Daytime in the rainforest was much shorter than the outside. For most people who walked in, they would have felt the inside was really dark. Gu Yun, this time, didn't joke around. Later, she would still need to go to the Crow's Valley, so she answered to the point, "People cannot live without water. Although we don't know the exact location of the lair, it will surely be near a water source. Therefore, drawing the water points inside the rainforest will give you an estimation of where the lair is located. It is useless to talk more. Today's training program is to draw the water lines in the rainforest. I've said a lot about how to survive in the rainforest, so you better remember it. Now, make ten groups! Your responsibilities are to draw the places surrounding a water point."
Gu Yun looked at the team captain, who was also the person who swallowed the worm yesterday, Luo Yan. She said, "You will be responsible for the grouping."
"Yes." Luo Yan had been in Tiger troop for five years; both his combat and organisational skills were strong. Within less than half an hour the grouping was done.
10 bags, which were filled with plant ashes, were given to Leng Xiao. Gu Yun said, "Leng Xiao, give them the items."
"Yes."
Leng Xiao was handing each team leader a bag while Gu Yun was explaining, "Inside, there are paper and charcoal. Use them to draw. However, every time you finish your drawings, put them inside the ash bags to keep them dry all the time. Or else you are only wasting your time. Understood?"
"Understood!" Hearing they would formally enter the forest, everyone's spirit was quite elevated.
Although Gu Yun's facial expression was clearly not as good as yesterday, facing vibrant faces in front of her, she said, "Before you go, I have three demands/requirements for you. After you enter the forest, you must obey them. If you disobey them, it means you disobey the military order and you will be discharged immediately without the right to appeal."
Immediate discharge without appeal?! Leng Xiao puzzledly looked at Gu Yun. Boss has never given this kind of deathly order. What kind of demands were they?
"First, your task is to draw the water points. You must only go alongside the water flow. At most, you can closely observe the surroundings. You cannot selfishly or randomly walk. The second demand, if you encounter rebels, you must not chase after them. You just need to take note of where they appeared or disappeared. The third one …" Gu Yun paused for a while and loudly said, "Open your eyes a bit wider. Increase your alertness. Inside the forest, there more than just rebels after your lives. I don't want to see a single one of you lose your lives there."
Gu Yun's stern and serious tone revealed her care for them, and so their hearts were warmed by her words. They loudly replied, "Yes."
"At Xu hour, I will be here, waiting for you! Now, go!"
Five thousand soldiers rapidly lined up by groups. Each group went in their own direction. Watching their figures disappear, Gu Yun's heart was high on her expectation of them. Four days. There were only four days left. She was forced to employ such a method to let them observe what was the real rainforest. Hopefully, they could remember what she had taught them yesterday and would be able to exit the rainforest.
The Military Camp
Since early in the morning, seven thousand soldiers had lined up nicely in front of the camp. Su Ling's face was pitch-black. He was a bit stupefied when he heard Su Ren's report about Gu Yun leading the troop at dawn to enter the rainforest. Yesterday, she also insisted in going to the Crow's Valley. How could she, after a night, give up? This was really out of her character.
For a long time, Su Ling didn't say anything. Yu Shi Jun stepped forward and reported, "General, we are ready to set out."
Su Ling focused back his mind and nodded, "Set out." Forget about it! It was still better that she stayed.
"Yes, sir!" Facing the entire army, Yu Shi Jun ordered, "Set Out!"
The soldiers in a formation set out to the Crow's Valley. Very quickly, there were only Su Ren and red-clothed Mu Yi left in the field.
Su Ren curiously asked, "You aren't going?"
Shrugging his shoulders, Mu Yi looked bored and replied, "I've seen too much killing and fighting. It no longer interests me. "
"Then, do you want to go and see Qing Mo's training?"
Frowning, Mu Yi replied, "It's dirty, not interesting."
Not going to observe the battlefield and also not going to see the training. Su Ren laughed,
"Please don't say that you woke up this early just to chit chat with me?"
"Yes." Mu Yi shortly replied, surprising Su Ren. It couldn't be, right?
Looking at Su Ren, Mu Yi (in a rare moment) asked seriously, "I want to know something. Regardless of Qing Mo's status, who is she, and what is her objective in coming to Su family, as long as Bing Lian chooses her, she will be indeed the Su family's eldest daughter-in-law. Am I right?"
Su Ren looked at him for a while before nodding, "Yes."
Mu Yi lightly raised his eyebrow. Su Ren felt something wasn't right and asked, "Have you got any news regarding Qing Mo's background?"
"Not yet."
Returning to his usual self, Mu Yi shrugged and replied, "There is nothing to do so early in the morning. I just talked nonsense. You don't need to be that anxious."
Leaving the anxious Su Ren, Mu Yi smiled. Once he turned his back, the smile on his face disappeared. In his heart, he worried about Ling. Although nothing could be decided about Qing Mo's background, according to his analysis, this woman had a problem.
The Crow's Valley
The sunlight was very dim in the valley. Black clouds and gales rapidly enveloped the Crow's Valley layer by layer, making it appear extremely dangerous. At both sides of the canyon, the two forces were standing face-to-face. On one side, there was the Su army wearing armour while the plain-clothed rebels were standing on the other side.
From the outside, there appeared to be only several hundred people standing on the other side. However, their hearts were clear that this was just camouflage.
Su Ling squinted his eyes to see further. It seemed like there were two men leading the opposition's troop. One wore a bright blue attire. His braided hair reached his knee while his hand held a long silver whip. He emitted an arrogant aura. The other one was plain-clothed. With hands held behind his back, it could not be seen what kind of weapon he had.
Those two appeared to have an imposing aura but neither looked like a leader. It was clear they were playing to be one.
"You are Su Ling?"
Su Ling was observing them. Yan Ge also fixed his eyes on the man who looked majestic and powerful, studying Su Ling for a while. A dark red war uniform coupled with a tan complexion made him look extraordinarily valiant. Satin black hair was tied behind. His eyebrows were sharp and straight. His face was stone-like, making him appear domineering and uninhibited. Coupled with those pair of cold eagle eyes, it made Yan Ge slightly frightened.
Su Ling didn't reply and just asked, "Where is he?"
Although the person (Su Ren) that Yan Ge met last time was not him (Su Ling), it was undeniable that this person was Su Ling. His body emitted a murderous aura which could only be possessed by those who had managed thousands of soldiers and experienced bloody battles.
Wu Ji lightly tilted his head. Dozens of people on the right side separated into two sides. Behind them, there was a large stone. A body full of blood and bruises appeared in front of everyone's eyes. His hair was messy and his face was covered with blood, making his countenance unclear. He was tied by two thick chains over his shoulder to the rock, unable to move.
Yu Shi Jun couldn't help but shout, "Vanguard!"
That person stirred, looking up with difficulty. He looked at the opposite side of the canyon. Immediately he regained his full consciousness and shouted, "General!"
Su Ling's heart tightened. They had tied Han Shu like that to a stone! Even if the soldiers were able to move there, it would be hard to rescue him. He had to find a solution immediately.
Su Ling slightly raised his head and asked, "What do you want?"
That person immediately called him general. He was definitely Su Ling. Yan Ge replied, "My leader wants to meet with you alone. Come along with us and I will release him. If you don't agree, just help us to collect his corpse."
Once Han Shu heard it, he immediately said, "General, please don't take that risk! They have definitely laid an ambush!" Even though he had drifted off a couple of times, he had still been able to feel that there were quite a number of people in the cave.
Yan Ge strongly whipped the wound on Han Shu's chest. This kind of pain almost made Han Shu faint. Harshly slapping Han Shu's face, Yan Ge loudly said, "I don't have much patience. You better be quick."
Su Ling's straight eyebrows wrinkled. The blue-clothed man, who was clamouring, wasn't easy to deal with. Meanwhile, the grey-clothed man who was silently observing was most likely even harder to deal with. Han Shu was tied onto the big rock. Even if the soldiers were able to cross there, they might provoke the rebels. If they did, not only would they be unable to rescue him, but they would also cause his death.
Su Ling was reticent. Yan Ge's black eyes were wandering around. Unable to find the person he was looking for, Yan Ge's eyes flashed and loudly he said, "Su Ling, where is your little madam? Why don't you bring her along? I really long to see her again."
Su Ling's eagle eyes became colder. He was still about to reply when a clear elegant female's slightly ridiculing voice was heard, "Do you really miss me that much?"
Everyone looked at the treetop, where the voice had originated. They were only able to see a hand which gradually pushed aside the thick foliage, revealing a pair of slender legs. Su Ling was secretly annoyed; this woman had unexpectedly hidden in the tree. He didn't even feel her presence, damn it!
The dark shadow jumped down from the tree and stood at the canyon side. Gu Yun smilingly looked at the arrogant Yan Ge and said, "Do you think that losing the battle last time was still not bad enough?"
Yan Ge's facial expression changed and he shouted, "You better not fall into my hands! Or else…"
Not waiting for him to finish his sentence, Gu Yun smilingly replied, "Or else, you will be out of luck! The new whip is not bad, however, I don't think you have enough whips that you can afford to let me break it!"
Upon hearing about his golden whip, Yan Ge was frustrated because he couldn't vent his anger. He pointed at Gu Yun and loudly swore, "Disgusting married woman! You are really arrogant!"
"Enough!" Su Ling impatiently interrupted and said, "I will go with you, so release him now."
Yan Ge was still too hot-headed. How could he willing to give up?! He said, "That woman also needs to come over!"
Wu Ji wrinkled his brows. The less trouble the better it was for them. Just when he about to protest, Yan Ge continued, "You cannot bring that evil sword over."
It looked like Yan Ge's was still thinking about his broken golden whip. Never mind, without the sword, this girl wouldn't create any trouble. Furthermore, she might be useful later as a hostage to stop Su Ling later on. These kinds of thoughts ended Wu Ji's attempts at another protest.
Gu Yun lowered her head and thought for a while. Then, she put Bing Lian on the ground and said, "There is no bridge or ladder here. How do you think we are going to cross over there."
Yan Ge icily smiled, "If Su Ling cannot even cross over to here, then you are not worthy of meeting our leader. You just collect the corpse and return." Moreover, it was said that Su Ling didn't only have high intelligence, but also possessed unfathomable martial arts. If he really couldn't cross over, then it would show that this person was not Su Ling. Or was it only a false rumour? If that was the case, then did they really need to probe the actual situation?!
Then, Yan Ge took out a dagger that was stored on his waist side. He really wanted to slit Han Shu's throat.
"Stop." Su Ling roared. "We'll go with you!"
After saying this, Su Ling walked to the canyon's side, near the rock wall where there was a tree. He raised his right hand and forcefully hit the trunk. The trunk creaked once and then the tree fell off towards the other side of the canyon. Because it was palm strength, a part of the bark was still connected to the tree. The gap between the two sides was too wide, and the length of the tree could only cover half of it. However, Su Ling possessed qinggong, hence, this kind of thing was nothing for him.
Gu Yun was stunned. He … was too strong. Next time when fighting with him, she must remember to bring Bing Lian along!
The rebels on the opposite side were also stunned. What strong power! With just one palm-hit, a tree could be chopped down. Then, to him, chopping people would be as easy as turning his hand.
Wu Ji was secretly frightened. It was no wonder that he could dominate the world for so many years. It was unknown how many people had been scared by it.
Gu Yun walked toward Su Ling and whispered, "Later, when I distract them, use your Chi Xue to break the chain."
Earlier while still on the tree, she had noticed there were people behind the rock, waiting to ambush. The wind in the canyon side was not weak. Even though the tree trunks were completely still, it could be seen that there were people above them. Also, the number of people was not a few. If the soldiers went over, they would face very a dangerous situation. They definitely couldn't stay long. The chain on Han Shu's body must be broken immediately. It must be Chi Xue or Bing Lian, those kinds of weapons! She originally didn't want to make an appearance, but if Su Ling went there alone, she was afraid that he would entangle with the rebels and be unable to rescue Han Shu.
Su Ling was startled. It turned out that she was provoking the blue-clothed man on purpose. She wanted to come along with him to rescue Han Shu. Grasping her waist, those two people jumped onto the trunk. Su Ling whispered back, "You rescue the person! I will deal with them."
She rescue? She grew somber. Look at the thickness of the chain! Without Bing Lian, how could she rescue Han Shu! This was ridiculous! As she only focused on rescuing the person, she didn't pay attention to the physical distance between them. Su Ling's heart was beating hard. How could she be so skinny? To the point where if he used a little bit more force, her waist could be broken up. This kind of delicate body, how could it endure the battle. He seemed to forget that they had had a battle before.
When he saw Gu Yun's ferocious sight, he regained his focus. He lightly coughed. Su Ling whispered in her ear, "If Bing Lian has really recognised you as its owner, as long as you call it, it will be back to your side."
So magical?! Gu Yun's elegant eyebrows raised. Both of them had stood on the trunk for a while, looking like they were flirting with each other. Yan Ge impatiently yelled, "Both of you, what are you dawdling for?! Quickly come!"
"Hold tightly." Su Ling once again tightened his grip, pulling Gu Yun onto his chest. He stepped on the trunk, and with several light jumps, he reached the end of the trunk (what used to be the tree's top). Gu Yun could feel Su Ling's breath. With no effort, he jumped over the wide gap. Finally, both persons arrived at the other side.
Although Gu Yun believed in Su Ling's capabilities, her heart couldn't help but feel perturbed.
At last, Yan Ge could clearly see the woman who could forcefully oppress him. She was actually a very young woman! Not only that, she was also ugly! He had lost to her once. As he thought about it, he was getting angrier. He glared at Gu Yun and cursed, "It turns out it is a little silly girl."
Arriving at the other side, Gu Yun was no longer provoking him. Her clear eyes narrowed, secretly analysing the people and surroundings around Han Shu. She ignored him. Yan Ge lost his interest.
After Su Ling set his feet on the canyon side, Wu Ji's eyes never left Su Ling. He had a gut feeling that this man was not so easy to deal with.
Standing opposite to Su Ling, Wu Ji lowered his voice and said, "General Su, please come with me."
Su Ling secretly observed the man in front of him, who looked calm and indifferent. This person was self-possessed; it wouldn't be easy to guess his intention. It was a pity that he became a rebel. Smiling to himself, Su Ling didn't move at all and said, "If I was able to be suppressed by you, your leader won't want to meet me."
That arrogant aura made Wu Ji secretly surprised. From the beginning Yan Ge's temper was not that great, so he smiled and said, "You don't want his life anymore?!" If Su Ling really didn't care about his subordinates, then he wouldn't come at all. Now that he came, he still played at an upper hand!
Yan Ge faced the rebel beside Han Shu and winked. The rebel pulled out a big dagger and held it to Han Shu's neck. The dagger left a trace of blood on the neck.
Su Ling icily looked and replied, "It is given that I want his life back. You all will also stay alive."
After talking, Su Ling took out a blood-red sword from his military cloth. An ear-piercing dragon humming was heard in the canyon. The blood-thirsty sword was emitting a red light. Yan Ge immediately took out his lash. The whip and the sword intersected, creating fire every time they met.
The moment the sword was out from its sheath, Wu Ji had already felt a heat wave. He quickly told the men behind, "Kill him!" Today even if they couldn't bring Su Ling home, they absolutely could not let him rescue Han Shu.
Almost at the same time, Gu Yun charged towards Han Shu while shouting, "Bing Lian!"
The echo of her voice hadn't finished before a bright white light was already seen. Bing Lian had already been unrestrained and flew to the other side of the canyon, falling onto Gu Yun's hands.
Yan Ge was shocked. The sword was actually magical! This would be really messy. Her sword was the everlasting cold breeze sword (Bing Lian) while Su Ling's was hot as lava (Chi Xue). If they let these two rescue the hostage, how would they face the rest of the tribesmen?!
Yan Ge told people on both sides of the forest, "Shoot the arrows!"
The woods were collectively moving. This side of the canyon was actually full of rebels. Every one of them had a long bow in their hands and two quivers of arrows on their back. It could be seen that they had plenty of weapons.
At the other side, the soldiers had their bows ready to shoot anytime. Just as Su Ling pulled out his sword, Yu Shi Jun quickly ordered, "Shield the arrows! Tiger troop, attack!"
"Yes, sir!" Lines of soldiers were armed with bows.
As the opposition ordered 'Shoot the arrow!', Yu Shi Jun also yelled, "Shoot the arrows!"
At this time, both sides of the valley simultaneously shot arrows. Gu Yun needed to avoid the arrows as well as rescue Han Shu at the same time. It was a difficult task. Su Ling had thought to go and help her but he was obstructed by the heavy short arrow attacks (from Wu Ji, I assumed). Su Ling calmly avoided them. Coincidently, his eyes met with those indifferent eyes from the treetop. As expected, this person was really hard to deal with.
Most of the rebels hid on top of the trees. On the rebels' side, the arrow attack's impact was very little. At the same time, the tiger troop who had gotten ready had thrown their hooks over.
Instantaneously, there were ten ropes connecting the two sides of the valley. Wu Ji looked over and pointed the ropes, saying, "Shoot the arrows!"
The people on the trees who were holding the bows didn't really understand what was going on. There was nothing on the ropes, why they needed to shoot? Just as they were still doubting, one by one, figures were speeding over from the other side. The speed was very fast. It was so fast that as they positioned the arrows to their bows, 10 people had crossed over. In addition, the soldiers constantly flew across like eagles. By the time they shot the arrows, they failed to even hit a few of the soldiers.
The rebels were distracted. Some of them went to fight with the tiger troop. Gu Yun finally got a chance and charged to the big rock side. She swung her sword and immediately the thick chains crashed down. Due to losing the chain as his support, Han Shu fell. Gu Yun didn't go to help him and immediately went after the rebels who were coming. Gu Yun yelled, "Han Shu, are you able to stand up?!"
"Yes!" Tightly gripping onto the rock as a support, he slowly stood up. Even though his eyes were still blurry, because General and Madam risked their lives to save him, he must not drag them down!
The trick was indeed good! Su Ling was worthy of his name (Su means long-standing while Ling means rise high)! Wu Ji calmly said, "Capture them!"
Obeying his order, the rebels' part of the canyon started to shake. Gu Yun eyes widened. We were doomed! Their camouflaging skills were good. More importantly, their organisation skills were comparable to the army troops. They had hidden there for so long. Without orders, they didn't even move.
The green-clothed rebels crept out from the ground, as far as the eye could see; they came from everywhere!
The first batch of soldiers had arrived at Gu Yun's side. Gu Yun didn't say too much and pushed Han Shu to their side. She urged, "Take him and go!" The rebels at this side were plenty. Even if they brought all the 7000 soldiers here, they would all die. It was better to retreat now.
"Yes."
Boom!
The ropes were cut off. Gu Yun looked over. They wanted to cut all the ropes. Su Ling also looked at the situation in front of him and ordered, "Retreat!"
"Yes." Getting the order, the soldiers who had been escorting Han Shu had arrived on the canyon side. The soldiers on the opposite side began to pull the ropes on the soldiers' body, pulling them back again. At last, Han Shu was successfully evacuated to the other side.
Gu Yun used Bing Lian to defend herself from the rebels. Bing Lian was very sharp and its icy breeze also compelled people, however, she was heavily outnumbered. She was becoming more and more tired, but the number of rebels coming kept on increasing. If they didn't leave, they wouldn't be able to get away. Moreover, her arm was still injured. Su Ling slew the rebels beside Gu Yun and shouted, "Go first!"
"Okay." Gu Yun took the opportunity and quickly turned to the nearest rope. Without her, it would be easier for Su Ling to get out.
Her movement was rapid; she had already climbed the rope. It looked like she didn't have any intention to stay at Su Ling's side. Were they even a husband and wife?! Wu Ji was astounded. In his heart, he had decided he would stop her from escaping.
Gu Yun had put the hook on the rope. Wu Ji used the short bow in his hand, aiming for her sleeveless arm. When he was about to shoot, he looked at Yan Ge who was cornered by Su Ling to the canyon side. He was indeed courageous! Yan Ge's whip had been burnt down to half. Wu Ji's eyes flashed, he changed his target to the rope above Gu Yun's head and shot.
The short arrow was shot across the air, and without any mistake, it pierced the rope. The rope violently moved as it was cut off.
"Ah…" Together with the broken ropes, Gu Yun's petite body was thrown towards the rushing river below.
Just a moment before the rope was completely broken, Gu Yun caught the front end of the rope. The force of gravity and the tension of the broken rope increased her falling acceleration. Her hand was really pained due to frictional burn from the rope, however, in her mind, Gu Yun only had one thing: she absolutely could not release the rope, or else she would definitely fall into the river.
Su Ling heard the voice and looked over, only to see the moment the rope broke. Gu Yun's small body was falling like a kite whose line was cut.
His heart was suddenly startled. Su Ling hadn't fully understood why his heartfelt pain, but his body had already moved by itself. He strode to the canyon side and jumped.
This was the time!
Wu Ji's eyes slightly squinted, and his lips gradually formed a cold smile. Once again, his arms raised the short bow and aimed for Su Ling's arm. With full force, the arrow sped and directly hit its target.
"En…"
Gu Yun felt a figure rushing towards her. The rope swung while her ears captured a low moan. She looked up. Half a body's length above her, there was the great figure of Su Ling. What did he want to do?! Why did he jump?!
Falling into the river was an extremely dangerous matter because the current was very strong. If they couldn't get a hold of themselves when they were in the water, they would easily get swept away. However, if they didn't fall into the water, the rope would swing them from one side of the canyon to another with large inertia. The power would be enough to break some of their ribs.
With her feet stroking across the water surface, Gu Yun was secretly relieved that the water was not too deep. She didn't need to worry about being swept away. However, looking at two people who almost hit the uneven surface of the canyon wall, which was made of very hard rock, Gu Yun could only hope that her current rich maiden body could withstand the blow.
As the distance got closer, Gu Yun forced her body to toughen up. Her hands were tightly gripping the rope and her eyes were closed in anticipation for the pain.
Her shoulder suddenly started hurting. Gu Yun could feel her body being carried by someone. Her waist was tightly gripped. She opened her eyes, only to see Su Ling's dark red war armour. Before she was able to ask why he had jumped, Su Ling quickly adjusted the position and turned around in the middle of the air. Gu Yun was stupefied. Don't say that he wants to…
"Bang!"
The sound was echoing. Su Ling used his body as a bumper and heavily hit the rock wall. Gu Yun was tightly enclosed in his embrace so she didn't suffer any injury. Although she was held really close to his chest, she could still feel the force's impact. Even with his protection, Gu Yun's head was still spinning. Since his back bumped into the wall, he must have suffered internal injuries!
Gu Yun quickly looked up. Su Ling's calm face didn't show any signs of pain. Only his face appeared a bit livid and his brows were taunted with his forehead a bit wet. It was unclear whether it came from his sweat or moisture.
Just as Gu Yun wanted to ask his conditions, she heard Su Ling's restrained lower-than-usual voice, "Let's go up! I will carry you on my back."
He must have suffered a serious injury from the last blow. Gu Yun shook her head and answered, "There is no need. I can do it myself. You just go first."
Gripping the rope, Gu Yun wanted to lower herself to allow him to climb up. However, the hand on her waist tightly gripped her, encumbering her movements. She looked at those deep black eyes in front of her in a strange manner. In his eyes, she could find anxiousness, and even his voice carried a little bit impatience, "Don't talk nonsense! Quickly go up!"
His breath was short. His eyes were red. Gu Yun acted decisively and didn't fight with him. Judging from Su Ling's personality, saying more would get her nothing, even the peaceful time would get destroyed. Therefore, she chose to shut up and would continue arguing when they were at the top of the canyon again.
She used Su Ling's hand to help her climb onto his back. She could clearly see there was an indentation full of blood on his dust-covered back. She couldn't help but be stupefied, "You…" The crimson blood followed along with his scapula. He had lost a lot of blood! Gu Yun's brain quickly recounted that Ge Jing Yun's previous injury was also the same, where the blood continuously flowed.
The short silvery arrow could be seen in the injured site. Damn it! Did he really not want his life? His back was already injured with the arrow, yet he used his back to proof the shock! That kind of large force made the short arrow fully embedded!
Gu Yun used one of her hands to grab the waist bag. Not caring about her dishevelled clothes, she tightly applied pressure on his continuously bleeding wound. The soldiers at the top began to pull them up. Not long afterwards, they had arrived back to the top of the canyon side. Yu Shi Jun went to greet them. He was pulling Su Ling's right arm while urgently asking, "Madam, are you alright?"
Gu Yun shook her head "I am okay, but Su Ling isn't."
Having arrived at the canyon side, Gu Yun wanted to climb down from his back to ease his burden. However, she found her calf was tightly grabbed by Su Ling's big hand. The rebels on the opposite side were seriously glaring here. Yan Ge was getting even angrier. He threw the remnant of the whip and yelled, "If you have the capability, don't escape! Come back and fight again!"
Su Ling piggybacked her and arrogantly met the opposition's eyes. His eagle eyes glared at the ever calm and indifferent Wu Ji. Under his glaring, Wu Ji was a bit shocked. Su Ling didn't get hit by that arrow?! Impossible! However, if he did, how could he effortlessly look at him and still carry the madam?
Gu Yun lowered her head. Su Ling's right shoulder had covered the back of the war armour with blood. He must not want the rebels to know how serious his wound was!
With both of her hands encircling his neck, Gu Yun lightly climbed on Su Ling's back again. Her face showed an innocent little girl's expression. She took advantage of the moment to conceal his bloodied back.
Su Ling's muddy body stiffened. Her soft body was in such close proximity to his back. His nose smelled a light fragrance, warming his chest and causing his icy cold back turn to fire (in translating and editing world, N: Su Ling is a pervert >0<, R: Su Ling is definitely having a dirty thought :3). Su Ling was entranced. He had never experienced this kind of feeling before. Was a female body supposed to be this soft?
Su Ling's breath became significantly heavier. Gu Yun thought it was due to the wound worsening.
"Useless troops (虾兵蟹将, Shrimp soldiers and crab general), you still dare to presumptuously clamour, go back and report to your leader. My husband says, within ten days, you must tighten your den's security. Have your leader cleanly wash his neck and wait!" (to get prepared for beheading).
This sentence made the opposite party swear even more fluently. Gu Yun slightly smiled. Yan Ge made himself look like a fool by throwing a fit in such circumstances.
Meanwhile, upon hearing her calling him "husband," Su Ling's brows wrinkled even more. It was unclear whether this was due to disgust or anxiousness. In short… his heartfelt strange, but he couldn't recognise the cause.
If Su Ling's wound was not treated immediately, he would collapse due to the blood loss. Su Ling was still standing there, looking like he still wanted to pursue. Gu Yun lightly whispered in his ear, "Let's go."
Su Ling regained his focus and strode away.
Yu Shi Jun confusingly looked at his back figure. Wasn't the General dissatisfied with Madam? Then, why today did he suddenly become so affectionate? Patting his head, Yu Shi Jun scolded himself as meddlesome. It was a problem between the couple, how could he, a bachelor, surmise?
Thousands of people exited the Crow's Valley.
A black figure on the old banyan tree was looking at the troops who gradually disappeared into the forest, "What a good Su Ling." The husky and velvety laughing voice made the birds fly away. His eyes suddenly flashed brightly. It was too fast, preventing people from deciphering the meaning of the flash.
Only half a mile out, Gu Yun quietly said, "Yu Shi Jun, quick! Help me get down."
Yu Shi Jun didn't understand, but he still helped Gu Yun. He used his hand to support Gu Yun's arm. This time, Su Ling didn't stop her, and Gu Yun quickly jumped down.
The blood had been long soaked through the dark red war armour, even Gu Yun's black clothes were covered in blood. The rock residues from the collision with the canyon wall were still stuck on the clothes, attesting to the strength of the collision before.
After enduring for so long, once Gu Yun stepped down, Su Ling helplessly half-knelt on the ground. Yu Shi Jun and Gu Yun quickly supported him.
"General!" Yu Shi Jun didn't realise that the general was badly injured! Damn it!
"Doctor!"
"This subject is present." The accompanying doctor quickly presented himself.
Gu Yun urged, "Quickly look at him!"
"Aye." The doctor didn't dare to be neglectful and quickly examined the wound on Su LIng's back. After examining it, his eyebrows creased deeply and he replied grimly, "The general's wound is very serious. That short arrow had fully penetrated into the right shoulder. It is definitely impossible to take it out here. We need to treat it in the camp."
"For the moment, just stop his bleeding." If his blood continued to flow like this, he would be dead before arriving at the campsite!
Su Ling was still fully conscious and tilted his head with laboured breaths. After several acupoints, his complexion had grown slightly better. He asked, "How is Han Shu?"
The doctor carefully handled the wound while replying, "Please be assured, General. Even though the Vanguard's injuries are not light, his body is very fit. There isn't any danger."
"I've sealed the acupoints. Let's return to the campsite before we talk again." Secretly releasing his breath, Su Ling used Yu Shi Jun's shoulder as a support to stand. He didn't look at Gu Yun beside him. With Yu Shi Jun's arms support, he stubbornly headed back to the camp.
Looking at that bloodied back, Gu Yun's heart became inexplicably irritated.
***
The sky was completely dark. The bonfires in the campsite were lighted. Outside the main tent, a pair of male and female figures walked to and fro. Over time, they became increasingly anxious.
Gu Yun's face showed a worried expression. Su Ren comforted her, "Sister-in-law, don't worry. Big brother's body has always been strong. This little injury won't matter for him." Although his mouth saying those words, in his heart, he was secretly worried. It had been more than two hours. Besides the pots that went out full of blood, there was no news! How could he not worry!
Gu Yun was also not in a mood to speak to him. She was very worried about the well-being of the man inside the tent. Moreover, she was more worried the enemy might take advantage of this situation. Gu Yun quietly spoke, "You should increase the guards in the campsite. I'm afraid they will know about Su Ling's injury and attack here."
"Don't worry. I've already organised everything. If they actually came, it will be much better. The battle in here will be much more beneficial to us than a battle in the rainforest." Since he was left behind in the camp, he had organised everything earlier. Now, he just hoped for big brother's safety.
Speaking of rainforest, Gu Yun remembered there were still 5,000 elites in the rainforest! Damn it, her brain wasn't really working today. "Su Ren, how many doctors came along in this expedition?"
Why did she ask this? Su Ren was uncertain, but he still replied, "Eight, why?"
Gu Yun just smiled, "Could you give me two of them?"
Thinking for a while, Su Ren nodded, "Of course, has something bad happened?" Today's battle at Crow's Valley didn't have many casualties, basically, everything was settled. Why did she need two doctors?
Gu Yun didn't want to keep him in suspense and quickly replied, "Your five thousand elites went to observe the forest today. I estimate a third of them will need a doctor." This time, she impatiently sent them into the forest to try to let them grow by purposely harming them. It was because there was no other way. The time limit was fours day, she had no choice! Counting the time, Gu Yun sighed, "It is almost Xu hour. I will go and take a look at them."
So that was the case, Su Ren said, "Your wound has just been bandaged. I will ask someone to go there and have them return."
Gu Yun shook her head, "Today they cannot return. Night in the rainforest is the scariest. From now on, the real training has just begun. If I was not worried about their lives, doctors should not go there. Tonight I will stay in the forest. You stay here. Take care of Su Ling."
"No, you can't," Su Ren anxiously replied. "The doctor has already told you. If you cannot take care of your wounded arm, it will cause further problems in the future."
Slightly smiling, Gu Yun replied, "I will be careful. I've already told them that I will be waiting there at Xu hour. How can I break my promise?"
The firmness and stubbornness in her eyes definitely didn't lose to Big Brother! Su Ren bitterly smiled, "In any case, I couldn't ask you to stay, could I?"
Gu Yun slightly raised her brows but didn't answer him. Su Ren was helpless, "Okay, I will tell Yu Shi Jun to arrange some people to accompany you."
Gu Yun still wanted to talk more, but looking at Su Ren firmness, she then smiled and replied, "Okay. This place will be your responsibility."
Looking again at the main tent, Gu Yun hesitated for a while. In the end, she didn't go in but just left.
Su Ren looked at Gu Yun's back, secretly guessing the meaning of her gaze before. Was the concern based on the friendship, or just simply gratitude towards his big brother. Was Big brother's 'hero rescuing beauty' able to get the beauty's heart?
"Ah…" A low moan came from the inside of the tent.