Chapter 222

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Zhang Xiaohua saw the bandits hesitating and laughed loudly: “So there really are people without eyes. This young master rarely has a kind heart, yet you lot dare not appreciate it.”

After saying that, he took bold strides forward.

The bandits immediately came to their senses. They hurriedly pulled out scattered silver coins and small silver notes from their bosoms, placing them onto the carriage as they explained: “Master, this is a misunderstanding, a misunderstanding! We didn’t react in time. Please forgive us, please forgive us.”

Observing Zhang Xiaohua’s manner, which was completely unlike that of a well-mannered disciple from the Buddhist sect, and recalling the earlier claim that his hands were stained with blood, the bandits became even more convinced. If they could use this money to save their lives, they were more than willing. After all, this silver was stolen loot anyway—ill-gotten gains from others.

Soon, a small pile of scattered silver and silver notes had accumulated on the carriage. Zhang Xiaohua turned to the two women inside the carriage and said: “You two in the carriage, help me count it and keep it safe. Hand it over to me later.”

The two women, still shaken from the ordeal, quickly moved over upon hearing his instructions. One began counting the silver, while the other collected the silver notes.

Zhang Xiaohua didn’t wait for them to finish counting. He walked to the front of the carriage and punched the horse’s rear. Startled by the pain, the horse let out a long neigh and immediately bolted, pulling the carriage at full speed. Caught off guard, the two women inside stumbled, with one nearly falling. However, realizing that the carriage was moving, they quickly came to their senses, their faces lighting up with joy.

After ensuring the carriage had departed, Zhang Xiaohua used his Qinggong, swiftly dashing to his own horse. With a hawk-like leap, he landed gracefully atop its back. He turned to the bandits and shouted: “This young master is leaving now—no need to see me off.”

With that, he slumped into the saddle, gave the reins a shake, and rode off without a second glance.

Zhang Xiaohu paid no attention to the group of bandits either. He turned his horse around and followed closely behind Zhang Xiaohua, riding out of the forest.

Only after the brothers had been gone for quite some time did the bandits finally breathe a sigh of relief. The slightly older bandit tiptoed to his horse and cautiously rode out of the forest. Seeing no sign of anyone, he returned to report.

The others eagerly looked at the older bandit and asked: “Brother Xu, has the monk from Dalin Temple left?”

“Hahaha, gone! That bald donkey has already left.”

“Ah~” Everyone exhaled deeply. One of them said: “Amazing. Truly the descendant of a prestigious sect. Just his aura alone made us too scared to move. If it had come to a real fight, there’s no way we brothers could’ve stood a chance.”

“Exactly. Just watching that youth’s step, his Qinggong of ‘Treading Snow Without a Trace’ was enough to make me feel like we narrowly escaped with our lives. It’s truly a stroke of luck.”

“Not to mention, did you see him lift that horse with one hand? Do you think he was using the ‘Dragon-Elephant Prajna Sutra’ from Dalin Temple? I wonder what level he’s cultivated it to.”

“‘Dragon-Elephant Prajna Sutra? Never heard of it. Isn’t that something from novels?”

“Forget it. Whatever technique he used, it’s clear his strength is beyond what we can match. And his Qinggong is just as terrifying. If he had landed a single punch on us, our lives would’ve been forfeit.”

“Sigh, but I think the most impressive one was that third senior brother. Sitting on his horse, he was as steady as a boulder. Just one glance from him froze me in place—I didn’t even dare to move. His inner energy cultivation must be extremely high.”

“Brothers, we were lucky today to keep our lives. We should celebrate this fortune.”

“True, we should. But Brother Xu, the problem is that all our silver was taken by that bald donkey. Where will we get money to celebrate?”

At that moment, groaning sounds arose from the ground. The two bandits who had been knocked unconscious by Zhang Xiaohua’s punches began to wake up. The bandits’ eyes lit up as they swarmed over, scrambling and grabbing the money pouches tied to the waists of the two unfortunate comrades.

The two shirtless bandits, just waking up, barely had time to savor the warmth of the sunlight before they were immediately shoved back to the ground by the others. No one spared a thought for pity or camaraderie.

After a few moments, the bandits gathered to the side to divide the remaining silver. The two who had been knocked out stumbled over, still shaking their dazed heads, and asked: “Brother Xu, where are the two women? You all are so despicable! We were the ones who got the first pick, and yet you turned on us, knocked us out, and didn’t even leave us a taste after having your fun? Where are the women and the carriage?”

The bandits, having finished dividing the silver, looked at the two unfortunate victims with mock sympathy. Someone recounted what had happened earlier. Hearing this, the two men touched the lumps on their heads and secretly felt relieved—they could still eat another day.

One of them clicked his tongue and said: “Tsk, tsk. Letting those two fine women slip away—what a shame. Still, that young man was really something. I didn’t even notice when he knocked me out with such force. I’m still confused—how did I not feel a thing?”

At that moment, a shorter bandit dressed in yellow chuckled and said: “Heh heh. Though those fat sheep may have gotten away for now, it doesn’t mean we don’t have another chance.”

Brother Xu, now smiling ear to ear, teased him: “You brat. Normally, you’re the quickest with your mouth, but earlier, you didn’t dare say a word. Now you’re acting all bold again. What nonsense are you spouting?”

The bandit replied: “Brother Xu, you know me—I’ve always been good with words, but my fighting skills are far worse than any of you here. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have gotten first dibs.”

“Pah! I’d love to see you try! Then you’d know what it feels like to be knocked unconscious.” One of the previously knocked-out bandits snapped angrily, rubbing the large lump on his head.

“Heh heh. While I may be useless in a fight, that doesn’t mean I’m useless altogether. Just now, when I was placing the silver, I secretly smeared Thousand Mile Fragrance onto the carriage.”

“Ah~~” The group gasped in shock. “You’ve got some nerve! Are you tired of living?”

The bandit grinned mischievously and said: “I was scared out of my wits at the time, but when I went to place the silver, I happened to have some Thousand Mile Fragrance with me. I noticed that one of the two monks from Dalin Temple stayed far from the carriage while the other sat stoically on horseback. They likely aren’t familiar with such tricks, so I mustered the courage and smeared it on.”

“That makes sense,” Brother Xu nodded in agreement. “Though these two monks have impressive martial arts skills, they’ve spent their lives in the monastery. They can’t possibly have the same kind of experience we do on the Jianghu. Even if they did notice the scent, they’d probably think it came from the women.”

“Hehe, those two monks are just passing through—they can’t possibly stay with those two women forever. Once they leave…” He didn’t finish but instead let out a lecherous laugh.

“Hahaha.” The bandits roared with laughter, all traces of their earlier fear and apprehension gone.

“By the way, since I risked my life to make this move, what do you say about letting me have the first turn with the women next time?”

“No need to say more! You’ve earned it. You’ll be definitely the first!”

“Thank you, thank you! Let’s go, brothers. Time to drink and have some fun.”

The proverb “a mighty dragon cannot suppress a local snake” rings true here. Whether you intervene in an injustice or lend a helping hand, there will always come a time when you must leave. You may walk away with a clean conscience and a good reputation, but you cannot take away the lingering fears of those left behind.

Evil must be eradicated at its roots.

Meanwhile, Zhang Xiaohua and Zhang Xiaohu followed behind the carriage, urging their horses on as they left the forest. The horse pulling the carriage seemed like an experienced old steed, galloping swiftly on its own without needing direction. The brothers exchanged glances but didn’t speak, focusing instead on keeping pace with the carriage. When they finally reached the main road, after galloping for the time it takes to finish a meal, they noticed more travelers and carriages appearing along the way. Only then did they both breathe a sigh of relief. Looking at each other, they broke into hearty laughter.

Their laughter was so loud that it drew curious glances from the two young women on the carriage and even caused passersby to look their way. The brothers, however, offered no explanation, only slowing their horses slightly.

The two young women on the carriage had tidied their previously disheveled clothing during the journey. Although their attire had been disturbed, it was not torn, and their composed demeanor concealed any signs of the earlier ordeal.

Since neither of the brothers could drive the carriage, it moved at a sluggish pace, occasionally blocking the road. Upon reaching a roadside teahouse, Zhang Xiaohua leaped off his horse, grabbed the reins to halt the carriage, and cheerfully said to the two young women: “Elder sisters, please wait here for a moment while I hire someone to drive the carriage.”

But he made no move to leave after speaking. The younger of the two women, quick-witted, noticed his hesitation and immediately handed him a small bundle of silver coins. The other woman, realizing his intent, hurriedly presented a banknote as well. Zhang Xiaohua smiled as he accepted the money, selecting a one-tael silver piece before tucking the rest into his pocket.

Entering the teahouse, Zhang Xiaohua returned shortly, followed by a middle-aged man. After all, who wouldn’t jump at the chance to earn a tael of silver for driving a carriage? Many were eager for the job.

The man followed Zhang Xiaohua’s instructions, first approaching the young women to inquire about their destination. After receiving an answer, he climbed onto the carriage, cracked his whip with a resounding snap, and set the vehicle on its way toward Lu Town.

However, as the younger woman mentioned their destination, Zhang Xiaohua caught the name “Four Trees.”

Isn’t that where Li Jinfeng’s family resides?

The name piqued Zhang Xiaohua’s interest, prompting him to take a closer look at the younger woman on the carriage. Though described as younger, she was still considerably older than Zhang Xiaohua. Earlier, he had been too preoccupied with dealing with the bandits on West Cui Mountain and rescuing the women to examine them closely. Now, as he scrutinized her, he couldn’t help but wonder: “Could this young woman be one of Li Jinfeng’s relatives?”

Zhang Xiaohua rode his horse closer to Zhang Xiaohu and shared his suspicions. Zhang Xiaohu was equally startled and said: “Could it really be such a coincidence? Besides, I’ve never heard Li Jinfeng mention having a younger sister or anything like that.”

However, when Zhang Xiaohu took a closer look at the young woman, he noticed that her features, particularly her brows, bore a striking resemblance to Li Jinfeng. This only solidified Zhang Xiaohua’s suspicions further.

The carriage and their two horses continued forward for the time it took to drink a cup of tea, and soon, Lu Town came into view. Just as they were nearing the town, a large group of people and horses came rushing toward them from its direction. From afar, the clamor of voices could be heard, and leading the group were several men dressed in official uniforms.

Zhang Xiaohua’s heart stirred as a thought flashed through his mind: “Could these people be here looking for these two young women?”