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The safest way to transport large sums of money and food was naturally to take the official route, away from the wild mountains and hills, and set up camp as if on a march. Therefore, the Red Banner Army's return route was not difficult to predict. However, such a highway made ambushes more difficult. Ultimately, the Tianding Army chose a wooded area not far from the river. They had numerous boats, and if they launched an attack there, the Red Banner bandits would be forced to form a formation with their backs to the water. Then, a surprise attack from the river by boats would allow them to attack from both sides.

All of them were salt smugglers, and they had fought tough battles like this before. However, after witnessing the Red Banner Army's breathtaking presence, Zhou Wang cautiously brought a full 3,000 men and promised a generous reward. The overnight capture of the city was truly astonishing, and anyone with a discerning eye could tell that this was a formidable force comparable to the government troops. To deal with such an enemy, even an ambush would require several times the number of troops to ensure a foolproof outcome.

Even so, Zhou Wang couldn't help but complain to Ning Fu, "Did the military advisor really discover that small group of troops? I see such a strong army, there's really no need to bother them."

They had already sent people to keep a close eye on the various ferry crossings. Ning Fu's answer was straightforward: "We did split up our forces, and we've already crossed the river. We're a group of over eighty people, and they've changed into ordinary clothing. If it weren't for protecting a crucial area, why would we go to so much trouble?"

This makes sense. Zhou Wang laughed heartily. "Then the important task of intercepting Miss Qiu will be handed over to the military advisor. Don't let her get away."

This time, Zhou Wang led the main force, while Ning Fu personally led the capture detachment. Zhou Wang had a plan in mind. How could a little girl be as valuable as gold, silver, and treasure? Besides, with all the cunning tricks going on, Miss Qiu wouldn't be easy to catch. So, Ning Fu would lead the team. At least if anything went wrong, he wouldn't be held responsible.

Ning Fu was fully aware of this, and it coincided with his intentions. Whether the ambush would succeed was uncertain, but as long as Qiu Yuehua was captured, the mission would be a complete success. He had dealt with Miss Qiu more than once, so how could he let her escape again?

Without hesitation, the two sides went their separate ways, each preparing their own course. The two prey, big and small, fell unawares into the open net.

The Red Banner Army's march was even faster than Zhou Wang had anticipated. Even with numerous baggage carts, they were still able to cover fifty miles a day, even with scouts. It was thanks to his quick decision that he was able to set up an ambush. If he had hesitated even a moment, the troops would have disappeared without a trace.

However, because of this, their ambush was more hasty than expected. Almost as soon as they saw the enemy scouts, they rushed out of the forest. They had to rush in. These thousands of people were not something that could be hidden in a small forest. If they waited for the scouts to return and report, wouldn't the Red Bandits be prepared?

Fortunately, Ning Fu was truly familiar with the terrain and had chosen an ideal location. By the time the bandits reached this spot, it was dusk. Tired and hungry after a long day, they had planned to rest and eat some rations. Unexpectedly, an ambush suddenly appeared, sending the sitting and standing soldiers into a panic. With the enemy in front and the river behind them, how could they possibly stop them?

The leader was obviously a veteran. He quickly gathered the carts at the back and lined up the troops in front, ready to meet the enemy.

They were really just thinking about protecting their wealth. Seeing the irregular formation and the long and short weapons picked up in a panic, Zhou Wang almost laughed out loud and shouted, "Brothers, those carts are full of gold and silver. Charge for me, and there will be a reward for anyone who cuts off a head!"

There were many former bandits in the Tianding Army, and they were particularly adept at this kind of no-cost business. Moreover, they had more than double the number of troops than the enemy. If they didn't work hard, they would be doomed. So a group of people, shouting and yelling, swarmed over like locusts.

Blades clashed, arrows whizzed, yet who could have imagined that this surprise attack, which should have been a quick and decisive blow, would instead become like being stuck in a quagmire. The seemingly loose military formation was actually not a large formation at all, but composed of dozens of small formations, each team of five or six people, like a bird with its wings spread, embracing the enemy before it.

It was a charge, so naturally there would be speeds of some and some slows of others. If they were not in formation, those who ran alone would die quickly. If they gathered in a group of ten or so, they would be dazzled by the long weapons that were like big brooms, and then they would be cut into small pieces and defeated one by one with a swipe to the left or right.

Even more terrible was that, because the formation was strangely arranged and not a tight defensive line, some people rushed straight in, causing those following behind to think that the formation had been broken, and they rushed forward even more desperately. As a result, by the time Zhou Wang realized what was wrong, almost half of the people had fallen in, leaving the ground littered with dead bodies.

Zhou Wang was so frightened that he nearly bit his tongue off. His mind was buzzing, and he didn't know how to react. Fortunately, the boats lying in ambush on the river came over, and he instantly came to his senses: "Stop, stop for a while, wait for the boats to come down and disrupt their formation..."

But as soon as he finished speaking, he realized something was wrong. The group was still quite far from the river. They had originally planned to force the people to the riverbank, but now they were standing still, a long way from the enemy. Furthermore, the carts were piled up, clearly a defense against the enemy behind them. The distance was too great, and the explosives on the boats were now useless. If they reached the shore, they would have to attack. Could they really break through the convoy?

Unexpectedly, before he could figure out how to respond, the group of Red Bandits had already begun to stride forward. Were they planning to leave the chariot formation and switch from defense to offense? Weren't they afraid of being attacked from both sides and suffering a crushing defeat?

But seeing the gleaming, chaotic array of weapons, Zhou Wang felt his legs begin to tremble. Could they really win? Even the leader was in such a state, let alone the soldiers behind him. When too many people died too quickly, morale would be completely destroyed. This wasn't a fight of life and death, but just a fight for money and plunder. If they encountered a tough opponent, what else could they do but flee?

Some clever people reacted and turned and ran. As a few people fell away, more and more people became timid, and defeat was imminent. And the Red Flag Army's advance at this moment was a perfect opportunity to pursue the fugitives. By the time Zhou Wang turned around, he saw a Shura ghostland behind him. Everyone's mind went blank, and they only regretted that their parents hadn't given them two more legs.

Zhou Wang is indeed an old veteran in commanding troops, and he can actually think of other things at this moment.

I would rather betray this bastard than cut him into pieces when I get back!

…

Elsewhere, news of the ambush arrived. Hearing the commotion ahead, the squad seemed startled. They paused only for a moment before unhesitatingly turning onto another trail. While not as wide as the main road, it led to the countryside, and as long as there were no nearby military disasters, it was considered foolproof. Unfortunately, such a safe route had fallen prey to someone else's scheme.

Ning Fu looked at the increasingly dense formation, seemingly protecting the middleman, and couldn't help but smile. He waved his hand gently. Hundreds of people followed this command and rushed out in unison.

Unexpectedly, there was an ambush here. The leading man had his eyes wide open and fought desperately. There were also a dozen people protecting a young man and seemed to want to retreat, but the enemy was numerous and we were few, so how could we escape?

As if he understood his situation, the young man actually drew his sword and stood still. When he stopped, the guards around him also stopped and turned around to join the battle. For a moment, the scene became more chaotic.

Ning Fu smiled at the slender figure squeezed in the crowd. Her courage was truly unmatched, and she was resolute to the extreme. However, she had made the right choice. If she had escaped, she would have been met with another ambush, and she would have lost even the chance to fight for her life.

Unfortunately, she had made the wrong choice. Coming to the captain's ship in person to investigate the enemy was a grave offense. Without this audacious act, how could he have been sure this young woman was in Luling? And how could he have persuaded Yuan Tianding to send troops to stop them?

All I can say is that winning too much can easily breed arrogance and arrogance, but once you fail, you're doomed. He's experienced this firsthand, so naturally he understands the gains and losses better than anyone else.

But it was no use saying this. How long could these hundreds of people hold out? Once the battle was over, it would be impossible to escape.

Ning Fu's palms itched intensely, and he involuntarily clenched his fists, as if trying to grasp the nonexistent fan handle. His heart burned, and evil thoughts swirled, gripping his heart. This time, he could finally win.

…

Huang Yue's entire body was trembling, even the hilt of the knife in her hand was trembling slightly. However, she couldn't retreat, and she wouldn't retreat. This was what she wanted to do, to be a substitute for the gang leader in times of crisis! Now, she had done it, and she had also caught the biggest fish. All that was left was to lead the charge and fight to the death.

She has never killed anyone, but she is not afraid. She can fight the enemy together with her comrades!

The knife swung out, striking the face of the thief who had rushed forward, his face radiating joy. The blade cleaved at his facial bones, jarring his wrist and splashing blood across his face. But Huang Yue didn't wipe it away. Her hand holding the knife gradually became steady. She had learned this before, practicing from dawn to dusk, countless times. And she could do it, because she was now the gang leader's substitute. How could she bring disgrace to his reputation?

"Kill!" Huang Yue yelled out, her voice high and sharp. It was a woman's voice, unmistakable even on a battlefield.

More eyes suddenly looked over, and there was even more greed. Huang Yue smiled. This battle, they were sure to win!

…

That group of red bandits was even more tenacious than expected, even attacking the "young master." However, when that high-pitched, sharp shout rang out, Ning Fu frowned, as if something was wrong.

Would she shout like that when she was in dire straits? Those eyes, as cold as ice, frozen even in their murderous intent, flashed through his mind, and Ning Fu suddenly took two steps forward. No, not right!

But he had calculated all of this, so where had he gone wrong? If he had calculated it wrong, how could it be so precise and accurate?

Ning Fu felt his hair stand on end, as if he were on the boat that day when he suddenly woke up. He sensed the danger and wanted only to turn around and run.

Unfortunately, this time he was leading the troops, and Zhou Wang's confidants were standing beside him. His expression suddenly darkened, and Ning Fu shouted, "What are you still standing there for? Don't worry about me, just capture that girl as soon as possible!"

Several people looked left and right, and they were all a little tempted. However, before they could make up their minds to attack, a loud roar sounded behind them.

That was the sound of gunpowder exploding.

Dust flew up, and many people lay prone on the ground out of habit. They were all experts in water battles, so who hadn't heard of this? But how could there be another enemy attack?

Unfortunately, they didn't have time to think about it. They saw bamboo tubes flying out from the crowd, exploding everywhere. It turned out that the besieged group of people were carrying gunpowder with them!

Ning Fu was the most familiar with artillery and ammunition, so he was the first to drop to the ground, quickly seeking shelter. At that moment, he realized his white clothing was too much of a hindrance, making him look like a target in the face of the enemy. Without hesitation, Ning Fu rolled into the blood-soaked dirt, ignoring the stench, staining his white clothing reddish-brown. He still had a chance to escape, to take advantage of the chaos!

This reaction was quite quick, but unexpectedly, another strange change occurred. The besieged group of people formed a formation of three or two, and with the help of grenades, they instantly stopped a large number of ambushes. A team of more than ten people took advantage of the chaos and rushed out, heading straight for Ning Fu's hiding place.

This was beyond everyone's expectations, and also made several of Zhou Wang's confidants hesitate. This was coming for Ning Fu. Should they risk their lives to help him escape?

After a brief moment of hesitation, Ning Fu was the first to leap to his feet and run away. This escape actually caught the guards' attention, and they also scattered. He was just a newly found lost dog, so why risk their lives to protect him? Seeing that they couldn't win, the priority was to escape!

Ning Fu ran fast and on time, but he couldn't outrun the pursuers behind him. I don't know what he was fed, he was clearly fighting a desperate battle just now, how could he be chasing so fast?

The more impatient he became, the more frantic he ran. Country roads are far from the highway, and perhaps he tripped and fell to the ground. As he struggled to his feet, he glanced back. The group behind him was already very close, so close that he could clearly see their faces. Somehow, he immediately spotted the smallest figure. Judging from her frame, it was definitely a woman, but it was definitely not Qiu Yuehua. She was smiling, her eyes sparkling, her face filled with anxiety.

That look wasn't cold, indifferent, or reserved, but it filled him with an inexplicable fear. Without looking again, Ning Fu broke into a run again, panting and refusing to stop.

Unfortunately, he couldn't run for long this time.