Chapter 1444 - 1119: Jealousy

Yu Wenye said coldly, "Whether it’s important or not, protecting one’s own woman is a man’s responsibility."

"...!"

Xiao Yuansui’s gaze suddenly darkened.

They had crossed paths years ago in Xingluo Granary, and he had experienced Yu Wenye’s cutting sharpness akin to the Mo Blade in his hand. He knew Yu Wenye wouldn’t easily be put at a disadvantage. However, whether this was his invincible rhetoric or his genuine thoughts, at this moment, it sounded particularly ironic in Xiao Yuansui’s ears. He recalled what Shang Ruyi had said to him after he had failed to force Lu Xiao to death—

If a man cannot protect a woman’s virtue, he cannot demand her to remain chaste.

If a man demands a woman to stay chaste, then the first step is to protect her safety.

Yu Wenye’s actions and her words were identical.

The two of them were unexpectedly so compatible, even without having seen each other, nor knowing what had happened or what each had gone through, their thoughts and actions were the same.

Xiao Yuansui’s breathing gradually turned heavy—he realized that he was envious.

Perhaps it wasn’t envy that this man could win Shang Ruyi’s affection but rather envy that these two people could be so mutually affectionate. And also, envy that since such feelings existed in this world, why was it that he, of all people, could not attain them?

He couldn’t help but grit his teeth, "Pity, you can’t protect her now."

"..."

"Not only can you not protect her, but you also cannot guarantee your own safety."

"..."

Watching his gaze grow colder and sharper, as well as Hua Ziyang standing motionlessly behind him with that cold glint in his hand aiming unwaveringly at his forehead, followed by the soldiers surrounding in front, Yu Wenye curled his lips coldly. His eyes showed no sign of cowardice, only flickering slightly when thinking of something, turning his head to glance back.

Wo Xue, who had been holding her breath, immediately lifted her head, the panic in her eyes quickly fading into determination, "Your Highness, rest assured, this servant will not drag you down!"

Yu Wenye didn’t speak, only looking at the gradually spreading blood red on her shoulder.

He knew that this girl wasn’t joking. As a Death Guard trained by Chu Yang, Wo Xue had enough skill to handle many dangers and many ways to end herself quickly. So indeed, there was no need to worry about her.

Only—

Yu Wenye slowly turned back to look at Xiao Yuansui and the others, and said in a deep voice, "Rest assured, I won’t let you die."

"..."

"She needs you by her side."

"...!"

Wo Xue clenched her teeth tightly, "Yes."

Hearing Yu Wenye’s words, Xiao Yuansui sneered, "You still want to protect her? Do you really think you alone can fight against so many of us?"

Yu Wenye replied, "How do you know it’s just me?"

Xiao Yuansui laughed, "Although you only brought a few people to rush into my camp, and now there’s none left, I know you’re not a reckless person. Even if you took a risk tonight, you must have a backup plan—you must have arranged troops to assist on the way."

"..."

Yu Wenye said nothing, tacitly agreeing.

Xiao Yuansui continued, "But you also wouldn’t dare let these people get too close to my camp, because if discovered, your plan tonight might fail before it begins. So, they must be quite far from here—at least some distance away."

"..."

"Do you think they can come to rescue you quickly?"

"..."

After saying this, Xiao Yuansui quietly watched Yu Wenye. Although he always hid his emotions, his face showed no sign of concern, yet he saw Yu Wenye’s eyes dim a bit more in the darkness of the night.

Xiao Yuansui sneered.

Yu Wenye was silent, his darkened gaze looked at Xiao Yuansui, then slowly shifted to Hua Ziyang behind him, suddenly saying, "As long as they’re faster than him."

Upon hearing this, before Xiao Yuansui could react, Hua Ziyang’s eyes lit up, and the cold glint in his hand immediately flew out, shooting swiftly towards Yu Wenye.

"No—"

Xiao Yuansui instinctively spoke, but his voice had just reached his throat when he heard a swish. Yu Wenye swiftly raised his arm and swung his blade, harshly cutting the arrow in front of him into two, which fell to the ground!

Everyone was in an uproar!

Hua Ziyang’s eyes widened in disbelief, staring at the two broken arrow pieces on the ground.

Yu Wenye had actually chopped Hua Ziyang’s arrow in half with one strike?!

It’s known that Hua Ziyang is famous for his infallible archery. Back then, in Xingluo Granary, he suppressed Yu Wenye, allowing Xiao Yuansui and others to retreat unharmed. Moreover, he’s long heard of Yu Wenye’s reputation as the Divine Archer, who with one arrow at Yanmen Pass repelled Shali Khan and his hundred thousand troops, becoming renowned throughout the world. Furthermore, during the battle at Xingluo Granary, Yu Wenye was in the open and he in the dark, and Yu Wenye had to care for Shang Ruyi’s life. The two hadn’t properly clashed, something he always regretted, so tonight Hua Ziyang felt an inexplicable excitement, thinking he could finally compete against him.

Who knew—

Seeing this arrow not only miss but also be cut in half by Yu Wenye, everyone couldn’t believe their eyes, becoming somewhat fearful of his speed and strength. They all instinctively gasped.

Xiao Yuansui’s gaze hardened as he watched Yu Wenye’s stern eyes. He immediately turned to the clearly stunned Hua Ziyang and said, "Don’t rush."

But Hua Ziyang seemed a little dazed, murmuring, "How, is it possible?"

Yu Wenye said, "Your arrow is indeed lightweight and swift."

Upon hearing this, Hua Ziyang immediately looked up at him, but before he could speak, Yu Wenye continued, "To drive someone into Xingluo Granary, it’s more than enough."

Upon hearing this, Hua Ziyang’s eyes instantly reddened.

He’s not foolish and naturally understood what Yu Wenye meant. Back at Luokou Ferry, it was with his infallible archery that he drove Shang Ruyi into a corner, ultimately forcing her to surrender and follow them onto Xingluo Granary. Yu Wenye’s words implying that his arrows were only good for dealing with weak women, and left unsaid, were useless in front of him!

Feeling anger rise from his heart, Hua Ziyang immediately reached back into his Arrow Tube, drawing another arrow, and quickly strung his bow, aiming once more at Yu Wenye.

Seeing this, Xiao Yuansui’s brows furrowed, immediately saying, "Don’t rush, Zi Ying."

Having experienced many battles, though his archery wasn’t as refined as Hua Ziyang’s, he clearly knew that in a state of anger, not only could someone make wrong judgments, but their physical reactions and movements might differ from usual. Hua Ziyang had clearly been provoked.

But it was too late to say this.

With a swoosh, Hua Ziyang’s second arrow had already been released!