Chapter 239: On Loyalty and Righteousness

Chapter 239: When It Comes to Loyalty

As expected, the escorts put on a show of being "panicked," their resistance chaotic and feeble, fighting while retreating, luring the bandits deeper into the mountain path.

The thrill of victory clouded most people's minds, as if gold and treasures were already within reach.

"Brothers! Charge! Don't let a single one escape!" Lei Biao roared, caught up in the thrill of the kill, brandishing his ghost-headed saber, his voice echoing off the valley walls.

Yet, just as they ventured deep into the heart of the path, with their formation stretched thin, suddenly, everything changed.

From the previously silent slopes on both sides, a sharp whistle suddenly cut through the air.

Then, countless figures leaped up from the snow like specters.

Rows of strong bows and crossbows aimed down at the bandits below, gleaming blades and spears dazzling in the snow light.

These men were uniformly dressed and moved with agility—far from the sloppiness of escorts; they were clearly well-trained government troops.

"Ambush! It's the officials!" Lei Biao's heart lurched as he instantly realized.

A chill ran from his feet to the top of his head! He roared hoarsely, "Ambush! Retreat!"

But it was too late. Soldiers had suddenly appeared, blocking both front and back escape routes.

Rolling logs and boulders thundered down from the slopes on either side, instantly causing men and horses to tumble, screams filling the air.

The bandits were trapped in a heavy encirclement, attacked from front and back, their formation thrown into chaos.

Lei Biao's eyes burned with rage. He knew that if captured, he'd only end up at the execution block. His survival instinct unleashed an astonishing burst of combat power. He swung his ghost-headed saber around like a windmill, desperately trying to hack a way out.

The soldiers, obviously knowing the saying, directed five or six spears and sabers specifically at Lei Biao.

Already dizzy and overwhelmed, now surrounded on all sides, he could barely parry and dodge, narrowly escaping disaster.

In a moment of carelessness, his back was struck hard by a spear shaft. The coppery taste of blood rose in his throat, and he stumbled forward.

Just as several gleaming steel blades were about to descend upon his head—

"Chief, watch out!" At this critical moment, a figure suddenly lunged from the side.

Hell, it was none other than Cheng Ge!

At that moment, his eyes were as sharp as an eagle's, with none of his usual dazed look!

In his hand, he somehow had a sharp waist saber, blocking, parrying, thrusting, slashing—fast and brutal, his techniques deft and seasoned.

In an instant, he deflected the lethal strikes aimed at Lei Biao and even slashed back precisely, cutting open the chest of a soldier who had drawn near.

Warm blood splattered on Lei Biao's face, leaving him stunned for a moment. This pretty boy… he… had such skill?!

"Chief! Follow me!" Cheng Ge roared, grabbing Lei Biao's arm.

His waist saber danced so fiercely that water couldn't splash through, and with sheer ferocity and masterful blade work, he forced a gap in the tight circle.

Like a beast protecting its young, he shielded Lei Biao behind him. With every step he took, someone fell, the snow stained crimson.

Dragged along, Lei Biao watched this pretty boy he had always looked down upon now slaughtering enemies like a different person. A complex mix of emotions welled up in his heart, but above all, a sense of gratitude for having survived against all odds.

Just as they were about to break free of the most dangerous area, a soldier hidden behind a cart suddenly hurled a heavy iron ruler, which struck Cheng Ge squarely in the bend of his leg.

"Argh—!" Cheng Ge screamed, crashing straight to the ground, his waist saber flying from his hand. In an instant, all color drained from his face as cold sweat poured down.

"Cheng Ge!" Lei Biao exclaimed, instinctively turning back to rescue him.

"Never mind me! Chief, get out of here!" Cheng Ge raised his head, his voice choked with tears, a trickle of bright red blood oozing from the corner of his mouth.

He shoved Lei Biao hard, his eyes resolute and sorrowful.

"In this life, if I can die for the Chief, I have no regrets! Go now!"

That look, those words, struck Lei Biao's heart like a heavy hammer.

All his suspicions and calculations vanished in that instant!

His eyes reddened as he looked at more and more soldiers closing in, then at the fallen Cheng Ge who was still urging him to flee. Rage surged to his head.

"Bullshit! I won't abandon a brother!"

Lei Biao roared, disregarding his own safety. He bent down and heaved Cheng Ge onto his broad back.

He snatched up the ghost-headed saber from the ground, like a wounded, crazed tiger, and charged desperately toward where there were fewer enemies.

The soldiers, intimidated by his ferocity and Cheng Ge's sudden explosion, failed to stop him.

They could only watch helplessly as Lei Biao, with Cheng Ge on his back, all cut up and bloody, staggered and disappeared around a bend in the mountain path.

…

After confirming that Lei Biao and his men had escaped far enough, the scene on the bloody battlefield shifted abruptly.

The soldiers and escorts who'd been lying on the ground got up, wincing and rubbing their sore spots, brushing off snow and bloodstains.

"Ouch, damn, that fall hurt. This snow is really hard!"

"This blood pack is quite realistic, but it's a bit fishy..."

"How'd I look when I fell? Pretty heroic, right? Did it look like I died for the country?"

The men wiped off the chicken blood plaster on their faces, laughing as they started cleaning up the mess.

Lei Biao staggered with every step, carrying Cheng Ge on his back as he fled along the snowy mountain trail.

His heavy breath turning to white mist in the cold air, with a group of ragged bandits trailing behind him.

---

Cheng Ge lay limp on Lei Biao's broad back, his head drooping weakly against his shoulder, breathing feebly, but he started to mumble incoherently.

"Chief... put... put me down..." His voice was weak, trembling with pain.

"My... my leg is broken... I'm a burden... If you run on your own, you might still make it... If... if the soldiers catch up... it's... it's all over..."

Lei Biao gritted his teeth, tightening his arms around Cheng Ge, quickening his pace: "Shut up! I said I won't leave you behind!"

"But..." Cheng Ge's voice choked with tears, his warm breath tickling Lei Biao's ear.

"Chief... if I die..."

I beg you... for the sake of today's bond... take good care of my... my three troublesome concubines at home...

They... haven't been with me long... haven't enjoyed any blessings... Don't... don't make things hard for them..."

As soon as he finished speaking, Cheng Ge suddenly coughed violently, and then with a loud retch, another gush of blood spurted out.

The warm, sticky liquid instantly soaked the back of Lei Biao's collar, trickling down his spine.

The unmistakable feeling and heavy smell of blood made Lei Biao tremble all over, and his eyes welled up.

"Don't talk nonsense, you won't die. Hold on and get back to the stronghold, and I'll find the best damn doctor to patch you up!"

Cheng Ge seemed not to hear his promise, still immersed in his own dying words, his tone full of sorrow and resignation.

"Chief... I know... I know that you and the Second Chief... have never really trusted me...

It's my fault... I joined the Axe Gang later on... no one knows my background... being suspected... is... is normal..."

He took a breath, his voice even weaker, yet every word struck like a dagger to the heart.

"Actually... I've sensed it for a long time... the Second Chief always looks at me with suspicion... maybe...

Chief, you might as well... leave me here... to avoid... to avoid causing any trouble for our Axe Gang..."

His tone was mournful and desperate, enough to make even the hardest heart cry.

He perfectly played the tragic role of a man deeply suspected yet utterly loyal.

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