A Karmic Bond from a Past Life, Enmity in This Life

Zhu Biao was riding a white horse with his head held high, his expression shifting between light and dark. Since Luan Tingyu had come to his side, he was full of confidence and thought that capturing that beast Wang Ying would be a piece of cake. But to his surprise, he hadn't seen a trace of Wang Ying since leaving Zhu Family Village. He had searched all the places where Wang Ying had been before, but there was no sign of him at all. He had no idea where that beast had gone.

Luan Tingyu had advised Zhu Biao to return to Zhu Family Village first, and that he could search for Wang Ying outside. However, Zhu Biao refused and insisted on capturing Wang Ying himself. Luan Tingyu was somewhat helpless. Zhu Biao was good in every way, but sometimes he was too stubborn. With him around, he felt constrained and couldn't go far, lest something happen to Zhu Biao. However, Zhu Biao's presence did affect his actions.

The two men, along with fifty villagers, continued their journey in a dejected manner, with no one knowing their destination. Just then, it seemed that many people were approaching them from afar. Luan Tingyu immediately became alert and slowly picked up his iron rod. Zhu Biao was somewhat nervous, as there were far more people in the distance than they were. Although Luan Tingyu was formidable, he himself did not possess his abilities.

Luan Tingyu turned around and shouted, "Prepare for battle!"

These servants were all trained by Luan Tingyu and were very vigilant. Immediately, all the servants took out their knives and prepared for battle.

As the crowd slowly approached, Zhu Biao breathed a sigh of relief. It turned out to be a government army force of about three hundred men, led by a general who was not yet thirty.

When the general saw Zhu Biao and Luan Tingyu, he stopped his horse, raised his hand, and the troops immediately came to a halt.

The general rode forward and asked, "Who are you, and why are you here with so many people?" The presence of so many people made him wary.

Zhu Biao immediately rode forward, clasped his hands in greeting, and said, "I am Zhu Biao, the third son of Zhu Chaofeng, the head of Zhu Family Manor. That is my master, known in the martial arts world as Iron Cudgel Luan Tingyu." Luan Tingyu cupped his hands in return but did not step forward.

Seeing Luan Tingyu's arrogance, the general was displeased and ignored him, saying to Zhu Biao, "Since you're not a thief, leave quickly."

Having finished speaking and preparing to lead his men onward, Zhu Biao said, "I still don't know the general's name? May I ask what brings you here, or if there's anything I can do for you?"

Zhu Biao reasoned that although the general was young, he was leading several hundred soldiers and swaggering around on the road, so he must hold a high position. Since he couldn't find Wang Ying anyway, he figured he might as well befriend the general. If the general needed anything, he could help him and gain his favor, and maybe even earn some merit.

The Zhu Family Village has always followed the government's lead, which is why they were able to become such a powerful local force in Dulonggang. They were essentially a local armed force with their own private army. Otherwise, if they didn't bribe the government and maintain good relations with them, they would be accused of inciting a rebellion in no time.

The general laughed and said, "My name is Huang Xin. I have been ordered to go to Erlong Mountain to suppress bandits. I see that you are also skilled in martial arts. If you want to help, why don't we go together?"

Zhu Biao was overjoyed: "That's exactly what I was thinking."

Huang Xin said, "In that case, why don't you bring your men and follow me?"

Zhu Biao nodded and said, "Then please go first, General Huang. I will follow shortly."

Huang Xin nodded and waved his hand, and the troops continued their march. Zhu Biao rode up to Luan Tingyu and told him what had just happened, preparing to go and help. Luan Tingyu looked somewhat displeased. To be honest, he really looked down on that Huang Xin. His martial arts skills were mediocre, but he was arrogant and haughty. He disdained to associate with him.

Zhu Biao patiently said, "Master, since we can't find Wang Ying anyway, why don't we go to Erlong Mountain together?"

Luan Tingyu let out a breath and said, "Since we can't find Wang Ying, we should just go back to Zhu Family Village. Why bother with the government's affairs?"

Zhu Biao chuckled and said, "I know that Master has always disdained dealing with the government, but my Zhu Family Village often has dealings with the government. I was thinking that after conquering the mountain, there would be a ready-made credit to be gained. I hope Master will lend me a hand and promise that this will not happen again." After saying that, he dismounted and respectfully bowed to Luan Tingyu.

Luan Tingyu sighed and said, "Fine, I'll go with you!"

Zhu Biao smiled broadly and said, "With Master here, this matter will surely be accomplished easily."

Luan Tingyu gazed into the distance without speaking. In truth, he disliked officialdom, even loathed it. Otherwise, with his abilities, there was no need for him to remain a martial arts instructor in Zhu Family Village. His junior brother, Sun Li, was serving as a military commander in Dengzhou and had written several times inviting him to join him. However, he had always declined, not wanting to get involved in the treacherous world of officialdom. This time, for Zhu Biao's sake, he was cooperating with the government for the first time.

"Fine, let them see what I'm capable of." With that thought, he turned to Zhu Biao and said, "Let's not fall too far behind, let them catch up."

In the secluded, dense forest, a beautiful young woman was riding a horse swiftly through this desolate "abyss," with another girl following closely behind, calling out repeatedly:

"Miss, wait for me! Don't ride so fast!"

The girl was a little impatient and ignored the maid's words, continuing to whip the horse's rump. The maid had no choice but to squeeze the horse's belly tightly to keep herself from falling off.

Just then, a rustling sound came from a thicket in the dense forest ahead. The girl sighed and tightened the reins. The maid breathed a sigh of relief. If they continued running like this, she would definitely fall off the horse. Even if she didn't fall off, if something happened to her mistress, her responsibility would be even greater.

The young girl dismounted and walked into the bushes. The maid sighed. This young lady was good in every way, but she was too impatient. Especially this time, she brought her out alone to find the wine seller. She didn't know how treacherous people could be. If the other party had any bad intentions, then it would be really troublesome.

The girl was Hu Rong. The maid was about to speak when the girl waved her hand, and the maid had no choice but to remain silent.

Hu Rong found a tree, tied her big red horse to it, and her maid led the horse to a tree next to it. The maid approached Hu Rong and said, "Miss, isn't this too risky? How can I explain to Master if something happens?"

Hu Rong stuck out her tongue and said playfully, "Besides you, I don't know who else I could ask to be with me."

A few days ago, Hu Rong left Li Family Village and returned to Hu Family Village. She originally planned to ask Li Ying for help. With Li Ying around, he could easily deal with the servants of Zhu Family Village or the people who came with bounties from the martial arts world, except for that annoying teacher from Zhu Family Village, Luan Tingyu.

Luan Tingyu always had a dark face, and Li Ying really didn't want to see him. However, although Luan Tingyu was strong, Li Ying was not afraid of him. Li Ying had always been dissatisfied with Luan Tingyu, but because of Master Li, he had never dared to challenge him.

Li Ying has taken care of me like an older brother since I was a child, and he is one of the people I trust the most.

Even though Li Ying wasn't there, Wang Ying still needed to be found. Otherwise, if the Zhu family found her, given Zhu Biao's vengeful nature, Wang Ying would probably have a hard time even if she wanted to die a quick death. Thinking of this, Hu Rong immediately called her maid Xiao Min and rode away from the Hu family to find Wang Ying.

As long as Wang Ying is found before Zhu Family Village and then brought to Hu Family Village, she doesn't believe Zhu Family Village would dare to forcibly come and snatch her away.

On the way, the two heard people talking that Zhu Biao and Luan Tingyu, the three sons of Zhu Family Village, had personally come to arrest Wang Ying. Now she could no longer ride her horse slowly, so she picked up the whip and began to urge the horse to speed up.

The maid could barely ride a horse. When she encountered the crazy Hu Rong, all she could do was complain and follow closely. Hu Rong wished the horse had four more legs, but she just felt it wasn't fast enough.

I recalled the first time I met Wang Ying. He was so much older than me, not handsome, and not tall, but for some reason, he had an invisible charm that attracted me. It had nothing to do with liking him; I just didn't want anything to happen to him.

But the fact that they eat human hearts and livers is also a point of doubt for Hu Rong. She wonders if the Zhu Family Village has found the wrong person, but the wine seller they found is clearly Wang Ying. Perhaps she will only know the truth after meeting him.

"Miss, you should take your weapon!" The maid called out to Hu Rong, who was about to walk into the bushes.

Hu Rong thought it made sense, so she picked up her weapon, the Sun and Moon Twin Blades, from her horse and said to the maid, "You wait for me here."

Reaching the edge of the bushes, Hu Rong called out softly, "Wang Ying, is that you?"

A burst of laughter came from the bushes, and then a man jumped out and shouted, "Wang Ying is here!"

Hu Rong was taken aback. She thought it was Wang Ying, but instead a short man appeared who was three parts ridiculous and seven parts ugly, with lewd movements and a ferocious face. The short man was holding a thick copper stick, which was taller than him, making him look like a comical big monkey.

Hu Rong was on guard. The short man looked at the delicate girl in front of him, a lewd smile appeared on his ugly face, and his triangular eyes stared at Hu Rong with a lewd look, almost drooling.

Hu Rong was enraged by the short man's lewd gaze. She brandished her twin swords and shouted, "You shorty, if you look at me again, I'll gouge your eyes out!"

Wang Ying said lewdly, "I've been getting really annoyed by the Zhu Family Village lately, and it's been a long time since I've tasted a woman's flavor. Heaven is really kind to me; today, such a beauty has actually come knocking on my door. She looks like she's still a virgin, hahaha." He then burst into unrestrained laughter.

At this moment, more than a dozen people jumped out from the side. The leader was a big man with curly hair, red hair and yellow beard. If Song Jiang were there, he would definitely be surprised to see this man's appearance. This man looked like a white European or American, except that his skin was a little yellow.

The leader looked at Hu Rong coldly, his face expressionless.

Hu Rong was annoyed by being stared at, and gripped her twin swords tightly. However, she also knew that the situation was unfavorable, so she was on guard and did not make a move rashly.

Wang Ying chuckled and said, "Brother, since we're heading to Qingfeng Mountain soon anyway, why don't we let the brothers have some fun before we go?"

The leader, Yan Shun, glared at Wang Ying and reprimanded him, "Quickly finish this, leave no survivors."

Wang Ying sighed, "Such a beauty, it would be a pity to kill her. I'd rather take her with me as my wife."

Yan Shun shook his head and said, "We're pressed for time right now. The Zhu Family Village is tearing us apart like mad dogs. Once we get to Qingfeng Mountain, you can do whatever you want with them."

The man behind spoke up: "Brother, there are two more horses and a woman over there."

Yan Shun and Wang Ying were focused on Hu Rong and didn't look behind them. When they heard their underling's voice, they looked ahead and saw the woman who had been surrounded looking anxious and searching for something.

Yan Shun said, "Hurry up and go, don't let her ride away. Having a horse will make things much easier for us."

Wang Ying chuckled and said, "Leave them alive, good things come in pairs, hahahahaha."

The two henchmen nodded and quickly ran towards the maid with their knives in hand.

Hu Rong was annoyed. These people were too rude, as if she were meat on a chopping board to be slaughtered by them. At the same time, she blamed herself for being impulsive. Zhu Family Village clearly said that they were looking for Wang Ying, the sleazy man in front of her, but she thought it was Jiang Ming, and got herself into this mess for nothing, and even put herself in a dangerous situation.

Thinking of this, she turned around and shouted, "Quickly ride back to find reinforcements!" With that, she brandished her twin swords and attacked the two henchmen.

Hu Rong's swordsmanship was passed down from a famous master, and she was exceptionally skilled. The two henchmen were caught off guard and were cut down to the ground.

However, Hu Rong was young and had never killed anyone before, so she didn't hit any vital organs. Although the two henchmen were injured, they were not in any danger of losing their lives.

Wang Ying teased, "Young lady, you have quite the kung fu! Watch this!"

He raised his bronze staff and attacked Hu Rong. Seeing the staff's fierce approach, Hu Rong raised her twin swords to block the attack. Boom! The metal clashed. Hu Rong's hands went numb, and she almost dropped her swords. She sighed inwardly, "This shorty has incredible strength."

Wang Ying swung his staff at Hu Rong's waist again. Having learned her lesson, Hu Rong took two steps back instead of engaging Wang Ying head-on. Wang Ying's staff missed its target, and he immediately turned the staff around and thrust it at Hu Rong's chest.

The copper staff hurtled towards Hu Rong like a gust of wind. Unable to dodge, Hu Rong could only cross her twin swords at her chest. With a thud, the copper staff struck the swords, forcing Hu Rong back five or six steps to dissipate the powerful impact. A sweet taste rose in her throat, and she was about to spit out a mouthful of blood.

Hu Rong swallowed the blood, gripped her twin knives tightly, and her expression turned cold.

Wang Ying, seeing that he had failed to defeat the woman in front of him after three consecutive blows, became somewhat angry and raised his stick to continue striking Hu Rong.

At this time, Hu Rong was still a minor, and her swordsmanship was not yet fully developed. She had basically never had any real combat experience, and her combat experience was not as rich as Wang Ying's. Her strength was also inferior to Wang Ying's. Most importantly, she was good at mounted combat, and in foot combat, the disadvantage of a sword was that it was not as long as a staff. It could be said that she was suppressed in all aspects.

However, her competitive nature, honed since childhood, fueled her fighting spirit even more. Seeing the crazed dwarf before her, she knew what fate awaited her if she were to lose. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw the maidservant already mounted her horse and heading back in the direction they had come from. A sneer appeared on her lips as she made up her mind.

Hu Rong looked at Wang Ying and said, "You wretched little dwarf, take this knife from me!"

Enraged, Wang Ying swung his copper cudgel at Hu Rong. Hu Rong grabbed her single-edged sword and shouted, "Take this!" Startled, Wang Ying saw Hu Rong's movement as if she were about to throw the sword at him. He hurriedly raised his cudgel to block, but it was just a feint. Hu Rong turned and ran. Wang Ying cursed under his breath and chased after her with his cudgel. Suddenly, Hu Rong stopped, took out a red cotton lasso, and threw it at Wang Ying. Before he could react, the lasso caught him. Hu Rong pulled hard, and Wang Ying stumbled forward, falling to the ground. The copper cudgel was already out of his hand. Hu Rong raised her sword and slashed at Wang Ying's head, shouting, "Remember, the one who will take your life, you lecherous thief, is Hu Sanniang!"