Chapter 221

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There’s no greater sorrow than a dead heart.

The two young women seemed resigned to their fate. Not only had they fallen into the hands of bandits, but they had also unwittingly brought misfortune upon two youths in the prime of their lives.

The two shirtless men standing by the carriage seemed to read the women’s thoughts. With a sinister sneer, they reached out, gripping the women’s shoulders, and began tearing at their clothing.

Seeing this, Zhang Xiaohua ignored the warning glances from the four mounted bandits nearby. Two of them had already turned their horses toward him, but he paid them no heed. With a firm press of his feet on the stirrups, he leveraged the momentum of his horse, soaring off the saddle like a great bird. He vaulted over the heads of the four bandits and flew straight toward the carriage.

Considering Zhang Xiaohua’s current Qinggong level, such a graceful maneuver would typically be impossible. However, since he had used the horse’s force to assist him, it became achievable. While his Qinggong skills were not yet perfected, he had a solid grasp of its techniques. Once airborne, controlling his posture and choosing his landing point was quite manageable for him. And if all else failed, he could always resort to his Air-Floating technique. After all, it wouldn’t do to disgrace himself just as he stepped forward to be a hero.

However, by the time Zhang Xiaohua was airborne and hovering above the carriage and the heads of the two bandits, he found himself at a loss. The Big Dipper Divine Fist had no moves designed to attack from above, and the techniques of the Left-Handed Sword were meant for face-to-face combat. How was he supposed to subdue enemies from above?

In the urgency of the moment, Zhang Xiaohua had no better ideas. He decided to use the Thousand-Pound Drop, hurtling down like a meteor onto the two bandits. At the same time, he swung his fists without regard for any particular form or technique, aiming directly at their heads.

The two young women stared blankly at the unbelievable scene unfolding before them. Their eyes began to shine with hope. As for the two bandits, focused entirely on the women before them, they had no awareness of the danger looming behind them. Seeing the women frozen in shock, the bandits felt a wicked itch in their hearts. Yet, just as their hands were about to rip the women’s clothes, a tremendous force struck their backs. Their heads were pounded as if by a hammer, and their vision went black as they lost consciousness.

Zhang Xiaohua knocked out the two bandits, clapped the dust from his hands, and turned to face the four mounted bandits. Two of them had initially turned their horses around to confront Zhang Xiaohua, but his leap over their heads had left them awkwardly facing Zhang Xiaohu instead. This maneuver inadvertently placed the four bandits in a pincer attack between the two brothers.

Seeing the situation, the four bandits immediately drew their steel sabers with a sharp metallic hiss, their expressions tense as they prepared for combat.

One of the older bandits called out: “Who are you two? How dare you disregard our warnings, meddle in the business of West Cui Mountain, and injure our brothers? Are you not afraid of our retaliation?”

Zhang Xiaohua sneered and said: “West Cui Mountain, such grand airs! Committing acts of bullying and oppression in broad daylight, do you really think you’re something special? Business, you call it? What a fine business indeed.”

The bandit, wary of Zhang Xiaohua’s confidence and unsure of his abilities, dared not act rashly. He could only reply: “My friend, West Cui Mountain is in the trade of robbery. Such work is our daily bread. But since we’ve encountered you two today, we’ll take a step back. Please, give us your names so we may explain ourselves when we return.”

At this, a younger bandit in dark clothing grew impatient and sneered: “Brother Xu, why bother talking nonsense? There’s just the two of them. I don’t believe they have three heads and six arms to beat the four of us with our steel sabers. Let’s just cut them down and enjoy ourselves afterward.”

The two others seemed tempted by this suggestion. Although Zhang Xiaohua had displayed impressive agility earlier, it was clear he had relied on a clever trick. Furthermore, both Zhang Xiaohua and Zhang Xiaohu were young, unarmed, and without weapons at their waists. If it came to a real fight, it wasn’t certain that the two brothers could match the four bandits.

Noticing the bandits’ wavering resolve, Zhang Xiaohua burst out laughing. “Excellent! So, will you come at me one at a time, or all together? Let me teach you a lesson and show you what it means to be blind to reality. But remember this: blades and spears are merciless, and fists and feet have no feelings.”

With that, he struck a fighting pose, ready for them to make the first move.

The bandit who had spoken earlier was initially tempted to act but hesitated when he saw Zhang Xiaohua’s fearless demeanor. The youth’s imposing aura and complete disregard for West Cui Mountain suggested that he was likely a disciple from a prestigious sect undergoing training. Compared to such a sect, their group of mountain bandits was utterly insignificant, not even fit to carry their shoes. Moreover, as he was not the leader of the stronghold, provoking a powerful enemy could bring disaster to their lair—and the first person the leader would punish would be him. Given these thoughts, the bandit began to harbor the intent to retreat.

At this moment, Zhang Xiaohu urged his horse forward and rebuked loudly: “Xiao Qi, what’s this? Still not satisfied with the amount of blood on your hands? Didn’t Master send you to this godforsaken place last month because you killed someone? And now I have to be dragged along with you. Look at yourself— didn’t Master forbade you from carrying weapons to teach you to calm down and stop resorting to violence and taking lives for everything?”

Hearing this, Zhang Xiaohua immediately withdrew his stance in embarrassment and muttered: “So what if I killed a dozen or so bandits? It’s not a big deal. Who told them to target my horse? Heh, so what if I don’t carry weapons? You think I can’t kill with my bare hands?”

The bandits broke into a cold sweat, feeling a chill run down their spines as unease crept into their hearts.

Zhang Xiaohu then turned to the bandits with an arrogant tone and declared: “We are secular disciples of Dalin Temple, walking the martial world under our Master’s orders. First, to gain insight into the skills of fellow martial artists; second, to accumulate merit along the way. My junior brother here may be young, but his temper is fiery. Along this journey, instead of earning merit, he’s committed no small number of acts that defy the heavens. What can we do about it, eh? What can we do?”

“Just now, as we entered the forest, we heard someone mention that this was West Cui Mountain’s business and we shouldn’t interfere. But I wonder—does our Dalin Temple have the right to interfere in your business or not?”

The bandits could only let out awkward chuckles, too intimidated to offer any response.

At this moment, Zhang Xiaohua asked: “Third Senior Brother, Master told me to accumulate merit. Does drawing my sword to help the needy along the way count as merit?”

Zhang Xiaohu chuckled and replied: “All you think about is causing trouble. Didn’t Master say that aiding the distressed is also a virtue, a traditional virtue that we should pass down through generations and celebrate for eternity?”

Then, he turned to the bandits and asked: “Don’t you all agree?”

The bandit who had spoken earlier quickly nodded: “The master speaks most wisely.”

Zhang Xiaohua grinned and said: “Since it’s such a noble virtue, if there’s ever an opportunity for me to draw my sword and help others, please make sure to leave it for me. That way, I can accumulate merit, achieve virtue, and return to the temple sooner.”

“Yes, yes, the master is absolutely right. We will certainly provide you with opportunities to help others. This one here is just such a chance, and we hope you’ll accept it graciously.”

Zhang Xiaohu, seeing the situation, waved a hand at Zhang Xiaohua and said: “Seventh Junior Brother, since these fellows are being so polite, there’s no need for you to refuse. Why not let it go and avoid further bloodshed? What do you think?”

Zhang Xiaohua shrugged nonchalantly and said: “Alright then, since this lot is so sensible, and out of respect for Third Senior Brother’s advice, I’ll spare these lads.”

With that, he lifted his foot and kicked aside the two bandits slumped unconscious against the carriage. Then, grabbing onto what remained of the carriage canopy, he gave it a slight tug. The entire structure came tumbling down to the ground with a loud crashing noise. Without sparing a glance at the two girls on the carriage, who were looking at him with bewildered expressions, Zhang Xiaohua turned and looked at the horse, which had had its reins cut and was now grazing nearby. He took a few steps forward, grabbed the reins, and tried to pull the horse toward the carriage. However, the horse was happily engrossed in eating grass and paid him no mind, merely tossing its head and sidestepping him before continuing to munch on the grass.

Zhang Xiaohua, seeing the situation, simply let go of the reins and walked to the side of the horse. He placed a hand under its belly and chuckled: “This thing really is a glutton.”

Then, with a single hand, he exerted a bit of strength, and what happened next was a scene that the bandits of West Cui Mountain would never forget. This seemingly unremarkable lay disciple of the Dalin Temple lifted the massive horse effortlessly with one hand. He carried it with ease to the front of the carriage and gently set it down. Not even slightly out of breath, he grinned and said: “Third Senior Brother, I don’t know how to harness a horse. You take care of it.”

Zhang Xiaohu cast a sideways glance at the bandits, who were stunned speechless by Zhang Xiaohua’s display of divine strength. He remarked: “Such menial work isn’t my forte either. Why not let our brothers from West Cui Mountain help out?”

The group of bandits, their mouths dry and their throats parched from shock, stood there frozen, unable to comprehend what they had just seen.

Zhang Xiaohu furrowed his brow and gave a cold snort: “Why are you still standing there? Do you expect my junior brother and me to harness the horse ourselves?”

The bandit who had spoken earlier finally snapped out of his stupor. Abandoning his earlier facade of cold indifference, he quickly dismounted and hurriedly said: “No, no, there’s no need to trouble the masters. Such rough work is what we’re used to doing.”

As he spoke, he turned and barked at the other still-dazed bandits: “What are you lot still standing around for? Get over here and help!”

The rest of the bandits, as if waking from a dream, hastily dismounted and rushed to the carriage. They began fumbling with the harness and tidying up the carriage. However, they all instinctively kept a safe distance from Zhang Xiaohua, afraid that if they got too close, he might grab them, throw them into the sky, or tear them in two with his terrifying strength. Truly, his power was befitting of a disciple of Dalin Temple.

Once the horse was properly harnessed to the carriage, the lead bandit approached Zhang Xiaohua, his face plastered with an ingratiating smile. Bowing and scraping, he said: “Master, the carriage is ready.”

Zhang Xiaohua inspected their work, nodded, and said: “Alright, seeing as you’ve been diligent, I’ll spare you this time. However, while you’re spared from death, you won’t escape punishment.”

The bandits were alarmed and quickly cried: “Master, please spare us!”

Zhang Xiaohua laughed and said: “Don’t worry. What would I want with your dog’s lives? It’s just that this young master has been short on cash these past few days. Hand over all your silver, including banknotes, and toss them onto the carriage. Tonight, I plan to feast to my heart’s content.”

The bandits exchanged glances, their expressions a mixture of disbelief and helplessness. They had spent their lives robbing others, but today, they were the ones being robbed. And the perpetrator was actually a lay disciple of a temple.