The burly man had relaxed too soon, so now he was sucking in a sharp breath.
The brother whose mouth he’d covered, however, immediately jumped in agitation.
“You woman, you’ve got some nerve!” He stomped hard on the burly man’s foot, successfully wrenching himself free, and immediately brandished his blade with a menacing glare as he charged toward Jiu Yue. “We gave you face, and you spat on it! Let me teach you a lesson today!”
The burly man: “…”
Suddenly, he couldn’t bear to watch.
He instinctively shut his eyes, already imagining how he’d have to bring half a pig’s head next year to mourn his brother…
Meanwhile, the hotheaded man was still charging forward, swinging his blade with exaggerated bravado. But then something flashed past his vision, startling him so badly the lantern swayed wildly.
Before he could even make out what had happened, a smiling face suddenly appeared right in front of him.
His eyes widened in an instant, pupils shrinking as he watched this person casually reach out and grab his wrist.
Snap.
The crisp sound echoed unnervingly in the silent woods.
Excruciating pain shot through his body, but he couldn’t even scream—his jaw had been dislocated too, leaving him only able to whimper incoherently.
At this moment, he finally realized the vast gap between their strengths.
“My apologies. I may be young, but my hearing isn’t the best.” Jiu Yue acted as if nothing had happened, amiably slinging an arm around the man’s shoulder. “Did I just hear someone say I’ve got nerve?”
The man was on the verge of tears, shaking his head frantically.
Jiu Yue tilted her head. “And something about spitting on kindness?”
The man shook his head even harder, still unable to form words, panic and fear written all over his face.
Then, in the next second, Jiu Yue’s expression darkened. She narrowed her eyes and asked in a chilling tone, “And you wanted to teach me a lesson, is that it?”
The man: “…”
His body trembled uncontrollably… before his eyes rolled back, and he collapsed in a dead faint.
Jiu Yue: “…”
She took a step back, turning an innocent gaze toward the silent burly man as she defended herself.
“I didn’t do anything. His hand just… twisted on its own. I was only trying to comfort him, and then he suddenly passed out. Strange, isn’t it?”
The burly man: “…”
He wiped his face and forced a strained smile. “As you say, miss.”
Today must be an unlucky day! How did we end up crossing paths with such a vengeful, terrifying demon?!
Jiu Yue finally laughed, her anger appeased by his attitude. She folded her arms and nudged the unconscious man with her foot.
“Like I said earlier—just a misunderstanding.” She beckoned, calling over the dog that had been waiting obediently nearby. “It’s late, and my sister needs rest. Lead the way.”
The burly man hurriedly bowed and scrambled to help with the carriage, not forgetting to signal his other brothers to carry away the unconscious “second brother.”
Jiu Yue picked up another lantern, tucking the dog under her arm as she walked ahead of the carriage.
The burly man led the way, but the weight of her occasional glances made his skin crawl. If I could turn back time, I’d never have dared to mess with this little hellion!
And she didn’t even look rich!
What was I thinking?! Was I out of my mind?!
After a long silence, the burly man finally mustered a sincere apology.
“Miss, we truly meant no offense earlier… We only rob for money, never take lives, and we’d never harm women or children. Please don’t misunderstand—we’re not like those savage bandits!”
It was clear he was desperate to prove they didn’t deserve death.
Jiu Yue: “…”
She gave him a strange look. “If I wanted you dead, I’d already be digging your graves. Brother, are you… a little slow?”
The slow brother: “…”
Jiu Yue smiled sweetly. “No need to be so nervous. I’m just looking for a place to stay.”
And maybe gather some intel on smuggling and Great Yan while I’m at it.
This path, though secluded, wasn’t overgrown—meaning it saw frequent travelers.
People who avoid the main roads and take back alleys… probably don’t have legal papers, do they?
Fortune favors the bold. I can’t pass up this gift of a bandit hideout!
The burly man—Hu Lu—eyed the knife in her hand nervously. “I believe you… but, uh, why are you polishing your blade all of a sudden?”
“Oh?” Jiu Yue glanced at him. “I saw one of your men doing the same. Thought he wanted to see whose hand was faster…” Her voice trailed off as she slowly turned, locking eyes with a figure lurking behind the carriage.
Hu Lu’s face paled. He barked, “You all got a death wish?! Stay in line! Tonight was our fault—we offended the lady first, and now she’s our honored guest! Anyone who dares make trouble, don’t blame me, Hu Tianba, for siding with justice over kin!”
Hu Tianba wasn’t joking.
If anyone in the group dared provoke Jiu Yue now, he’d stab them himself before she even lifted a finger!
Have we been playing king of the mountain for so long we’ve forgotten how small we are?!
Hu Tianba had no doubt—if Jiu Yue got angry, the entire Tiger Head Stronghold would be painted red.
Who could survive that?!
After glaring warningly at his men, he turned back to Jiu Yue with an apologetic grin. “Don’t mind them, miss. Just a bunch of country bumpkins who think they’re hot stuff.”
“No worries,” Jiu Yue replied cheerfully.
If this leader weren’t decent, I’d have already started chopping.
“My name’s Hu Lu, but because of my… impressive build, the folks in the stronghold call me Hu Tianba. May I ask your name?” Hu Lu lowered his stance, trying to build goodwill.
Jiu Yue didn’t mind humoring him. “I’m Jiu Yue—‘wine’ and ‘moon.’ The one in the carriage is my sister…”
She paused, stepping closer to the carriage to peek inside. Seeing the mute woman still asleep, she exhaled in relief—and guilt.
Poor thing must be exhausted. Even Hu Tianba’s booming voice didn’t wake her.
Hu Lu nodded understandingly. Noticing how she softened her movements, he quietly signaled his men to keep quiet.
When they finally reached Tiger Head Stronghold, Jiu Yue studied the surroundings with interest.
Though it was late, candlelight still flickered in the thatched huts. A few elders and children sat outside, fanning themselves in the evening breeze.
As Hu Lu’s group approached, an old man from the nearest house hobbled over with a warm smile.
“Boss, you’re back! Everyone alright…?” Uncle Zhao asked kindly.
Hu Lu patted his shoulder reassuringly. “Don’t worry, Uncle Zhao. It’s late—why aren’t you asleep yet?”
"Not yet... When I saw Wu and the others running back to report, I knew you'd gone down the mountain again..." Uncle Zhao said while peering behind him, "Well now, today’s haul is quite impressive! Did you just haul an entire carriage up here?"
Hu Lu’s eyelid twitched. He wanted to stop Uncle Zhao, but it was no use.
Uncle Zhao’s eyes were full of admiration for the spoils, though he had enough sense not to yank open the carriage curtains right away. After circling it once, he suddenly noticed a young, unfamiliar face.
"My goodness, boss, did you even snatch yourself a bride while you were at it?"
Hu Lu turned his head and saw Uncle Zhao pulling Jiu Yue over, praising her enthusiastically, "This lass is pretty—and she’s even smiling!"
Hu Lu: "..."
Hu Lu just wanted to cry.
Uncle Zhao, have some mercy!!!
