder in the future.”

Zhang Xiaohua’s expression became serious as he replied: “I understand, Captain He. You’ve all been very kind to me, and I will certainly work hard to practice martial arts.”

He Tianshu smiled, stepped forward, patted him on the shoulder, and said: “When I was young, I was as passionate as you are. Keep at it, I have high hopes for you.”

Then, he frowned and said: “This rain is so heavy, and our campsite is by the river. There won’t be any danger in the middle of the night, will there? I should go discuss this with Shi Niu and the others. Zhang Xiaohua, you should get some rest.”

As he spoke, suddenly, amidst the sound of the pouring rain outside the tent, there seemed to be a sudden rush of dense hoofbeats. He Tianshu and Zhang Xiaohua exchanged a cautious glance and simultaneously walked toward the tent’s entrance.

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