A Fantasy Love Story Across the Warring States Period

Chapter 3 Fighting Mountain Bandits Together and New Confusion

Wanru gripped the broken wooden stick tightly, facing the approaching bandits. Though terrified, her eyes held a stubborn glint. She knew her strength was insignificant, but she refused to watch Huanmo and his men face danger alone while she hid in her tent, seeking only comfort.

"Hmph, this little girl's got guts. Brothers, grab her and we'll have some fun later!" A burly bandit leader grinned, revealing a set of uneven, yellow teeth, and said viciously.

Hearing these vulgar words, Wanru felt nauseous and angry, but even more so, she was afraid. She tried to calm herself down, thinking that perhaps she could find another opportunity to deal with these bandits, even if it was just to slow them down a little.

Huanmo was engaged in a fierce battle with other bandits not far away when he caught a glimpse of Wanru being surrounded by bandits again, and his heart tightened. He brandished his sword, forcing back the enemies in front of him, while shouting, "Wanru, get out of the way!"

But Wanru seemed not to hear, still staring intently at the approaching bandits, ready to fight to the death.

Just as the bandits were about to pounce on Wanru, Huanmo seized the opportunity, leaping and kicking down a bandit beside him, then using the momentum to charge towards Wanru. His movements were as swift as a leopard, and in an instant he was in front of Wanru. With a swift swing of his sword, a flash of cold light appeared, and a bandit's arm was severed.

"Ah!" The bandit screamed, clutching his severed arm and retreating. The other bandits were also slightly taken aback and slowed their attack.

Taking advantage of the situation, Huanmo shielded Wanru behind him and scolded her in a low voice, "Why are you so stubborn? This is not a place for you to act tough!"

Wanru understood that Huanmo was worried about her safety, but she still couldn't help but say, "I can't always rely on you to protect me. I also want to do my part."

Huanmo's heart stirred slightly. He hadn't expected this seemingly frail modern woman to possess such courage and responsibility in such a dangerous situation. But this wasn't the time for sentimentality. He turned back to face the bandits before him.

After a fierce battle, Huanmo and his men gradually regained their footing. Although they were outnumbered, their superb martial arts skills and tacit teamwork allowed them to slowly turn the tide of the battle.

Wanru watched the battle nervously from behind Huanmo. She saw that every swing of Huanmo's sword was full of power, and his movements were clean and neat, repelling one bandit after another. She couldn't help but feel more admiration for him.

As time went on, the bandits' attacks weakened, and they began to realize that they might have met their match. Many of them started to consider retreating.

Finally, after another round of fighting, the remaining bandits, seeing that the situation was not good, turned their horses around and fled in a sorry state.

Huanmo's men wanted to give chase, but Huanmo raised his hand to stop them, saying, "Don't pursue a desperate enemy. Everyone is tired. Let's check if any of our brothers are injured first."

Everyone responded and began checking each other's injuries. Huanmo then turned around and looked at Wanru, whose face was pale, clearly indicating that she had been quite frightened.

"Are you alright?" Huanmo's tone softened considerably, and there was a hint of concern in her eyes.

Wanru shook her head and said softly, "I'm fine. Thank you for saving me again, young master."

Huanmo nodded slightly and said, "You have quite the courage, but don't be so reckless in the future."

Wanru felt a little wronged after hearing this, but she knew that Huanmo meant well. She lowered her head and remained silent.

After treating their wounds, everyone returned to their tents to rest. That night, Wanru lay on her blankets, exhausted, but unable to fall asleep for a long time. The scene of fighting the bandits and Huanmo's heroic figure kept replaying in her mind.

"Young Master Huanmo is truly amazing. If it weren't for him, I'm afraid I would have..." Wanru thought to herself, while also feeling a deep sense of helplessness at her own powerlessness in this era. She knew that if she wanted to survive in this world, courage alone was far from enough; she also needed sufficient ability.

The next morning, sunlight streamed in through the gaps in the tents. Huanmo got up early and instructed his men to prepare to continue their journey.

Wanru also got up. She watched Huanmo directing everyone in an orderly manner and secretly wondered where they were going.

"Young master, where are we going?" Wanru couldn't help but ask.

Huanmo glanced at her and said, "We are going back to the capital. I am a nobleman of the capital. I came out here on business. Now that the business is done, it is natural for me to go back."

Wanru was startled upon hearing this. The capital? That was the center of power and prosperity during the Warring States period. What kind of situation would she face if she went there? She was both curious and afraid.

"Then...can I go with you?" Wanru asked cautiously.

Huanmo frowned, seemingly deep in thought. After a while, he said, "You have nowhere to go now, so it's fine if you come with us. But once we get to the capital, you must follow my instructions and not cause any trouble."

Wanru nodded quickly and said, "Thank you for taking me in, young master. I will definitely be obedient."

And so, Wanru followed Huanmo and his group on their journey to the capital. Along the way, she looked at the scenery and was filled with emotion. This land from the Warring States period, though not as prosperous as modern times, possessed a rustic charm.

As they drew closer to the capital, Wanru grew increasingly nervous. She didn't know what kind of people she would encounter or what would happen in the capital.

Finally, after several days of travel, they arrived at the city gate of the capital.

Looking at the tall and majestic city wall, Wanru felt a surge of inexplicable awe. Many people were coming and going through the city gates, from elegantly dressed nobles to ragged commoners; the sounds of hawking and shouting mingled together, creating a lively and bustling atmosphere.

Huanmo led Wanru and the others into the city and headed straight for his residence.

Wanru followed behind, her eyes constantly scanning her surroundings. She saw that the shops along the street were filled with all sorts of strange and wonderful things, including exquisite pottery, gorgeous silk, and some trinkets that she couldn't name.

Just as Wanru was engrossed in watching, suddenly, a woman dressed in gorgeous clothes walked out of a shop on the street and ran into Huanmo and his group.

When the woman saw Huanmo, her face lit up with joy. She quickly stepped forward and said sweetly, "Brother Huanmo, you're finally back! We've been waiting for you for so long!"

Huanmo was slightly taken aback when he saw the woman, then a faint smile appeared on his face as he said, "So it's Sister Xueying, it's been a long time."

Wanru watched this scene from the side, her heart tightening. She didn't know who this Xueying was, nor what her relationship with Huanmo was, but from the way the woman looked at Huanmo and the tone of her voice, she could sense a special kind of intimacy.

A sudden, inexplicable sense of loss welled up inside her, and she was also filled with worry about her future in the capital.