Lin Ning stood still, his gaze cold and resolute. He slightly raised his hand, making a discreet gesture to the few people beside him, signaling them to hide beneath the massive rock. The rock towered over them, rough and uneven, marked by the scars of time, like a silent guardian providing natural shelter. The group dared not show any signs of negligence; they quickly crouched down and stealthily slipped behind the rock, holding their breath. Lin Ning, however, propelled himself off the ground with a powerful push, leaping onto the rock like an arrow released from a bow. He moved with such grace that it seemed he melded with the wind, landing without a sound. From the top of the rock, Lin Ning squinted slightly, carefully discerning the direction of Zhao Qing's voice. After confirming the location, he took a deep breath and executed his exquisite lightness skill. With a gentle tap of his toes on the rock, he glided through the mountains like a specter, climbing in the direction from which Zhao Qing's voice had come.
The terrain was treacherous, with steep cliffs and thickets of thorns. Yet Lin Ning's lightness skill was remarkable; each step he took was perfectly placed as if every rise and dip in the mountain was tailored for him. His figure flashed through the forest like a shooting star. Finally, Lin Ning reached the mountain peak. As his gaze swept across the summit, his heart tightened. The sight was alarming—countless heads were clustered together like a dark mass. The soldiers of Later Jin had already surrounded this place tightly, each wielding sharp blades with fierce expressions, resembling a pack of wolves ready to pounce.
Lin Ning felt no fear; he brandished his Sunlight Blade, its blade glinting coldly in the sunlight. With each swing of his arm, he deflected incoming projectiles that clanged against one another as they fell to the ground. He continued to ascend towards the peak with lightning speed, each leap infused with power and velocity until he was beside Zhao Qing. Lin Ning's expression darkened as anger and determination flickered in his eyes. He fixed his gaze on Zhao Qing and said slowly and firmly, “Bring me the antidote.” His voice was deep and powerful, echoing through the mountains.
Zhao Qing looked at Lin Ning with a sinister smile that sent chills down one’s spine. With her arms crossed over her chest, she spoke leisurely, “The poison on my projectiles is made from venom extracted from snakes and centipedes; those poisoned will die within an hour with no cure.” Her tone carried a hint of pride and provocation as if she were flaunting her wickedness.
Years ago, after saving Yang Yan from Sun Moon Gang, Zhao Qing had harbored ill intentions. Feeling undervalued and unappreciated in Sun Moon Gang, she left Yang Yan behind and ventured into the depths of northeastern mountains alone. The dense forest was like a mysterious world filled with towering trees and swirling mist—fraught with unknown dangers. In this secluded place, Zhao Qing concealed her identity while diligently studying and perfecting her skills in using hidden weapons. She captured various poisonous snakes and centipedes to extract their venom and continuously improved her poison formulas for her projectiles. Her only thought was to wait for the right moment to seek revenge on Lin Ning.
Unexpectedly, days ago she encountered Yang Yan and others fleeing from Changbai Mountain in dire straits. Their eyes were filled with fear and despair as they recounted their experiences to Zhao Qing. After listening to their plight, Zhao Qing calculated that this was an excellent opportunity for revenge. Thus they conspired together to summon reinforcements from Later Jin to set this trap for Lin Ning—to capture him and his companions all at once!
Lin Ning gazed at Cong Rong writhing in pain on the ground, her face turning dark blue; his heart twisted in agony. He knew that only by capturing Zhao Qing at the cliff would Cong Rong have any chance of survival. This woman was ruthless enough to use such deadly poison on Cong Rong. Gritting his teeth with determination shining in his eyes, Lin Ning tightened his grip on the Sunlight Blade—the blade gleamed coldly as if sensing its master’s fury. With a fierce shout, he charged towards Zhao Qing like an arrow shot from a bow, swinging his Sunlight Blade down towards her head.
Zhao Qing seemed prepared; she dodged nimbly like a spirit cat evading this lethal strike. Her agility was indeed impressive; every movement flowed smoothly as if she had honed her skills over many years—far surpassing her abilities from years past.
However, in front of Lin Ning's prowess honed through countless life-and-death battles over many years, Zhao Qing's skills were merely mediocre. After several exchanges, she began to struggle; her breathing grew rapid as beads of sweat formed on her forehead. Seizing an opportunity, Lin Ning lunged forward swiftly and struck at Zhao Qing's acupoint with lightning speed. She felt a wave of paralysis wash over her body—unable to move—and before she could react further, Lin Ning seized her by the back as if lifting a chick and dragged her down the mountain.
At this moment, Cong Rong's poison had reached its peak effect; her body convulsed uncontrollably as painful groans escaped her lips while her consciousness faded away. Lin Ning felt frantic; disregarding any need for breath, he immediately released Zhao Qing's acupoint before pressing the Sunlight Blade against her neck with fiery rage in his eyes as he demanded loudly: “Hurry up with the antidote or I will kill you!”
Zhao Qing trembled under Lin Ning's imposing presence; her face turned pale as paper while she shakily retrieved two pills from her bosom—one bright red pill glimmered ominously under sunlight while another deep black pill seemed to conceal endless secrets within its depths. Tremblingly she instructed: “Take the red pill first; wait ten minutes before taking the black one.”
Lin Ning wasted no time; carefully he placed the red pill into Cong Rong's mouth while keeping his gaze fixed upon her—silently praying that it would take effect. Ten minutes passed agonizingly slowly for him as each second felt like an eternity. He then placed the black pill into Cong Rong’s mouth anxiously waiting for results.
After a moment—a miracle occurred! Cong Rong slowly opened her eyes; clarity returned to them gradually while color returned to her face as well. Witnessing this scene brought cheers from everyone present—their faces lit up with joy. A heavy weight lifted off Lin Ning’s heart as he let out a long sigh filled with relief while tears of excitement shimmered in his eyes. He grasped Cong Rong’s hand tightly and whispered softly: “It’s alright now; everything is over.”
Yuan Yueming’s eyes widened furiously as flames of anger blazed within her; she charged forward swiftly grabbing Zhao Qing by her collar with fierce strength reminiscent of an enraged beast lifting its prey off the ground effortlessly—Zhao Qing dangled helplessly in mid-air wearing an expression of sheer terror.
Yuan Yueming locked eyes with Zhao Qing fiercely demanding loudly: “Tell me how you knew we would pass through this valley!” Her voice echoed through the valley carrying undeniable authority.
Zhao Qing trembled at this furious shout; fear overtook her expression as she glanced around nervously before stealing a glance towards White Jade Peak not far away—her eyes betraying hesitation and fear before lowering them again unable to meet Yuan Yueming’s piercing gaze.
Seeing Zhao Qing’s reaction only deepened Yuan Yueming’s suspicions; turning around she cast an inquisitive look towards White Jade Peak who stood there feigning calmness yet betraying hints of panic in his eyes—her doubts intensified further still.
Yuan Yueming turned back again striking Zhao Qing hard once more fueled by anger and confusion causing Zhao Qing’s body to jolt violently under impact.
“Will you speak?” Yuan Yueming shouted angrily.
Zhao Qing curled up painfully stammering: “It was Mr. Bai who left marks where you passed.” Though weakly spoken it resonated clearly within that silent valley.
Upon hearing this revelation it felt like an explosive bomb detonating among them—White Jade Peak turned pale instantly resembling blank paper devoid of color while trembling slightly under pressure.
He pointed accusingly at Zhao Qing shouting hoarsely: “You’re slandering me!” His voice brimmed with rage mixed with panic attempting desperately to mask inner turmoil.
Standing nearby Lin Xiu who had already been worn down by previous events felt herself shaking uncontrollably upon hearing Zhao Qing’s words—her fists clenched tightly digging nails deep into palms yet feeling no pain whatsoever.
Her eyes widened in shock as tears brimmed threateningly before bursting forth like floodwaters breaking free from dammed confines—she cried out accusingly: “White Jade Peak! You’ve truly disappointed me! Second Brother along with Ms. Yuan and Ms. Cong saved our lives yet you repay kindness with malice seeking rewards from Hong Taiji! You’re utterly despicable!”
Lin Xiu still recovering post childbirth felt weak but now blood surged angrily through veins causing dizziness overwhelming senses causing legs to buckle almost collapsing onto ground.
Lin Ning rushed forward catching hold of her just in time—the atmosphere within valley thickened further creating palpable tension—as if storm clouds gathered ominously overhead…
In that moment filled with dark clouds swirling winds howling fiercely soldiers poured down from above like surging tides crashing onto shore—their hurried footsteps echoed thunderously throughout mountains raising dust clouds resembling yellow smoke enveloping everything around them.
Leading charge down cliff was none other than those arrogant ruffians led by Yang Yan—a towering figure whose face bore brutish features complemented by greedy glint shining within triangular eyes wielding long knife slicing air producing sharp sounds alongside Dunhuang Double Slayers whose presence instilled dread amongst all—one stout resembling mountain while other thin resembling dried twig both wore grim expressions concealing hidden weapons beneath sleeves.
White Songhe donned white robes appearing graceful yet harboring sinister intent behind seemingly refined demeanor while Hao Ge displayed brutish arrogance raising steel knife high ready to smash anything standing before him—all other soldiers followed suit eager for battle surging forth like wolves hungry for prey blocking path downhill completely sealing escape routes behind them.
At this critical juncture Lin Xiu suddenly stepped forth from crowd cradling Bai Ruyun tightly—a small infant sleeping soundly within arms radiating innocence adorned by sweet smile illuminating rosy cheeks amidst chaos surrounding them—eyes reflecting unwavering resolve stood tall confronting advancing soldiers declaring clearly: “If you wish to capture my Second Brother then you must first kill me!”
Her words rang out like thunder reverberating throughout valley halting soldiers’ advance momentarily causing hesitation among them exchanging glances revealing uncertainty creeping into their hearts none daring take first step forward fearing crossing some invisible line drawn between life death itself.
Yang Yan could no longer contain greed boiling inside leaping forth hands on hips shouting loudly: “Now is perfect opportunity to kill Lin Ning! Great Khan has issued bounty five hundred taels for anyone who can slay him!” His voice sliced through silence igniting fervor among soldiers present instantly lighting up their eyes tightening grips around weapons readying themselves eagerly awaiting command akin hungry wolves poised pounce upon unsuspecting prey.
From distance watching closely Lin Ning observed Lin Xiu holding infant feeling surge protectiveness rise within him brows furrowing deeply revealing anxiety brewing beneath surface without hesitation stepping forward shielding Lin Xiu behind him acting solid wall guarding against all dangers approaching swiftly standing tall unwavering akin immovable mountain peak itself.
Seeing how protective Lin Ning remained towards Lin Xiu emboldened Yang Yan along with comrades emboldened further emboldened feeling supported by numerous soldiers behind them growing bolder exchanging glances signaling one another before charging forth en masse surrounding Lin Ning et al beneath towering rocks standing firm yet isolated amidst encroaching tide threatening engulf them whole.
Lin Ning’s gaze hardened reflecting icy resolve gripping tightly onto precious blade shimmering under sunlight casting chilling radiance reminiscent slumbering dragon awakened ready unleash fury upon foes charging forth roaring mightily akin ferocious tiger descending mountain unleashing wrath upon adversaries ahead wielding blade skillfully executing strikes delivering devastating blows cutting swathes through ranks enemies falling lifelessly ground surrounding him creating bloody path lined corpses moaning agony echoing around him while behind him lurking shadows watching intently filled jealousy hatred plotting revenge silently calculating next moves against unsuspecting prey unaware impending doom lurking just beyond horizon…
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