Mold

In a dense forest overgrown with wild grass, the trees stood so closely together that the sky was scarcely visible. Sunlight could only filter through the gaps in the leaves. The forest teemed with wildlife; from time to time, a few squirrels would pause on the branches, and monkeys swung nimbly from limb to limb. Occasionally, the distant howls of wolves and the roars of tigers echoed through the woods.

Suddenly, a group of people clad in black clothing passed through the thicket. Among them were two wooden carts, each bearing a large wooden chest. The group surrounded the carts protectively, and the chests were pushed by two burly men. A black flag was planted on each chest, emblazoned with the character for "Hui." A scout approached a petite, handsome leader and reported, "Chief Escort, the road ahead is clear, but the deep forest demands caution!" They were the renowned Hui Escort Agency of the capital. Though they had traversed this route countless times, their vigilance had never waned.

The chief escort nodded, lowering his voice. "Brothers, be on your guard. Do not grow complacent. We have received word that the Dragon Tiger Sect plans to ambush our cargo. Stay alert!" Despite his martial attire and air of discipline, there was something refined about him, an elegance that could almost be called delicate. Yet his tone carried a commanding masculinity, and the resolute expression on his face inspired absolute confidence in his orders. One could tell at a glance that this was a man gifted in both the literary and martial arts.

Beside him, the deputy chief escort cast a wary eye over their surroundings, leaning in to whisper, "Chief, do you see those patches of grass? They look as though they've been disturbed." In their line of work, one needed both courage and meticulous attention to detail, constantly observing the road for any sign of danger.

The chief escort glanced over, nodded, and feigned indifference, covertly signaling with his left hand—a silent warning to stay alert for a possible ambush. The group moved forward with utmost caution, hands ready to draw the swords and sabers at their waists. The atmosphere was taut with tension.

Suddenly, a flock of large white birds burst from the branches, and in their wake, more than a dozen masked men in black surged from the forest. The chief escort shouted, "Protect the cargo!" Instantly, swords and sabers were drawn and the group formed a defensive ring around the chests, weapon tips aimed outward. They could not take the offensive, only stand their ground—this was the Hui Escort Agency’s code: "As long as we live, the cargo is safe." It was a tradition upheld for decades, ever since the days of the old chief.

The masked leader eyed the group with a sneer. "So this is the famed Hui Escort Agency? To think the old man is gone, leaving a greenhorn to take charge. He must be turning in his grave!" His words were calculated to provoke, hoping the escorts would break formation and give up their defense of the chests.

The chief escort recognized the ploy. Were it not for the mission at hand, he might have relished the fight, but the reputation of the Hui Escort Agency—built over decades—was at stake, and personal pride could not be allowed to interfere. Glaring coldly at his adversaries, he retorted, "If you have the skill, come and take it. If you’re afraid, then begone and spare me your nonsense!" His appearance was not only elegant but striking, distinguished further by a hat matching his attire—truly someone apart from the ordinary.

The masked men attacked en masse, but the escorts gave no quarter. The two sides were evenly matched. The chief escort engaged the masked leader directly; blades clashed, sabers flashed. In a decisive moment, the chief escort landed a kick to the leader’s chest. As he fell, the leader hurled his blade back, narrowly missing his mark—the chief escort dodged in time, but his hat was sliced off. In the commotion, his dark hair tumbled free, revealing to all that the chief escort was, in fact, a woman. The revelation stunned the attackers. Without missing a beat, she struck the leader with her sword—not fatally, but enough to teach him a lesson. This was the Hui Escort Agency’s way: even in victory, they showed mercy, which was why they had so few foes in the martial world.

Beaten and humiliated, the masked men slunk away. From that day forward, the reputation of the Hui Escort Agency’s lady chief was firmly established. Throughout the capital, her name—Hui Yue’er—became known to all.

Ladies and gentlemen, young and old, near and far—shower me with your gold medals, red envelopes, and gifts! Hold nothing back; let the storm of applause come with all its force!