Chapter 37: Chapter 37: Ambush (Part 2) However, the guards at Jia Family Manor were trained for extreme situations long ago. The wooden shields formed a tight umbrella-like structure, effectively protecting them inside. Occasionally, stray arrows slipped through the gaps, only to be followed by muffled grunts, clearly not hitting any vital spots. Their chance to shoot arrows was limited to this one wave. The two sides were too close now; Cui Yuan had already charged boldly at a hunter. The hunter had just picked up his machete when a long spear pierced his chest, and he screamed miserably, falling to his knees. Cui Yuan retracted his spear and swept again, hitting another hunter in the waist and abdomen, sending him flying several meters away. Seeing Cui Yuan’s bravery, the hunters from Hu Family Village were terrified and scattered like birds and rabbits. "How dare you!" 𝒇𝒓𝙚𝒆𝔀𝓮𝓫𝒏𝓸𝙫𝓮𝓵.𝓬𝙤𝙢 Just then, a thunderous shout came from behind the reeds. Soon after, a person charged out like a ferocious beast, even bringing with him a gust of wind. This person was about sixteen or seventeen years old, with handsome features, wearing a red cloak, and wielding a wide black sword, slashing directly at Cui Yuan. Cui Yuan, known as Jia Family Manor’s top spear user, remained calm in danger, horizontally thrusting his spear to meet the incoming sword blade precisely. With a crisp ’clang’, the shaft of Cui Yuan’s spear bent visibly quickly. He grunted, abruptly releasing the spear handle, letting the spear fall to the ground. His palms were bloody, his grip torn open. "Such enormous force..." Cui Yuan’s eyes showed astonishment. It’s known that among weapons the spear is king; used by the same person, its power is greater than many other common weapons. Not to mention his spear technique was the best in the manor. But the opponent’s sword could force him to abandon his spear, revealing a vast disparity in power between them. The intruder was none other than Qin Yun, a disciple of the Heavy Sword Sect. He lightly hooked the spear on the ground and kicked, and the long spear shaft simultaneously struck the chests of three Jia Family Manor guards, making them tumble to the ground, unable to rise. Qin Yun’s valor instantly stunned everyone present. Qi Erlang laughed heartily, "Young Hero Qin is an expert from the main city, about to break through and become a martial artist. If you dare resist further, tonight you’ll accompany lonely ghosts and wild spirits!" What! The word ’martial artist’ seemed to have magical power. Just now spirited, Cui Yuan and his team were now dazed, eyes filled with fear. Who hadn’t heard tales of martial artists? They can tear apart tigers and leopards, subdue demons and spirits; each one an adversary against thousands! Taking this opportunity, Qin Yun shouted aloud, "Lou Yi is suspected of murder, and I’m here to apprehend him for questioning. Will you aid the wicked? Retreat quickly!" The hunters from Hu Family Village regrouped and raised their bows. Faced with the martial artist’s intimidation, Jia Family Manor’s guards hesitated, their will to resist plummeting. They glanced at each other, uncertain how to proceed. "This is my issue; you all should leave," Lou Yi also didn’t wish to involve others and voluntarily stepped forward. Seeing this, Cui Yuan and his companions exchanged glances, clasped their fists in respect, and withdrew, leaving Lou Yi alone to face the enemies. "You were quite capable, huh? Did you really think I’d be helpless just because you’re backed by Jia Family Manor?" Qi Hu stepped forward maliciously, snarling, "Drop your weapon, or I’ll have them open fire!" ’Bang!’ Lou Yi casually dropped the spear he was holding onto the ground. "And the wooden shield." Lou Yi tossed the wooden shield aside as well. "Kneel and raise your hands." Qi Hu glared at Lou Yi, "Once we’ve captured you, I’ll show you what it means to wish for life yet crave death!" Then, he motioned to another person dressed as an archer, "Archer Liang, go tie him up." "Sure thing!" The young archer named Liang picked up a hemp rope with a sinister grin, walking towards Lou Yi. At this moment, Lou Yi rapidly contemplated an escape plan. Knowing Qin Yun’s identity, he abandoned any notion of direct confrontation. A martial artist must have immense divine skills, like that instructor Lin. Even on the verge of a breakthrough, he was surely no match. A flicker of panic arose in his heart but was swiftly suppressed; there had to be a chance! As Archer Liang approached with the rope, Lou Yi slightly crouched, seemingly yielding in submission. Seeing this, Qi Hu’s mouth curled into a venomous smile. He was already plotting to carve hundreds of cuts onto Lou Yi, unable to quell his hatred otherwise! Archer Liang reached a position on the line connecting Lou Yi and Qin Yun, effectively blocking Qin Yun’s view. ’Now!’ Lou Yi swiftly propelled himself like an arrow from a bow! "How dare you!" With milliseconds to react, Qin Yun noticed Lou Yi’s movement and prepared to step forward. Before he could move further, Lou Yi was already in front of Liang, striking his chest with a heavy blow! ’Bang’ Numerous bones fractured instantly. Liang resembled a fired cannonball, helplessly soaring towards Qin Yun, spewing blood midair. Qin Yun had to catch Liang, but even with his strength, he retreated two steps to absorb the impact, returning to his original spot. Looking at the limp figure of Liang in his arms, Qin Yun was furious. He raised his gaze dramatically, realizing Lou Yi was already at Qi Hu’s front. "Release..." Before Qi Hu could utter another word, Lou Yi grabbed his neck, lifting him like a chick. Qi Hu’s face turned reddish purple as he flailed his hands in vain. "Have them toss their bows here, then retreat ten miles." Lou Yi instructed Qi Hu. Meanwhile, he tightened his grip slightly around Qi Hu’s throat, causing him to nearly roll his eyes. Lou Yi intended to use Qi Hu as a hostage, seeking a chance to flee. Even if he returned to Jia Family Manor, as long as the situation wasn’t blown up, Landlord Jia’s energy could shield him. Qi Hu’s subordinates were shocked, exchanging looks, unsure of what to do. Lou Yi promptly released his grip on Qi Hu’s neck. Qi Hu knelt on the ground, clutching his throat, tears and snot mixing uncontrollably. Fear of death compelled him to open his mouth, on the brink of compromise. "You, you all toss your bows..." Unexpectedly, Qin Yun interrupted him sharply, then commanded the archers and hunters around, "Raise your bows and don’t heed him; today he won’t escape!" "I, a disciple of the Heavy Sword Sect, will not bow to the likes of a housekeeper!" Finishing his statement, Qin Yun lifted his broad sword, striding towards Lou Yi. ’Trouble brewing.’ Lou Yi hadn’t anticipated this adversary’s rich experience; unwavering, he resolved to capture him even if Qi Hu were slain. Facing hunters with raised bows, several grim-faced archers in black uniforms, Wang En sneering in the back, along with Qin Yun advancing menacingly, Lou Yi’s fury erupted uncontrollably. ’Your Qi family never treated me like a person, seizing my property, staining it with blood to lure tigers, and now even bringing people to entrap me.’ ’Damn it, your lives count, and mine doesn’t?’ ’Want me dead? That’ll cost you!’ His right hand grasped Qi Hu’s head like a basketball, as Qi Hu panted heavily on his knees. ’Snap!’ Qi Hu’s head spun a full three-hundred-sixty degrees. Qin Yun’s stride paused slightly, his pupils dilating rapidly!