In a forest in Zhengwu county.
It was raining down heavily, but Xiao Baoshan and the Qians were still hurrying forward. They had changed horses several times to reach Da’an county and meet with Qian Qi earlier. Fortunately, the Qians, who took regular exercise, had strong constitutions to withstand the tiring journey and fierce weather. As long as they went through the forest, they would reach Da’an county where Qian Qi was waiting for them.
Xiao Baoshan gave a slight sigh of relief. He would soon fulfill his task. He would soon owe no more to Qian Qi, his brother and the southern people.
Because he had quelled a war and stopped another war. This was enough to pay off his debts. After that, he would look for Little Ye and stay by her side for the rest of his life. He had made up his mind to give her happiness.
Thinking about this, his lips curved into a faint smile. But, just as they were about to succeed, Xiao Baoshan suddenly felt that something was wrong. Instantly, he gripped the reins and told everyone stop.
Just then, over 20 black figures rushed out from all directions.
Although Li Chengkun had claimed he would spare Xiao Baoshan and the Qians, he and the state preceptor would never really keep them alive. Li Chengkun wanted to kill them to strike heavy blow to Qian Qi so that he would know the result of betraying him. If Qian Qi rebelled against the imperial court, Li Chengkun would kill him along with the sixth king. If not, he would get his punishment of a lonely and depressing life in the west.
These black figures were elite soldiers, rallied by Li Chengru in Dinghe county. In the downpour, a new battle began. This time, however, Xiao Baoshan and his companions did not gain the upper hand.
The mountain road was narrow and zigzagging. It was not a suitable environment in which to perform the light-body skill. The women were not strong enough and they had grown tired after their long journey. Even though they exerted their full strength, they could only handle a few enemies. As such, only Xiao Baoshan and Qian Qi’s subordinates could rival them. Clearly, the enemies had planned the battlefield to be here in order to weaken them and pin them down.
Xiao Baoshan protected the Qians as he fought against the enemies. Strong and nimble, he didn’t give them any chance to relax. He was trying his best to open up a way to break through the tight encirclement.
Finally, he saw an opportunity and commanded immediately, “Go! You leave first!”
“General Xiao!” Old Mrs. Qian felt guilty leaving him here alone.
But Xiao Baoshan shouted as he continued fighting, “You’ll become a burden to me if you stay here. I can fight better without you.”
Old Mrs. Qian gazed at Xiao Baoshan and then her family members who were helpless, soaked and breathless in the rain. If they remained here, they would indeed become a burden to Xiao Baoshan. She had no choice but to follow Xiao Baoshan’s advice. As Xiao Baoshan held off the enemies for them, they dashed out of the crowd immediately. When they were far away, Xiao Baoshan was worried that there would be another ambush in front, so he asked Qian Qi’s subordinates to protect them.
“General Xiao, what about you?” they asked worriedly.
Xiao Baoshan said firmly, “You go first. I’ll soon catch up. Don’t make all our efforts be in vain. Try your best to protect General Qian’s family!”
That was quite right. All this way, they had confronted countless ambushes and had escaped by the skin of their teeth several times. They were now so close to their destination that they should protect the Qians well. Therefore, they rushed forward to catch up with the Qians, leaving a soldier called Little Black to help Xiao Baoshan.
It was still raining heavily, soaking all the people in the forest. Some of the enemies couldn’t even open their eyes. Under the dark sky, their battle effectiveness was greatly weakened.
But Xiao Baoshan had been trained to recognize an opponents’ position by hearing in the darkness. This skill put him at an advantage again. He would finish his task as long as he could buy enough time for the Qians to escape.
Although Little Black stayed to offer help, his ability only allowed him to handle one enemy at a time. Therefore, he needed Xiao Baoshan’s protection every time he was attacked by two enemies. He admired Xiao Baoshan from the bottom of his heart.
Half an hour later, there were still a dozen enemies left. As Little Black panted heavily, Xiao Baoshan also began breathing faster, his face covered by a mixture of sweat and rain.
At that moment, he began to step back as he continued fighting. There must be a favorable fighting position behind him. As long as he held a narrow pass, he could then defend against all of them.
“Step back!” he ordered as he opened up a bloody path for Little Black.
Hearing that, Little Black mounted the horse at once. Xiao Baoshan followed him immediately.
However, the enemies were close behind them. From among them, a man shot an arrow towards Xiao Baoshan. Before then, he had not had an opportunity to hurt Xiao Baoshan at all. Now, the stage was his. Although the rain blurred his vision and the wind was fierce, his arrow shot through Xiao Baoshan’s back accurately.
Xiao Baoshan groaned imperceptibly, but he didn’t slow down. Little Black didn’t notice at all.
The enemies spurred their horses on faster.
Finally, Xiao Baoshan and Little Black reached a narrow pass. When the enemies rushed at them, Little Black stopped and was ready to fight with Xiao Baoshan. Only then did he notice the arrow penetrating Xiao Baoshan’s back.
“General Xiao, you…” Little Black was greatly shocked.
The enemies besieged them again. Xiao Baoshan was hurt and Little Black’s fighting capacity lagged far behind. Facing a dozen enemies, Little Black doubted whether they could break through the encirclement or not. Suddenly, he felt more than downhearted.
But Xiao Baoshan still looked very confidant. “Little Black, let’s drink together after we break through here.”
Little Black didn’t believe it. Could they remain alive in this desperate situation?
When Xiao Baoshan rushed at the enemies again, his attack was still powerful and overwhelming, as if he hadn’t been injured.
Little Black also braced himself and joined the battle. When he almost fainted out of exhaustion, Xiao Baoshan dashed to him and gave a hard kick on his horse’s rump. Panicked, the horse charged forward crazily.
When Little Black looked back with horror, Xiao Baoshan cast a sad smile at him in the slanting rain. Little Black realized he planned to fight to the end alone and even sacrifice himself. He might win and he might die.
No!
Little Black wanted to go back, but the horse didn’t obey him and instead ran faster and faster. The sound of fighting faded away behind him…
