The arm fell to the ground, oozing foul-smelling blood.
Zhao Ya brought some knife wound medicine and hemostatic ointment, and used a clean cloth to bandage Meng Lei’s wound.
After finishing all this, looking at Meng Lei again, although his face was still pale, the dark aura between his brows and eyes had dissipated significantly.
This also meant that Meng Lei’s life was spared.
This was the only solution, after all, that Diao Ruhai was a Martial Artist at the third realm, whose Poisonous Sand Palm had reached the realm of divinity. Plus, it was an ambush, and Meng Lei was completely unprepared for it.
This caused him to be deeply poisoned, beyond the reach of ordinary methods for detoxification.
"Chief of the Escort, how is he?" Lin Sheng asked.
Everyone was equally concerned.
"It’s okay, he won’t die!" Meng Lei said in a deep voice.
Meng Lei was indeed a master of Great Success in Membrane Forging. Even with such serious injuries, he could still recover quickly.
He turned his head to Zhao Ya and asked, "Ya, what should we do next?"
Everyone also looked at Zhao Ya.
In today’s great battle, Zhao Ya’s performance was witnessed by all. His alertness and calm composure left a deep impression on everyone.
It could be said that without him, these people present would have long been dead.
So unconsciously, Zhao Ya had become the backbone for everyone, and they all wanted to hear his opinion.
Zhao Ya pondered for a moment, then said, "Right now, we have two options: one is to return to Iron Forging Manor, as it’s relatively closer; the second is to go directly back to Wuxiang City."
"In my opinion, it’s better to return to Wuxiang City, after all..."
Zhao Ya paused and then said in a deep voice, "No one can guarantee that Iron Forging Manor is safe."
Lin Sheng’s face changed, "Are you suggesting that this might be a collusion between Iron Forging Manor and Cyan Bamboo Ridge?"
Zhao Ya shook his head, "I don’t know, it’s just a guess, but at this critical moment, we can’t afford any unexpected events."
Meng Lei nodded, "Ya is right. At this point, we can’t have any illusions about anyone. Let’s return to Wuxiang City first."
After discussing, the group immediately set out towards Wuxiang City.
Because they were unsure if there were any ambushes on the official road, Zhao Ya and the others traveled through the mountains and forests, which made their progress very slow.
By dawn, they had only covered more than ten miles.
At this point, everyone was exhausted, having first endured last night’s battle, followed by a high-intensity trek through the mountains. Even iron people would be exhausted.
Zhao Ya’s condition was much better.
With the heart unlocking progress at 80%, Zhao Ya had powerful energy, granting him tremendous stamina.
After a whole night of arduous traveling, he still led the way ahead. Despite this, he was still energetic.
However, Zhao Ya understood that while he was fine to keep going, the rest would collapse from exhaustion.
So he found a clean and relatively concealed place for everyone to rest while he went into the forest to hunt. In no time, he caught a few wild rabbits and roasted them over a fire.
Mere moments later, the rabbits were cooked. Although no seasoning was added, the starving group didn’t care, quickly devouring the wild rabbits.
Zhao Ya then discussed with Luo Feng, Zhou Hua, and a few uninjured porters to take turns standing guard while the others rested to recover their strength.
At this time, Luo Feng admired Zhao Ya greatly and said while patting his chest, "Zhao, don’t worry and rest, I’ll handle everything and ensure no mistakes."
Zhao Ya patted Luo Feng’s shoulder, found a clean spot, and lay down.
Though not too tired, Zhao Ya felt a bit weary after the night’s rush.
Soon, Zhao Ya fell into a deep sleep.
Who knows how long he had been asleep when Zhao Ya was suddenly awakened by Luo Feng’s shouting.
The next moment, Zhao Ya grabbed his knife and jumped up.
Everyone else was also awakened, grabbing their weapons.
At the same time, the sound of arrows broke through the air incessantly, a dense rain of arrows flew straight at them.
Zhao Ya immediately ducked behind a large tree, watching intently, he saw shadows flickering in the distant forest, with Ma Ling from Cyan Bamboo Ridge leading them, holding a long spear.
Behind him stood Diao Ruhai and the woman from last night, Fu Tingfang, whom Zhao Ya had nearly ambushed.
Seeing this, Zhao Ya’s heart sank.
His worst fears were realized.
It was clear Cyan Bamboo Ridge wanted to kill them all. Otherwise, they wouldn’t relentlessly pursue them through the forest.
Not only him, everyone’s expressions were extremely grim.
Tan Dong, almost in despair, asked Zhao Ya, "Zhao, what do we do now?"
"Stay cool!"
Then Zhao Ya exhaled slowly and whispered, "Follow me closely later, and run as fast as you can."
Tan Dong nodded vigorously.
For now, it was the only plan.
The power difference was too great, a fight was impossible; they could only fight and flee.
Zhao Ya calmed his mind, adjusted his breathing, his muscles and tendons slowly tensed, ready to escape.
At this time, Cyan Bamboo Ridge continued to rain arrows down.
To the well-prepared attackers, first sweeping with an arrow rain and then charging in to deal with the remnants was the most secure and safe method.
Although Meng Lei, the strongest, was injured, a wounded beast is often the most dangerous.
Ma Ling observed the scene calmly, "These guys sure can run. If it weren’t for Brother Wu’s tracking skills, it would have been quite an effort."
Diao Ruhai smiled smugly,
"It’s impossible to escape from me, Diao Ruhai, right under my nose."
Then the two started praising each other.
Fu Tingfang said nothing, just watching the scene coldly.
Her shoulder wound was bandaged with the best knife wound medicine, so it no longer hurt as much.
But thinking of her own humiliating reaction after being ambushed last night, Fu Tingfang couldn’t wait to skin the sneak attacker alive to vent her anger.
This was why she insisted on following Ma Ling and Diao Ruhai to hunt them down.
At this moment, the rain of arrows finally stopped, and Fu Tingfang charged towards the forest where the Changlong Escort Agency group was hiding.
Seeing this, Ma Ling and Diao Ruhai did not dare to delay, hurriedly following her.
After all, Fu Tingfang’s status was rather special, being the Great Village Chief’s younger sister. If anything happened to her, they would be in serious trouble.
When the rain of arrows ceased, Zhao Ya pulled a lime package from his pocket and threw it towards Fu Tingfang, who was charging at the front.
"Another hidden weapon!"
Seeing a dark shadow flying at her, Fu Tingfang knew it was another lime package, so she dodged it.
"Hmph, see what other tricks you have!"
Fu Tingfang sneered, but unexpectedly another dark shadow silently approached and then exploded.
Boom.
Taken by surprise, Fu Tingfang was engulfed in the lime dust completely.