Chapter 6: The Critical Moment

The man who spoke so glibly naturally saw Hong Xiaoduo’s expression change, but he felt he had finally found the weak spot to strike at this young woman. I’ll show you who’s stubborn: “Did I hit the nail on the head, missy? Hahaha.”

“I suppose your daily meals are all scavenged from the latrine,” Hong Xiaoduo said, grabbing an object nearby and throwing it at him.

Fan Wu watched the object the young woman threw at his companion. Although he didn't feel it was anything like a flying knife or dart, and it didn't look like she had thrown it with much force, he felt something was off. He drew the whip from his waist and lashed out at the incoming projectile.

Even if this companion was unlikable and deserved to be taught a lesson for his loose tongue, he couldn't just ignore him.

However, he, who was always skilled with a whip, suddenly realized he had missed.

The next moment, his companion, who had been laughing heartily, stopped abruptly. His body leaned backward on the horse, nearly falling off.

“Fu Gang, are you alright?” Fan Wu asked worriedly, watching his companion sway but somehow manage to stay in the saddle.

Fu Gang’s mouth was bulging, and blood was already trickling from the corner of his lips. He frowned and reached into his mouth, struggling to pry something out. Once the object was out, his face turned black upon seeing what it was.

It was a bone, and the lingering scent of meat on it indicated it was quite fresh.

There seemed to be some fragments left near his throat, preventing him from responding to his companion’s inquiry, as he felt that if he were even slightly careless, those bits would slide down his gullet.

Too preoccupied to be angry, he lowered his head and spat gently. The object that came out looked like a bone, but it resembled a tooth.

“Just a moment of carelessness, I was ambushed, it’s nothing,” Fu Gang replied, though he felt strange himself—why did his speech sound so airy? Why couldn't he even say “it’s nothing” clearly?

“Your teeth?” Fan Wu, who had approached, pointed sympathetically at his companion’s mouth to remind him.

His front teeth were all knocked out; how could he call that “nothing”?

Having confirmed his companion was fine, Fan Wu had actually come over out of pure curiosity: what had the young woman thrown to be so accurate and hit with such force?

After seeing what was in Fu Gang’s hand, the look Fan Wu gave him was indescribable.

A dignified guard, having his front teeth knocked out by a bone just chewed on by a young woman—no man with even a shred of self-respect could remain “calm” after such an incident.

Moreover, Fu Gang, this brainless fool, had managed to botch such a simple matter.

But was their master so patient today? Wasn't he in a hurry to get on the road? Fan Wu glanced at the carriage again, feeling very puzzled.

Although the distance between them and Hong Xiaoduo and the children wasn't great, the one adult and seven children only knew they had hit the annoying man; they couldn't see exactly how badly he was injured.

The one adult and seven children were all staring over there. The adult was unsure of her own strength and what kind of damage she could inflict on an opponent; she could kill a wild pheasant or rabbit with a single blow.

But when it came to hitting a person, she had held back quite a bit of strength. After all, no matter how hateful and detestable the other party was, it wasn't a capital offense.

Besides, Hong Xiaoduo didn't intend to take a life. Even if this plot was illusory and not real, she couldn't bring herself to go on a killing spree without a care.

Even now, she wasn't sure about the condition of the villain from yesterday—was he dead or alive?

Even if she met people on the road, she didn't dare ask about it.

To be honest, she was quite conflicted and torn inside.

On one hand, she hoped that person had been killed by her, so she wouldn't have to worry about him coming after her and the children for revenge.

But in any time or dynasty, wasn't murder against the law?

If that villain had really been killed by her, had someone already reported it to the authorities? Were the officials investigating, questioning witnesses, and drawing sketches of her?

Just imagining the scene of her wanted posters plastered everywhere made Hong Xiaoduo feel that such a life would be unbearable.

Therefore, even though the guy named Fu Gang had said such unbearable things, and she was furious, she had no intention of killing him.

“Ah… damn you, wench! I’m going to send you to the afterlife!” Coming to his senses and confirming his front teeth were gone, Fu Gang’s eyes turned red. He drew his sword and spurred his horse toward Hong Xiaoduo.

It was a rare opportunity to travel far with his master, and he had wanted to perform well. Instead, his dignity had been trampled under the embroidered shoes of a young woman. Even if he killed her, he would be mocked and despised later, but he didn't care—if he didn't kill her, he would die of frustration.

“Fu Gang, don't!” Fan Wu quickly shouted to stop him, glanced at the carriage again, and prepared to chase after him to intercept.

Seeing Fu Gang charging over on horseback with his sword raised, Hong Xiaoduo signaled for the older boy to take the other children further away.

The children were scared, wanting to help Hong Xiaoduo but knowing they lacked the ability, so they retreated in a panic, full of worry.

Hong Xiaoduo stood up from the rock and placed her hand on the hilt of her sword. Truth be told, she was terrified inside—who isn't afraid of death?

That sword, that angle—if it had enough force, it could probably decapitate her, right? It would be over in an instant; she probably wouldn't even feel the pain.

In her current identity, she couldn't even be entirely sure she was a martial arts expert!

*Sigh*, if I die, I die. Maybe if I die, this bizarre space-time experience trip will end.

Hong Xiaoduo felt that this man would kill her, but he probably wouldn't take his anger out on the seven children anymore. Even if he was a jerk, that guy named Fan Wu seemed normal enough and would likely stop him.

How should she draw the sword to look more like a martial arts heroine? She still needed to have some flair!

The enraged Fu Gang was getting closer and closer on horseback, sword raised. Hong Xiaoduo watched the blade that was about to descend, telling herself to stay calm and not panic, and began to draw her sword.

She wasn't sure if drawing the sword would help, but she couldn't just stand there and wait for death. She had to try to resist.

Just then, she heard a faint, strange sound. Before she could identify what it was, Fu Gang let out a miserable shriek, and the sword in his hand fell to the ground.

Without his sword, Fu Gang immediately pulled on the reins, and the horse neighed and came to a halt.

Half of Hong Xiaoduo’s sword was still in its scabbard. She looked at Fan Wu, who had caught up, feeling very puzzled: *Did you intervene to help me because you couldn't stand it?*

Fu Gang glared at Fan Wu just as viciously, fire almost erupting from his eyes.

Fan Wu quickly shook his head at both of them, signaling it wasn't him—don't misunderstand!

At this moment, a very displeased voice came from the carriage: “A useless thing who can’t accomplish anything. Why haven't you crawled back yet?”

Upon hearing this voice, Fu Gang’s expression changed instantly. He realized who had ambushed him, and his anger was replaced by panic.

Fan Wu raised his eyebrows at Hong Xiaoduo, as if to say: *See? It was someone else!*

“Yes, Master.” Fu Gang hurriedly responded loudly, dismounted to pick up his fallen sword, and got back on his horse to turn around. Before leaving, he gave Hong Xiaoduo a final, unwilling, and fierce glare.

Fan Wu glanced at Hong Xiaoduo’s waist, then turned his horse around and headed toward the carriage.

Feeling she had escaped a disaster, Hong Xiaoduo let out a soft breath as she slid the half-drawn sword back into its scabbard. *Damn it, it hasn't even been two days, and it’s getting more thrilling by the minute!*

“Mother, you scared us to death.” The children rushed over, eyes brimming with tears.

Hong Xiaoduo didn't know how to comfort them; she wasn't sure of her own strength and didn't dare brag about being a martial arts expert.

She couldn't just say empty words like “it’s okay, don't worry.”

Sitting back on the rock, a mountain breeze blew by, and Hong Xiaoduo felt a chill all over. Only then did she realize that just a moment ago, she had broken out in a cold sweat from the tension!

She didn't tell the children to pack up and leave immediately; today’s matter wasn't over yet.

She had noticed just now that when Fu Gang dismounted to pick up his sword, he used his left hand. His right hand was hanging limp, and she couldn't see the extent of the injury, but if he couldn't even pick up his sword, it must be quite serious.

The master of these two was quite ruthless!

Watching the two guards ride back to the carriage, Fu Gang dismounted and knelt beside it, while Fan Wu rode back toward her.

The seven children, despite their young age, were somewhat good at reading people. Seeing Fan Wu ride over, although they didn't know why, they weren't as panicked as before.

After Fan Wu approached, he didn't dismount but looked at Hong Xiaoduo.

He was waiting for Hong Xiaoduo to speak, but after waiting a while, he realized she had no intention of asking.

“You bold young woman, aren't you curious why I’ve come over?” Fan Wu had no choice but to speak...