Suddenly, a whip struck the big man's bloodied body, causing his towering frame to sway in the air. I wanted to shout, but all the words caught in my throat.

That wasn't a whip; it was clearly bladed! With each lash, a trail of blood splattered across the ground. Even with the big, strong man's body, his chest and abdomen were beaten until they resembled minced meat. He didn't beg for mercy, didn't cry out in pain, yet my heart ached so much. The day I entered the mountain valley, the first person I met was him. Hairy-Legs loved to spout nonsense; he was simple-minded but always entangled with the little guy, bickering and fighting. I had never seen how brothers should get along, but I knew deep down that it would be different from how I interacted with the maids and servants in the Liao household. The big guy and the others treated me with such warmth and sincerity, never showing any prejudice against me, even though they had heard far too many demonic voices about my appearance. Ji Mo couldn't believe it, but I truly believed in these loyal and brave men. Though they were simple-minded and rough, they were incredibly sincere and trusting. Now, seeing this, how could I not worry, how could I not feel heartache?

He finally fainted. My heart tightened, but I also felt relieved. In this way, it's good to be free.

However, I had underestimated the situation. Basilji Yu poured a bucket of water on him, and blood mingled with it, flowing all over the ground. The big guy finally let out a wail, his eyes, still blurry, reopening.

Suddenly, Basilji Yu thrust a thin sword into the man, twisted it around, and then abruptly pulled it out, blood flying far away. The pain almost made the big man convulse.

I couldn't bear to watch any longer. I closed my eyes, lowered my head, and huddled on the ground, motionless. I just felt that the night was so cold and desolate.

I heard footsteps approaching, but I didn't open my eyes. I knew who it was, and I didn't bother to look.

He crouched down, pinched my chin, and his warm, moist breath almost brushed against my face: "Are you afraid of me?"

I didn't open my eyes, shaking my head as I tried to break free from his grasp. He tightened his grip, finally saying, "Ji Mo Dongli is protecting you, but I won't show you any mercy." He suddenly laughed mockingly, "A hypocrite, talking about showing mercy."

He stood up, and I heard the sound of a whip striking the air.

Before I could even think, a sudden heat, a piercing pain, shot through my shoulder. Instinctively, I hunched my shoulders and strained to turn to the side, using my back to absorb the blow. I don't have the imposing physique of a big guy, so every strike hit my very bones.

From childhood to adulthood, despite being neglected, I had never suffered any pain because I was imprisoned underground for sixteen years. I avoided the light because it made me dizzy, not painful. Even when I was placed on the fire last time, I was choked by the smoke and only my eyes hurt, but I was rescued by Ji Mo so quickly.

Having never endured suffering before, this time it seemed so unbearable.

The whip caught on my long hair, tearing at my scalp. My body swayed, and I crashed straight to the ground. My wrists ached as if they were torn apart, and a warm current was gushing from the back of my head.

He grabbed me from the ground and ripped at my wrist again; the pain was almost unbearable. With a sudden burst of strength, my arm could no longer withstand the strain, and I almost heard the sound of bones breaking.

He finally let go, throwing me to the ground. Another lash came down, but it missed me. I opened my eyes, but the cold sweat on my forehead seeped into them, stinging them.

There was the sound of swords clashing, but I no longer had the strength to watch.

"Miss Liao!" It was the hairy girl's sharp voice, unusually devoid of any playful tone. "The general is here, Miss Liao, don't be afraid."

Squinting, the figure did indeed resemble Ji Mo Dongli. But right now, he should be on the battlefield; how could he have come here so rashly? Watching the two men's fighting skills, a sudden tremor ran through him.

Ji Mo's skills were indeed impressive, but how could Ba Si Er Ji Yu be so much worse than him? A chill ran through him, and he dared not think any further.

Hairy-legged guy fiddled with the round band on my wrist, but to no avail. If he tried to pry it open, the barbs would only tear my skin, so he didn't dare. Knowing it was pointless, I raised my other hand and waved it at the big guy. May God help me.

“Someone is already looking after Big Guy,” Hairy Legs said, peeking out.

Suddenly, a sword whistle was heard, and then there was silence.

"Hairy, that's enough." His voice came calmly from above.