Since she had decided to travel with them, Wu Caiwei quickly helped carry the fallen guard to where they were staying and corralled three horses into a nearby shed. It was then that Yang Hanye learned this woman had family, and they lived further back, making him feel she was even more remarkable.
As dawn broke, the group prepared to leave. This time, Wu Caiwei produced the only men's clothing her family possessed, instructing them to disguise themselves as commoners.
Reaching the front yard, to everyone's astonishment, she approached the bodies of the slain men and rummaged through their belongings. To her delight, she found some silver. Altogether, there was over two hundred taels, and with so many people traveling, they had also brought along provisions. This scarcity of food was a pressing issue that was now solved.
Yang Hanye's mouth twitched. It was the first time he had ever met such a bold woman. However, considering her formidable martial arts skills, he supposed it was understandable. What woman would practice martial arts, let alone possess such terrifying abilities?
As one of his other guards had only just regained consciousness and his condition was dire, they were forced to abandon one of the horses.
Along the way, they remained the most conspicuous. However, with the addition of three men to their party, while the refugees still harbored thoughts of robbery, their gazes were no longer so brazen as before.
Of course, not everyone was intimidated. To avoid unnecessary trouble, they kept their swords visible, but a certain group, who were bandits from the mountains before fleeing, were accustomed to such matters and paid no heed to their threat.
Wu Caiwei could sense them following, intentionally or not. She wanted to shake them off, but they clung on like burrs, causing her to frown unconsciously. She decided to teach them a lesson.
From the afternoon until nightfall, they found no place to shelter from the wind and rain, so they had to rest for the night in a mountain hollow not far from the road.
The bandits trailing them, seeing the firelight below, surmised they were asleep and descended with their men, surrounding them.
Wu Caiwei, who had been meditating, opened her eyes. Facing the hundred or so men before her, she mockingly said, "Let me guess your former identities. Judging by the ferocity in your eyes, you must be accustomed to killing and arson. And to gather so many people so quickly, you are most likely bandits."
"Madam has keen eyes. Since you know our identities and we are numerous, I advise you to obediently hand over your horses and all your possessions." The bandit leader's grip on his saber tightened involuntarily. Since she had guessed their identities, they wouldn't let her leave alive.
They had left their mountain stronghold recently but hadn't fared poorly. By hiding among the refugees and preying on anyone with valuables without mercy, they had never lacked meat or grain. In fact, their lives were even more comfortable than in the stronghold.
"If you want my things, you'll have to see if you have the ability to take them. Come, all of you, charge at me. Only after passing my trial will you have the right to face my son." Wu Caiwei boasted, drawing her saber before them.
The bandits did not laugh at her. Instead, they became more vigilant. A woman facing so many people, not only showing no fear but seeming eager for a fight, gave them a bad feeling. The next moment proved them right.
Wu Caiwei observed them. Unlike ordinary refugees who were gaunt and emaciated, they were all strong and healthy. It was evident what the refugees they encountered along the way had suffered. Thus, she showed no mercy when the fight began.
Seeing his brothers fall one by one, and crucially, without even seeing how the opponent attacked, the bandit leader was profoundly shocked. He quickly glanced at the path they had come from and exchanged a look with the men beside him. With unspoken understanding, they slowly retreated towards the rear of the crowd, ready to flee at any moment.
Wu Caiwei had been watching him all along and wouldn't let him have his way. The instant they tried to escape, she left the other bandits behind and leaped directly in front of him.
Having experienced so much, these bandits knew some people were to be provoked and others were not. They had initially thought they were just putting on a show, but to find a woman with such high martial arts skills, they realized today's endeavor was doomed. Trying to escape, they were blocked by her again. They quickly spoke placatingly, "Forgive my ignorance. Today we have suffered such heavy losses. Please, my lady, be merciful and spare our lives."
"You may be spared if you now hand over all your possessions and food." Hearing the bandit's words, these men involuntarily twitched their mouths. How was it that this woman seemed like the bandit, and they were the ones being victimized? But under the circumstances, no one dared to refute her. They quickly complied, though only they knew if they had handed over all their silver.
The next moment, the bandit leader looked at her with disbelief, clutching his throat, and slowly fell to the ground.
"You are a dishonorable person! You already promised us, and now you've broken your word!" the second-in-command screamed in terror.
"What trustworthiness is there with people like you? Did you really think I would let you go? Do you know how many common folk have died at your hands? Killing you today is simply eliminating a scourge." Wu Caiwei sneered and began a merciless slaughter. Su Dan Novel Network.
Meanwhile, those quick-witted individuals who tried to escape amidst the chaos were dealt with by Yang Er, the guard accompanying Yang Hanye.
Wu Caiwei was very familiar with the modus operandi of these bandits. She didn't trust their words and searched them one by one. As expected, she found more. These bandits had hidden reserves and had robbed many wealthy families along the way. Wu Caiwei counted over a thousand taels of silver.
Among the food they carried, not only was there rice, but also dried meat. This discovery delighted her, and she quickly claimed it all.
Although everyone was now safe, the thought of the mountain of corpses on the ground made her try not to look in that direction. Yet, at times, she couldn't help herself. Sleep was banished. She added the firewood collected before dark to the bonfire and huddled around it to keep warm.
As soon as it was dawn, they ate a simple breakfast and left quickly. They were not far from the main road, and she feared someone might stumble upon the gruesome scene and misunderstand them. Although they were not afraid of others' peculiar gazes, it was best to avoid unnecessary trouble.
Perhaps it was due to being in Madam's presence, or perhaps sensing her formidable martial arts skills, that the pursuers dared not act rashly. They experienced two days of peaceful travel.