Shen Qingtang noticed Pei Wuwang's pale face and furrowed brows, and her heart tightened. His injuries hadn't healed yet, and he couldn't withstand such torment. She composed herself and searched through the chaos with her eyes, quickly spotting a hidden cave halfway up the mountain in the distance.
The entrance to the cave was hidden by vines and could not be found without careful observation.
"Everyone, follow me! There's a cave ahead!" Shen Qingtang immediately changed direction, protecting the Shen family members as they moved towards the cave.
He shouted to those around him, "Hold on tight to the people next to you, and slowly move towards the cave. Don't panic!"
The officials realized what was happening and quickly organized everyone to follow. When someone was too weak, someone nearby reached out to help them up.
Some people got sand and gravel in their eyes, so they reminded each other to avoid obstacles. The wind was still howling, but everyone had a goal and was no longer as panicked as before.
Along the way, Shen Qingtang casually tore off a few sturdy vines.
She handed the vines to the people around her and said, "Wrap the vines around your waists and tie them together so they don't get blown away by the wind!" She then first tied Pei Nian'an and Pei Wuwang together with the vines, and then helped the Shen family members tie their vines to ensure that everyone had support.
After finally reaching the cave entrance, Shen Qingtang rushed in first to clear away the rubble and vines at the entrance.
He shouted outside, "Come in quickly! Let the elderly and children go in first!"
The group entered the cave one by one, and Shen Qingtang followed the last person in, using a stone to block most of the entrance.
Reduce the force of the wind blowing in.
The cave fell silent instantly, with only the howling wind outside. Everyone collapsed to the ground, panting heavily, their faces filled with relief at surviving the ordeal.
Pei Wuwang leaned against the cave wall and it took him a while to regain his strength.
He looked at Shen Qingtang, his eyes filled with gratitude: "Thanks to you, Shen Qingtang."
If she hadn't found the cave in time and calmed everyone down, the consequences would have been unimaginable.
Shen Qingtang shook her head, but her brows remained furrowed: "This wind is too strange. It came so suddenly and is so strong. It doesn't seem like normal weather."
She felt uneasy. "I'm afraid there will be other dangers after this wind passes. We need to stay in the cave a little longer and go out to check the situation after the wind stops."
Hearing her say that, everyone became nervous.
They were attacked by the Northern Desert people.
Encountering this strange, fierce wind, no one dared to be careless any longer, and they all nodded in agreement.
Pei Nian'an leaned against Pei Wuwang, her little hands tightly gripping Shen Qingtang's clothes, and whispered, "Auntie, are there bad people outside?"
Shen Qingtang patted his head and said softly, "Don't be afraid. Your aunt and father are here. They won't let bad people in." Her words were like a reassuring pill, instantly putting Pei Nian'an at ease and giving the others in the cave more confidence.
Just as everyone caught their breath inside the cave, a heart-wrenching cry came from outside. It was the main branch of the Lin family who had traveled with the exile group earlier.
The third son of the eldest branch of the Lin family lost his grip in the strong wind and was swept away.
"Sanlang! My son! How could you be gone like this!"
Granny Lin from the second branch of the Lin family sat at the entrance of the cave, slapping her thigh and wailing, while her eyes secretly glanced at the reactions of those around her. "With such a strong wind, you must have been blown into the mountains to be eaten by wolves! Why is our Lin family so unlucky!"
Her daughter-in-law also cried, but would tug at Lin Pozi's clothes from time to time.
Shen Qingtang clearly saw the subtle exchange of glances between the two.
At this moment, Lin Dalang, the eldest son of the second branch of the Lin family, suddenly stood up.
He cupped his hands in a respectful gesture towards Shen Qingtang, his tone deliberately heavy: "Shen Qingtang, you are very capable. You were able to find the cave and produce powerful weapons. Surely you have a way to save Sanlang and the others? Sanlang has a wife and a three-year-old child. If they die like this, our Lin family will be wiped out! Please have some compassion and save them!"
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