Chapter 46: Chapter 46: Fight As soon as these words were spoken. Everyone’s expression changed dramatically, rage surging forth. Several martial artists clenched their fists until they creaked. This is outrageous! Absolutely outrageous! Everyone turned their gaze to Gu Dajiang. As long as he nodded, they were prepared for a violent confrontation without hesitation. Gu Dajiang’s gaze was colder than ever before, and in the end, he spat out a single word coldly: "Give!" He took a deep, deliberate look at Wang Chong, his heart already resolved to return to the manor and exact revenge. No matter how much he gave today, he would retrieve it all with interest later! "I’ll let you keep it for now." Gu Dajiang scoffed inwardly. If anyone truly believed that this Blood Refining Realm expert was a simple-minded farmer, they’d be gravely mistaken. Everyone from Gu’s Manor looked as though they’d just lost their kin, balling their fists in frustration. Opposite them, Wang Chong felt an inexplicable chill. Staring at Gu Dajiang, he suddenly burst into laughter. "Brother Dajiang, such boldness! I, Wang Chong, am impressed!" "Men, make way!" One by one, the mountain bandits shrieked and scattered into the forest, creating a safe passageway. Gu Dajiang’s face was expressionless. "Let’s go!" He and the martial artists vigilantly watched Wang Chong and his men from afar, guarding against these unruly bandits pulling any sudden tricks. The caravan from Gu’s Manor accelerated its pace through the mountain pass. Gu Sheng didn’t slack off for a second, constantly keeping his peripheral vision sharp and ready to react at the slightest sign of danger. Luckily. The caravan passed through Bull Mountain without incident. Only after the convoy had traveled far beyond Bull Mountain did everyone breathe a sigh of relief. The atmosphere remained heavy, the repeated humiliation at Wang Chong’s hands leaving them deeply stifled. Gu Sheng furrowed his brows, gripping his longbow tightly without relaxing. "Gu Dajiang... is being overly passive." "He seems to have some concerns, but such tolerance won’t make Wang Chong, this greedy tiger crossing the river, back off. Having just arrived, he needs to establish his dominance and might treat us like easy prey..." Gu Sheng felt a strong intuition. He suspected Gu Dajiang’s reservations were tied to the purpose of this trip to the city. With the caravan heavily loaded and moving slowly, if the bandits intended to pursue, they could easily intercept them further ahead. A lingering sense of dread rose in Gu Sheng’s heart. He grabbed Gu Erniu and whispered: "Brother Erniu, be careful. I have a feeling the return journey won’t be smooth." Gu Erniu froze, about to retort, but suddenly hesitated, his gaze filled with shock. "You mean..." "Exactly. Better safe than sorry." Neither intended to alert Gu Dajiang—those in their position had little influence, and saying something would likely be futile. Of course. They didn’t need to remind him. Gu Renxu was already urging the drivers and porters to speed up, clearly indicating that Gu Dajiang was not without concern. Gu Sheng could see that Gu Dajiang, stationed at the forefront, along with the surrounding martial artist guards, wore vigilant expressions, constantly scanning the surrounding forest. Gu Xiaojiang periodically gazed ahead, seemingly waiting for something. Time passed. The caravan from Gu’s Manor traveled smoothly, without encountering so much as a single bandit. But Gu Sheng felt increasingly anxious. All at once. The sound of arrows whizzing through the air echoed from the forest, followed by several cries of agony. Gu Sheng’s heart shuddered as he saw several villagers struck by arrows, collapsing with pained screams. Acutely attuned to the sound of arrows in flight, Gu Sheng reacted instantly, tugging Gu Erniu into cover. "Ambush! Take cover!" Gu Dajiang roared furiously, his energy surging like thunder. The villagers scrambled frantically. The opposing archers were well-disciplined, unleashing two more volleys, taking down several villagers who failed to evade in time. However, most arrows struck the carts and horses. Gu Sheng’s pupils contracted sharply. He saw with his own eyes a nearby hunter who had been speaking moments ago clutch his throat and fall, his eyes filled with agony. A wave of icy dread washed through him, igniting a nameless fury in his chest. The pungent scent of blood engulfed the air; lives that had been vibrant mere moments ago were snuffed out in an instant. From the forest across the way. A cold shout resounded. "Brothers, kill!" The rough voice was one all were familiar with. A burly figure wielding a Wolf Fang Club charged forward, ferocious beyond compare, gazing at Gu’s Manor’s caravan like a pack of pigs ready for slaughter, devoid of any pity. It was Wang Chong! Behind him followed a group of bandits gripping swords and blades, their ferocity on full display. Gu Dajiang was overcome with shock and fury. Out of nowhere, he drew a broad-backed saber, his enraged face blazing red. "Wang Chong! We’ve already paid the toll, and still you won’t let us go? Do you truly think the Gu family is easy to bully?" "Attack!" Gu Dajiang roared, stomping on his horse’s back to launch himself into the air, saber in hand, charging forward like a tiger, bold and domineering. The martial artists behind him also charged forward simultaneously. Clang!! The deafening clash of metal reverberated. The Wolf Fang Club collided with the broad-backed saber, sending both Wang Chong and Gu Dajiang retreating. Wang Chong’s expression twisted into a cold sneer. "The Gu family? They’re only three Blood Refining experts. If I take you down today, I’ll rule Bull Mountain uncontested!" "Your Gu’s Manor is nothing more than a stepping stone for me, Wang Chong, to establish myself in Canghe County!" Wang Chong was no fool. Over the past few days, he’d gathered thorough intelligence on Gu’s Manor. Three Blood Refining Realm experts—at least one had to remain behind to defend the manor. If he killed one now, the Gu family would have to think twice before seeking revenge. He laughed boisterously, wielding the Wolf Fang Club, which weighed over a hundred pounds, like it was nothing. With a deafening whoosh, he swung it down, exuding an oppressive force. Blood Refining Realm. Tempering the body—at minimum, one possesses immense strength, capable of lifting a thousand pounds! Gu Dajiang’s palms turned a dark bluish hue. Veins bulged across the backs of his hands, gripping the saber with exaggerated muscle swelling, showing no signs of inferiority. The saber danced fiercely, its momentum as overwhelming as a raging river, its blade imposing. Locked in a deadlock, Wang Chong gradually pressed the assault, gaining an edge over Gu Dajiang. Greed burned in Wang Chong’s eyes. "A mere 150 taels? Did you think I, Wang Chong, was a beggar? When I trample you underfoot, you won’t dare utter a word of defiance. The Gu Dajiang I heard of isn’t this meek; clearly, you’ve got something valuable hidden!" "Gu Dajiang, hand it over, and I’ll have my men turn back immediately—how about that?" Wang Chong still had room to disrupt Gu Dajiang’s concentration. Gu Dajiang’s heart skipped a beat, realizing Wang Chong had seen through him. These roaming raiders were evidently more cunning than they appeared. "Shut your filthy mouth!" His gaze darted around the scene, noticing the blatant disadvantage held by his people. He roared loudly: "Hold on, everyone! Gu Jingang is already on his way; none of these villains will escape when he arrives!" The morale of Gu’s Manor surged instantly. Wang Chong’s eyes darkened, his attacks growing fiercer as he sought to bring the fight to a quick conclusion. Gu Sheng strung his bow and loosed an arrow with precision, piercing a bandit’s throat. His perfected archery and powerful two-stone bow turned ordinary men into instant casualties! Hearing Gu Dajiang’s words steadied Gu Sheng’s resolve. He deemed them truthful. Before departing, he had noticed the absence of one martial artist—evidently dispatched to communicate and coordinate reinforcements. The battlefield descended into chaos as mountain bandits clashed with the martial artists, while others wielded blades against the villagers, who fled in terror toward the forest. Gu Sheng kept his emotions in check. While his archery surpassed others, he lacked the ability to shift the tide of battle. He chose not to draw excessive attention, lest he become a martial artist’s target. Knowing reinforcements were arriving soon, the best strategy now was to ensure his own survival. Gu Sheng shot arrows occasionally, aiming to rescue others while he and Gu Erniu made their way toward the forest.