Chapter 34: Thinking about it

The world was in chaos, and caution was essential. Everyone understood Yang Lizheng’s concerns.

They tacitly slowed their pace, allowing the group behind them to catch up. Yang Dashan took the lead, stepping aside and motioning for them to go first.

There was no communication between the two parties; they eyed each other warily, each fearful that the other might suddenly attempt to rob them of their belongings.

As Su Yin walked, she observed the people passing by and narrowed her eyes slightly. Most of them were young and middle-aged, and judging by their faces, they appeared plump, with a healthy malt color to their skin.

Their mental outlook was distinctly different from that of typical farmers. Even in tattered clothes, they exuded a certain aura.

I fear this group is not merely refugees fleeing famine; they might be hiding something under the guise of refugees.

Su Yin’s thoughts turned to the bandits. If these weren’t bandits, they were likely the ones chasing them.

The more she thought about it, the more frightened she became, and the stronger her urge to distance herself from this group.

Su Yin approached Yang Lizheng and lowered her voice to alert him. “Third Ancestor, these people are not refugees fleeing famine.”

Yang Lizheng was startled and looked at Su Yin in surprise.

“They walk with a steady and powerful pace and appear full of energy. People who work all year round cannot compare to them. Look againmost of their group consists of young adults.”

Yang Lizheng listened to Su Yin’s analysis, remaining still as he observed the group passing by. The more he watched, the more alarmed he became. What Su Yin said next sent his heart racing.

“A group of well-trained individuals pretending to be refugees are likely trying to deceive others or avoid being hunted.”

Though Yang Lizheng had faced many challenges in life, hearing that this group might pose a danger unsettled him.

He quickly summoned his son Yang Fu. “Go down and rest where you are for a quarter of an hour.”

He knew they had to distance themselves from that group of people.

Yang Fu walked to the front and spoke to Yang Dashu. The person in front stopped, causing those behind him to gradually halt as well.

“Why are you resting?” one of them asked.

“Just resting. There’s not much to say. Some rest is better than none. In my opinion, you don’t look tired enough,” Yang Fu replied with a hint of sarcasm.

“Have a rest quickly. I heard the route will be changed later,” another added.

A little distance away, another group of refugees gathered, and a young man approached their leader.

“Sir, the escape team behind us has stopped. Did they find something? Should we…” The young man’s eyes gleamed with intensity as he mimicked a throat-cutting gesture.

The leader glanced back at the team trailing them. There were hundreds of people old and youngdressed in tattered, dusty clothing. They looked like refugees who had been on the road for many days, their legs muddy from travel.

“Let’s see what they can make of it. Don’t waste time on such people; don’t forget our purpose this time,” the leader instructed.

“Yes.” The young man agreed, though he felt a twinge of regret.

At first glance, that group seemed different from the refugees encountered in Yuzhou. They might have money.

If I can take them down, the money will belong to us.

It was a pity that their superiors had not allowed them to act. Otherwise…

The young man licked his lips, and a cruel smile crept across his face.

If I meet them again on my return trip, I might just have a chance.

Under the shade of a tree, little Yanggui lay on the ground, pressing his ears to the earth while holding a wooden stick, teasing the insects scuttling by.

When little Yanggui spotted Su Yin, he stood up and faced her with a curious expression. “Sister, the ground can ring!” he exclaimed sweetly.

Su Yin’s expression suddenly changed.

Without hesitation, she lay down on the ground and pressed her ears against it, feeling the vibrations beneath her. Although subtle, the sensation was unmistakable.

Glancing ahead, she saw that the team in front was already hundreds of meters away, which was not a safe distance.

I can’t worry about that now.

Su Yin quickly found Yang Lizheng and explained the situation.

Given Su Yin’s previous performances, Yang Lizheng didn’t question her and immediately ordered everyone to head into the forest.

“Quick, hurry up,” he urged.

Yang Fu led the charge, encouraging those behind him to move faster. When he noticed someone lagging, he stepped forward to help push them along.

“What’s going on?” someone grabbed Yang Fu, asking, “Did something happen?”

Though Yang Fu was unsure about what had made his father so serious, he sensed it must be something significant.

“Don’t ask, just leave,” he replied tersely.

Seeing the urgency in his demeanor, the man stopped asking questions and hurriedly called for his family to follow.

As the team moved toward the woods, the sinister young man disguised as a refugee glanced back inadvertently.

Hey, where did those people go?

Just a moment ago, they had been right in front of him, but now they seemed to have vanished.

His eyes narrowed slightly, and a flash of anger crossed his face.

The young man approached the leader again and reported, “Sir, the fleeing team behind has disappeared.”

Upon hearing this, the leader turned his head and glanced behind him, confirming there was no trace of the team.

“The behavior of those refugees is really suspicious,” the sinister young man remarked, beginning to apply eye drops.

The leader squinted his eyes, emanating a murderous intent.

Sensing something was amiss, the sinister young man continued, “Sir, how about I take a few brothers to check it out?”

The leader glanced at him, and the young man felt a twinge of guilt, cold sweat breaking out on his forehead. Just as he braced for a reprimand, a faint voice floated above him.

“Go. Let’s finish this quickly.”

“Yes.” The sinister young man felt a surge of relief.

He immediately called a few like-minded companions and quietly left the group, chasing after Su Yin’s direction.

Though there was no clear path in the forest, the larger group forged ahead, creating a trail as they waded through the underbrush.

Yang Dashan, Yang Dashu, and others walked in the front, wielding hatchets to clear the way. Oxen and mule carts followed, making it easier for those behind them.

“Girl Su, can the shopkeeper tell me where it is? Are there any features around it?” Yang Dashu inquired.

“It should be in the col between the peaks,” Su Yin replied.

Yang Dashan raised his head to glance at the mountain tops. “It looks close, but it’s not near if you have to walk.”

“Yes. For a sip of water, we’ll have to walk quite a bit,” Su Yin agreed.

As she contemplated their situation, she realized that when the time was almost up, she would need to ask the team to stop and not proceed any further.

Her goal was to lead them away from the group of killers in a plausible manner. The existence of other mountain springs and trails leading to Yongqing County had all been a ruse.

They hurried forward with difficulty, while the five individuals led by the sinister young man had already made their way into the forest.

“They should go that way,” the sinister young man said, observing the ground.

It didn’t take much effort to determine the direction they were walking by examining the axle marks left behind. Following those traces, the five of them quickly closed the gap with the team.

“Ah!”

Suddenly, a sharp sound pierced the air, causing everyone to turn around in shock.

Su Yin, Yang Lizheng, and the others pushed through the crowd to look back. They saw five young men holding long knives, their eyes filled with malicious intent, pointing toward them.