Attack in the forest

In the forest,

Around the fire, both Shen Bin and Xia Jingxi were sitting leaning against the trees.

"What was I saying?" Shen Bin asked.

"About how General Yan fights against Jing empire because of some oath." Xia Jingxi answered.

"When Yan Zhiyuan was young, he wasn't interested in fighting or battles and was studying to be a strategist just like his father. When he was 14, the whole Yan family including his mother, Father and younger brother were visiting a shrine near the border.

That place was at a disputed land between Jing and Xia Empire. The Jing Empire attacked the shrine and his family was killed in that attack."

"How do you know all these things?" Xia Jingxi asked.

"My Father was the one who saved him, he reached there to counter the attack. His family died but he was still alive. So father took him back to the capital. When he woke up, he spend a whole night kneeling in front of the Palace demanding justice for the murder of his family."

"Emperor listened to him but he couldn't just order a attack on Jing Empire which was stronger. Yan Zhiyuan said he wanted to fight against Jing Empire till he kills the person who murdered his family with his own hands. Only after that will he return back to the capital. The Emperor granted his wish allowing him to join army troop that patrols the border facing Jing Empire."

"So he is a person driven by his hate towards the Jing Empire." Xia Jingxi commented.

Just then she heard a sharp sound piercing the air and quickly kicked Shen Bin down.

"What-" he started but shut up when he saw the arrow striking the tree where he was sitting.

A few more arrows were shot towards them and Xia Jingxi dragged the fallen Shen Bin behind the tree.

"Are we under attack?" Shen Bin asked sitting up straight against the tree.

"It's not an attack, but a message for us." Xia Jingxi said opening the small paper attached to the arrow.

...'The tyranny of Xia officials has drove us to this point, go back if you want to live. Once you enter Jiangnan death is inevitable'...

The sound of someone jumping from the tree reached them.

"It's from the rebels, they are trying to escape." Xia Jingxi said swiftly taking her sword out.

Shen Bin blew out a warning whistle waking the soldiers to alert them of danger and followed Xia Jingxi who was already running towards the forest.

In the forest..

Shen Bin reached Xia Jingxi who was hiding behind a tree and asked, "Where are they? Did they escape already?"

"Keep your voice down, the sound of their footsteps stopped here. They must be hiding somewhere nearby." she replied.

The crunching of leaves sounded on the other side and Xia Jingxi signalled Shen Bin to quietly move towards it.

They moved towards the sound and saw a person in black running away, she noticed a black snake maek on him. Before they could chase them, arrows came towards them and they dived in different directions to avoid it. Shen Bin saw two more people on the tree branch who were shooting arrows.

"On the tree." He shouted to Xia Jingxi and tossed a stone to make one fall down.

Xia Jingxi did the same and both the black clothed people who fell down pulled out the swords ready to fight them.

The fight ensued and it didn't take long for both of them to capture the rebels.

"Make sure to tie them securely so they don't try to do anything." Xia Jingxi said to Shen Bin.

Shen Bin ordered the soldiers to take both of the tied people to the camp.

"Fighting in reality in way different than the training and duels, you seemed like you wouldn't even hesitate to kill someone. Isn't it your first time fighting like this?" Shen Bin asked her as they walked back to the camp.

"It is but it certainly doesn't feel like it. May be because I have seen people die for many times now."

"Seen people die?"

"In my dreams."

"I wouldn't expect you to have such weird dreams."

Xia Jingxi shook her head and said, "You did quite good job there."

"Not as good as you. Your sword is like a part of you, moves so quick and easy."

"This sword? I always feel it lacks something. It can't keep up with my speed." Xia Jingxi said looking at the sword in her hand.

"You expect a lot then, I doubt you will find one matching your speed." Shen Bin commented.

"Order the soldiers, we are going to continue moving to Jiangnan, put these two under tight security we'll investigate them after reaching there." Xia Jingxi said to him.

Shen Bin nodded and walked forward to do the duty.

...

Next Evening, at the Jiangnan City...

When Yan Zhiyuan and his troop reached Jiangnan, City Lord Liang Yimin was already at the city gate.

"You didn't have to come here personally to receive us." Yan Zhiyuan asked after getting down from his horse.

"General Yan is welcome in Jiangnan, but I'm not here for you but the Imperial troop." Liang Yimin said giving him a big smile.

"Is the Imperial troop more important than us, Lord Liang?" Li Jinai asked as he approached them.

"Coming from the capital on Emperor's order, of course I have to show some respect." Liang Yimin answered.

"We are also here on Emperor's order so you know." Li Jinai commented.

"I thought the Imperial troop was coming a day after, why are they here early?" Yan Zhiyuan asked ignoring the bickering of the two.

"They encountered something on the way and sent a message saying they will be here earlier." Liang Yimin answered.

"I've already made arrangements for the troops to stay, I'll ask someone to escort you there." He said to them.

Before they could move, the sound of horses came with the Imperial troop coming in view.

"Let's wait for them and then we can go there together and discuss the situation." Yan Zhiyuan suggested.

Lord Liang nodded and said, "General Yan hasn't changed one bit these years, getting to the business as soon as possible."

"You should also learned this quality, maybe the situation wouldn't be this bad now if you dealt with it as soon as possible." Li Jinai made a remark standing at the side.

"Li Jinai your tongue is sharper than a sword, but keep these words to yourself when you don't know the full situation." Liang Yimin said rolling his eyes at him.

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