In the sixth month of the fifth year of Jinzhu Liangzheng Long, Xu Wenlv's fleet reached the East Sea. Xu Yuan and Zhang Wang were defeated and captured, and over five thousand rebel officers and soldiers were killed. Those from the Wei Wu Alliance who returned to Haizhou with Gong Liang, seeing that the general trend was gone, split into three groups: one group assisted the remaining forces to resist the Jin army's suppression, while the other two groups helped the old and weak escape from the rear.
Sun Bole was assigned to one of the groups assisting the escapees. During the breakout, he was separated by the Jin soldiers. His two sworn brothers from the alliance died, leaving him alone to lead the more than twenty survivors, hiding and fleeing. He gazed at the crescent moon and sighed, "Fortunately, Chaoying gave up getting involved in this mess... Will I ever meet him again? Alas, I wish in my next life I could be reborn as your son, so I could lie in your arms all day and be kissed by you..." Just then, he heard the sounds of searching and combing the mountains and cursed, "The Jin dogs are here to finish us off again!" Among the fugitives was a ten-year-old named Sun Yuan, who approached holding a tattered long saber and said, "Third Brother, let's fight these Jin dogs to the death!" Since they shared the same surname and had fought enemies together for many days, the two had begun to call each other brothers. Sun Bole gave a bitter smile, thinking that his lifelong resentment of being the youngest, always suppressed by his two older brothers, had now led him to act as an elder on the brink of death.
"Little Brother, do not throw your life away. Lead them to hide in the deep mountains and escape west towards Xiangyang as planned. You always said the uprising was to live better, right? Then you must live well. Go!" Sun Yuan feigned a slash forward to vent his grief and indignation. Unable to bear watching Sun Bole waver and change his mind, he lowered his head and went back to rally the others. Sun Bole walked in the opposite direction, deliberately shouting, "Hurry! The Jin dogs are almost here!" Naturally, this drew the Jin soldiers to attack. Sun Bole used his "Wu You Ke Yi Shou" (Nothing is Impossible Hand) to resist. Those Jin soldiers were usually no match for Sun Bole, but alas, after days of breaking through and fleeing, he was already exhausted. Today, he only harbored the resolve to die for a righteous cause, hoping to delay them for a short while so that Sun Yuan could lead the group to escape. He was stabbed twice in the left arm before he could kill that Jin soldier, but his right hip was then pierced by a spear. Sun Bole endured the pain and turned to grab the spear shaft, intending to crush his chest and heart with it. However, he was already dizzy and weak, having lost his precision. Seeing the spear tip swing to the right and stab towards his heart, tears finally welled up in Sun Bole's eyes. His wish to marry a wife was unfulfilled, and he met his end in the wilderness of Kongwang Mountain! ... This Jin soldier actually stabbed him crookedly! Sun Bole immediately pushed with both palms, finishing him off.
This move left Sun Bole's entire defense empty. Immediately, Jin soldiers came from behind, one to decapitate him, one to attack his shoulder, and one to slash his waist. He was about to be dismembered. Sun Bole turned his head and saw their movements suddenly become sluggish. Mustering all his strength, he unleashed his ultimate move, "Wu Tian Di You" (No Heaven, No Earth Has), spinning his body, kicking and clawing, and killing these three in succession. As if replenished with strength from somewhere, his eyes suddenly turned blood red. Like a hungry tiger or a mad wolf, he pounced on the remaining Jin soldiers, killing four more with every hand and foot. The soldiers began to feel unnerved. The leader suddenly shouted, "There's an ambush!" The副将 (deputy general) next to him, being alert, also shouted repeatedly, "Retreat! Retreat! There are ambushing troops all around!" This provided everyone with an excuse to escape and save their lives. In his daze, Sun Bole sensed the Jin soldiers retreating rapidly. The demonic spirit that possessed him also withdrew, and his soul regained clarity. Sun Bole bowed in all directions, saying, "What hero is it? Sun Bole expresses his gratitude for the saving grace and implores you to reveal yourself." A voice came from the northeast, saying, "You turtle grandson, you've finally learned to be grateful and polite. Forget it, I told you I would spare your life one more time." Sun Bole, emotionally stirred, weakly said, "You bully..." and collapsed to the ground. Unfortunately, touching the wound on his right hip caused him pain, and he cried out, rolling over onto his stomach. With a sense of relief in his heart, he fainted.
In his daze, Sun Bole felt his breathing uneven. He tried to roll over onto his back, but a hand pressed down on his right shoulder, and he heard Mao Ya anxiously say, "Don't move! Don't move!" He felt his injuries had been bandaged and treated with medicine, and his chest was padded with clothes. Moved, he wanted to thank him, but suddenly thought, "If you had acted sooner, I wouldn't have had to suffer in the rear. You clearly did it on purpose to tease me."
Mao Ya chuckled and said, "Didn't I also say that I wanted you to taste what it's like to be unable to die?" Seeing Sun Bole struggling to prop himself up with his left hand, he said, "Why are you so angry? Rest a while longer."
Sun Bole clarified, "I can't abandon those I brought out." Mao Ya said, "Rebels should have known long ago that they would have to pay with their lives." Sun Bole replied, "Who doesn't want to live a more comfortable life? Aren't you and I the ones who go where the tiger's path lies?" Hearing Mao Ya behind him say with a hint of helplessness, "Your wound has just stopped bleeding. Stay for another half hour. If you wander around blindly now, even if we find them, it will be troublesome."
Sun Bole also felt it was not the time to be stubborn and remained prone. He wanted to ask why Mao Ya hadn't gone to find Chaoying, but he felt it was a pointless question. It was better to amuse himself by provoking Mao Ya than to cause himself mental distress. He was unaccustomed to silence and wanted to find fault with him to relieve his boredom. But where should he start? Thinking and thinking, he fell asleep easily from exhaustion and hunger for human blood.
"Third Brother, how are you? Wake up... Third Brother!" Hearing it was Sun Yuan, he felt a little shy and struggled to push himself up. Sun Yuan helped him up. After standing, Sun Bole found that the pain was not that severe and secretly praised the demon's magical healing effects. Not wanting Sun Yuan to ask about the previous night's events, he preemptively asked, "Where are they? Why didn't they listen to me and leave them behind? What if they encountered Jin soldiers?" Sun Yuan's face was full of shame. "Third Brother, forgive me! I've already settled them in a hidden cave in the woods, and they are very safe. I was supposed to guard them as you instructed, but suddenly I heard the howl of wild wolves, and my heart was suddenly uneasy, and I couldn't bear it..." Sun Bole thought to himself, where were wild wolves? He guessed it must be the demon's trick and smiled, "Are you afraid I died and my corpse would be eaten by wolves?" Sun Yuan nodded and said, "I followed the faint wolf sounds and saw you among the corpses all over the ground. Heaven bless you, Third Brother, you were just sleeping." Seeing the joy on Sun Yuan's face as he spoke, Sun Bole was deeply moved and said with great spirit, "The Jin soldiers are not all dead, I certainly won't die." Sun Yuan nodded in admiration and said, "I'll go back with you."
Sun Bole, not wanting to delay the escape of the righteous people, rejected Sun Yuan's and everyone else's advice and insisted on setting off immediately. Seeing Sun Yuan sincerely pick up a branch, Sun Bole felt it would be helpful and accepted it. Holding it, he limped forward leading the crowd, with Sun Yuan and a villager who was more familiar with the mountain terrain accompanying him on either side. They took mountain paths to find their way out of the mountain. The upward path was very strenuous for Sun Bole at this time. He was grateful that the demon's healing had taken effect, allowing him to barely hold on. Approaching a fork in the road, he heard sounds of fierce fighting, and then a cheer and a shout: "Palm Envoy! You!" "My Lord." He knew it was Rong Kuan and Cong Yan here. He suddenly had the idea of using barbarians to control barbarians and said, "Quickly take everyone away first. I'll cover the rear here." Sun Yuan could not disobey his instructions and went with Rong and Cong. Two Jin soldiers swung their sabers to slash. Seeing Sun Bole standing with his hands down and looking askance, they were suspicious but still attacked with all their might. Sun Bole was alarmed to realize that their attack was not being blocked and quickly pushed forward with his palms and retreated backward. The force of the movement caused his hip wound to tear, and stars of gold burst forth. At the same time, his left and right forearms were each cut. Cong quickly turned to rescue him, killed the two soldiers, picked up the semi-conscious Sun Bole, and fled. Coincidentally, some Wei Wu Alliance members who had resisted in Haizhou were retreating to this area. The three combined remnants were enough to annihilate this squad of Jin soldiers.
After regrouping, they left Kongwang Mountain and split into ten small teams, hiding in nearby villages and fields. After a brief rest and reorganization, they set off for Xuzhou. Observing their expressions, Rong Kuan guessed that Sun Bole was embarrassed by his prone posture and therefore let him have a private room and did not attend to him. In a daze, Sun Bole heard a faint sound like a blue bird landing on a branch. He knew it was the demon coming to provoke him and wanted to get up and curse him for selling him out yesterday afternoon, but his body felt lazy and unwilling to move. A coolness came, likely the demon applying ointment. The medicine was very effective, and although it was as cold as frost, it made him feel like he was bathing in a hot spring. Just as he was enjoying a sweet dream, a sharp pain from his right hip wound being lightly patted woke him up. He heard a mocking laugh receding.
On the road to Xuzhou, escapees and righteous people gradually joined the team. To avoid attracting attention, they either gathered or dispersed. There were inevitably several battles, and Sun Bole felt that someone might have secretly helped him, but he no longer dared to rely on anyone and was wary of being deceived. After more than ten days of unrest, they received news that the alliance had sent reinforcements from the south and west routes, and they were expected to meet by tomorrow. Sun Bole cursed at the Jin soldiers who had been driven away, "You dare to bully people too much! If you have the guts, come find me tonight to settle the score!"
Sun Bole chose a manor with winding forest paths for everyone to spend the night. Even Cong Yan secretly agreed with Rong Kuan's words, feeling that he was overly cautious. The two reinforcing groups arrived early tonight, and the difficult roads at night would undoubtedly hinder their actions, but seeing his persistence, it was not appropriate to say more. Sun Bole sat alone in the garden late at night and heard Rong Kuan come in to report. He sighed and followed him into the inner hall. Sun Bole knew that Jie Wushan had arrived first, and several thoughts immediately came to his mind. Jie Wushan rose from his seat, opened his arms, and approached with a face full of joy. "Third Brother Sun, your heroic reputation of 'Annihilating the Jin and Intimidating Kongwang Mountain' has spread rapidly, truly a model for the brothers in the alliance!" Sun Bole repeatedly expressed his shame. Such rumors had spread, and he feared they would reach the demon's ears, leading to his ridicule. Jie Wushan patted him on the shoulder, appearing very appreciative, and said, "My dear brother, you dare to think and act. This matter fully demonstrates it. In front of all the palm envoys and elders in the alliance, your elder brother has praised you endlessly." Hey, the recently supported Cai Hongfei is indeed honest and capable, but he lacks the ability to win over and manipulate others with charm and ambition. It is difficult for him to help with strategy and finances, let alone assist him in controlling the Central Bureau. Sun Bole clasped his hands in a bow and saluted, "Fifth Master, you flatter me. Fifth Master has discerning eyes and has always supported the younger generation in the alliance. Bole greatly admires you!" Jie Wushan's expression darkened, then became resentful. "Chong... alas, that scoundrel Chong Yuwu, with his outward humility and kindness, has deceived many in the alliance, and everyone truly hates him! During the investigation of his collaboration with the Jin last month, he actually incited some young, weak-willed individuals in the alliance, boasting of 'promoting martial arts and achieving aspirations,' and slandering the Central Bureau's officials for hoarding power and being slow-witted and cowardly, which led the Jin lord to despise our country for having no capable men and launching an invasion. Your subordinate Liang Zhonghuan is also in league with him." Sun Bole said calmly, "Liang Zhonghuan was deceived while investigating the criminal's collaboration with the Jin, which is also regrettable. If you don't mind my shallow qualifications, Bole is willing to assist in rectifying the situation. Please instruct me." First, establish a friendship, then plan accordingly. Jie Wushan said, "We have always been united, old and young working together, allying to protect the country, and everyone is equal. Indeed, the system also needs to adapt to the times. Your elder brother is willing to recommend you to the Central Bureau to fulfill your ambitions." Sun Bole bowed and said, "This junior will obey your every command." The two looked at each other and smiled, waving goodbye to each other as they entered the inner hall.
Mao Ya had calculated and planned to appear half an hour before Jie Wushan from the southern route arrived, to make the turtle grandson anxious and flustered. He hid among the dense leaves and branches of the ginkgo tree, secretly observing his expression, pretending to be calm, but his hands and feet moved impatiently, which was quite amusing. Just as he was contemplating how to reveal himself, he felt a slight tremor like a young bird landing on a branch and could not help but sigh. Wu Nanyong said, "It's too late to mend the fences now and slaughter the key figures of the Wei Wu Alliance. They are about to rendezvous from three routes, and their strength is formidable." Mao Ya led her to another hillside. Hearing her opening remark, he was completely bewildered, but he still remained silent, letting her complain angrily, "The Jin lord greatly praised Su Baoheng's naval forces for quelling the rebellion in Haizhou this time. Conversely, he was very displeased with your unexplained disappearance and failure to await orders. He has already issued a decree to incorporate the new army of Yingzhou into the Cai Prefecture army, under the command of Liu E. You have been transferred back to Tokyo to assist with military supplies and logistics as punishment, and we Dark Swordsmen are stationed in Kaifeng awaiting orders." After only about two months, Mao Ya was astonished by what she told him, and even her voice and demeanor had become very unfamiliar. Wu Nanyong was a starkly different person before him. Not only had she lost the chilling aura that commanded awe, but she no longer cared about her career. Moreover, she had become dull, sluggish, and like a round log without corners or edges. Walking side by side under the starry sky, Wu Nanyong felt no joy. Instead, she recalled four years ago, that night of blooming flowers and a full moon. Although she was hurt, at least at that time he was wholeheartedly devoted to me! She glanced sideways at Mao Ya, who was lowering his head in thought, lost in his own world. Wu Nanyong was furious, wondering what Lin Chaoying had done to him to destroy him to this extent! Perhaps the Jin lord sending him to the rear would make him reflect and regain his spirit.
Mao Ya said, "Unless it is for critical self-preservation, do not use the soldiers in your palm."
Wu Nanyong could not tell if he was concerned about her or influenced by her, but she could not bear to break the current peace, so she nodded in response. Then, pretending to be relaxed, she said, "The sky is about to brighten, and I'm a bit hungry. Let's go to the village ahead and see if there are any shrimp cakes or bean curd to try, okay?"
Mao Ya also nodded in response.
Wu Nanyong found this gentle compliance even more unbearable than his previous cold rejection.