Chapter 30: Run, They're Bandits

Those who had been taken hostage, according to Cheng Yi’s report, were likely villagers from near Beiping County, a fief belonging to Prince Jin not far from here. The home of Wang Keyue’s great-uncle, their destination, could only be reached by passing through two counties: the first was Beiping, and the second was Changbai.

Beiping was the domain of Prince Jin, while on the surface, Changbai appeared to belong to General Zhang. In truth, since General Zhang’s death, Changbai had long since come under Prince Jin’s control.

Wang Keyue and her companions were debating their course of action: should they turn a blind eye and detour around the trouble, or intervene to aid the refugees in distress?

Wang Keyue was neither a saint nor cold-hearted; she could not stand aside and watch such cruel beasts slaughter and devour innocent people. Yet, her willingness to help was conditional: they had to be able to rescue everyone safely, without putting their own at risk.

If it came to trading one of their own for the enemy’s life, Wang Keyue would never agree. She was fiercely protective of her people. Torn by these thoughts, she fell silent, communing with System 9538.

“9538, do you have any advice?” Wang Keyue hoped that 9538 might offer an objective perspective, perhaps even a clever solution.

“Host, 9538 recommends you eliminate the enemy directly; the success rate is as high as 78%. Then, absorb all available labor and convert them into villagers of Wang Family Village. This could advance our mission progress by two to five points,” 9538 replied, sounding both analytical and convincing, aided by the supporting data.

“In that case, help me check what weapons are in the warehouse!” Wang Keyue’s confidence soared.

“Host, I suggest using the pocket crossbow and purchasing additional bolts. Though small, the pocket crossbow utilizes spatial-folding technology, allowing for continuous fire and boasting over 90% lethality,” 9538 advised.

Curious about the spatial-folding technology, Wang Keyue entered the system shop and instructed 9538 to purchase one hundred matching crossbow bolts for the pocket crossbow, spending ten gold coins.

Following the instructions, Wang Keyue loaded all one hundred bolts into the crossbow’s slot. At first glance, it seemed the slot could hold only two bolts at a time, but after loading, she realized its true sophistication. According to 9538, the slot employed spatial-folding technology, instantly elevating the pocket crossbow to the status of a luxury weapon.

Armed and ready, Wang Keyue gathered her group and assigned tasks within two minutes.

Hong Liu and Hong Qi let down their hair and reverted to female attire, while the rest concealed themselves in clusters of shrubs nearby.

Arm in arm, Hong Liu and Hong Qi advanced with delicate, wavering steps, their pale faces exuding a pitiful charm.

As the two petite figures came into view, a sharp-featured man immediately spotted them, his eyes widening as he blinked in surprise.

“Boss, boss, look! Over there!” he called, tugging his leader’s sleeve and pointing ahead.

The bearded man, who had been tormenting a woman, turned, irritation etched on his face, intending to strike the interrupter. But his gaze landed squarely on the two approaching figures.

A greedy light flickered in the boss’s eyes. Though the girls were young, their fair, supple skin and graceful figures far surpassed the dirty, emaciated women currently at his disposal. These two had to be young ladies from a wealthy family—such beauty was something a peasant like him could only dream of.

For a moment, the bearded boss was utterly entranced.

“Excuse me… could you tell us, is this the Chen residence in Beiping County…?” Cheng Liu approached timidly, her voice trembling like a warbler’s call.

“Don’t—don’t come over here! Run! They’re bandits!” someone among the refugees suddenly shouted a warning.

This took everyone by surprise. The bearded boss’s eyes flashed murderously.

“Monkey, Bighead, go and grab those two!” he snarled through clenched teeth.

Monkey, the sharp-faced man, whooped excitedly and raced toward Cheng Liu and Cheng Qi, followed by Bighead, a burly man whose stature barely reached five feet and whose speed lagged well behind Monkey’s.

Cheng Liu and Cheng Qi retreated swiftly as planned, their figures soon swallowed by the brush.

“No! Help! Please, don’t touch me!” Their cries for help and shrieks soon rang out from the thicket as Monkey and Bighead closed in.

“Monkey, Bighead! If you’ve caught them, bring them here at once!” the bearded boss roared, aroused by the pleading voices drifting from the bushes.

Damn it! How dare Monkey and Bighead lay their hands on women meant for him!