Volume Two: Travels in the State of Qi Chapter 65: Shayan City

The bandits of the Whalesand Gang advanced with overwhelming force, riding a storm of swirling sand as they approached the Yun family’s caravan. When they caught sight of the Yun family’s guards, a flicker of fear crossed their faces.

Yun Yanrou stepped forward with calm grace, positioning herself at the very front, standing as a shield for her family. The arrogant young man who had never liked Zhang Heng was taken aback and cried out anxiously, “Yanrou, come back at once!”

Yun Mu also called out, “Miss—”

With a raised hand, Yun Yanrou signaled them to be silent. Her gaze turned sharp as she fixed her eyes on the advancing members of the Whalesand Gang. Her voice was cold as she spoke: “Men of the Whalesand Gang, you would do well to consider carefully the consequences of waging war against the Yun family.”

The bandits halted at the sight of a beautiful woman barring their way, and one of them jeered, “Well now, little sister, who might you be?”

“Yun Yanrou, of the Yun family.”

Such boldness, thought Zhang Heng, watching the scene unfold from the sidelines with an appraising eye.

The lead bandit threw back his head and laughed brazenly. “Who cares who you are? Brothers, a beauty like this is our fortune tonight! Once I’ve had my fill, you all can take your turn.”

The rest of the gang roared with laughter. “Thank you, boss!”

Clearly, they held the Yun family in utter contempt.

Yun Yanrou trembled, her slender form quivering with anger at their vile words and utter lack of reason.

Just then, the proud young scion of the Yun family strode to her side, putting on airs as he declared, “Thieves of the Whalesand Gang, you are bold indeed to dare intercept the Yun family! If my foster father, Yun Xiaotian, were well, he’d surely wipe you all out.”

The bandit leader, a Yuan Dan realm thug, burst out laughing. “And who are you supposed to be? So it’s Young Master Yun Feng, the bastard picked up by that old fossil Yun Xiaotian! If you don’t want to die, get lost!”

Yun Feng’s face turned ashen, but he had no retort.

In no time, the Whalesand Gang had closed in on the Yun family.

Some among the Yun household, lacking strength, shrank back in terror, for their skills were no match for the enemy.

“Well, little whelps of the Yun family, shall I come over there myself, or will you hand yourselves over?”

There was no mistaking their intent—they had set their hearts on this.

Yun Mu spoke gravely, “We servants are of no account; our deaths mean little. But if you dare lay a hand on our young mistress, the family head will never let you go.” Though powerless himself, he could not allow harm to befall Yun Yanrou.

The Whalesand Gang’s leader laughed mockingly. “Oh, I’m so scared. Too bad Yun Xiaotian can’t even stand upright these days.” His face darkened, and he flung his weapon into the ground at their feet. “These goods are mine. I’ll give you until the count of three: leave, or die here.”

Hearing this, the Yun family’s guards drew their weapons as well. Though outmatched, the Yun family had always treated them well; they would fight to the death if they must.

Yun Yanrou turned to her people. “We’re leaving. Give them the goods.”

Losing the shipment was a small matter; losing their lives was not, and Yun Yanrou knew what was most important.

But how could the Whalesand Gang let her go so easily?

The leader leered. “The others can leave, but you, little lady, must stay. We haven’t tasted fresh meat in a long time. You’ll entertain us, and then we’ll decide whether to let you go.”

Furious, Yun Yanrou glared silently at him.

Seeing this, Yun Feng hurriedly stepped in front of her. He shouted at the bandits, “Viper! I am a disciple of Skyfeather Manor. If you dare harm her, I swear you’ll regret it!”

The bandit called Viper paused, then sneered, “Fine, I’ll let you off today. Get lost!”

Yun Yanrou said nothing more, leading the Yun family away toward Shayan City.

All the while, Zhang Heng watched from the side, never interfering, only thinking to himself that this was getting interesting.

Once they had gone some distance, the bandits of the Whalesand Gang smugly began hauling off the Yun family’s goods.

When the last of the bandits had departed, Yun Feng approached Zhang Heng with a dark expression.

“Tell me, who are you? Did you lead the Whalesand Gang here?”

Yun Yanrou was startled. Zhang Heng, too, was taken aback—what kind of logic was that?

Yun Feng continued, “This Desert Ring Ridge stretches for dozens of miles, and the Yun family’s route was well concealed. How did the Whalesand Gang find us? Before you arrived, everything was normal. You must have revealed our whereabouts.”

A thief crying ‘stop thief’ indeed. Zhang Heng sneered but said nothing, for Yun Yanrou spoke first.

“Mr. Zhang has been with me the whole time. He didn’t leak anything.” With that, she ignored Yun Feng and took Zhang Heng by the hand, leading him forward.

Since Zhang Heng had joined them, Yun Yanrou had observed him closely and seen nothing suspicious. Moreover, he had gifted her a fine antidote pill. Naturally, she would defend him.

Such initiative, Zhang Heng thought with a smile, making no move to resist.

Yun Feng’s face grew darker, but in an instant he changed his expression and tried to ingratiate himself. “Yanrou, I trust you. Even if he isn’t the traitor, a stranger like him by your side is dangerous. Why don’t I give him some spirit stones and send him away?”

Yun Yanrou paid him no heed and continued walking.

When they had gone a little further, she released Zhang Heng’s hand and apologized softly, “Mr. Zhang, I’m sorry.”

Zhang Heng raised his hand and sniffed it, remarking with a sly grin, “No need, no need. You can take my hand any time you like.”

Seeing the look of distaste on her face, Zhang Heng quickly changed the subject. “Miss Yun, how much farther until we’re out of this desert?”

He had been here so long his whole body was filthy and uncomfortable. All he wanted now was to leave and enjoy a hot bath.

“Mr. Zhang, Shayan City is only a little more than ten miles away. We’ll arrive within half an hour,” she replied.

With that, Yun Yanrou led Zhang Heng toward the city, the Yun family trailing behind.

Having offended Yun Yanrou, Yun Feng dared not approach and could only follow behind in frustration.

At last, after half an hour’s march, a great city loomed before Zhang Heng, bustling with people. Three large characters above the gate proclaimed, “Shayan City.”

Seeing that they had reached their destination, Yun Yanrou turned to Zhang Heng. “Mr. Zhang, I’ll leave you here. Thank you again for the antidote pill. If fate permits, we shall meet again.”

Realizing she was sending him away, Zhang Heng sighed helplessly. “Miss Yun, I’ve never been here before. I fear I’ll lose my way, and besides, I have no cultivation; I’m an easy target for bullies. Perhaps you could let me stay with you a few more days?”

Yun Yanrou hesitated, then said softly, “Very well.”

In truth, she wished to keep Zhang Heng with her a while longer. He seemed to have many rare treasures—perhaps even something that could cure her father. She had only intended to send him off for fear of troubling him.

Zhang Heng smiled and thanked her, following her into the city.

She really was an exceptional girl—lovely, kind-hearted, poised. She had saved a helpless stranger with no cultivation, never showing the slightest disdain, even taking his hand of her own accord.

How could Zhang Heng stand by and watch such a beautiful young woman fall prey to others’ schemes?