Yama's Wedding
Yao Guang gazed at the Bandit Hideout before him.
This Bandit Hideout, nestled deep in the mountains, was accessed by a winding road that led directly to its center. The quiet Bandit Hideout sat on the slope of a large mountain, seemingly integrated with its surroundings. The entire Bandit Hideout was built along the contours of the mountain, stretching from the river valley to the ridge. Houses were perfectly positioned, cascading down the mountainside. From a distance, amidst the vibrant green grass and trees, one could see the heavy fields and hidden huts deep within the dense forest, accompanied by the occasional sound of a babbling brook. A dynamic and exquisite picture of the Bandit Hideout unfolded before one's eyes. Behind the Bandit Hideout, layers upon layers of mountains loomed, appearing hazy and ethereal, as if draped in a light veil. They seemed to float in and out of view within the misty clouds, like delicate brushstrokes painted on a blue canvas.
As Yao Guang took in the scenery, he thought that this place truly embodied the phrase "beautiful mountains and clear waters." This piqued his curiosity about how such a picturesque location could be home to bandits.
“Jun Ruo, you’re back!”
“Yes, Auntie, I’m back.” The Red-Clad Woman politely greeted an elderly woman passing by. In the distance, several young girls and women were washing clothes in a stream flowing down from the mountains.
Yao Guang watched as the Red-Clad Woman walked ahead; her name was Jun Ruo. The poetic names of her family—Jun Ai, gentle as a willow; Jun Qiu, beautiful yet humble—were indeed lovely. However, such an ancient-sounding name seemed at odds with her demeanor.
“Xue, don’t you think there’s something strange about these people?” As they ventured deeper into this place, Yao Guang noticed more oddities along their path.
“Indeed.” Xue shared this sentiment. As they walked further, many locals greeted them warmly. Yet their attire was no different from that of ordinary folk, mostly consisting of elderly men and women. If he wasn’t mistaken, he had seen some people working in the fields nearby who looked just like regular farmers. When these locals saw them, they not only showed no fear but some even greeted them enthusiastically. Their group responded in kind without any hesitation, suggesting familiarity between them. At least these locals seemed aware of what they had been doing outside; yet everyone appeared completely at ease.
“Jun Ruo sister, you’re back! Did you bring me any treats?” A child came running from afar and leaped into Jun Ruo’s arms, clearly very familiar with her.
“Xi Er, I didn’t go to town today. Be good and you’ll have something delicious for dinner,” Jun Ruo said as she crouched down to pat the child's head gently.
Watching Jun Ruo now, Yao Guang thought she seemed entirely different from the bandit leader they had encountered earlier. If he hadn’t seen it with his own eyes, he would have never believed they were the same person.
"Alright." The child heard Jun Ruo's words and obediently responded without crying or causing a fuss. This behavior made Yao Guang very fond of him.
When Jun Ruo heard the child's reply, her eyes curved into joyful crescents. At that moment, Yao Guang understood why Old Five had wanted to matchmake Jun Ruo with Xue.
Just a moment ago, Jun Ruo had worn a stern expression that seemed somewhat intimidating, but now, with her smile, her features radiated warmth. Her previously unremarkable looks transformed into something lively and enchanting, much like the beautiful scenery within the Bandit Hideout that captivated the eye. Yao Guang couldn't take her gaze away; she had always had a deep appreciation for beauty.
"You all should head home too; come back tonight for a feast," Jun Ruo said. As soon as she finished speaking, everyone who had been gathered around her dispersed in an instant. One man stepped forward and picked up Xi Er, saying, "Come on, your father will take you home."
Xi Er was this man's child? Yao Guang observed as those around them cheerfully walked toward the houses they had seen earlier.
Xue watched the departing crowd and began to understand why he and Yao Guang had felt something was off earlier. This place was clearly a den of bandits, yet it resembled an ordinary village in every way. The fierce-looking individuals outside seemed to shed their hostility upon entering this charming locale, becoming peaceful instead. The atmosphere within the Bandit Hideout felt serene and comforting.
"You two come with me," Jun Ruo said after watching her subordinates leave. She turned to Xue and Yao Guang.
Her mood shifted so quickly; just moments ago, she had been smiling so brightly, yet now she appeared entirely different when facing Xue and him.
Xue ld Yao Guang's hand as they officially stepped into the Bandit Hideout.
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