Mei Ruolan gazed at him, her bright eyes hazy and deep, seeming to draw him in. She asked softly, "Zhanran, what should we do now?"

Li Muzhan smiled faintly, "Miss holds the strategies; why would my input be needed?"

Mei Ruolan frowned slightly, displeased. "You're being distant again!"

Li Muzhan laughed, "Since you insist, I shall offer a few words. Please forgive any crudeness, Miss!"

Mei Ruolan shot him a look. "Hurry up and speak!"

Shared life-and-death moments deepened affection. Li Muzhan’s selfless protection of her, and his insistence on saving and guarding the other escorts despite his own grave injuries, fostered in Mei Ruolan both closeness and profound respect for him.

Unconsciously, she had begun to treat him as one of her own, becoming much more casual in her speech and demeanor.

However, this feeling definitely did not touch upon romantic love.

In her view, relationships between a man and a woman required a certain feeling, a genuine spark. Seeing him, her heart needed to pound wildly—only then would it qualify as romantic affection.

Li Muzhan often wore a playful, smiling expression, his words laced with jest, when around Xiao Yuan and Gong Qingyun. But before Mei Ruolan, he was as calm as still water. Coupled with his unremarkable appearance, he simply failed to stir her heart.

Inhaling the faint fragrance, observing her face capable of shifting instantly between delight and displeasure, Li Muzhan let his smile fade. "The immediate priority is ensuring everyone wears the Heart Guards and the Iron Helmets."

"Hm—? ...Heart Guards, Iron Helmets?" Mei Ruolan knitted her brows, gazing intently at him.

Li Muzhan explained, "Among the archers in the woods, there was a hidden master. He struck once and retreated immediately, vanishing into the distance. I eliminated all the foot soldiers, yet I never managed to see him."

"He's still alive?"

Mei Ruolan's delicate brows locked together, her face turning grim.

Her injury, ultimately, stemmed from that single arrow. That arrow carried tremendous force; after striking her sword, her entire arm went numb and useless, which is why she was hit.

Li Muzhan nodded solemnly, "Since I didn't see him... I killed so many of their archers; he is also an archer. He will surely seek vengeance!"

Mei Ruolan agreed with a nod; this person would definitely retaliate.

Li Muzhan continued, "We cannot retreat; our only option is forward. The best plan now is self-preservation... Dispatch someone immediately to fetch the Heart Guards and Iron Helmets. We must secure our vital spots."

Mei Ruolan glanced at him. He possessed the Control the Crane, Add Oil Technique; as long as his vital points weren't struck, his life would be safe.

Mei Ruolan commanded, "Xiao Yuan, please summon Elder Ouyang and Elder Zhang."

"Coming right up!" Xiao Yuan chirped sweetly, lifted the curtain, slipped out of the carriage, and soon returned with Elder Ouyang and Elder Zhang in tow.

"Miss!" The two men cupped their fists, standing outside the carriage, just beyond the bead curtain.

Mei Ruolan said calmly, "Elder Ouyang, Elder Zhang, there is an archery expert from the Crimson Blood Hall lying in ambush. Send a few men back to forge some Heart Guards and Iron Helmets, and deliver them quickly."

"An archery expert?" Elder Ouyang stroked his beard, frowning. "Weren't all those archers completely wiped out by Master Zhanran?"

Li Muzhan shook his head, "One master fled in advance; I estimate he will return for revenge."

Elder Ouyang declared, "Very well, I'll send men back immediately!"

He turned directly and left, issuing loud shouts and instructions. Swift hoofbeats immediately echoed.

Elder Zhang peered at Li Muzhan through the bead curtain, stroking his beard with a chuckle. "Master Zhanran’s magnanimity is extraordinary; this old man admires it!"

"Elder Zhang flatters me," Li Muzhan replied, cupping his palms with a smile.

Elder Zhang waved the hand stroking his beard. "Alas—this old man doesn't speak empty words. I doubt I could have done what you did, placing myself in that position. You are truly something!"

Li Muzhan smiled and ceased his humble demurrals.

Xiao Yuan helped him change into a monk's robe. Li Muzhan stepped down from the carriage. Though he was a man of faith, remaining inside the carriage while they traveled could inevitably harm Mei Ruolan’s reputation due to the proximity.

The carriages formed the outer ring, while inside, tents had been erected. People were practicing martial arts outside—it was quite lively, the previous day's gloom entirely vanished, replaced by vigor.

Seeing him emerge, the guards all halted, cupping their fists in salute.

Li Muzhan returned the salute with clasped hands and a gentle smile, but he spoke no words. His pace was measured and unhurried as he walked towards the woods where the fierce battle had taken place.

A gentle breeze drifted through, and the air that entered his lungs felt crisp and cool.

As he walked, he replayed the combat sequence in his mind, scene after scene vividly before his eyes. He paused occasionally to examine the scattered footprints and the goose-feathered arrows still embedded in the trees.

On the ground lay discarded bows and arrows, the distinctive goose-feathered shafts, and patches of dark, dried blood, testifying to the swift and relentless nature of Li Muzhan’s pursuit.

Because Mei Ruolan had been injured, the servants of the Mei Manor held deep hatred for these archers; they had merely buried the bodies hastily, not bothering to deal with this debris.

Li Muzhan’s gaze swept over these remnants, and he sighed inwardly.

He continued walking slowly, moving farther and farther until the pine trees gave way to poplars and cypresses—tall, thick, and reaching toward the sky.

He suddenly stopped, closing his eyes motionless, as if he had transformed into a tree himself.

In his mind, the scene here reappeared: flashes of dark light shimmering with blue sparks, weaving together into a magnificent net of arrows, beautiful and compelling.

The arrow net froze in his mind, like a paused frame in a movie reel.

Using the paths of the dark light, he traced backward, analyzing exactly how many archers there were, where the true master was positioned, and from which direction the shots were fired.

He condensed his Heart Pearl, achieving dual focus—his spiritual strength allowed this feat, which would be considered inconceivable to an ordinary person.

He came from another era; he was intimately familiar with slow motion, close-ups, and freeze-frames from movies, television, and computers, which gave him this unique method. Someone from this world would never conceive of such an approach.

After a long while, he let out a long breath and slowly opened his eyes. Clarity sparkled within them, like the surface of a clear lake rippling under the sun.

The light gradually subsided. He walked to the base of a towering tree, leaped upward, and landed on a branch. He peered down, reaching out to touch the bark.

He squinted, visualizing the scenario: a man scrambling up silently, drawing his bow, shooting swiftly, and then gracefully vanishing.

Slowly, a vague image formed in his mind—the face remained indistinct, but the silhouette was clear.

Medium build, lean, agile, possessing exceptional lightness skill (Qinggong), and disciplined in concealing his presence, focused on landing a single, lethal blow—similar to a sniper in later ages.

A person like this, silent as a venomous snake taking a life, represented a significant threat.

He pondered briefly while looking down, then turned back.

On the way, he gathered the scattered bows and arrows—a dozen bows and nearly a hundred goose-feathered shafts—hanging them all over his person before heading back.

By this time, most guards were squatting near the carriages eating. Seeing him approach, they all stopped and paid their respects, watching him with curiosity.

Li Muzhan offered a polite salute with clasped hands, his feet never stopping as he walked to the side of the carriage and set down the bows and arrows.

Xiao Yuan jumped out of the carriage, carrying a long, purple wooden box resembling a food container. She beckoned, "Zhanran, time to eat!"

There was a stone near the carriage, and Li Muzhan sat down heavily, laughing, "Do we have anything good to eat?"

"I made two dishes for you to try." Xiao Yuan beamed, setting down the box and opening it. "Elder Ouyang also sent over a flask of wine."

The box contained two very light dishes, but they were far superior to cured meat and dry rations. Li Muzhan took the chopsticks and a large bowl, first taking a sip of wine before beginning to eat.

Seeing him eat with relish, Xiao Yuan’s face lit up, radiant and charming.

After eating, they set off. Everyone was tense and vigilant. Around noon, they reached a small town—Pama Town.

Pama Town was not large but was bustling, a mandatory stop for traffic heading toward Jinyang City. A main street ran east to west through the town, lined predominantly with taverns and inns.

They chose an unremarkable inn to stay at, named the Auspicious Inn.

In the evening, several carriages hurried into the town and also stopped at the Auspicious Inn. They located Mei Ruolan’s group—it was the escort contingent from the Mei Manor.

The carriages carried the Heart Guards and Iron Helmets, which were distributed to everyone.

Although the weather was hot and wearing these gear made them uncomfortable all over, they voiced no complaints; compared to their lives, a little heat was insignificant.

The night passed without incident. The next day, they departed early, ten carriages forming a long, slow procession out of Pama Town, heading west.

Hooves pounded, wheels rumbled, and dust billowed—they moved with impressive momentum.

Li Muzhan continued to walk alongside the carriages. Mei Ruolan asked him to ride inside, but he insisted on walking, holding a bow and continually drawing and loosing arrows.

Xiao Yuan occasionally came down to walk with him for a while.

She came down again, wearing a pink silk robe, looking exquisitely beautiful. The guards greatly envied Li Muzhan; keeping company with a beauty, he enjoyed a rich share of good fortune.

Xiao Yuan tilted her head, watching him for a long time, then giggled, "Zhanran, why are you practicing archery? It’s unnecessary!"

Li Muzhan said nothing; he sighted, shot, then used lightness skill to retrieve the arrow, before sighting, shooting, and retrieving it again.

Seeing he ignored her, Xiao Yuan gave him an exasperated look and stamped her foot poutily, "Zha—nran—!"

Li Muzhan turned and smiled, "Xiao Yuan, you should learn too. More skills never weigh one down; there’s always a benefit."

Xiao Yuan snorted, "Archery must be practiced from childhood; decades of hard work, it’s even harder than internal martial arts. It's too late for you to start now!"

Li Muzhan smiled, confidence radiating from him, and continued his practice.

Seeing his insistence, Xiao Yuan pouted, found it tedious, and returned to the carriage.

Inside the carriage, Mei Ruolan sat upright on the couch reading; Gong Qingyun meditated with her eyes closed. Xiao Yuan watched them, also feeling bored, so she hopped down again to accompany Li Muzhan.

The sunlight was bright but not scorching; the air remained refreshing. The main road was busy with travelers heading both ways; everyone was hurrying while the weather was cool.

Seeing their imposing group, people habitually yielded the way.

"Whoo..." A shrill whistle suddenly cut through the air.

Li Muzhan's expression shifted instantly. He shoved Xiao Yuan, "Go inside!"

He put away his bow and arrows, frowning toward the front. The procession had halted.

Xiao Yuan froze, quickly asking, "Are the Crimson Blood Hall people attacking again?"

"Yes," Li Muzhan nodded, his tone grave. "Don't let the Miss come out!"

Mei Ruolan’s voice rang out, drifting slowly, her tone cool, calm, and composed. "All guards, hear my command: form groups of four, establish mutual flanks, mind your horses, and do not panic!"

Everyone answered in unison. The four-man groups stood back-to-back, drawing their swords, standing ready and alert.

"Heh heh..." Elder Ouyang let out a cold laugh, his voice indifferent cutting through the air. "The Crimson Blood Hall people only know how to use sneak attacks and hidden schemes—truly pathetic!"

"Whoo..." Another sharp whistle pierced the air.

Li Muzhan let his hands hang down, closed his eyes, and listened intently.

Elder Ouyang shouted angrily, darting out like a streak of light into the woods beside the road.

A moment later, he returned, his face sunken like dark water.

"Xiao Yuan, go inquire about the situation," Mei Ruolan ordered. Xiao Yuan responded, ran to the front, and returned to stand before the carriage to report, huffing indignantly, "Miss, two people were injured!"

"Are the injuries serious?" Mei Ruolan asked.

Xiao Yuan shook her head. "The wounds are on their shoulders. Fortunately, we have Zhanran’s antidote, but they cannot fight now."

She glanced at Li Muzhan, who frowned deeply and stated grimly, "Miss, it should be that same person."

Mei Ruolan was silent, then said calmly after a long pause, "Let's depart."

The group continued moving.

But they hadn't gone a mile before another sharp whistle sounded, and cold arrows flew in.

Then, after every certain distance—sometimes three or five li, sometimes just one li—they were harassed. Cold arrows flew frequently, injuring two people each time.

After firing two volleys, the attacker vanished into the distance. Elder Ouyang and Elder Zhang pursued angrily, but it was a wasted effort.

This person’s lightness skill was supreme; the two elders could not catch him.

Over the course of the morning, ten guards were hit by arrows, and more than half of the antidote Li Muzhan had prepared was used up.

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