He swung his broadsword, aiming straight for one of the men's throats. The man was terrified and tried to block, but the back of the blade struck his wrist hard. With a "crack," his hand bone broke, and he screamed as the sword fell to the ground.
Iron Bull seized the opportunity, swept his fork, and pinned the man to the ground, blood splattering everywhere.
"Ah—!" The scream echoed through the valley.
Upon seeing this, Hu San's expression changed drastically, and a ruthless glint appeared in his eyes. He gritted his teeth, pulled out a short crossbow from his pocket, and aimed it at Du Jianshan's chest.
"Go to hell!"
The crossbow bolts flew through the air, as fast as lightning!
"Brother Shanzi!" Tie Niu roared and lunged forward, blocking Du Jianshan's path.
"Thud—" The crossbow bolt pierced deeply into Tie Niu's shoulder, and blood gushed out.
Tie Niu let out a miserable cry, half-kneeling on the ground, his face instantly turning deathly pale.
"Iron Bull!" Du Jianshan's eyes turned red, and his killing intent suddenly erupted. He slashed horizontally with his sword, aiming straight for Hu San's neck. Hu San was terrified and hurriedly raised his sword to block, but the impact caused his tiger's mouth to split open, and he staggered backward.
Du Jianshan pursued relentlessly, his eyes bloodshot: "Hu San! I'll kill you!"
"Ugh—!" With a flash of light, Hu San's shoulder was cleaved open, blood gushing out, and he staggered and fell to the ground.
"Brothers, let's get out of here! Let's get out of here!" Ignoring his pain, Hu San scrambled into the woods. The remaining companions were also terrified and fled in panic, supporting the hunter with his severed hand.
The forest quickly returned to silence, leaving only the howling mountain wind and the smell of blood.
Du Jianshan was panting heavily, his hands still trembling. He turned and rushed to Tie Niu's side, only to find him pale-faced, covered in cold sweat, and with a crossbow bolt lodged in his shoulder.
"Tie Niu, hold on!" Du Jianshan hurriedly tore open his clothes, took out the herbal powder he carried with him, and sprinkled it on the wound.
Tie Niu gritted his teeth, his face contorted: "Brother Shanzi... don't worry about me... they'll come back..."
Du Jianshan gritted his teeth: "You bastard! What use is this treasure if you're dead?!"
He swiftly snapped the crossbow shaft and pulled the arrowhead out. Tie Niu howled in pain, almost fainting, but the herbal medicine stopped the bleeding, preventing the wound from immediately worsening.
As night deepened, the low howls of wild beasts echoed from all around. Du Jianshan looked around, knowing full well that he couldn't stay here any longer; Hu San would definitely bring more men.
"Tie Niu, bear with it! I'll carry you down the mountain!"
Tie Niu shook his head weakly: "Brother Shanzi... no... you can't escape with me alone. You take the blood ginseng and go first... my life is worthless, don't delay important matters."
Du Jianshan slapped him on the head and roared, "Bullshit! We grew up together since we were kids, we've suffered just as much and bled as you have. If you're going to die, what's the point of me living!"
Tie Niu's eyes welled up with tears. He wanted to laugh but couldn't. He just said in a hoarse voice, "Brother Shanzi... I, Tie Niu, acknowledge you as my brother!"
Du Jianshan didn't say anything more, but hoisted him onto his shoulder and gritted his teeth as he walked down the mountain.
The mountain path was steep, with loose stones and howling night winds. Eyes darted about in the surrounding bushes, as if wild beasts were lurking. But Du Jianshan didn't stop for a moment. The iron ox on his back was as heavy as a mountain, yet he stubbornly continued on, step by step.
As night fell and moonlight streamed in, the lights of the village at the foot of the mountain could be seen in the distance. Tie Niu groggily opened his eyes and murmured, "Brother Shanzi...we...we got out alive?"
Du Jianshan gritted his teeth, his voice hoarse: "Live! We brothers must all live!"
Finally, the two stumbled down to the foot of the mountain. The hunting dogs at the village entrance barked wildly, startling the villagers on night watch.
"Oh dear! It's Miyama and the others!"
Soon, someone ran over with a torch and helped the two into the village.
As soon as Du Jianshan entered the room, he shouted urgently, "Go find a doctor quickly! Tie Niu is badly injured!"
Before long, the doctor arrived and worked through the night, finally managing to save Tie Niu's life.
As dawn approached, Du Jianshan finally let out a long sigh of relief and slumped into the courtyard. The blood ginseng wrapped in cloth in his arms felt like a scorching flame, weighing heavily on his heart.
He muttered to himself, "This thing... is more likely a calamity than a blessing..."
Outside the courtyard gate, the wind howled. In the twilight sky, several crows circled overhead, cawing shrilly.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
