Chapter 9 Seventh Dragon Boat Rescue

Zhang Lie, Chen Jingchou and Yu Xiaoxue leaned carefully on the beam, looked closely at the Sui Yang Emperor, and saw that he was nearly half a hundred years old, with a long beard under his chin, already grizzled, his expression withered, his eyes dull, and he stood up Leaning, I think it's too much wine.He was drinking and chatting with a beautifully dressed woman beside him. This woman must be Empress Xiao.Zhang Lie looked for the court lady he had just seen in the crowd, and saw her standing beside the steps.There was an ominous premonition in Zhang Lie's heart. Emperor Sui Yang was already half drunk, holding the glass with his right hand unsteadily, raised it up, and smiled at the queen, "Come again... have another drink..." As soon as the words fell, the maid at the bottom of the steps bowed her head and walked up a few steps , knelt on the ground, raised the plate above the top, and said, "Your Majesty, servant girl, please add new wine for you!" Zhang Lie was taken aback when he heard the voice.Emperor Sui Yang was taken aback, hung the wine glass in the air, looked at the group of maids, and asked: "Hey! I... have I ordered you?" The maid replied: "Your Majesty has been drinking for a long time, and the wine is cold Liang,—this servant is here to add new wine to His Majesty!"

Emperor Yang of the Sui Dynasty heard this, and said with a smile: "So that's how it is...you are so thoughtful! Well, if the food and wine get cold, it will hurt my spirits, - you quickly fill me up with new wine!" The maid agreed, holding the plate , was about to stand up.Suddenly there was a bang, Emperor Sui Yang's wine glass fell to the ground, his hand was still hanging in the air, his eyes were staring.The maids didn't know what was going on, so they hurriedly bowed down to plead guilty.The drum music stopped immediately, and the whole hall fell to its knees, it was really audible.The maid is still waiting to come forward.Emperor Sui Yang suddenly regained his composure, stretched out his right hand, pointed at the maid, and said repeatedly: "Wait a minute! Don't move, raise your head slowly... Let me look carefully..." The three of Zhang Lie My heart went up to my throat.

Emperor Sui Yang suddenly slapped the table, spilling all the wine on the floor, and said: "God damn it! There is such a peerless beauty, who is sideways among the servants, I don't know!" Turning to the queen, he said: "My wife, look at you! Look! — This baby is really a peerless beauty, isn't it!" Empress Xiao looked at Tuoba Yu'er for a while, and said: "It is indeed a beauty, I wish your Majesty great blessings!" Emperor Yang of the Sui Dynasty was overjoyed and said, "Play music, play music quickly, what are you all doing?" The drums sounded, and the hall began to sing and dance again.Emperor Sui Yang said: "Come, come... tell me, what is your name?"

The court lady replied: "My servant's surname is Yuan..." Emperor Sui Yang said happily: "It turns out that she is Yuanmei! Come here quickly, let me take a closer look..." The maid said: "Thank you, Your Majesty!" She stood up, took the tray, and walked up to the base of the platform.Emperor Yang of the Sui Dynasty squinted his drunken eyes, twisted his beard with his right hand, and looked up and down the palace lady bewilderedly with his eyes.The palace maid walked in front of Emperor Sui Yang, and suddenly dropped the plate, and with a bang, the wine jug fell to the ground, smashing to pieces immediately, and the wine splashed.Emperor Sui Yang didn't know what happened.The palace maid already had a bright dagger in her hand, she stepped forward and shouted: "Old thief Yang Guang! Today I will kill you stupid dog! Avenge my parents!"

Emperor Yang of the Sui Dynasty was shocked, leaning his back on the dragon chair. He was so frightened that he was sober. He wanted to leave, but his legs were numb and he couldn't move. He said in a trembling voice, "You! Who are you?—— Assassin! Help... help!" The whole hall was in chaos, and the servants and servants ran away from each other, trampled on each other, crying and shouting.Tuoba Yu'er stood in front of Emperor Sui Yang, pointed a dagger at his chest, and shouted: "Fun Lord! Do you know how long I have been preparing for this day?" Emperor Sui Yang's face was pale, his whole body was trembling, and he cried out, "Help, help...don't kill me...I will promise you how much gold, silver and treasure you want...please don't kill me..." Tuoba Yu'er said: "Hmph! Who wants your bloody money! Have you ever thought that you will have today, so take your life!" Stretching forward with her right hand, the dagger quickly stabbed at Emperor Sui Yang.Seeing that there were two more transparent holes in Emperor Sui Yang's chest, suddenly the blue shadow flickered and attacked from the side.Before Tuoba Yu'er could see what was going on, she felt her body lighten, and the person and the dagger were thrown out. With a bang, she fell heavily under the platform. Her whole body was in severe pain, and her bones seemed to be falling apart. generally.

Tuoba Yu'er fell on the ground, clutching her chest, looked up, there was already a person on the platform, dressed in a brown robe, gritted her teeth and said: "You, who are you?..." The person had his hands behind his back, facing Sui Yang Emperor , stood with his head held high, and said coldly: "Da Sui—Grand Master Yuwen!" He was full of energy.Tuoba Yuer's heart trembled.Grand Master Yuwen turned around slowly, and he was actually a young man in his thirties, with handsome features and awe-inspiring expression, with a celestial eye between his eyebrows, which made him even more heroic.Emperor Sui Yang wiped the sweat on his forehead with his sleeve, recovered his senses, and said: "Yuwen Aiqing! Come on, quickly catch this hateful girl for me!" Yu Wentuo nodded slightly, but did not move.

Tuoba Yu'er said: "Damn it! Since you are also the lackey of the Sui family, then I will take care of you as well!" Picking up the dagger, he struggled to get up, and staggered forward.Yu Wentuo closed his eyes slightly, and said: "Let me tell you, with your current strength, I can't even beat me with a single finger!" Tuoba Yu'er gritted her teeth and said, "You, you... are so hateful! "The foot still does not stop. Yu Wentuo shook his head slowly, sighed softly, and said: "Since you are determined to go your own way and have the courage to go to the dragon boat to assassinate, you must have already made up your mind to die... I'm sorry, I offended you!" Yin Feng volleyed towards Tuoba Yu'er.In the middle of the palm, suddenly a palm slapped from top to bottom, the palms intersected, and with a bang, the man flew out, turned several somersaults in the air, and almost fell when he landed.But Yu Wentuo didn't move at all, with a slight look of surprise on his face, he didn't continue to chase.

At this moment, hundreds of voices from outside the main hall shouted together, saying: "It's not good! It's not good! Your Majesty... the water is gone... the water is gone!" A burst of thick smoke followed The main hall, the main hall was already in a mess, and it was even more chaotic at this time.People were panicked, and the whole body was covered in gray, so smoked that they could hardly open their eyes. Chen Jingchou's right palm was in severe pain. If Yu Wentuo hadn't been merciful, he would still be alive. At that time, he had no time to think about it, so he hurriedly ran to Tuoba Yu'er, stretched out his hand to support him, and said, "Quick! Miss Tuoba, let's go quickly!" !" Tuoba Yu'er turned her head to look, and said in shock: "You...you are that Sui man from before..." Chen Jingchou said: "Stop talking! Go! If it's late, it's too late!" Holding Tuoba Ba Yuer forcefully pulled her out.

Emperor Sui Yang said in surprise: "Assassin, the assassin has escaped! - You, what are you still doing here? Hurry up and chase!" The guards were about to turn around and chase out of the palace, but Yu Wentuo shouted: "Hurry up and put out the fire, I will Come and arrest the assassin and protect the emperor!" A group of guards hurriedly led away. But Chen Jingchou and Tuoba Yu'er escaped from the hall and rushed to the bow of the boat, where Yu Xiaoxue was already waiting.The three of them gathered together, and Tuoba Yu'er said: "You... why are you here?" Chen Jingchou said: "We came with Brother Zhang soon. Brother Zhang also went to the dragon boat to save you!" Tuoba Ba Yu'er said: "Ah! My brother-in-law is here too..." Chen Jingchou said: "Brother Zhang lit a fire on the dragon boat to distract the officers and soldiers - let me wait for the opportunity to save you! Let's go!" As soon as the words fell, A group of soldiers suddenly turned around the corner, shouting loudly: "The assassins are there! Don't let them escape!" Waving steel knives, they rushed towards them like a tide.Seeing the critical situation, Chen Jingchou hurriedly said: "Miss Tuoba! Let's not talk too much, let's get out of here quickly!" Holding Tuoba Yu'er, he ran forward a few feet and reached the big dragon head at the front of the dragon boat. Beside, there are rivers on three sides, and the pursuers are approaching behind, and there is no way out.

The shouts of the officers and soldiers were getting closer and closer, Chen Jingchou looked towards the bank and said: "Miss Tuoba, you and Xiaoxue jump into the river first! Then swim ashore! I'll come back!" Tuoba Yu'er said in surprise: " What? Want to jump into the water?" Chen Jingchou said: "Yes!" Tuoba Yuer turned his head and said: "If you want to jump, you can jump yourself! I don't want to jump!" Chen Jingchou said: "Why do you Don’t you want to go back and continue to assassinate the emperor?” Tuoba Yu’er frowned and said, “No, I just won’t jump... I won’t go into the water even if I’m killed!”

Chen Jingchou was helpless, turned his head and said: "Xiaoxue! It's too late, you go first! Miss Tuoba is here, I will persuade her!" Yu Xiaoxue hesitated for a moment, and said: "Then, brother Chen, please be careful!" Jumping into the In the river, the figure is graceful, the water is not happy, and she swims to the bank. Chen Jingchou said: "Miss Tuoba, stop messing around! Let's go!" Tuoba Yu'er said: "You can dance by yourself! I... Anyway, I won't dance!" Chen Jingchou was sweating profusely, and said anxiously: "You! What are you still having a temper with me at this time!" Tuoba Yu'er said: "I...I can't swim at all!" Chen Jingchou breathed a sigh of relief, and said: "It's okay! I'll pull you ashore! Don't Make trouble again, hurry up!" Tuoba Yuer looked at the river, turned her head away, and said, "I, I won't jump..." But before he finished speaking, he suddenly heard a snort behind him, and Tuoba Yuer was busy Looking back, a long arrow had been pierced into Chen Jingchou's right arm, blood was overflowing, and his sleeves were all red. Seeing that the assassin had been shot, the group of soldiers shouted and rushed towards the bow together.Tuoba Yu'er panicked: "Yes, I'm sorry...but..." Chen Jingchou shouted: "Go away! I'll stop them!" With his left hand, he drew out his long sword, went forward, and chopped down the one who rushed in first. Several officers and soldiers.Seeing this situation, Tuoba Yu'er had no choice but to make up her mind, pouted and said: "Okay! I'll just jump...Damn it!" He closed his eyes and jumped into the river.The officers and soldiers were unable to attack in a hurry, so they drew up their hard bows and shot arrows like locusts, like a shower.Chen Jingchou swung his sword aside and jumped back into the river. On the dragon boat, everyone was in a mess, setting up water dragons and drawing water from the river. It took several hours to put out the fire.The beams and pillars on the top of the Dragon Boat Hall were also blackened by smoke, and the maids hurriedly cleaned up the sundries on the ground.Yu Wentuo stood by.Not long after, several guards walked in and replied that the assassin had escaped.Emperor Yang of the Sui Dynasty was not happy, so he immediately sent an order to strictly search and arrest.Yu Wentuo stepped forward and said: "Your Majesty! Those assassins just now..." Emperor Sui Yang said: "Hmph! Why didn't you just catch the assassin directly, but let her accomplice rescue her?" Yu Wentuo said: "Your Majesty...the assassin seems to be backed by a master to help, and the female assassin's accomplice can actually use the technique of ghost valley!" Emperor Sui Yang said: "So,——you let them escape?" Yu Wentuo said: "I don't dare, I'm afraid it's a plan to get rid of the tiger and leave the mountain, so I don't dare to make mistakes." At this moment, a crisp voice came from the front of the hall: "Cousin! Cousin! Are you okay? I'm so worried!" Everyone saw that a young girl had entered the hall. A small red mole, white and greasy skin, and a pleasant appearance.Emperor Sui Yang said happily: "Oh... so it is my little Ning Ke! I am the Son of Heaven, how could something happen?" Dugu Ning Ke ran to Emperor Sui Yang, wiped his tears, and said, "Biao uncle , I heard,—Assassin, the assassin wants to kill you!..." Emperor Sui Yang took her hand and said, "Good... don't cry, don't cry, you care so much about my cousin, I am so happy! I have sent someone to arrest that nasty assassin, and good news will come back soon! You don’t have to worry!” Dugu Ning Ke said, “But——I heard that the assassin is very powerful, so I’m afraid that she will come back again! Besides , those ordinary guards, how can they catch the assassins..." Emperor Sui Yang nodded and said, "That's right, that's right!... Ning Ke is still smart!" Turning his head, he said, "Yu Wenai Qing!——" Yu Wentuo took a step forward and said: "The minister is here!" Emperor Sui Yang said: "You heard it too, the assassin is very powerful this time, I will entrust you with the responsibility of catching the assassin !" Yu Wentuo said: "Respect!" He took his guards and bowed out. Emperor Yang of the Sui Dynasty said: "Okay! Are you at ease now? Uncle Biao has ordered the most powerful people in the world to catch the assassin for you!" Dugu Ning Ke turned her beautiful eyes and said with a smile: "But Uncle Biao... They also want to go together." Emperor Sui Yang was taken aback when he heard this, and said: "What, what?" Dugu Ning Ke said: "Uncle... I want to catch the bad guys with Lord Yuwen!" Emperor Sui Yang said Opening Dugu Ning Ke's hands, turned around, and said: "Nonsense! No, no! This is too dangerous..." Dugu Ning Ke was full of grievances, tears rolled in his eyes, and said, "Damn, I'm I want to see how Master Yuwen catches the bad guys!" Emperor Sui Yang was not happy, and said: "Don't mess around! You stay on the dragon boat, I won't allow..." Dugu Ning Ke's nose was sour, and in front of everyone, wow With a loud cry, he wiped his tears with both hands, and said, "Why are you so fierce! My cousin is so bad..." Emperor Sui Yang didn't know what to do. Empress Xiao hurriedly persuaded: "Oh! Your Majesty...you are too much...Why did you make the lovely little Princess Ning Ke cry!" Emperor Sui Yang had no choice but to turn around and said: "Okay All right, don't cry!—I allow you to go, I promise you to go..." Dugu Ning Ke said with tears all over his face, "Really?" Emperor Sui Yang said: "Come here! Call the grand master back After a while, Yu Wentuo returned to the palace, not knowing what was going on, he went forward to salute, and asked: "Your Majesty, do you have any orders?" Emperor Sui Yang said: "It's actually nothing, my niece, I want to be with you Go and capture the assassin. I ordered you to be responsible for protecting her safety along the way, without any mistakes! Do you know?" Yu Wentuo was startled, and said, "Your Majesty! This..." Emperor Sui Yang said: "Stop talking! Just do it That is, just do it..." Yu Wentuo said: "But, Your Majesty, it is not necessary to capture the assassin..." Emperor Sui Yang's face darkened, and said: "Don't forget... the last time you hid the divine cauldron, If my precious niece hadn't told me, I would have let you keep it a secret... I haven't settled this matter with you yet! ——If you can make little Ning Ke happy this time, I won't care about you Do you understand?" Yu Wentuo had no choice but to bow and agree and leave. Chen Jingchou opened his eyes in a daze. He was already lying in a dilapidated house surrounded by ruins. A white and tender face beside him was staring at him. He could only hear her screaming. Said: "Brother Chen, Brother Chen! You finally woke up!" Chen Jingchou struggled to sit up, and saw that it was Yu Xiaoxue beside him.Zhang Lie came over and said, "Brother Chou, you finally woke up!" Chen Jingchou felt dizzy and said, "Where is this?" Zhang Lie said, "Heal your wounds at ease! Although this place is not far from the canal, it is located in a remote place. I believe the officers and soldiers will not find it for the time being. "Chen Jingchou turned his head to look at Tuoba Yu'er, saw her lying on the ground, she was still awake, and asked: "Miss Tuoba is all right?" Zhang Lie said: "It's nothing serious, she just drank a few sips of water." Not long after, Tuoba Yu'er also woke up, put her hands on the ground, and sat up slowly, with a gloomy expression. Zhang Lie turned around, put his hands behind his back, and said, "Yu'er, you're awake—" Tuoba Yu'er whispered, "Brother-in-law, why are you here?" Zhang Lie was angry, and said, "You Look, what catastrophe you have caused everyone! To assassinate the emperor...even your brother-in-law dare not do it! You are very brave!" Tuoba Yu'er stared at the corner of her clothes, not daring to raise her head, and said, "I'm sorry..." Zhang Lie said: "This time, brother-in-law, no matter what excuses you have, he will definitely take you back to the north!" Tuoba Yu'er lowered her head and said, "It's... brother-in-law..." Zhang Lie said: "Brother Qiu! This time you saved Brother Yu's wife's sister's life again, Brother Yu really doesn't know how to thank you!" Chen Jingchou said: "Brother Zhang, you are too polite!" Zhang Lie said: "Miss Xiaoxue has cured the arrow sore for you, you don't have to worry." Chen Jingchou hurriedly said, "Thank you, Xiaoxue." Yu Xiaoxue said: "It's nothing... After you dragged Sister Tuoba ashore, you have been unconscious. I, I should do this." Everyone rested for a while, Zhang Lie said: "Brother Qiu! Miss Xiaoxue! Thanks to your life-saving help, this troublesome girl was finally rescued! ——But this place is not suitable for staying for a long time, what are your plans?" Chen Jingchou said: "I want to find the divine cauldron that was taken by the bandits. This is the only hope to save Master!" Zhang Lie pondered and said: "Well! I will leave the matter of the divine cauldron to you—Brother Yu has been away from the tribe for a long time, if you don't go back, if something happens, it will be a big disaster!" Chen Jingchou said: "Brother Zhang, don't worry, if we find the divine cauldron, after refining the medicine, we will definitely send it to the north and return it to the Tuoba tribe!" Zhang Lie nodded and said: "Okay, Yu'er, let's go back! Your sister is very worried about you!" Unexpectedly, Tuoba Yu'er frowned and did not move, and suddenly said: "Wait a minute! Brother-in-law ,That does not work!" Zhang Lie was surprised: "What's wrong?" Tuoba Yu'er said: "Brother-in-law! No way! I can't go back with you!" Zhang Lie raised his eyebrows and said, "Yu'er, what's the matter with you? You just promised to go back, why did you suddenly change your mind?" Tuoba Yu'er said: "The divine cauldron is an artifact of our tribe, what if they find it and don't return it? I don't feel relieved, I have to follow!" Zhang Lie said: "Brother Qiu is absolutely trustworthy! You don't have to worry! Let's go !" Tuoba Yu'er turned her head and said: "Unless I find the cauldron personally, or even if I am alone, I will keep looking for it! Brother-in-law, I don't want to go back..." Zhang Lie's expression turned pale Shen said, "You!..." Chen Jingchou persuaded: "Brother Zhang, Brother Zhang! ——Since Miss Tuoba doesn't trust us, why don't you just ask her to find the cauldron with me and Xiaoxue until she brings it back herself..." Zhang Lie sighed : "Brother Qiu... It's not that brother Yu can't trust you! But this girl is the most troublesome person in the world! Brother Yu is afraid that she will bring you unnecessary trouble along the way!" Chen Jingchou said: "Brother Zhang, don't worry, I will definitely take good care of Miss Tuoba and protect her well!" Zhang Lie muttered: "This...this is..." Looking at Tuoba Yuer, I saw her Zhengjue pursed his mouth and sat on the ground in a fit of anger. Zhang Lie thought: "If I force her to go back with me, according to this girl's temper, there is no guarantee that she will sneak away on the way. It will be even more difficult at that time! Brother Chou is very skilled in martial arts, why don't she follow along to hone her skills?" Practice, also learn from Brother Chou and Miss Xiaoxue, maybe you can change her stubborn temper!" After hesitating for a moment, he said: "Yes! Brother Chou, I will thank you for taking care of her!" Turning around, said : "Yu'er! — Brother-in-law promised not to take you back for the time being! But along the way, you are not allowed to show your temper willfully, and you are not allowed to cause any trouble for others, do you understand?" Tuoba Yu'er said: "Brother-in-law, you are so serious! Who is causing trouble to whom!" Zhang Lie didn't want to talk to her, but turned around and said, "Brother Qiu! Then I'll be hard on you—Brother Yu will take care of you Well, this troublesome girl, teach her more at ordinary times!" Chen Jingchou said: "Brother Zhang, what's the matter! Please rest assured, I will try my best!" Tuoba Yu'er said: "Brother-in-law! What are you talking about?" Zhang Lie said: "Brother Qiu! Then let's just say goodbye, we will meet later!" He cupped his hands.Chen Jingchou also cupped his hands and said, "Brother Zhang, take care!" Yu Xiaoxue also said, "Goodbye, Brother Zhang!" Zhang Liedao turned and walked out the door, striding away. Only Chen Jingchou, Yu Xiaoxue, and Tuoba Yuer were left in the hut.Chen Jingchou walked in front of Tuoba Yuer, lowered his body, and asked, "Miss Tuoba, are you feeling better?" Tuoba Yuer closed her eyes, snorted, and did not answer.After a while, Chen Jingchou asked again: "If you are not feeling well, we will wait for you to recover before setting off." Tuoba Yu'er crossed her hands on her chest, but still did not answer. Yu Xiaoxue pulled Chen Jingchou aside and said, "Brother Chen, what should we do? Sister Tuoba ignores us!" Chen Jingchou scratched his head and said, "I, I can't do anything about her either!" Yu Xiaoxue said: "How can we do this?" Chen Jingchou said: "It doesn't matter... Anyway, it was like this before, we will get used to it gradually!" The two discussed in low voices.Tuoba Yu'er couldn't bear it anymore and said, "Hey! What are you talking about!" Yu Xiaoxue smiled and said: "Great! Sister Tuoba finally talked to us!" Chen Jingchou said: "Yes, this is really a great thing..." Tuoba Yuer frowned and turned her head away Go, said: "boring!" The few people rested for a while, the small broken house is not a safe place after all, officers and soldiers may search it at any time.Chen Jingchou and Yu Xiaoxue called Tuoba Yuer and walked out of the house together.Tuoba Yuer followed behind, and suddenly said softly: "Thank you!" Chen Jingchou and Yu Xiaoxue hurriedly turned their heads, and Tuoba Yuer pouted again.Yu Xiaoxue said happily: "Brother Chen, sister Tuoba is thanking us!" Chen Jingqiu just wanted to answer.Tuoba Yu'er said first: "Hey! Don't talk nonsense, how can I!" It was dusk when I came to the river in a short time.The afterglow of the setting sun sprinkled on the broad river surface, and the waves shone like thousands of golden snakes dancing.There are a few wisps of residual clouds in the sky, scattered and scattered, like fiery red cotton wool.Two rows of weeping willows stretch far north and south along the river bank, with no end in sight. Thousands of willow branches, with the breeze, gently sway the river water, causing little ripples. The three of them walked along the river bank for a while, then turned away from the river bank and headed northeast. They slept in the forest that night.The fields on both sides of the canal were barren, the houses were empty, and even the bark of the wild vegetables had been dug up and eaten away.Chen Jingchou wanted to find something to eat, but it was really not easy. After turning over the mountain, it was already dark, and he parted the long grass in the valley before he found a small stream.Chen Jingchou walked into the stream, tossed and tossed for a long time before catching a few small fish, and turned back.Yu Xiaoxue had already lit a bonfire.Chen Jingchou grilled the fish and handed one to Tuoba Yuer.Tuoba Yu'er turned her head and ignored.Chen Jingchou had no choice but to eat with Yu Xiaoxue.In the next few days, it will still be like this, and it is not bad to find some small insect fish.Tuoba Yu'er was so hungry that she didn't want to eat, but in the end she couldn't ignore the food Chen Jingchou sent. After doing this for seven or eight days, they reached the territory of Shandong, and the population gradually became denser.In the evening of this day, the three of them had already traveled all day, they had never had enough to eat these days, they were all exhausted, and their stomachs were indescribably uncomfortable.While walking on the road, I suddenly saw a few wisps of cooking smoke curling up from the treetops in the forest ahead.Chen Jingchou said: "There seems to be someone in front, let's spend the night there tonight! Have a good rest!" The few people got a burst of energy and rushed forward without knowing where it came from.Turning around the woods, I came to a small village. The ground was full of ruins, broken tiles, scattered houses, and the houses were empty. Most of the villagers had already fled. Chen Jingchou found the door of a farmer's house. The courtyard wall was completely collapsed and the ground was full of dirt. He walked directly into the courtyard and knocked on the door.After a while, footsteps sounded, the wooden door slammed open, and an old voice inside asked, "Who is it?" Chen Jingchou said: "Passing guests want to stay overnight at your place. Please make it easier for me." The door opened, and an old farmer came out, looked at Chen Jingchou and others for a while, and said: "Now the soldiers are in a panic. Yes, it's hard for you children to go out by yourself, come in quickly." Chen Jingchou waved out, and Yu Xiaoxue and Tuoba Yu'er followed in. The house is very dilapidated, the thatch of the roof has fallen off, and several openings are missing, and the blue sky can be seen when you look up.There are only a few dilapidated wooden tables in the hall, and an old blackened straw mat.The old man asked the three of them to sit down.An old woman in the back room said: "The child's father, who is here?" The old man said: "It's a few children staying overnight." Chen Jingchou waited for a while. The old man took out some bowls of porridge from the stove, and brought some chaff cakes, put them on the wooden table, and said: "This year, there are natural disasters and man-made disasters, and there is nothing to eat at home, only these are left. Just eat it." Chen Jingchou said: "Thank you, old man!" The three of them ate together.Although it is porridge bran cake, but at this time it tastes like jade liquid fine wine, dragon liver and phoenix marrow.The farmhouse is very narrow, so the old man put Chen Jingchou and others in a small room on the east side.Chen Jingchou hugged the thatch, spread it on the ground, waited for Yu Xiaoxue and Tuoba Yuer to sleep, and leaned against the corner of the wall himself, exhausted, fell asleep after a while. The stars are twinkling, the clouds are dotted, and the cool breeze is blowing.In the middle of the night, Chen Jingchou was sleeping soundly, when suddenly the ground rumbled and trembled continuously.Chen Jingchou woke up immediately, turned over, went to the window, and listened carefully. There was a faint sound of hurried hooves outside the forest. It seemed that there were more than ten horses galloping towards the house.At this time, Tuoba Yu'er had also awakened, jumped up, jumped to the window, and looked out. The sound of horseshoes became louder and louder, and after a while, the flames flickered, and more than ten horses rode fast, turned out of the forest, and came towards the village.After a while, when they arrived at the door, everyone got off their horses one after another, and the voices were noisy.Chen Jingchou looked at it through the light of the fire, and was shocked, all of these people were officers and soldiers with steel knives on their waists.A school lieutenant, holding a whip in his hand, led the crowd over.Two soldiers stepped forward and shouted loudly, knocking on the door hard. I only heard the old man walking tremblingly to the front of the house, there was a creaking sound, and a group of officers and soldiers poured into the house.Chen Jingchou put his head against the wall and listened carefully.An officer and soldier scolded: "His grandma! Where are the people on this road? They haven't had a drink for three days, and the birds are almost fading out of their mouths!" The voice was rough.Another officer and soldier shouted: "Immortal! Take out the wine and meat quickly, and honor the uncle well, and spare you not to kill!" Chen Jingchou held down the hilt of his sword, slightly angry.The old man's voice was trembling, and he said: "Several military masters...it's not that I don't respect you...it's just...just..." Before he finished speaking, a soldier shouted: "What is it? You bold people! How dare you lie to the government and don't show you any color! I also said that I am blind!" Suddenly there was a bang, someone He fell heavily to the ground, moaning in pain, no doubt it must be an old man. The rough voice said: "Leave him alone, don't miss the business! You two, search under the kitchen! If you find something to eat, hum! I will come and teach him a lesson myself!" Footsteps sounded, several times An officer and soldier went down to the stove. After half a day, he came back and scolded: "This poor man, there is not even a single grain of rice in the pot! After looking for it, there are only a few bran cakes left!" An officer and soldier shouted: "Old man, you hide all the grain Where did you go? Come on, bang, tell me!" followed by a clanging sound, which seemed to be the sound of a steel knife being pulled out. The old man was trembling all over, and said: "Masters... please forgive me! The harvest has not been good for the past few years, and there were bandits and robbers a few days ago... There is really no food..." An officer and soldier said in a strange way: "Old guy! There is no food or drink, so you can ask your daughter to come out and play with the old men!"The officer and soldier with a hoarse voice coughed, and the laughter stopped immediately, and he only heard him say: "Everyone, search other houses to see if there is anything to eat, and go on the road when you are full! —— Don't miss the important matter of the princess, then It's not a joke!" All the officers and soldiers agreed in unison, and searched separately. At this time, Yu Xiaoxue had just woken up for a while, and she didn't know what was going on.Chen Jingchou made a gesture to tell her to keep quiet, and suddenly heard the door of the room slam open behind him, followed by a long scream of an officer and soldier, he was startled, looked back, Tuoba Yu'er had long since disappeared, and secretly called out Not good, Ting Jian followed and killed.I saw that Tuoba Yu'er was already surrounded by a group of officers and soldiers, fighting together.More than a dozen big knives greeted her, which was extremely dangerous.Chen Jingchou yelled loudly, leaped forward, and stretched out the long sword in the air. The sword light flashed and pierced into the vest of an officer and soldier.The officer and soldier grunted, struggled a few times, and fell to the ground dead.An officer and soldier beside him hurriedly turned around and cursed, "Damn it! You bastard wants to rebel!"Chen Jingchou took half a step back, and danced his sword to parry.Several other officers and soldiers followed suit.Chen Jingchou swung his sword across, turned sideways to avoid the attack, and swiped forward with the long sword sideways, drawing an arc.The officer and soldier couldn't dodge in time, with a snort, his clothes were torn, and a long gash had been cut on his lower abdomen, and blood gushed out wildly.The officer and soldier clutched his stomach and died without saying a word. At this time, Yu Xiaoxue also took out the iron ring, rushed out, and fought with several officers and soldiers.Tuoba Yu'er had two people to help him, he freed his hand and already cut down several officers and soldiers.For a moment, blood splattered in the hall, and the ground was red.The officers and soldiers were gradually lost, they exchanged winks, spread their legs, and ran out the door together.Chen Jingchou kicked his feet, leaped over the heads of the officers and soldiers, landed in front of the door, returned his sword, and cut down another officer and soldier.Tuoba Yu'er and Yu Xiaoxue also chased after them, and the three of them sandwiched the officers and soldiers in between and attacked with all their strength.In an instant, the remaining few officers and soldiers were all eliminated. Seeing that there were no more people alive on the ground, several people breathed a sigh of relief and were about to speak when suddenly there was a sound of horseshoes outside the door.Chen Jingchou secretly screamed that something was wrong, he jumped out of the house, looked around, and in the dim night, he saw an officer and soldier riding on a horse, lashing his whip quickly, he had already galloped more than ten zhang away.Chen Jingchou condensed his right palm, raised his iron sword, and threw it forward with all his strength, the sword flew like a shooting star, a sharp sound of piercing through the night sky, immediately the officers and soldiers fell to the ground. Chen Jingchou flew over.The officer and soldier remained motionless, lying face down on the ground, stretching out his hand, he was already dead.Chen Jingchou let out a long sigh of relief, pulled out the iron sword from his back, wiped it clean, and inserted it back into the scabbard.Turning the officer and soldier over, he stretched out his hand to search in his arms, and suddenly felt something soft with his fingertips, took it out and saw that it was a cloth bag, and there was nothing else.Chen Jingchou stuffed the cloth bag into his arms and walked back to the house. The old man was so frightened that he couldn't speak a word, and Yu Xiaoxue was healing him under the dim light.Tuoba Yu'er sat alone at the side.Chen Jingchou asked Tuoba Yu'er to carry the body to the back of the house together with her, buried it overnight, and then washed the blood on the ground.After tossing around midnight, it was almost dawn. Chen Jingchou let Yu Xiaoxue and Tuoba Yu'er rest for a while, sat on the grass hall by himself, took out the cloth bag, opened it under the lamp, there were several ingots of silver and a scroll of books inside.The book was sealed very well.Chen Jingqiu was curious, so he unwrapped the string and spread it out on the case. It turned out to be a sealed letter, which read: Secret Order: A few days ago, the grand master sent his generals to Mount Tai to set up a formation.When you receive this letter, you should set off immediately, monitor it closely, be careful, and if anything happens, you should report it quickly—the Princess Dugu.Chen Jingchou read it, but he didn't understand why, he couldn't figure out why the Grand Master Yuwen sent people to Mount Tai, so he accepted the letter and ignored it. At dawn, Chen Jingchou took three horses and took the rest of the horses. They killed them all and chopped them into pieces. After working for more than two hours, they finally finished it - because there are marks of fire on the buttocks of army horses, leaving them will be a disaster sooner or later.I kept some for myself, and gave the rest to the old man, so that he could pickle or wax it, enough to last for half a year.All the silver taels collected from the officers and soldiers were also given to the old man.The three of them each mounted a horse and took the road to the east.The old man thanked him so much, he was grateful, and went home. With horses, travel is much faster.Several people followed the route of transporting the cauldron that day, and within a few days, they reached the ground where the divine cauldron was seized that day.The wheat fields beside the road are green, and the farmers plowing in the fields can be seen from time to time, which is no longer like the withered scene before.Chen Jingchou asked passers-by if there were bandits nearby.The passer-by replied: "I have never heard of robbers. In the east of the Demon King's Village, there is a group of heroes who occupy the mountain and become king! They will never offend the common people!" Chen Jingchou thought: "This is strange!" After thinking for a while, his heart Said: "Anyway, there is no clue, let's go to the Demon King's Village and have a look." Asking the way, the three of them took the way. At noon on the second day, we had reached the foot of the mountain.I saw a few families living in the mountain nest, and there was a small inn inside, and the road up the mountain was on one side.The three of them led the horse and walked away.Chen Jingchou went forward and asked a middle-aged man if there were any strongmen haunting the mountain.The man replied: "Are you talking about the demon king of the world? This king lives in the demon king's stronghold on the mountain. He is a famous man. He often robs the government's money and food to help the people. Even the officers and soldiers are afraid of them!" Jingchou thanked him, he was puzzled, he went back and told Yu Xiaoxue and Tuoba Yu'er the exact words. Tuoba Yu'er heard this, and said: "It's disgusting! I guessed that it was the robbers on this mountain who stole our divine tripod!" Turning around, he raised his right hand and said: "Then let's go now !" Chen Jingqiu asked strangely: "Let's go? Where are you going?" Tuoba Yu'er frowned and said, "You idiot! —Of course we should immediately go find that demon king and take back our divine cauldron!" Chen Jingchou smiled and said: "Your temper is really impatient! We all have driven so much, we are already hungry! ——We will fight with the robbers later, everyone is hungry, it will not work!" Tuoba Yu'er raised her eyebrows and said, "Hmph! I'm not hungry... If you don't want to go, then I'll go up alone!" Yu Xiaoxue persuaded: "Sister Tuoba...don't, don't go! This is too dangerous!" Chen Jingchou also said: "Miss Tuoba, I promised Big Brother Zhang that I will protect you all the way! So I must not let you take risks alone!" Tuoba Yu'er raised her head and said: "Since you won't let me go alone, then go with me!" Then he started to walk up the mountain.Chen Jingchou hesitated in his heart. 于小雪忙上前拉住拓跋玉儿的手，劝道：“拓跋姊姊，我，我真的饿了！” 拓跋玉儿闭上眼，赌气道：“好吧好吧！真受不了你们——那我就一直等着，让你们吃到肚子撑饱为止！” 陈靖仇笑道：“不必担心，神鼎那么重，也不会突然自己长脚跑了！——我们还是找个地方，先歇歇脚吧！” 三人走到小客店门前，拴了马，进厅坐了。伙计送上茶水。陈靖仇要了些饭菜。伙计答应着去了，不多时送了上来。陈靖仇道：“玉儿姊姊，该吃饭了！”拓跋玉儿独自坐在一旁，闭目养神，别说答话，对饭菜连正眼也不瞧。 陈靖仇无法，只得和于小雪吃了起来，刚吃得几口，忽听门外传来一阵豪迈爽朗的笑声。陈靖仇顺着声音往门外看去，只见两人正走入客店里来。为首一个汉子，武人装束，身高七尺有余，腰粗背厚，浑身肌肉虬结，铁须满腮，眼睛好像铜铃一般。后面一人身穿青布长袍，则是文士打扮，生得气宇轩昂，双眉神飞。那巨汉大踏步走入店中，道：“上好酒来！”店中却似打了个闷雷一般，屋瓦震颤。伙计不敢待慢，急急提了酒壶，取过两只大碗，恭恭敬敬地引俩人在一旁坐下，倾满了酒。 于小雪悄声道：“陈哥哥！他们会不会……就是山上的土匪？” 陈靖仇向那巨汉打量了几眼，道：“从外貌上看，有这可能！” 拓跋玉儿不知何时已睁开眼来，道：“喂！你们这是什么歪理啊？如果身材高大就是土匪，那我姊夫这么魁梧，岂不成了十恶不赦的坏蛋了？” 陈靖仇笑道：“玉儿姊姊说的有理，这次确是我们不对！”陈靖仇和于小雪继续吃饭。哪知刚动了动筷子，客店外突然吵嚷起来。陈靖仇放下碗，道：“外面好像出事了！” 拓跋玉儿道：“真烦人，我出去看看！”提起柳叶刀，向门外走去。陈靖仇不放心，也跟了出去。 刚走到店门，就看见前面空地上跪着几个商贾打扮的人，不住磕头，身旁还有几辆骡车，载满货物。数个官兵将他们围在中间，手提腰刀，在那几个商贾面前来回摇晃。一个商贾哭道：“大，大爷……小民真的不是土匪啊！我们只是路过的客商！” 一个官兵走上半步，用腰刀指住他，喝道：“住口！你们还想抵赖？带着这么多东西，在魔王砦下行走，不是盗贼一伙，会是什么！” 那几个商贾吓得浑身战栗，道：“大爷，因……因为魔王砦的大王从不抢夺过往客商，大家认为从这条路走比较安全，所以才取道山下的豆子坑。” 一个官兵喝道：“大胆！你竟给盗匪说好话！还敢说不是他们一伙的！”晃了晃手中钢刀，喝道：“快说！那混世魔王，现在人在那儿？”那商人吓得几欲晕去，一句话说不出话。 拓跋玉儿怒道：“可恶！这些该死的官兵，又在欺负百姓了！”陈靖仇正要阻拦，拓跋玉儿早已抽出柳叶刀，走上前去了。走到官兵身后，喝道：“你们这些废物，马上给我住手！”众官兵一愣，回过头来，见身前站着的竟是个漂亮的女娃娃，不禁一呆，随后一齐捂着肚皮，放声大笑起来。拓跋玉儿大怒，突然纵身上前，刀光闪处，一个官兵惨叫一声，脸颊上已多了一条数寸长的伤口，鲜血直冒。那些官兵大惊，笑声立敛，连声喝道：“反了反了！大胆刁民！快捉住她！”几人扬刀向前急扑。陈靖仇刷地抽出长剑，飞身上前挡住。 陈靖仇刚把官兵逼退，忽听身后一人大喝一声，好似晴天霹雳一般，声震寰宇，山上鸟兽，四散惊逃，回音反激，久久不绝。于小雪正走到门前，赶紧捂住耳朵。众官兵一鄂，急忙退后几步。陈靖仇回过头，只见身后站着的，正是刚在客店里见过的巨汉，中年书生也站在一旁。那巨汉走上前来，赞道：“几个小娃娃倒挺有气魄，老子再不出手，岂不是连娃娃们都不如？” 一个官兵喝道：“大胆！你是那里来的反贼！也敢来找死！”那巨汉也不答话，双目向天，神态悠闲。那些官兵见巨汉如此气势，反倒心中先怯了，不敢贸然上前，一人勉力喝道：“大胆……你，你到底是谁？”那巨汉挺起胸膛，扒开胸前衣襟，露出虬结的肌肉，双目一瞪，忽然欺身上去，伸出蒲扇般的大手，一手一个，拽住两个官兵的衣领，高举过顶，顺势向山坡下一扔。喝道：“就凭你们这些小兵小卒，也敢到魔王砦撒野！实话告诉你们，老子行不更名，坐不改姓，人称混世魔王程咬金的便是！” 剩下的几名官兵听了，登时吓得屁滚尿流，手足酸软，抛下兵刃，连滚带爬的逃下山去。 拓跋玉儿收起柳叶刀，笑道：“真是废物！一点用也没有，只会欺善怕恶！”程咬金哈哈一笑，也不追赶，却向陈靖仇三人走来。