Chapter 8: Ambush (18+)
Heroic Chivalry: The Green Legend – Chapter Eight: Return (1)
Gallant horses raced forward, kicking up clouds of dust on the road as passersby instinctively made way for them. Watching the several fine horses and a lavish carriage speed by, the people on the road looked on with envy and jealousy, for the men and women riding were all strikingly handsome and beautiful. Even though the two women were no longer young, a fleeting glance revealed their enduring beauty. The glimpses of their long, shapely legs as their skirts fluttered were even more alluring than those of younger women.
This group was led by me, returning to Heroic Chivalry Manor. Sister Yuyan, the Jin Xiong couple, and I all rode on horseback. In the carriage pulled by four horses behind us sat the children and Jiang Feng. The most frustrated was probably Xuanchong, who was the carriage driver today. By now, we had left Jinzhou City over two hours ago, and ahead we could already see the gates of Suzhou City the last stop before Hangzhou. According to our plan, we would rest there for a while, then continue on, arriving at Heroic Chivalry Manor before dusk.
As we drew closer to the city gate, my brows furrowed and my expression grew serious, for I clearly sensed a hidden murderous intent. Though those in hiding were highly skilled at concealment, they could not escape my senses. I knew exactly who these ambushers were, as I had been waiting for them for days. Back in Qiushui City, I knew they were there, but since they realized they were no match for me, they chose to back off. Now, as we neared the manor, this was their last chance, ready or not. Before setting out, I had already warned everyone that this battle was inevitable.
"There’s trouble! Everyone, prepare for battle!" I transmitted to the group.
Upon receiving my message, both our experts and the children in the carriage became alert. The horses continued to gallop, but everyone was ready. As we got closer to the city gate, the hidden killing intent grew stronger. When our group was about an arrow’s shot from the gate and had to slow down due to the crowd, dozens of masked figures in black appeared atop the city wall, crossbows in hand, and aimed at us. With a whistling sound, a volley of arrows rained down. My brow furrowed not because I couldn’t handle it, but because the weapons were military-grade repeating crossbows. The attackers’ identity... There was no time to ponder, as the enemy showed no regard for the lives of the surrounding civilians. If we didn’t handle the arrows, many innocents would die. So, as the arrows flew, I immediately drew my sword and blade to meet them.
"Endless Blades, Infinite Swords!"
For the first time since mastering these techniques, I unleashed them together. Hundreds of arrows were instantly intercepted by a web of sword and blade energy. With the threat neutralized, I charged at the masked assailants leaping down from the wall. Their eyes showed no hesitation, only a determination to fight to the death.
"You all, get out of here this is..." Sister Yuyan shouted to the surrounding civilians, urging them to leave the area. But before she could finish, something unexpected happened. The "civilians" around us drew blades and swords from their clothes, baskets, and luggage, and almost simultaneously attacked Sister Yuyan. Not just her Jin Feng and Cai Ying were attacked as well.
The ambush came from within, but the three, experienced as they were, made the right choice abandoning their horses and leaping up to fight back. After a flurry of sword and blade flashes, the assassins before me were all gravely wounded, and those attacking Sister Yuyan and the others were either dead or dying. But there was no time for relief, for at that moment, the three most skilled assassins made their move. They burst from the ground near the carriage, masked and clad in black, their martial arts far superior to the others. The fragile carriage was instantly smashed, and the three simultaneously attacked Tianling and Ruoxue, clearly intending to capture them as hostages.
At that moment, I struck with both sword and blade, each targeting one of the attackers. The two, caught off guard, had to defend themselves and gave up their assault. I couldn’t stop the third in time just as his hand was about to grab Ruoxue’s throat, a chubby figure leapt in front of her. Realizing his target was wrong, the masked man struck Jin Hao in the chest, sending him flying with a mouthful of blood. As he prepared to strike again, Sister Yuyan’s sword blocked his path, and I sent another blade energy his way.