Chapter 129: Lanhui Must Be Taken Away

On this rainy night, a fierce life-and-death struggle was unfolding within the cramped confines of a small cabin.

Shen Xueying’s martial arts style was characterized by softness and agility, often gathering power at a single point to unleash it in an explosive burst of energy. Opponents who failed to grasp this often suffered heavy losses. The woodcutter, upon clashing with her, felt exactly this; he found his strength constantly stifled, unable to find a target for his brute force. This left him at a loss, as the stunningly beautiful woman before him effortlessly neutralized his every move.

After being thwarted repeatedly, the woodcutter grew desperate. Watching for an opening, he attempted to close the distance, reasoning that if he could prevent her from utilizing her fluid footwork, he would have a significant advantage. He steeled his resolve, but Shen Xueying had already seen through his intent. She had not secured a pivotal position within the Night Vigilance Bureau at such a young age merely on account of her beauty; though she rarely engaged in combat herself, it did not mean she was unskilled. Facing the woodcutter’s reckless, headlong assault, she remained composed, her rhythm entirely unperturbed by his aggression.

Twenty moves into their exchange, Shen Xueying pressed two fingers together and struck a vital point on the woodcutter’s chest with lightning speed. He gasped sharply, then collapsed backward. Having dispatched the woodcutter, Shen Xueying looked to the other side, where Jiang Chen had also established a clear advantage; his two opponents were failing and could do nothing to stop him. Within the next three moves, Jiang Chen snatched the long sword from the old man’s hand and delivered several heavy blows, leaving the man coughing up blood as he slumped to the floor. The last remaining assailant, seeing his companions defeated, tried to seize an opportunity to flee, but an axe flew from behind and pierced his body. He quickly became a cold corpse in the rain, the torrential downpour washing over the blood flowing from his body, rendering the scene both gruesome and solemn.

"The Profound Flame Mansion wants to kill Lan Hui," Shen Xueying said to Jiang Chen. "They want to extinguish any hope for Geng Ji, who is locked in the dungeon, so that he will keep his mouth shut and never provide us with any valuable information again. Now, surely you won't object to me taking Lan Hui back?"

"No," Jiang Chen immediately countered. "If you use Lan Hui to force Geng Ji to talk, you are no different from those people in the Profound Flame Mansion. Doing so will not necessarily achieve your goal." Jiang Chen stood firm; Lan Hui and her unborn child deserved protection, not to be used as a bargaining chip between warring factions. Knowing she could not change his mind, Shen Xueying softened her tone. "Let us discuss this once we return to Jinyang City. We must get going."

As they discussed their next steps, Jiang Chen caught a glimpse of a thin figure lunging toward Lan Hui. The sudden development was unexpected, but Jiang Chen decisively kicked a fallen sword, which struck the attacker and obstructed his path. Had it not been for that kick, the man would have had a high chance of killing Lan Hui. If he had succeeded, Geng Ji would surely have fought the Night Vigilance Bureau to the death—a outcome Jiang Chen wished to avoid.

"How did this person even get in?" Shen Xueying was baffled, having sensed no one approaching the cabin.

"It’s quite simple," Jiang Chen replied. "He was in the cabin from the very beginning; we just didn't notice him."

"This cabin is so small, where could he have hidden?" Before Shen Xueying could finish her sentence, she noticed the bamboo basket the woodcutter had carried in lying toppled on the floor. It was easy to deduce that this lean man had been hiding inside, waiting for a chance to strike. Unfortunately for him, Jiang Chen’s reflexes were too sharp.

Once exposed, the hunched, sickly-looking man leaped out through the window. Knowing he was no match for them, he chose to flee rather than end up like his companions. Jiang Chen decided against pursuit, telling Shen Xueying they would stay the night, as dawn was only a few hours away. More importantly, he feared that in the low visibility of the rain, the Profound Flame Mansion might have other ambushes waiting. Remaining in the cabin allowed them to maintain the upper hand and ensure Lan Hui’s safety. Shen Xueying agreed, and they stood guard throughout the night. Whether due to their formidable strength or the enemy's decision to retreat and seek another opportunity, the night passed without further incident.

By morning, Lan Hui had awakened, her complexion appearing much improved. She gazed at the bodies of the killers on the floor for a long time, her expression one of deep shock; for an ordinary woman, such an experience was difficult to process. "You need not worry," Shen Xueying comforted her. "We will protect you all the way back to Jinyang City, and once there, we will keep you safe. No one will be able to harm you."

Under Shen Xueying’s soothing words, Lan Hui’s nerves settled. The trio set off, reaching the city half an hour later, but a vastly different situation awaited Jiang Chen and Lan Hui. Members of the Night Vigilance Bureau were waiting at the city gate; as soon as the three entered, they were surrounded from all sides.

"Jiang Chen, I must take Miss Lan Hui. You wouldn't want to openly oppose the Night Vigilance Bureau in broad daylight, would you?" Shen Xueying’s voice was blunt. "I hope you understand the consequences and do not make things difficult for me."

She knew that if Jiang Chen resisted now, he would not only fail to save Lan Hui but would also find himself in deep trouble; he could not fight the massive Night Vigilance Bureau alone. On the other hand, she did not wish for a total conflict with Jiang Chen. Such rare talent would inevitably be courted by other factions, and she had always felt that Jiang Chen belonged with the Night Vigilance Bureau. If they soured their relationship now, it would be difficult to recruit him later.

Jiang Chen, however, was not impulsive. He simply said to Lan Hui, "Rest assured, they will protect you. You will be fine."