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墨書 Inktalez
The winding mountain road was difficult to traverse, and the rain was falling at just the right time. Looking down at the path wasn't too bothersome, but as soon as one looked up, the rain would hit so hard that it was impossible to open one's eyes. The enemy was waiting on the mountain; how could one not observe their movements? These challenges did not dampen the enthusiasm for the charge; everyone hoped to finish quickly and wrap up for the day.
The steps leading up the mountain were built along the slope, directly determining the direction of the path. Li Xin set up a defensive position on a seven-meter-high broken wall and informed Luzi about it. Below the cliff lay this small path; simply pushing a rock down could hit anyone passing by. From above, it was clear to see, but from below, one could only see the sheer rock face without any view of the top. Such an easily defensible location was too good not to take advantage of!
The top of the cliff was piled high with stones of various sizes, and the guards braving the rain were nervously observing the path hidden within the dense forest. Due to the heavy rain, moisture rising from the mountains had filled all the gaps in the trees. Unless someone circled out of the forest and walked along the path below the cliff, it was impossible to see what was happening even a short distance away.
Behind them was an important figure they had to protect at all costs, so leaving behind guards would not allow for any carelessness. A few people worried about potential oversights and decided to regroup. For example, they formed three groups of three Sentinels to watch over the path below. The formation consisted of one person ready with a bow at all times while two others positioned themselves near the stacked stone wall, prepared for action. If there were no signs of enemies, only one group would remain on watch while the other two rested. Upon discovering any situation, they would immediately alert the other two groups to join in defense and send one person to notify the main force in the temple for assistance. This was essentially how their defense would operate, and further details would not be mentioned.
"It's pouring rain; those lazy folks must be hiding from it down at Shanxia!" Bowman A glanced at the mountain path shrouded in mist and said to another person, "To think they can still take a nap with such a great enemy looming!"
Hearing this, Sentinel B expressed strong agreement. Sentinel C, who appeared slightly older, leaned against the stone wall and looked down for a moment before turning back and saying, "When we talk about a great enemy, we're referring to Toothless; there are hundreds of them!"
Just as Bowman A wanted to retort that hundreds didn't mean much, he saw C get struck by an arrow in his neck. Due to the angle, the arrowhead protruded from his ear. In a moment of shock, he shouted loudly, "Enemy Attack!" Before he could say another word, he fell silent.
Sentinel B saw both companions get hit by arrows almost simultaneously and instinctively reached for his hard bow only to be shot down by another arrow.
The other two groups caught in the rain heard the warning call and hurriedly grabbed their bows to provide support. The Captain noticed that there was no one on the Shanxia road and quickly raised his hand to signal everyone to crouch down. Based on the angle at which the first group of three had been struck by arrows, he quickly deduced that the enemy must have bypassed the mountain road and crossed through the forest between both upper and lower paths.
As their visual angles adjusted, they soon spotted shadows hidden within the white mist of rain. With clear targets in sight, five individuals swiftly pulled back their Bowstrings and released arrows downwards. Instantly, over a hundred arrows shot back from within the forest, piercing through the rain barrier with sharp Sentry sounds raining down upon the broken wall above.
"Listen up on the mountain! We only want Luzi! If you surrender, we guarantee your safe return home!"
The suppressed guards had no second thoughts; they erupted into curses at what they deemed a daydream!
The rain was falling heavily, making it impossible to discern whether there were footsteps below on the Cliff. Without being able to observe the situation beneath the broken wall, randomly pushing down the stone wall would be a waste of resources. The real advantage of the rocks would come when the enemy walked into the small path beneath the broken wall. The Captain looked around at the terrain and quickly ordered someone to go to a nearby corner. That observation point was quite good, allowing for a clear view of Shanxia while remaining concealed.
After the Retainers shot out hundreds of arrows, they noticed that there was no movement above and no counterattack. They exchanged hand signals to confirm and then began moving toward the broken wall. To ascend the mountain, they had to take that small path, but seeing that there was almost no resistance above gave them some relief.
They quietly made their way up the mountain, avoiding unnecessary shots.
The advance team of over a hundred people cautiously moved forward amidst the noise of the rain. As long as they could circle around and occupy the top of the broken wall, the rest would be smooth sailing! Suddenly, someone shouted that it was time to seize the opportunity! This immediately reminded all the Retainers that it was time to claim their kills! Not seizing an opportunity for merit was simply foolish! They rushed into the mountain path, running upward. The Acting Centurion cursed under his breath, but his words were drowned out by the chaotic footsteps, and no one heard what he said.
The four people stationed at the top of the broken wall heard footsteps below breaking through the water and knew that if they didn't act now, when would they? They simultaneously flexed their arms and pushed down a stone wall that was over a meter high in front of them. The falling rocks did not care whether there were people below; they tumbled down freely. As walls collapsed one after another, screams erupted from those who were struck.
The Soldier responsible for observing saw chaos below and jumped up to draw his bow and shoot arrows. The four who were pushing down the wall also saw this, grabbed their sturdy bows from their backs, jumped up, and shouted loudly.
“Seize the opportunity!”
The falling rocks had momentum and continued rolling down toward Shanxia. Those who had not yet made it up the small path could not dodge in time and were unable to withstand this force even as they clung to stones. Those who escaped found shelter behind large trees, avoiding rolling down the cliff.
By the time Li Xin arrived with reinforcements, the battle had already concluded. The rain mixed with mud and stones formed red streams flowing toward Shanxia, carrying a pungent smell. The remaining injured cried out in agony in the rain, calling for their companions to come help.
Who knew if there were still stones on the mountain? The Retainers hiding behind trees heard their companions' cries and gritted their teeth but felt helpless. It was manageable when they had control; now it had turned passive, and going out meant certain death. Forget about rescuing anyone; just avoiding being shot by arrows from above would require luck.
The two acting Centurions in charge probably reached the base of the mountain by now, though not voluntarily. Suddenly losing an Officer led to even more chaos among their ranks; everyone exchanged glances and began to think about retreating first.
A nauseatingly strong smell wafted up from below the broken wall with the humidity at the cliff's edge, causing Li Xin to sigh inwardly. He signaled for everyone to stop and shouted toward the forest below. “Listen up! Do not rush down; give yourselves time to come up and rescue!”
Among the Retainers, there are also brothers who have allied with Xingling Jun. This bloodline that flows in their veins is not something ordinary people can compare to. Upon hearing the calls from Above, an overwhelming concern for the safety of their loved ones surged in their hearts. After confirming that they had come to rescue people, they emerged from the forest in small groups. When both sides could see each other, they placed their bows and arrows on the ground as a gesture, indicating that they had come in peace.
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