Chapter 2003: Strange Light

Chapter 2003: Strange Light

Although it was only for a moment, Ah Da was sure that he could not have seen wrongly.

In just an instant, it was enough to confirm something.

Or rather, in just an instant, he did not dare to take the risk.

He secretly regretted it. This used to be a bandit nest. Why was he so assured? He should have brought a few more subordinates out!

Thinking about how Lord and Madam had insisted on their privacy during yesterday’s mushroom and wild vegetable picking excursion in the mountains, he couldn’t shake off the sense of unease, breaking out in a cold sweat.

Thankfully, yesterday passed without incident.

But now, what was his course of action?

He was clueless about the strength and numbers of potential adversaries. He couldn’t even risk informing the two subordinates trailing behind him, fearing that any sign of tension might tip off the other party.

The situation could turn dire…

While the manor boasted many skilled subordinates, it was clear that help from afar might not arrive in time to avert disaster.

Ah-Ye took a deep breath and made his way towards Shao Yunduan.

Yet, he couldn’t keep this information from his Lord. He needed to seek his Lord’s counsel.

His Lord’s intellect surpassed his own. Surely, there was a solution…

Observing Ah-Ye’s approach, Shao Yunduan handed Anan over to Qiao Xuan and stood up.

As Ah-Ye drew near, Shao Yunduan gestured for him to speak in hushed tones. “Lord, listen carefully without turning around. It appears there’s an ambush on the eastern hill. I’m uncertain of their identity or motives…”

Shao Yunduan’s eyes gleamed.

In that moment, his thoughts mirrored Ah’s: I’ve been negligent!

Considering this location’s history as a former bandit’s stronghold, the presence of others might not raise eyebrows. But if he, the Prefect Lord notorious for wiping out three villages, were recognized, the situation could escalate.

He should have brought reinforcements when venturing out.

If indeed targeted, escape now seemed futile.

With only Ah-Ye and the two others, facing a potentially larger assailant group would prove challenging…

Except for the trio, the rest were mere civilians lacking combat prowess. Despite their anxiety, they could offer little assistance.

“We’ll stall for time. I’ll send Lixia, Caiyun, and the others back to summon aid. Stay vigilant.”

Ah-Ye acknowledged.

Shao Yunduan, disinclined to conceal facts, beckoned for Lixia’s approach.

Lixia, having accompanied them to Qingdi, possessed resilience. Unfazed by Shao Yunduan’s directive, he nodded with a composed smile, departing with Caiyun.

A sigh of relief escaped Shao Yunduan. These two were dispensable, and had their exposure not been swift, their departure would have mattered little.

However, if the adversary remained vigilant and resolute on detaining all present, escape might prove futile.

When Shao Yunduan told Lixia to be careful.

Unexpectedly, before Lixia and the others could take more than a few steps, two arrows whistled towards them. Ah-Ye swiftly intercepted, his sword deflecting the projectiles. Simultaneously, terror-stricken, Lixia and company instinctively pivoted to flee. How could they dare to advance?

Yet, fleeing forward wasn’t an option—they didn’t even get the chance!

Fifteen masked assailants clad in green materialized from the foliage, hurtling towards Shao Yunduan’s trio.

Lixia and Caiyun shrieked, huddling around Qiao Xuan. Even Songshi’s countenance paled.

Shao Yunduan clasped Anan tightly, shielding him from the unfolding chaos. He positioned Qiao Xuan behind him, shielding her as well.

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