Chapter 186: Chapter 186: Blood-Soaked衣

Xia Wenjin pulled back on the reins, slowing her horse down, and took a shortcut; this was the only way through, from the current situation it seemed the battle here had already ended.

Further along, she saw a black-clad man lying face up on the ground, his masked cloth covering his face, revealing only a pair of wide-open eyes holding both resentment and shock. He had four wounds on his body, killed by a sword piercing his heart.

It seems the battle was quite fierce.

Xia Wenjin did not dismount, nor did she have the mind to look more closely; she just wanted to leave this place of trouble quickly. Luckily, there were no corpses ahead.

However, there were scattered bloodstains on the ground, trailing forward.

Xia Wenjin sighed, glancing around. Besides this path, taking others would be much farther, thinking it over, she decided to continue forward.

She deliberately ignored the trail of blood, walked over a mile, and saw another corpse on the roadside ahead.

It was still a black-clad man, but the mask cloth had fallen off, revealing an ordinary face, so plain it could easily be lost in a crowd.

Such a face is practically the standard for assassins—those privately raised hidden guard killers.

It seems these three black-clad men were together.

These black-clad men were clearly hunting down someone or a group of people.

It’s unknown who was being pursued. Observing their calloused hands and the lingering air of killing intent on their faces, it was clear these were not ordinary people.

But, the three corpses seen were all from the same side, what about the other side?

Xia Wenjin swore she wasn’t curious, and none of this was what she wanted to see. But since she encountered it, and she didn’t want to take a detour, she kept walking, observing as she went.

Between the leaves, among the grass, along the road surface, scattered bloodstains were everywhere, clearly indicating that those pursuing were still chasing, and those fleeing were still escaping.

This time she continued forward for more than four miles before seeing another corpse.

Since someone else had fallen, perhaps soon there would be a resolution; in a pursuit, one side always fights until the bitter end!

More precisely, what she saw was an upraised hand on the road surface; she only noticed it due to her sharp eyes, spotting that hand among the grass.

That hand was already stiff, seemingly attempting to grasp something, its joints menacing.

Xia Wenjin practically flew off her horse, approaching closely.

Still a black-clad man.

By the hand!

Xia Wenjin was truly astonished.

Judging from the wounds on these four black-clad corpses, they were harmed by the same sword. Were they chasing only one person?

Xia Wenjin pondered for a moment, mounted her horse again, and continued forward.

This time, less than half a mile ahead, she saw another black-clad corpse, but from the bloodstains and surrounding traces, it appeared the pursued was also struggling desperately.

If the number of black-clad men were considerable, the pursued would eventually be killed.

Xia Wenjin followed the trail of blood, speeding her horse along, while keeping an eye on the roadside for any movement. Further ahead, Xia Wenjin paused; this direction was deviating from the way she intended to Da Jin Prefecture.

Perhaps the pursued was also heading to Liangzhou, but due to being pursued relentlessly, they were unable to maintain control, deviating off course?

Should she pursue or not?

Xia Wenjin did not want to chase.

The Jianghu is a place where grudges and desires clash freely; battles occur daily, and those of the Jianghu often prefer less involvement to more. She did not wish to be drawn into others’ conflicts. She simply wanted to quickly get to Liangzhou, retrieve the Jade Pendant for Huang Zheng, and conclude this affair.

Yet, a thought rose in her mind, like someone issuing her a command, urging her to pursue further!

Xia Wenjin hesitated for a moment, finally deciding to chase further.

After running for about half an hour, she came across three bodies in a mountain recess ahead, two black-clad, one in red clothes.

The two black-clad men were thoroughly dead; one had a sword impaled in his chest, apparently hurled by someone with their last strength, piercing directly through the chin of another and into his head.

The third person appeared unharmed, lying face down, their red clothes conspicuously visible.

This red-clad person seemed to be the one pursued. Among so many pursuers, he managed to claim so many lives, his character indeed resilient, his skills indeed strong!

As she looked again, a gust of wind came, lifting a corner of the red-clad person’s garments, revealing not red but moon-white.

Turns out the clothes were dyed red by blood, making it seem like they were red.

Moon-white?

Xia Wenjin’s heart stirred, quickly dismounting and running over.

The person lay in the grass, a pool of blood beneath, silent and still.

Could it be him? It shouldn’t be.

He’s merely an ordinary noble son, hardly a target for Jianghu’s pursuit! Besides, he shouldn’t be here. But isn’t this the direction to Liangzhou!

Xia Wenjin comforted herself inwardly, finally reaching out to turn the person over.

Distinct features, a straight nose, jade-like face, yet now as pale as paper, who else could it be but Huangfu Jingchen?

Xia Wenjin’s eyes widened sharply, her heart tumultuously shaken, feeling as if frozen by ice, her blood running cold.

She extended trembling fingers, searching his breath, feeling nothing.

Her lips turned white, seized by sudden sorrow, barely able to breathe. Just days ago, she saw him full of spirit in Da Jin Prefecture; she stood at the edge, he emerged from Da Jin Prefecture Government Office, under the sun, his moon-white garments fluttering like a youthful painting!

But now, this silent, pale-faced, lifeless person, how could it be him?

No, he wouldn’t die!

His body was still warm!

Xia Wenjin grabbed his wrist, her fingers touched his pulse.

His wrist was once strong and firm, now it hung limp, her fingertips feeling skin neither cold nor warm, as if warmth was slowly dissipating.

Xia Wenjin’s heart kept sinking, sinking; she gritted her teeth, holding back tears.

That youth, with bright features, jade-like face, warm and gentle smile, was clear and sunny.

He dared act on things she hadn’t done, to prevent leaving shadows in her heart, he bravely did them himself.

He was responsible, eager to learn, forgiving in nature; she teased him, deceived him, even took the Jade Pendant he valued, yet when he caught her several times, though angry and fierce, he never truly hurt her.

For the matters of Yuqing County, he stood up bravely! At the Shian Temple, daring to risk himself, carrying warrior spirit, handling matters well!

Unwittingly, she viewed him as a brother, as a friend!

Had it not been for his sudden affection toward her, leaving her at a loss on how to handle, why would she flee in haste?

But such a person, could it be…gone?

No, it can’t be!

She extended two fingers slowly, struggling, reaching for his neck.

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