The words fell, and the crowd leaped up, rushing towards the exit in unison.
At this moment, Shangguan Lin gave an order, fierce as a tiger and lion, charging towards the mountain gate, blocking their path and stubbornly obstructing these people, shouting an order: "Kill."
Immediately, figures surged from the black-clothed men, lunging at the bandits beside them. Some, caught off guard, were already wounded.
The clash of blades and swords, the impact of weapons, sparks flying.
Shouts of killing, cries of pain, and moans merged in the air.
These people possessed immense skill underground, but their abilities on the surface were limited. Thus, facing the skilled Shangguan Lin and his companions, they held no fear.
Moreover, this was on the mountain, surrounded by hard granite, making burrowing impossible. In the blink of an eye, several fell to the blade.
Elite soldiers lurking outside the mountain gate also charged forward, and the mountain was instantly filled with screams, and blood stained every sight.
Although Yun Xiao participated in the fight, knowing she was pregnant, she deliberately avoided the sharpest blows. Zhi Qiu protected her fiercely by her side, so she did not suffer any major injuries.
Two hours later, apart from those captured, all others were killed.
Shangguan Lin swiftly reported, "All apprehended."
Yun Xiao smiled, her lips pursed in satisfaction, "Good, well done."
"Interrogate them, who is their leader?"
Shangguan Lin and Xiao Yao, along with a few others, went to interrogate the survivors. The rest, under orders, searched the bodies, and even if dead, delivered a final sword thrust to ensure no one remained alive.
Zhi Qiu watched everything before her, her heart filled with dread, and trembling, she spoke, "Sister, these are all people."
In her mind, perhaps people could not be killed, only beasts. Yun Xiao, knowing her innocence, reached out and held her hand. "Zhi Qiu, if you are merciful to villains, they will turn and kill you. These people have committed many heinous acts, which is why we killed them."
"Then aren't we villains for killing them?"
Zhi Qiu retorted. Yun Xiao was taken aback; she hadn't expected such a question. Having never interacted much with people since childhood, she had no understanding of human malice. Was she truly suited to leave this great mountain with them?
Yun Xiao couldn't help but hesitate, but there was no time for further thought. Shangguan Lin, leading Xiao Yao, approached, pulling off his veil, his expression grave.
Yun Xiao had to set aside Zhi Qiu, raising an eyebrow. "What happened?"
"They don't know who their leader is. They only know he is from Xiliang."
"Xiliang."
As Shangguan Lin's words fell, a cold glint flashed in Yun Xiao's eyes. A Xiliang person. This individual was likely no simple character, certainly not an ordinary person. Who was he?
These people didn't know; what use were they alive? "Kill them, and we'll descend the mountain."
"Yes."
Xiao Yao received the order and went to kill the remaining living captives. What use were they? Regardless of who they were, what their names, they would be buried with the blood of this green mountain.
"Let's descend the mountain."
With the command, everyone descended the mountain. Many among their group were injured, but fortunately, there were no major casualties.
By the time everyone reached the foot of the mountain, another night had passed.
The morning air was fresh and invigorating. Distant, soft mist curled like white smoke in the mid-air, and tender green branches swayed.
The grass beside them was adorned with small white flowers, creating a beautiful intermingling of green and white, like a carpet of intricate patterns.
Everyone took out some dry rations, swallowing them. Yun Xiao ate only two bites before she could eat no more.
The string of events, coupled with staying up for two nights, had taken its toll. Though her complexion was not clearly visible, her eyes were weary. Shangguan Lin leaned in with concern.
"What's wrong? You look like you're ill."
"I'm fine. I'm a doctor myself."
Yun Xiao glared at him. However, in this endeavor of treasure hunting and killing, Shangguan Lin had performed admirably. He was becoming more mature.
He was no longer the prince who, though cold, acted recklessly and impulsively. In his current state, he was capable of becoming Murong's right-hand man.
Shangguan Lin smiled and sat down to the side, his gaze involuntarily following her. Such a pure, delicate, and beautiful woman was truly a wonder of the world.
How fortunate the Emperor was to have her. If she hadn't loved the Emperor's brother, and if the Emperor's brother didn't love her, he might have made a play for her.
Alas, worldly affairs could never be as one wished. He looked up at the distant sky, his heart filled with boundless melancholy. At this moment, a face suddenly loomed large, speaking strangely.
"What are you thinking about? You're so engrossed, I can't get your attention."
"Nalan Zhi Qiu, what are you doing?"
Shangguan Lin cried out upon seeing the face. The speaker was naturally Nalan Zhi Qiu, and the two immediately began to argue.
Yun Xiao watched them both, a smile playing on her lips.
As the group rested there, with guards patrolling the surroundings, not daring to let down their guard, a soldier rushed over and respectfully reported to Shangguan Lin.
"Reporting to Your Highness, there's a situation ahead."
"A situation?"
Yun Xiao and Shangguan Lin looked forward simultaneously. The trees blocked their view, making it unclear, but the sounds of fighting could faintly be heard, indicating a genuine situation.
Shangguan Lin abruptly stood up and issued an order: "Everyone be cautious, go and investigate."
Yun Xiao rose, Liu Xing Zhui Yue and others guarding her side. They mounted their horses and proceeded forward. The further they went, the fiercer the sounds of battle became, and then, unexpectedly, the cry of a woman was heard.
Yun Xiao initially paid it no mind, but soon she detected a familiar tone. This woman sounded so much like Murong Ying Xue. Could it be that the Princess and others were intercepted? She immediately turned to look at Shangguan Lin, her expression turning grim.
"Not good. This is the marriage procession. The Princess has been intercepted!"
As the words were spoken, everyone was greatly alarmed. They spurred their horses and galloped forward. Not far ahead, they saw indeed a scene of widespread fighting, with the wedding procession clashing with assailants.
The combined forces of Dong Qin and Bei Chao, numbering several hundred, were being intercepted by a band of scattered troops who had appeared from nowhere, even killing envoys.
Furthermore, Princess Murong Ying Xue had been dragged from her sedan chair and was now in the hands of these scattered troops. Not far from Murong Ying Xue, a refined and elegant young man in a green robe was locked in a fierce battle with a tall and robust man.
Yun Xiao and Shangguan Lin exchanged glances, then turned back to issue orders: "Attack. Do not harm the Princess or the envoys from Bei Chao."
With the command, the hundreds behind them descended like fierce tigers from the mountain.
Although exhausted from the previous battle, how could they stand by and watch the Princess being bullied? Horses neighed, swords clashed, and they charged headlong. Yun Xiao looked at Murong Ying Xue in the distance and said to Shangguan Lin in a deep voice.
"King Lin, rescue the Princess immediately."
"Yes."
Shangguan Lin held no affection for Murong Ying Xue, but this matter concerned national affairs. He could not let personal trivialities ruin these important matters. With that, he leaped, soaring into the air, directly towards the two holding Murong Ying Xue captive.
A sword strike landed precisely on the brow. The other assailant, enraged, swung a saber towards the Princess. Ying Xue, terrified, turned pale, screamed, and fainted.
A flower branch beside her was also held by the two men, crying out in anguish, "Princess, Princess!"