Stones were thrown from atop the city walls, striking the guards at the city gate and throwing them into disarray.
When they had arrived yesterday, this tactic had not been employed. They quickly prepared shields and crossbows.
Lan Yan stood on the city wall, watching the scene unfold. "Continue!" she shouted. She aimed to weaken the soldiers' strength and prevent them from entering the city.
People from the Hua Pavilion on both sides began throwing stones, now trusting Lan Yan.
The soldiers blocked the stones with their shields, but still suffered casualties. Others brought up crossbows, positioned themselves before the shields, and fired towards the city wall.
The Hua Pavilion members all possessed some martial skill, and were not easily hit.
Seeing this, the soldiers angrily roared, "Volley of arrows!" As they spoke, a group appeared at the front, simultaneously firing their arrows. The arrows formed a vast net, enveloping those on the city wall.
Lan Yan saw this and yelled, "Take cover!" She crouched down, watching as more and more arrows flew, landing around her.
Simultaneously, people nearby began to fall.
Lan Yan bit her lip. Now was not the time for sorrow. She looked towards the stone-throwing mechanism, dodging arrows as she crouched and moved forward, successfully reaching her destination.
She then hoisted the stones, lit them with torches, and using the catapult, hurled the flaming stones into the midst of the soldiers.
The soldiers burst into flames, fleeing in panic in all directions, which only fanned the flames.
With fewer archers, Lan Yan seized the opportunity and instructed the Hua Pavilion members. "Quickly, take the injured and hand them over to Ruo Niang. The rest of you, continue defending the city with me!"
"Yes." The Hua Pavilion members hurried to comply, their hearts filled with admiration for Lan Yan's seemingly frail yet resolute figure. They gathered around Lan Yan, awaiting her commands.
Lan Yan continued to lead the defense, glancing at the sides of the city gate. "Ye Lan," she murmured, "it's up to you now."
At this moment, Jun Ye Lan led a group guarding the right-side forest. Watching the battle unfold, he was filled with worry. He gripped his sword tightly, forcing himself not to rush out.
He had promised Lan Yan he would trust her.
After the soldiers had scattered, he raised his sword and shouted to the men behind him, "It's our turn!" With that, he charged forward, all his hatred surging forth as he fought bravely.
The assassins from the Killing Pavilion followed suit, joining the fray.
This move caught the soldiers completely off guard. They frantically defended themselves, with some already fleeing.
Jun Ye Lan showed no mercy, spinning his sword and killing without hesitation. His mind held only one thought: kill these people, and the city gate would be safe, allowing Lan Yan to be unharmed.
This conviction supported him, keeping his hand steady on his sword, even as blood splattered his body.
He also inspired his followers, who fought alongside him.
Lan Yan saw Jun Ye Lan from her vantage point and a smile touched her lips. "Everyone, let's hold on a bit longer. We're almost there!" She continued to hurl flaming stones, repelling more and more soldiers.
When Jun Ye Lan was surrounded, she directly hurled a large fire orb, then gave him a triumphant smile.
Jun Ye Lan returned her smile, and seeing an arrow aimed at Lan Yan, he killed the attacker ferociously.
The two thus coordinated with perfect tacit understanding.
Meanwhile, Ruo Niang had already evacuated the civilians, sending away those who could not resist. She then returned. "Lan Yan, it's time to go."
"You take the remaining Hua Pavilion members and leave. I'll cover the rear," Lan Yan said. She could not leave Jun Ye Lan alone on the battlefield.
Ruo Niang, knowing Lan Yan's character, said, "Be careful."
She led the others away, reaching the secret tunnel entrance and calling out, "Hurry!"
The others hesitated, asking, "Are we really not going to help Lan Yan and the Killing Pavilion?" They had originally disliked the Killing Pavilion, but through this ordeal, their perception had shifted slightly.
Ruo Niang replied, "Staying here won't help, it will only burden them. What we must do now is leave and wait for them in that village."
"Don't worry, these two won't die easily." She looked back, then shifted her gaze, leading the group into the secret tunnel.
Only Lan Yan remained on the city wall. She took out the flute from her back and blew into it with all her might. The heroic melody of the flute permeated the battlefield.
Jun Ye Lan heard it too, his eyes darkening. This was their secret signal. He raised his sword and shouted, "You all retreat first!"
His followers behind him stopped fighting and retreated towards the forest they had come from, where a secret tunnel was located.
Jun Ye Lan naturally stayed behind. After the last man had left, he looked up at the city wall. Then, he leaped along the wall, embraced Lan Yan by the waist, and laughed, "Yan'er, let's go."
"Mm." Lan Yan put away her flute and was carried off the city wall by Jun Ye Lan, escaping through the secret tunnel.
However, the soldiers had already reacted and were in pursuit.
Jun Ye Lan gripped Lan Yan's hand and asked, "Yan'er, are you scared?"
"Not at all," Lan Yan smiled. "We've been through so much before, and we made it. We'll make it through this time too!" They had chosen to stay behind, knowing this would happen, but having each other for company was enough.
Jun Ye Lan curved his lips, his eyes filled with resolve, advancing and retreating with Lan Yan.
The two fled, only to be intercepted at a cliff.
Jun Ye Lan released Lan Yan's hand, lowered his head, and pressed a light kiss to her forehead. "Yan'er, trust me one more time."
With that, he turned and shielded Lan Yan, raising his sword and charging forward.
Lan Yan stayed behind, not moving, her gaze fixed on Jun Ye Lan. Since Jun Ye Lan had said this, it meant he had a plan, and her role was to wait.
This time was different from usual; Jun Ye Lan had a murderous intent and would use a powerful move.
Jun Ye Lan, surrounded by soldiers, looked at them with profound fierceness. "You originally had a chance to live."
The sword in his hand transformed into dozens, each coated in poison, and were shot out towards the surroundings.
In a mere instant, the soldiers collapsed.
Rain suddenly began to fall, washing away the blood on the ground and soaking the man in the center.
Jun Ye Lan's hair and clothes were drenched. He leaned on himself, turned, and walked towards Lan Yan with a smile.
Lan Yan's tears flowed from her eyes, down her cheeks, indistinguishable from the rain. She walked over, opened her arms, and embraced Jun Ye Lan, who was about to collapse.
She supported him and said sorrowfully, "Ye Lan, I'll take you home."
Jun Ye Lan smiled, draped an arm over Lan Yan's shoulder, and said weakly, "Okay, home."
Lan Yan suppressed her tears and, supporting Jun Ye Lan, walked away step by step, heading towards their former village. The rain beat down on them, making their steps heavy, but they never stopped.
They faced all the winds and rains of the world, supporting each other, heading towards the place they wished to be.