Chapter 5: Bullying Me? I'll Drug You All!

“Wuwu~”

The burly man was tenacious. While struggling to pry away the hands Li Sanlang had clamped over his nose and mouth, he kicked and thrashed with all his might.

Seeing this, Li Wuya expressionlessly stabbed him again.

The burly man’s thrashing immediately weakened.

Li Sanlang held his nose and mouth tightly to prevent him from making a sound. Before long, the man’s hands fell limp, and his body stopped moving entirely.

Only then did he loosen his grip slightly. He checked the man’s carotid artery, and once he was certain the man was dead, he gasped for air and slid off the body, completely drained of strength.

“Third Brother!”

Li Wuya hurried forward to support him. Seeing the arrow embedded in Li Sanlang’s thin shoulder, her small face was filled with cold intensity.

Seeing her expression, Li Sanlang forced a smile. “Don’t be afraid, Wuya, Third Brother is fine.” With that, he gritted his teeth and yanked the arrow out.

Li Wuya was startled. She quickly covered the wound with her hand, activating her healing ability. Countless pale green specks of light, invisible to the naked eye, rapidly submerged into the wound.

Within moments, the blood that had been flowing through her fingers gradually stopped.

Li Sanlang only felt a slight itching sensation in the wound, and the pain had subsided significantly. Because they were in danger, he didn't have the luxury of paying close attention to it.

Having initially stanched the bleeding, Li Wuya withdrew her hand.

Now was not the time for healing. They had killed one of the burly men, and it wouldn't be long before his accomplices came looking. They had to hide in the secret passage immediately.

“Third Brother, there’s a secret passage behind the unused stove. Let’s hide down there quickly; Qilang is waiting for us.”

Hearing this, Li Sanlang’s face lit up with joy.

Why had he rushed into the post station after that group of men broke in, if not out of concern for his younger siblings’ safety? Now that they were both safe, the heart he had been holding in his throat finally settled back into place.

With Li Wuya’s help, Li Sanlang quickly stood up.

The unused stove was only a few meters away. Just as the siblings were hurrying toward it, the sound of blades and arrows clashing suddenly erupted outside.

Immediately after, a burly man charged into the kitchen.

At that moment, Li Wuya was supporting Li Sanlang, having just reached the front of the unused stove.

*How could this be?!*

Li Wuya stared blankly at the man who had suddenly appeared before them.

*How could he have come so fast?!*

Her spiritual perception had been extended the entire time. When she helped Li Sanlang up, that group of men had clearly still been in the main hall.

Only a few seconds had passed, yet he had made it from the hall to the kitchen.

Huyan He looked expressionlessly at the corpse on the floor, then cast a cold, icy gaze toward Li Wuya and Li Sanlang.

Seeing this, Li Sanlang swallowed hard, but still hurriedly stepped in front of Li Wuya.

At this moment, Li Wuya’s heart was pounding violently. As Huyan He prepared to walk toward them, she spoke quickly: “We didn’t kill him, please don’t kill us.”

Huyan He remained unmoved. In a few strides, he reached the siblings, swatted Li Sanlang away with one palm, and then grabbed Li Wuya by the throat, lifting her up with ease.

“Who killed my man?”

He didn't believe these two children could kill a sixth-rank martial artist, but he had to find out who the attacker was.

Had someone from Zhuang Yutang’s side infiltrated them?

Or was there a master hiding in the post station capable of killing a sixth-rank martial artist without a sound?

With her throat constricted and unable to breathe, Li Wuya’s face quickly turned red and purple.

Li Sanlang tried to get up to save his sister, but Huyan He’s strike had been too heavy; he had been slammed into the wall and then fell heavily to the floor. He struggled several times but couldn't stand up.

Li Wuya slapped Huyan He’s hand heavily. “It was... an... uncle.”

Seeing Li Wuya stuttering, Huyan He frowned. He loosened his grip, and Li Wuya fell from the air, landing hard on the ground.

“Hoo~”

“Hoo~”

“Hoo~”

Li Wuya gasped for air. The man in front of her was too strong; she couldn't fight him head-on. She had to distract him first and then find a chance to save herself.

“It was an uncle with a full beard.”

“That uncle came into the kitchen to steal food. I was hiding in the firewood and saw him.”

“He was about to leave after stealing the food, but then it suddenly got chaotic outside, so he hid on the roof.” She pointed at the burly man on the floor.

“After he came in, he saw the uncle on the roof. The uncle jumped down, stabbed him twice, killed him, and then just vanished.”

“And then, you came in.”

Huyan He narrowed his eyes, staring silently at Li Wuya.

Li Wuya hunched her shoulders, looking thoroughly terrified.

“Why were you in the kitchen?”

A hint of awkwardness appeared on Li Wuya’s face. She lowered her head and whispered, “I came to steal food, too.” She looked up and added a defense, “I only stole half a piece of dry steamed bun, nothing more.”

Huyan He rubbed the hilt of his blade. Arrogant as he was, he didn't believe a five-year-old child would dare to lie to him under his sharp gaze.

Even if she dared to lie, she wouldn't be able to do so without leaving a single flaw.

Huyan He believed Li Wuya’s story. “If you see that man again, would you be able to recognize him?”

With Zhuang Yutang outside and a master of unknown motives inside, he was somewhat worried.

However, thinking that the secret letter had already been sent away by Huyan Ji, he relaxed slightly.

But if possible, it would be better to find that person.

Li Wuya nodded quickly. “Yes!”

Only then did Huyan He put away his murderous intent and look around the kitchen. “Where is the food?”

Li Wuya pointed to the cupboard. Without waiting for orders, she ran over and opened it, revealing two full baskets of dry steamed buns.

Seeing this, Huyan He’s expression softened slightly.

At this moment, Li Sanlang also struggled to his feet and staggered to Li Wuya’s side.

Having found food, Huyan He untied the waterskin from his waist and walked to the water vat to get water.

To his surprise, the vat was empty.

Seeing this, Huyan He’s expression darkened. He turned to Li Wuya and Li Sanlang. “Bring the buns and come back to the main hall with me.”

Li Wuya noticed the cracked skin on Huyan He’s lips. Her eyes flickered, and she asked in a low voice, “Do you want some pickled vegetables?”

Huyan He raised an eyebrow and looked at Li Wuya, thinking: *This little girl is quite observant. It would be a pity to kill her. If I can escape from Zhuang Yutang, she would be good material to train as a spy from a young age.*

“Then what are you waiting for? Go get them.”

The pickle jar was over a meter tall and sat in the corner of the kitchen. Li Wuya took two large bowls to retrieve them. After filling both bowls, as she was putting the lid back on, she crouched down and quickly grabbed the rat poison hidden behind the jar.

Carrying the buns and the pickles, Li Sanlang and Li Wuya were pushed out of the kitchen.

“*Whoosh!*”

A sharp arrow flew in and embedded itself right in front of the siblings.

“Zhuang Yutang, go ahead and shoot! They’re just two children; killing them is no loss.”

Huyan He’s mocking voice rang out. He then barked coldly at Li Sanlang and Li Wuya, “Keep walking, or if the arrows don’t kill you, I will.”

Li Sanlang and Li Wuya didn't dare to linger and hurried toward the main hall.

During this time, no more arrows were fired from outside the post station.

Just as the siblings stepped over the threshold of the main hall, a gust of wind blew from behind them, and they saw Huyan He flash into the hall.

*Such speed!*

*This must be light-foot kung fu!*

In Li Wuya’s lowered eyes, a fiery light flickered.

“The food is here, come and get it!”

Huyan He called out. The burly men in the hall swarmed over, snatched the buns from the baskets in a few moments, and began eating them greedily with the pickles.

The buns were hard and dry, and the pickles were salty and spicy. Soon, the men began looking for water.

Their group had been chased for days and nights; the water in their skins had long since run out.

After a few buns, even Huyan He felt incredibly thirsty.

“Boss, let me take these two little ones to the kitchen again to get some water?” one of the burly men asked Huyan He.

Huyan He shook his head. “There’s no water in the kitchen.”

Hearing this, the expressions of the burly men changed.

“What are we going to do?”

“Even if we can endure it for now, we need to refill our waterskins.”

Huyan He looked around at the people in the hall.

There was no water in the kitchen, but there was still water in the well.

However, the well was in the front courtyard.

As long as they stepped out of the room, Zhuang Yutang would order his men to shoot. Therefore, to get water, they had to send someone else from the post station.

He didn't trust the adults; he was certain that once they were let out and away from their control, they would run for their lives.

Huyan He had no choice but to look at Li Sanlang and Li Wuya.

These two little ones were siblings; as long as he held one, he didn't have to worry about the other not returning.

“You, go out and fetch a bucket of water!” Huyan He pointed at Li Sanlang.

Li Sanlang didn't dare to refuse. He glanced at Li Wuya and was pushed out of the main hall.

As soon as he stepped out, the cavalry outside the post station raised their bows and arrows.

Seeing this, Huyan He sneered. “If Zhuang Yutang really dared to order them to shoot, I would think more highly of him. A garrison commander with such womanly kindness is truly foolish. But... thanks to this flaw of his, we’ve gained a chance to escape.”

Li Wuya stood at the entrance of the main hall, watching Li Sanlang nervously.

Li Sanlang had an injury on his left shoulder. It took a great deal of effort for him to draw a bucket of water, and he staggered back toward the hall with the bucket.

As Li Sanlang stepped into the doorway, Li Wuya quickly ran over to help. Using her body to block the blind spot, she quickly sprinkled the rat poison she had been holding into the bucket.

Li Sanlang saw this, his eyes flickering. He quickly lowered his head, hiding all his emotions.

After the bucket was brought into the hall, several burly men crowded around impatiently, reaching their hands into the bucket.

Li Wuya was quick-witted and used a bowl to scoop up a portion, carrying it toward Huyan He.

When she reached him, she didn't speak. She set the bowl down, gave a fawning smile, and then carefully retreated to Li Sanlang’s side, lowering her head and trying to ignore the sharp gaze he had fixed on her.

This man was too perceptive; she couldn't let him notice anything unusual.

Huyan He looked at Li Wuya with interest, once again marveling at how sensible this little girl was.

Having spent years on the road, he wasn't a fastidious man. It wasn't exactly clean for his men to reach into the bucket, but it wasn't unacceptable either.

However, having clean water to drink was better after all.

Huyan He picked up the bowl and gulped the water down in a few swallows.

Soon, the entire bucket of water was consumed by the Northern Yan men.

Seeing this, a faint, imperceptible smile appeared on the corner of Li Wuya’s mouth, which quickly vanished.

“Go, fetch another bucket.”

A burly man threw the bucket to Li Sanlang. Li Wuya stepped forward first to pick it up. As she handed it to Li Sanlang, she whispered in a voice so low it was almost inaudible: “Don’t come back in after you go out.”

With that, she stepped aside.

Li Sanlang’s grip on the bucket tightened. He didn't show any reaction and hurried out of the hall.

As soon as he left, Li Wuya took the opportunity to tidy up the baskets and bowls, moving toward the corner without drawing attention.

She didn't know if these men would still have the strength to attack after being poisoned, so it was best to stay out of the way.

Not long after, Huyan He’s expression suddenly shifted, though he quickly returned to normal.

Then, Li Wuya saw Huyan He stand up.

“Keep a close eye on the people in the hall.”

After saying this, Huyan He walked straight toward the postmaster’s room.

Others might not have noticed, but Huyan He’s footsteps were now somewhat unsteady and light.

“Ah~”

Just as Huyan He pushed open the door to the postmaster’s room, he heard his subordinate’s scream. His expression sank, and he rushed into the room, heading straight for the secret passage entrance.

*Damn it, they’ve been poisoned!*

In the main hall, seeing the burly men collapsing, foaming at the mouth, and twitching, the hostages were all stunned.

Li Wuya saw that a few men who had drunk less water were less affected and were still standing. She shouted, “What are you waiting for? Hurry and subdue them!”

After shouting, she didn't care how they responded and quickly chased after him into the postmaster’s room.

In the secret passage, Huyan He ran while trying to circulate his internal energy to force out the poison.

Unfortunately, the effect was negligible.

The rat poison prepared by the post station was primarily arsenic; this wasn't a poison one could just dispel at will.

After running a few hundred meters, Huyan He felt dizzy, nauseous, and worst of all, he couldn't summon his internal energy.

Poisoned, he wasn't as sharp as before, and he didn't even notice that Li Wuya had followed him.

Li Wuya didn't dare to underestimate Huyan He. She followed at a distance, and only when she saw him stumbling and swaying did she start throwing stones at him.

“*Bang, bang, bang!*”

Without internal energy to protect his body, Huyan He was soon battered and bleeding from the stones.

“That’s for hitting my brother, and for grabbing my neck! I’ll beat you to death!”

“Bullying me? I’ll kill you!”

Before long, Huyan He was beaten to the ground.

At this point, Huyan He had no strength left to resist. When he heard the voice of a young girl in the secret passage, his eyes widened as if they were about to pop out.

“It’s you... you were the one who poisoned us!”

Before this, he had always assumed that Zhuang Yutang had sent someone to infiltrate the post station to poison them. He had truly never imagined that the person who poisoned them was that little girl!

Five years old! How could a five-year-old child have such schemes?

And she hadn't let him notice a single flaw the entire time!

Huyan He was filled with regret. If he had known, he should have killed her with one strike when he saw her in the kitchen.

*I’ve spent my life hunting geese, only to have my eyes pecked out by a gosling!*

Huyan He gave a miserable laugh. He, a Northern Yan eighth-rank master, had actually fallen into the hands of a five-year-old child. If this got out, the ancestors of the Huyan family would crawl out from the ground to discipline him.

“Trash, not even as good as the one before. At least that guy dodged quite a few of my attacks.”

Li Wuya didn't dare to get close to Huyan He—who knew if he had any trump cards left? She stood six or seven meters away, scolding him while throwing stones.

Huyan He had already resigned himself to his fate and closed his eyes, but upon hearing this, he suddenly opened them. Using his last breath, he asked sharply, “What do you mean? What person before?”

Li Wuya kindly explained, “The one you sent to deliver the secret letter.”

“*Pfft~*”

A mouthful of blood sprayed from Huyan He’s mouth. “You... you... what happened to him?”

Li Wuya was very blunt. “He died. You should hurry up and join him. Let’s stop talking; we have nothing to talk about, and throwing stones is tiring.”

Huyan He couldn't catch his breath. He stared with bulging eyes at the dark ceiling of the secret passage, the light in his eyes fading bit by bit.

He had thought that even if they all died, as long as the Great Chu military defense map reached the Northern Yan camp, their deaths would have been worth it.

But why had even that wish been shattered?!