Soon, Shen Ningsi was brought to a large open field. Torches had already been lit around the area, and the sky was gradually darkening.
Seeing three blurry figures seated at the highest point, Shen Ningsi knew these were the infamous leaders of Black Cloud Stronghold.
"Just a mere woman claiming she can make water? The last one who tried to fool us is still hanging from a tree behind the mountain!" the second-in-command said impatiently.
Shen Ningsi steadied herself and replied,"Taoist priests can pray for rain, and I have my own method to produce water and resolve this urgent crisis. I know you don't believe me, but all I need is one night. With some help and a few basic tools, I can prove it."
"Give her whatever she needs!"A hoarse but steady voice rang out from above.
Shen Ningsi secretly let out a breath of relief—this bought her one night's time. If she could win their trust, she'd have a chance to protect the children.
But this was still a bandit den, not the government. Though she appeared calm, anxiety churned inside her.
Meanwhile, back at the village, Gu Xiuwen had finally managed to convince the authorities that Shen Ningsi's method of water creation worked. Overjoyed, he rushed home with a young nobleman in plain clothes and several constables, only to find the house in chaos.
Upon asking around, he learned that Shen Ningsi and the others had been abducted by people from Black Cloud Stronghold.
Gu Xiuwen turned pale. The young noble furrowed his brows,"Black Cloud Stronghold is truly brazen—daring to kidnap people in a village under my jurisdiction!"
"Sir, what should we do now?"
"That Madam Gu holds the key to saving thousands affected by the disaster. We can't just sit idly by!"He removed the jade pendant from his waist and ordered,"Take this and return to the magistrate's office to dispatch troops!"
"Yes, sir!"
"Thank you, Lord Fan," Gu Xiuwen said gratefully.
Fan Xing waved him off,"No time to waste. Let's get to Black Cloud Stronghold!"
"I know the way! I'll lead!" Gu Xiuwen said and dashed off.
As the moon set and the sun rose, a group riding hard day and night reached Wan'ning Village.
"We've already lost two horses, San Yazi! Even in the army, six-hundred-mile urgent marches aren't this fast. Can't I take a break?"
"You can rest, but the general won't allow it. The sooner we find Madam Shen, the sooner we report peace. Don't be stupid now!"
These two were soldiers previously sent to Wan'ning Village.
Now dressed like common martial artists, with blades on their hips and their battlefield aura hidden, they looked like sworn brothers. Bickering as they went, they stopped a man drawing water near the village:
"Do you know where Gu Hong's house is?"
"Who are you guys?" Wang Er was stunned.
"Doesn't matter who we are. Just tell us!" San Yazi scowled.
"Gu Hong's entire family was taken by Black Cloud Stronghold. It's been a whole night already. They're probably cooked and in that second boss's belly by now."
"What?!"
"What?!"
The two exchanged glances, their faces turning pale.
"Did we rush all this way... only to arrive too late?"
"San Yazi, what now? The General went through so much trouble—begging and pleading, pretending to be a lowly subordinate for over half a month just to earn the chance to come provide relief—and now? His wife and son are gone?"
"Shut up!"
San Yazi slapped him hard and gritted his teeth."Send a pigeon message to the General immediately, and have him bring the city troops. I'll go scout out Heiyun Stronghold first!"
"Got it!"
They split up, and San Yazi, exuding murderous intent, dragged Wang Er with him to the stronghold.
Wang Er was flung onto a horse, lightning-fast, and reached the gates of Heiyun Stronghold in no time. There, he spotted Gu Xiuwen and others and shouted excitedly:"Xiuwen! We're here to save you!"
"Uncle Wang Er?"
Gu Xiuwen frowned and looked at the man behind him.
Fan Xing glanced at the saber on the man's waist and immediately recognized it, asking:"You're from the army? What are you doing here?"
San Yazi pushed Wang Er's head down, revealing his own face and staring at Gu Xiuwen. He asked nonchalantly:"And who are you?"
"Fan Xing!" Fan replied, head held high with icy pride.
"Never heard of you."
Gu Xiuwen awkwardly explained:"Lord Fan is the official in charge of this disaster relief mission."
San Yazi didn't care. He flashed a toothy grin at Gu Xiuwen and said:"So you're little Wen? Haha! Glad you're safe. Your father and I go way back—life and death comrades! Where's your mother? What about Brother Wu and Sister Yun?"
Gu Xiuwen was stunned, tears almost welling up as the soldier called out each of their names so familiarly.
"My... my father..."
"He's fine! I was scouting the road ahead when I happened to pass by Heiyun Stronghold. Met this guy, heard what happened, and came along."
"?" Wang Er didn't dare speak or ask anything.
Fan Xing eyed San Yazi suspiciously, then said:"I already sent men inside to assess the situation."
"And?"
"They've been in for several hours... no word yet." Gu Xiuwen clenched his fists, overwhelmed with guilt.
Before leaving, Gu Hong had entrusted the family to him. If he found out what had happened...
San Yazi frowned."Your men aren't capable. I'll go in myself."
"No." Fan Xing's expression darkened, but San Yazi shoved him aside.
"Scout of the Gu Family Army. Anyone who obstructs—will be executed."
Fan Xing's face changed—Gu... Gu Family Army?
"You're one of Gu Chengze's... er, General Gu's men?"
"Heh~"
San Yazi slung his saber over his shoulder and strode off, but not before saying:"Don't worry, Wen boy. As long as I breathe, I won't let anything happen to them!"
Watching him go, Fan Xing grumbled in frustration:"Just a scout, acting like Heiyun Stronghold is his home? So arrogant!"
"Lord Fan, please watch your words."
Gu Xiuwen's face darkened, eyes cast down.
Fan Xing was stifled. Just a scout who once fought beside his father, and this kid's already shielding him? Who knows if it's even true?
Moments later, a cavalry unit arrived in the distance. Fan Xing was overjoyed:"The city troops are here! Quickly, follow me to rescue them!"
Wait—who's that in front? That saber at his waist is... very annoying!
"Scout Zhao Xianxing of the Gu Family Army greets Lord Fan."
"...Yeah." Fan Xing's face darkened — this guy was clearly in league with the one from earlier!
San Yazi immediately revealed Gu Xiuwen's identity!
The next moment, Zhao Xianxing, with a calm expression, flashed a small white grin at Gu Xiuwen.
"Zhao Xianxing must've also shared life-and-death bonds with Young Master Gu's father, huh?" Fan Xing remarked, voice thick with sarcasm. That same toothy grin again — how irritating!
Zhao Xianxing glanced at him lazily, annoyed. Civil officials were always trouble... and now he was even stealing his lines?
"The Gu Family Army's business — do I need to report it to you? What's the situation inside?"
"..."
Even if you don't have to report, must you speak so rudely?
Off to the side, Gu Xiuwen said,"Just now, a scout went inside to assess the situation."
As soon as he finished speaking, a sharp, piercing whistle rang out — everyone was immediately alarmed.