Chapter 98: 95 Movement Part 1

The tip of the blade pointed directly at Zhang Rongfang and the rest of the ninth squad.

Even the rest of the supervisory team members behind Ouyang Jianrong stepped forward, with their swords aimed at a few people.

The faces of the members of the ninth squad were either flushed or pale. Everyone felt tightness in their hearts, as if a heavy rock had been placed on them.

Although there were only three members of the supervisory team, there were hundreds of soldiers searching around.

At this moment, Ouyang Jianrong, as the supreme commander, also possessed tremendous martial power…..

If they defied orders…. there was only one outcome.

Zhang Rongfang took a deep breath.

He also knew that with hundreds of soldiers present, they could provide immediate support.

Even though those soldiers were here to block and surround, if he really made a move, these forces would immediately turn into an enemy attacking him.

This is the power of authority!

Right now, he had less authority than Ouyang Jianrong, so he was forced to charge.

Like how Huang Yuzhen, despite being extremely strong and proficient in archery, concealed weapons, and traps, is currently in a dire situation due to being overwhelmed by the authority and masses.

Thinking of this, Zhang Rongfang suddenly longed for authority even more.

If his rank was higher than Ouyang Jianrong’s, even without real power, he wouldn’t be forced to advance and die.

“Sir…” Zhang Rongfang suddenly spoke again. “If we just charge recklessly like this, though eventually we may wear down the fugitive, it would take too much time. I have an idea that might bring them to justice faster!”

Ouyang Jianrong squinted his eyes, staring intently at Zhang Rongfang.

Initially, he planned to directly act and make an example of them, to see who dared to disobey orders.

However, upon hearing Zhang Rongfang’s proposal, he felt stirred; indeed, delaying for so long was because he feared Huang Yuzhen still had the strength to fight desperately.

If there’s a better strategy, it wouldn’t be impossible to adopt it.

“Let’s hear it. If you dare to talk nonsense, I’ll chop off your head now!”

His tone softened slightly.

Zhang Rongfang spoke solemnly, “Sir, look, there are dry branches and leaves everywhere around. If we combine pine oil with fire oil, ignite them and throw them as torches….. it will surely force them out.”

“And even if Huang Yuzhen isn’t afraid, Jing Ying is just a young girl; she surely won’t be able to withstand it and will escape.”

“By then, there are only three possibilities.”

“First, both break out together, forcing them into a decisive battle with us. Given our numbers, victory is certain.”

“Second, Huang Yuzhen breaks out alone, allowing Jing Ying to escape. This has an advantage too; we can capture Jing Ying first to threaten Huang Yuzhen.”

“Third, Jing Ying continues to hide, while Huang Yuzhen diverts the pursuit. Given our numbers, as long as we’re cautious, we can conduct a full search.”

These three points seem quite reasonable at first glance.

At least in Ouyang Jianrong’s somewhat reckless mind at this moment, there were no major flaws.

His only thought was to quickly regain the Chasing Moon Saber.

That knife had become his entire wealth, honor, and future.

“What kind of fire attack method?” He was tempted.

Indeed, Huang Yuzhen still had many tricks up his sleeve, and a long delay might bring other troubles…

Zhang Rongfang stepped forward and explained carefully.

After a brief discussion between the two, Ouyang Jianrong quickly gave orders.

Soon, soldiers began preparing everywhere; teams carrying firewood, leaves mixed with fire oil, torches, and fire arrows were distributed in place.

“Fire!”

Flying like dense swarms of red fireflies, arrows shot towards the stone house protected by Huang Yuzhen.

“Sir, Miss Jing Ying is still inside….” A deputy couldn’t help but quietly remind.

“Can’t worry about that now! Blame her for not living a comfortable life…. join in!”

Ouyang Jianrong’s expression was fierce, waving his hand.

Subsequent torches covered in fire oil were thrown out.

No one cared about the potential fire disaster here.

Soon, flames ignited all over the rocky ground.

Most importantly, thick smoke began to spread around.

Coughing noises echoed continuously.

“Everyone get ready!! It’s likely they’re going to break out!”

Ouyang Jianrong raised his right hand high.

The messengers diligently relayed his orders down.

Zhang Rongfang gripped his weapon tightly; this time, his knife was sheathed.

Instead, a larger weapon like the traditional wheel was suitable for attack and defense in this environment.

He worried that—just like Lin Qixiao—facing any legendary sword or knife that cuts metal like mud, his official knife, being just ordinary, might be useless.

If the blade broke, it might lead to his defeat.

“The fugitive is breaking out soon; all those above Grade should advance!”

Ouyang Jianrong lowered his hand, having observed earlier that Huang Yuzhen’s body technique speed had clearly slowed.

At such a time, there must be no mistakes.

Should the saber fall into someone else’s hands…. or be hidden away in the river, it would be troublesome.

Quick battle and resolution!

It must be quick, a surprise to seize the Chasing Moon Saber!

“Defiance leads to death!”

Surrounding people were visibly shaken.

In this smoke and fire environment, how much strength could they maintain even if they entered?

If Huang Yuzhen ultimately fought desperately, it might be worse than before!

Zhang Rongfang gripped his wheel tightly, his face grim.

Suddenly, his eyes flashed.

“Not good! Huang Yuzhen is heading north with people! He wants to break out! His body technique is fast!!”

He suddenly exclaimed.

Immediately drawing all attention towards the rocky ground.

Ouyang Jianrong also glanced over, and indeed saw figures rushing towards the direction with less smoke to the north.

“Chase them!” He didn’t have time to think much, grabbed his saber, and charged forward, fearing the enemy might break through successfully and escape, ruining their efforts.

With others’ body techniques, truly, no one could catch up.

The martial artists around immediately followed and rushed out.

Ouyang was at the forefront, his expression urgent. Two Fourth Grade individuals followed closely behind.

Zhang Rongfang was sweating profusely, doing his utmost to charge forward.

But with his Third Grade speed, there was no way he could sprint quickly, only to watch powerlessly as Ouyang and a few others charged into the dense smoke.

Puff puff puff!!!

Suddenly, a crisp sound erupted. It seemed as if something had blown apart.

Zhang Rongfang caught a glimpse from the corner of his eye, noticing that something had exploded in the smoke, causing it to swell and slightly disperse.

Suddenly, a chill ran through his heart, and without time to think, he leaned back and lay flat on the ground.

The circular wheel and shield instinctively guarded against his chest.

Two faint sounds of impact.

It felt as if something was deflected by the wheel and shield.

Around, there came a series of groans and cries.

“What was that!”

“My eyes!!”

“Was it concealed weapons again!!?”

In the smoke, focusing on the explosion point, over ten people fell to the ground.

Some fell themselves to dodge, while others couldn’t evade in time.

Although everyone was somewhat on guard, the hidden weapon boxes activated too mysteriously to anticipate.

In the forefront, Ouyang Jianrong suddenly lunged out of the smoke and dropped a corpse he had been carrying.

Amazingly, he was unharmed and was fiercely engaging Huang Yuzhen who carried someone on his back.

With one hand a steel shield and another a curved saber, the blade flickered silver-white, flying rapidly towards Huang Yuzhen.

From afar, the blade’s rhythm was peculiar, occasionally quick, sometimes slow, inducing a subconscious unease.

Clearly, at times it seemed he should be quick, yet suddenly he slowed down.

When it seemed he would slow, he could explosively attack from an incredible angle.

Zhang Rongfang lay on the ground, not rising.

Around him, others were also lying down, uninjured but unmoving.

And due to Ouyang’s previous pressure, other soldiers dared not close in again.

To avoid being dragged up again as cannon fodder.

Amidst the smoke, the combat noise faded into the distance, interspersed with screams from surrounding soldiers.

Incredibly, Huang Yuzhen was able to handle a combatant and simultaneously fend off while with someone on his back?

Shocked, Zhang Rongfang raised his head to take a closer look.

Finding in Huang Yuzhen’s escape direction, squads fell, screaming, even before reaching close.

Some were tens of meters away, dropping their shields and clutching their chests on the ground, as if pierced by a flying sword.

“….”

Speechless, Zhang Rongfang could only marvel at the indescribable strength of survival instincts at crucial moments.

Soon, the sounds of fighting gradually faded into the dense forest.

Finally, people around breathed a sigh of relief, quickly getting up and running.

“Captain Zhang! Are you okay, Captain Zhang!!?” Liu Han and Chen Hansheng finally had the courage to rush over and help Zhang Rongfang up.

“I’m fine…. just startled by those concealed weapons.” Zhang Rongfang shook his head, looking in the direction Ouyang and Huang Yuzhen had disappeared.

A glint of ruthlessness flickered in his eyes.

This time, Huang Yuzhen was clearly on the verge of collapse. From his several moves earlier, it’s clear that his body technique speed was significantly slower than at the start.

In other words, now was the prime time to achieve merit… if he could seize the opportunity.

Seeing Ouyang Jianrong’s madness in pursuing the saber, the achievement must be enormous, enough to decide the future of someone at his official rank.

’If this achievement… belonged to me….’

Zhang Rongfang hesitated inwardly.

He worried unexpected changes might occur. But the opportunity was rare… if he could sip some benefits, it would be good…

Moreover, seeing Ouyang Jianrong so unwise, it was better to take advantage of the chaos, kill him in the forest, then destroy the bodies, blaming it all on Huang Yuzhen.

Then he could kill Huang Yuzhen as well.

Thus, all merits would be his, all troubles blamed on Huang Yuzhen…. who could they find to confront a dead man about this?

He had glimpsed their combat body techniques earlier, roughly understanding their level.

Around Seventh to Eighth Grade.

Huang Yuzhen, injured and poisoned, surrounded for so long, still showing such prowess, was evidently at Ninth Grade before.

Ouyang Jianrong… his martial strength is one thing, but his background… is concerning.

“Captain Zhang, since you’re unhurt, shouldn’t we retreat further? Being too close here, we might get caught again by that Special Envoy….” Liu Han whispered, drawing closer.

She, being a woman, had slightly less strength than men. And these days, she had her period, losing further courage.

“Special Envoy Ouyang is dueling the felon for his life, we can’t just retreat lightly even if we can’t assist!”

Resolute, Zhang Rongfang decided.

Just now, Ouyang Jianrong dared to threaten him publicly, using him as cannon fodder to die?

Since he was so arrogant, Zhang Rongfang would oblige him, sending him to his death!

Since awakening in Qinghe Palace, it was the first time he was cornered to such an extent.

If he hadn’t come up with a plan quickly, diverting Ouyang Jianrong’s attention.

Then, he would have had to….

Abandon everything and become a fugitive.

“You guys lack strength, surround the area without getting close. I’ll go support the Special Envoy!!”

With a solemn expression, Zhang Rongfang spoke.

Immediately, without waiting for the two to respond, he tapped his toes, swiftly pursuing the direction where Huang Yuzhen left.

The others were retreating, wishing for the death of that Special Envoy Ouyang.

Only he advanced instead, quickly chasing in the direction of Huang Yuzhen.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep