Seeing that Xu Bai looked unwell, Chen Yukang asked him, "Xu Xiaobai, what's wrong?"
Xu Bai, with a grim face, said to his cousins, "I think those people are very likely to attack us. Let's discuss how to deal with it if things really come to blows."
Chen Yukang said in surprise, "Are you kidding me? We don't know these people. Why would they attack us?"
Xu Bai sneered, "If someone attacks you, they must have their reasons. Do they need to explain everything to you? Cousin Yu Kang, it's good that they don't attack. I was just worrying unnecessarily. If they do attack, we can take precautions in advance and hold them off for a while."
The eldest, Chen Yuqiao, stood on Xu Bai's side and said to his brothers, "I trust Xiao Qi's judgment. It's always better to be prepared than to be caught off guard. Xiao Qi, just give me your orders. I'll do whatever you tell me to do without hesitation."
Xu Bai nodded and said, "To make a long story short, you all saw those people just now. They've all killed people. If they're going to attack us, they probably won't leave any survivors. I have a few crossbows here, take them with you. Also, our fishing net, which I made specially. There's a small grove ahead, let's go there and set a trap."
Besides the one bodyguard in the open, Chen Yuyuan also had three secret guards. These three secret guards would not appear unless there was an emergency. Xu Bai was unaware of this, but Chen Yuyuan knew it very well.
Chen Yuyuan said to Xu Bai, "Abai, I'll send someone back home to tell you how long you can hold on if I ask you to."
Xu Bai frowned and thought for a moment, then said, "I'm not really sure, but if we set up a few traps in the grove, we can hold out for a while longer, probably at least half an hour."
Chen Yuyuan pondered for a moment, then beckoned to a spot. A person dressed in very ordinary clothes, with an average appearance and a calm expression, knelt beside Chen Yuyuan. Not only were the Chen brothers' mouths agape in surprise, but Xu Bai was also taken aback. However, he understood what was going on and bit his lip tightly, not showing the same surprised expression as the Chen brothers.
Chen Yuyuan gave a few simple instructions, and the man turned and left. The boys only saw him turn around a few times before he disappeared.
Chen Yukang patted Chen Yuyuan on the shoulder and said, "You two are doing well. It's only been a few years since you separated, and you already have such capable people protecting you. Ayuan, Abai, once this is over and you go home, you must tell us in detail about all the places your family has been and all the things you've experienced over the past few years."
Even Chen Yuqiao, who is usually very calm, looked eager. Boys always have a dream of being a chivalrous knight who fights evil and brings peace to the world.
Xu Bai said with a grin, "Of course. Alright, brothers, let's get to work. Otherwise, we'll really become fish on their chopping block, at their mercy."
Chen Yukang couldn't stand such words. Following behind Xu Bai, he said as he walked, "No matter how bad we are, we've been practicing like this every day, burning the midnight oil and getting up at dawn. We've been practicing for over ten years. How can it be as useless as you say? Don't belittle your own reputation by relying on others' spirits, okay?"
Xu Bai curled his lip, snorted twice, and said, "Cousin Yu Kang, the kung fu we practice so diligently every day isn't for killing people. People have been practicing since they were young for killing, preferably killing with one blow. Tell me, even if you practice for another ten years, can you compare to them?"
Chen Yuqiao said to Chen Yukang, "Abo is right. We shouldn't have any other thoughts now. Just listen to Abo's orders. Do whatever he tells us to do."
Chen Yukang made a face at Chen Yuqiao and said nothing more.
The grove of trees that Xu Bai had just seen was not far away. Because this was the first place the water flowed through after the Miao River breached its banks, the grove, which was originally lush with grass and trees, had been completely transformed. The trees were crooked and twisted, and the ground was covered with deep and shallow ditches carved out by the river. Xu Bai walked into the devastated grove, looked around, and then took out a few things from the small backpack he had been carrying.
A crossbow, ropes, fishing nets, and the sleeping potion made by Chen Zhaoci.
Chen Yukang looked through everything one by one, then sighed and said to Chen Yuqiao, "Brother, see? These are all essential items for traveling the world. The stuff we have is just too cheap."
Chen Yuqiao looked at the packet of medicine and said to Xu Bai, "Abai, do you carry these things with you all the time?"
Xu Bai busied himself taking things out of the bag, sorting them one by one, and said without looking up, "I don't carry these with me at home, but I have to carry them when I'm out. Brother Yu Qiao, you know how dangerous the world is. If you don't have something that others don't have, it's very dangerous. Let me tell you, this stuff was made by my mother. She said she improved the original recipe. Just this one packet is enough to knock out several elephants."
Chen Yuqiao put down the medicine packet. Thinking of the Chen family's precepts, he wanted to say a few words, but considering his current situation, he swallowed his words. He would talk to Xu Bai slowly after this matter was settled. The medicine was good, but if people found out where it came from, it would bring disaster to the family.
Xu Bai was unaware of Chen Yuqiao's dilemma. After taking out all the items, he gave each of his three cousins a crossbow and taught them how to strap it to their wrists, saying, "This was originally meant to be a gift for you, but I'm giving it to you ahead of time. To use it, press this button. It can hold five arrows each time. I've coated the arrows with anesthetic. No matter how skilled you are in martial arts, if you're hit by one of my crossbow bolts, you'll be practically paralyzed. However, it's most effective when used unexpectedly. It's the most suitable item for home and travel among all the things I've made."
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