Chapter 139: Strength in Numbers

These people were very different from mountain bandits.

Mountain bandits would flee when the situation turned unfavorable.

These people, however, were well-trained, coordinated, and quickly drew their blades to defend while launching an effective counterattack.

Their reactions were incredibly fast—even with the rapid speed of the bamboo crossbows, they still managed to shield their vital areas completely.

Unlike mountain bandits, whose emotions were written all over their faces and who looked fierce and menacing, these men showed little expression, yet their cold demeanor was even more terrifying.

“Get off the horses!”

Someone shouted.

The previously obvious “targets” vanished from sight.

Using their tall horses as cover, they closed the distance quickly.

Seizing the right moment, one of them suddenly lunged at a man at the front.

His companions followed suit, mimicking his actions.

Nearby villagers became their targets—some were tackled, while the quick-witted ones dodged, breaking into a cold sweat.

The first attacker twisted his waist mid-roll, tumbling twice while clutching his target.

The man beneath him became dizzy from the roll. The attacker struck with an elbow, causing the man’s jaw to dislocate with a crisp crack.

He went limp instantly, no longer able to resist.

His bamboo crossbow was swiftly snatched and fired at the nearest enemy.

Then, he fumbled for an arrow from the quiver, trying to reload.

Luckily, in his haste—and because it was his first time using it—his aim was off. The person hit was not struck in a vital area, instinctively dodging just enough.

The injured man cried out and was quickly pulled back by a comrade.

Now, the six-man squads began to unleash their focused firepower.

Five arrows shot out at once!

The enemy’s reloading was interrupted. He instinctively dropped low, rolling to avoid the arrows. But just as he rolled halfway—

BAM!

A wooden plank struck him from behind.

The blow landed hard and solidly.

It smashed directly onto the arm holding the bamboo crossbow, making a loud thud.

The man couldn’t help but yelp, drawing his comrades’ attention.

They were all trained soldiers, rigorously drilled by their master, with endurance and resilience far beyond ordinary people.

BAM! BAM!

Two more strikes!

Qi Da didn’t stop.

The usually honest and simple man was now seething with rage, his eyes bloodshot.

Qi Si and Qi Wu also rushed in, wielding large wooden planks.

It had to be said—the wood used for cart panels was incredibly sturdy.

Even after being swung and smashed repeatedly, the planks remained unbroken.

The enemy’s formation was thrown into chaos by the sudden attack from these three powerful men.

“Shoot the horses!”

With Yan Huaiwen’s order, a volley of bamboo arrows rained down on the enemy’s mounts.

These horses were extraordinary—not panicking even amid the battle. But when wounded, it was a different matter.

The injured horses neighed, rearing up in pain.

Handlers desperately tried to calm them, but chaos erupted among their ranks.

Yan Huaiwen seized the moment, charging forward and loosing three arrows in succession—each shot lethal!

“Short blades, long sticks! Rush in, hit, then retreat!”

Yan Lao’er grew anxious seeing the refugees react a beat too slow.

“Your sticks are longer—just charge in, whack them once, then fall back!”

The villagers finally understood what the scholar meant.

They charged forward, yelling, swung their sticks with all their might, then immediately turned and ran—sometimes nearly colliding with those behind them.

Yan Lao’er was so frustrated he rolled up his sleeves and shouted from behind:

“Keep your eyes open! Don’t just swing blindly! Hitting the horse does nothing—it might kick you to death!

Aim for the people! Hit their heads, their shoulders, jab their chests—yes, the big neck vein! Swing hard! If you’re lucky, they’ll drop with one hit!

If you’re too short, bend down! Sweep their legs! Smash their feet!”

“Good! Just like that! Keep it up! They’re struggling now! They only have two hands—they can’t block everything! Don’t be afraid!

Their blades won’t reach you! If your stick breaks, don’t freeze—fall back and grab another!”

“Hu Da, there’s a bastard behind you! Hu Er, right side—no, your other right, you idiot! The one holding the crossbow is right-handed! Right hand!”

Yan Lao’er was so worked up he was practically bouncing on his toes.

The villagers fought with growing momentum, growing enthusiasm!

Spotting Sanbao, he quickly climbed up.

Sitting atop the ox’s back, his view expanded instantly.

His shouts became even more energized:

“Those who retreated, watch where you’re going! Don’t trip over people! Stay calm! Take turns!

Those knocked down—drag them back! Don’t let them get trampled!”

“Check the ones around you—some might be playing dead! If you pass by, smack them! And use some force!”

“Sanbao, move forward a bit—I can’t see clearly!”

Sanbao obediently stepped forward.

Yan Yu stood on her family’s ox cart and shouted to her father:

“Dad, kill the horses!”

Yan Lao’er finally realized—”Yes, yes! Take down the horses first, everyone!”

At first, the enemy had planned to retreat. But upon hearing this, their anger flared.

“You coward! If you’ve got the guts, come fight us yourself!”

“Come closer, and we’ll fill you with arrows!”

Behind them, one particularly enraged fighter lashed out with a powerful kick—knocking over a villager who hadn’t even swung his stick yet.

As the villager fell backward, he toppled several others.

The attacker seized the opportunity to break through and picked up an abandoned bamboo crossbow.

He coldly locked onto Yan Lao’er, his gaze chilling.

But instead of shooting immediately, he took his time aiming.

Shoot!

The sudden arrow made Yan Lao’er freeze in place, his whole body numb.

His mind raced.

Should I duck? Yes, lie down!

Damn it, why won’t my body listen?!

Just as he finally bent his waist, his grip tightening on the reins—

Am I really about to get shot?!

Sanbao, who had been calmly standing still, suddenly let out a deep, steady moo.

The ox raised its hoof, executing a precise, high-difficulty move—

It kicked the arrow aside!

The shooter was dumbfounded.

What kind of cow is this?!

Did it just kick away my arrow?!

Yan Lao’er felt himself fall—then stand upright again!

Looking up, he saw the shooter’s jaw nearly hitting the floor.

If only he had another arrow—he’d shoot that guy right now!

Just as he shouted, “Daughter, give me a crossbow!”

His eldest brother furrowed his brows and loosed an arrow.

Straight through the target’s chest!

Almost simultaneously, another bamboo arrow shot from behind—

Right through the throat!

Yan Lao’er turned sharply.

If it wasn’t Li Xuemei, then who else?

His wife had somehow rushed forward, wielding a crossbow with remarkable ease.

Walking while reloading, she loosed one precise shot after another—each hitting the enemy’s throat or neck.

Lethal, every time!