The group returned to the main camp, where Su Yu had been eagerly awaiting their return. Seeing that everyone was safe and sound, he finally put his mind at ease.
Just now, he had been staying by his grandfather's side to protect him, while also worrying about the safety of his younger brothers and sisters, his heart wishing he could split himself into two halves.
"How is it? Are you all unhurt?"
"We're fine, big brother. How is grandfather?"
"What could happen to me? Why did Su Yue go too? In the future, let your elder brothers handle such matters. You're just a girl, stay by our grandfather's side."
"Grandfather, I'm not so fragile. I woke up just then and went to take a look."
"These people are simply relentless," said Su Yu, feeling somewhat overwhelmed these past few days.
Su Yu was also unsettled in his heart. Those people really did not want the Su family to return to the Capital City, employing such great resources - so many well-trained Covert Guards, as well as many martial artists from the jianghu. Their financial resources and influence were not to be underestimated.
"Don't overthink it. When the troops come, we'll stop them; when the waters rise, we'll dam them. Dawn is approaching, go get some more rest. Tomorrow... we'll talk about tomorrow when it comes," said Su Huan. He too knew the peril of this journey, and was aware of his grandsons' capabilities which had been put through such an ordeal.
"Third brother, you go rest. I'll go check on the wounded."
"Big brother, let me go instead."
"Don't dawdle. You've worked harder on this journey, and there's also Su Yue. Go rest a bit more, we have to set off again at daybreak."
Watching the children leave, Su Huan called out in a low voice, "Come out."
In an instant, a black figure appeared inside the tent, "What are your orders, General?"
"How many capable men do you have on your side?"
"Including myself, twenty-eight men in total. All handpicked elites, each one capable of taking on a hundred foes."
"Assign a few to stay close to each of my grandsons - Su Yu, Su Yu, and Su Yue - as well as the Divine Doctor Xuan and his apprentice. Protect them at all costs, no matter what."
"But General, our mission is to never leave your side and ensure your complete safety."
"What? You cannot follow my orders? If I cannot even protect my own family, then there is no need to protect me!"
"...I will assign three men each to your grandsons. The remaining few will have to stay by your side, General."
"Good."
The next morning, everyone prepared to depart.
In just over ten days, the soldiers and officers who had initially been in high spirits had been worn down to this exhausted state. Even with Su Yue constantly adding Spiritual Spring Water to their food and drinks, it had little effect. Fortunately, they would reach the Capital City in a few more days.
However, the final few days would likely be even more arduous.
"Big brother, how are you feeling today? You didn't get much rest last night," said Su Yue, riding up next to Su Yu and handing him two bottles of Spiritual Spring Water.
"Su Yue, your cousin is fine. Xuan Little Three said this is a precious item, you should keep it for yourself and save it for a critical moment."
"It's alright, big cousin," Su Yue insisted, tossing the Spiritual Spring Water to Su Yu.
At this point, Xuan Little Three also rode over. "Take it, you look like a ghost."
Su Yu smiled and didn't refuse further, drinking one of the bottles. Having known Xuan Little Three for many years, he knew the latter's poisonous tongue - even when concerned for Su Yu's well-being, he couldn't say anything nice. Soon after drinking it, Su Yu felt his mind clearing and his strength returning. This little cousin of his had truly been their blessing on this journey.
Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!
"Be careful, there's a rain of arrows!"
As the group took defensive measures, several dozen black-clothed figures flew in from a hundred meters away, quickly engaging in battle.
Su Yu and Xuan Little Four led the vanguard in fending them off, while Su Yu stood in front of Su Huan to guard him. This time, the enemy forces were numerous, and each an expert fighter. Su Yue and Xuan Little Three also rushed forward to help.
"Su Yue!" Su Huan hurriedly tried to stop her but was a step too late, as she had already reached the battlefield. Su Huan's eyes darkened - once he returned to the Capital City, not a single one of those people would live well.
"Yu, you go help."
"Grandfather, I must stay by your side."
"Get lost! I don't need you here, go help quickly."
"Grandfather, no matter what you say, I won't leave you. Nothing is more important than your safety."
"You brat, you won't even listen to me? An, come out."
Seeing a black-clothed figure instantly appear before him, Su Yu was about to draw his sword when Su Huan held him back and glared at him. "Send someone to take a look."
The black-clothed figure's low voice rang out, "The assigned men went out last night."
"Then why aren't they helping?"
"They won't act until it becomes a life-or-death situation."
"You...scoundrels!" Su Huan was so angry his chest heaved up and down.
Meanwhile, Su Yue and the others felt their efforts waning. The reinforcements that had just arrived were also almost wiped out. These enemies were all top experts, coming in endless waves. As soon as the previous few dozen were eliminated, another group would arrive. Seeing this, Su Yue knew direct confrontation was futile.
"Xuan Little Three, catch!" she shouted, tossing out a porcelain bottle while pulling Su Yu and Xuan Little Four away.
Xuan Little Three struck it in mid-air - Bang! White smoke billowed forth. Su Yue quickly fed the antidote pills to Su Yu, Xuan Little Four, and the remaining Su family soldiers, retreating from the poison smoke area.
Once the white smoke dissipated, a swath of black-clothed figures lay on the ground. Su Yu was stunned - his little cousin's poison was truly formidable.
"Go check it out." The remaining soldiers immediately went to inspect, stabbing each body in the chest just in case.
"Third cousin, let's hurry back and keep moving. We can't linger here, there are bound to be many more enemy forces coming. It's dangerous up ahead at the cliff, we need to get past it quickly."
"Yeah, let's go."
The group swiftly returned to the main forces. Upon seeing them, Su Huan and Su Yu came forward to meet them. "Are you hurt?"
"Grandfather, we're unharmed. But we must hurry, we can't stay in this area for long. The terrain isn't favorable for defending against the enemy."
"Alright, Yu, make the arrangements."
"Yes!"
Soon, they had tended to the wounded, secured their supplies, and set off again.
However, just as they reached the most treacherous mountainous stretch, more enemies attacked.
Su Yu led the vanguard, while Su Yu and the others remained at the rear to fend off pursuers. But this time, the black-clothed fighters were numerous, and the terrain was hazardous. Su Yu, Su Yue, and the others quickly became fatigued, and Su Yu and Xuan Little Four were both injured.
Whoosh!
An arrow came flying through the air. "Third cousin, watch out!"
Su Yue swung her long whip to deflect the arrow, but more came through the air. To avoid them, Su Yu stumbled and fell off the cliff into the abyss below - a fall from that height onto the rocks meant certain death.
In this moment of crisis, "Big White, go!"
"Woof!"
A huge white wolf over two meters tall appeared before everyone's eyes. It bounded down the cliff face like lightning, grabbing Su Yu's belt in its jaws, and rapidly climbing back up the opposite cliff to the top.
While everyone was still stunned, Xuan Little Three flicked his wrists and several poisoned needles flew out, striking the black-clothed figures in front squarely between the brows. Su Yue also tossed out porcelain bottles - Bang! Poison smoke billowed forth. Su Yue, Xuan Little Three, and Xuan Little Four swiftly retreated from the area.
