115 Blockade (1/2)

Gu Shenwei suddenly sat up and drew out his saber. But there were not any enemies in front of him.

One night had passed and the morning sunshine cast on the two bodies in the black robes. Their hoods had been removed. He identified that they were women. One had been shot by an arrow in her mouth, with her eyes still open wide. The other was hit by a saber on her left and the scarlet blood flooded everywhere.

Wildhorse and Snowcamel were wounded on their chests. But someone had helped them bandage the wounds. Standing in front of Slave Huan, they were staring at him coldly. Well, Liuhua did not get injured and stood at a distance with his back toward others. He was holding the longbow, while keeping watch.

On the other side, Fang Wenshi squatted with his hand pressing his belly, as if he was pooping or suffered from stomachache. Upon seeing the young killer wake up, he squeezed a smile and wondered this killer seemed very reliable but timider than him.

Gu Shenwei was extremely embarrassed. He unexpectedly fainted at the most crucial moment.

Gu Shenwei silently put the saber into the scabbard. He damaged his reputation within the other three killer's hearts, since he had fainted at the crucial moment. It may cause a lot of troubles in the future. Hence, he had to prove himself in front of others as soon as possible.

The black-robed assassins did not have better assassination skills than the brown-belt killers. This was the only useful information for Gu Shenwei.

The team that followed them caught up, as the sun rose up. They had not been ambushed, but all of them felt very anxious, because they had seen many dead bodies along the road. Thus, the team sped up day and night and were not left too far behind.

But the machetemen in the team brought the news that a large group of bandits, about 200 people, were following them. They might catch up with the team within one day.

Although Shangguan Ru seemed exhausted, upon hearing there were bandits following them closely behind and some assassin waiting for them ahead, she commanded every one should be ready to fight. However, most of them were too tired to fight against the bandits. She had to gather some core members in the tent to have a discussion.

Gu Shenwei said that it was better to have a rest. Slave Qing only asked what to do next, one by one with blank eyes, but did not offer any suggestions. However, the banner-carrying killer did not say anything. As soon as Meng Mingshi came in, he firmly ordered that all the machetemen, belonging to the Meng family, must protect him.

Gu Shenwei first told everyone the information that the killers had gained over the past two days. At last, he said, ”They're hunting for a person within this team, not for the money.”

Upon hearing that, the Fifth Young Master Meng's face became pale. He pointed at Shangguan Ru and horribly said, ”The bandits must want us.”

Gu Shenwei shook his head. ”The Ninth Master secretly ran out from Golden Roc Fort, and few people knew about it. Who they want is you, the most favored master of the Mengs. If they kidnap you, the bandits can blackmail your family.”

Gu Shenwei lied. The person he wanted to protect was Shangguan Ru. If she safely returned to Golden Roc Fort, the rest of them could be sacrificed. But the Meng family members perhaps could abandon them and run away without any hesitation once they knew the truth.

Meng Mingshi became angry. ”You must protect me. People in Golden Roc Fort call themselves the leader of the bandits in Western Region. 'Golden Roc Flag coming, other bandits running,' why isn't the slogan working now?”

The phrase ”leader of the bandits” gave great offense to other people present. Shangguan Ru held her saber with a poker face and pointed at Meng Mingshi. ”What did you say? We're the leader of bandits? Well, how about sending you to the bandits and we can share the ransom money.”

Meng Mingshi hid behind Slave Qing and did not dare to say anything else. The banner-carrying killer said, ”Of course not, Golden Roc Fort isn't the head of them. But the whole thing is too strange. It's the first time that so many people have challenged the authority of the Golden Roc Flag in public.”

”Someone ordered these roving bandits to do so. I think their backer is the women wearing black robes,” Gu Shenwei answered.

The banner-carrying killer meditated for a while. He said, ”Black robes, female assassins, iron steel needles... I've never heard any schools related to these items. I believe the bandits don't know them, either.”

The core members could not figure out their enemies' background, but they still tried to come up with an escape plan. Gu Shenwei would like to lead them to break the barrier forcibly. However, the Fifth Young Master Meng and Slave Qing immediately opposed him. They would rather walk to the desert than face hundreds of bandits. Especially when hearing Gu Shenwei hoping that the machetemen of the Mengs charge in front of the team, Meng Mingshi firmly refused. But Shangguan Ru supported Slave Huan since she was eager to fight. Then, the girl drew her saber and forced others to agree with him.

Dao San was called in to introduce the terrain of the mountain that they would pass. After breaking through Antler Railings, the team would cross the gradual ascent of 300-meter long and then a steep slope. Later, they would soon arrive at the foot of the hill on horseback and cross the broad plains. If they accelerated their speed, within one day, they could enter the area guarded by Iron Mountain.

Gu Shenwei suggested abandoning the gifts, so that they could move on faster. But Slave Qing refused, since he had to take the responsibility of the treasures and did not want to leave them for the bandits.

When they almost settled on their plan, the banner-carrying killer made a mistake. He suggested that Shangguan Ru, Slave Qing, and the Fifth Young Master Meng should stay behind the team, rather than lead the rush.

Perhaps the banner-carrying killer had more experience on killing, but he did not understand the masters who were eager to show their strength, like Shangguan Ru. Gu Shenwei was going to exaggerate the importance of the maid, Little Sui, so that Shangguan Ru would willingly follow the team. But now, the ”ignorant” banner-carrying killer made a mistake with good intentions. Shangguan Ru now insisted to do the same job as the brown-belt assassins. No one could stop her.

At dusk, the black flag killer explained the breakthrough plan to everyone. This was the plan: 25 machetemen of the Meng family and the 14 strong handymen would be first to start the assault. Before arriving at the plains, they should not stop riding. Additionally, five brown-belt assassins and Shangguan family's two young masters will follow them to engage the enemies so the others and the camels carrying the goods behind could pass.

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The banner-carrying killer himself with the other two machetemen protected the Fifth Young Master Meng, Slave Qing, and maid Little Sui.

Dao San and other camel drivers protected the camels.