Chapter 1446 - 1121: Thirteen Staff-Wielding Monks

This familiar voice took everyone present by surprise, particularly Xiao Yuansui and Yu Wenye.

This voice belonged to Shantong’er!

Even though it had been years, Xiao Yuansui immediately recognized his voice. Although still childish, it was impeccably determined and fierce. Alongside that voice, there seemed to be others shouting angrily, and the rumbling sound of hooves made the ground tremble continually, causing even the horses they rode to sway and pace restlessly.

Xiao Yuansui hastily turned around, only to see a group of shadows galloping towards them in the vast darkness of the night—

With the unsteady light of several torches lit by his men, Xiao Yuansui immediately saw clearly who was at the very front. It was none other than Shantong’er!

The child was clad in a short blue-gray garment. Despite the heavy night dew and biting cold wind, he seemed unaware of the cold, clutching a pair of massive copper hammers as he charged forward.

Because they came so suddenly, the surroundings didn’t even have time to react, and no one came forward to stop them. But since a large crowd encircled there formed a blockade, it obstructed his way. Shantong’er shouted to let them through, and the soldiers in front, unable to dodge in time, were knocked off their horses by his direct hammer blow.

Xiao Yuansui frowned tightly.

Before crossing the river, he roughly gathered information about the previous battle at Hulao Pass. He knew Yu Wenye had killed Shan Shiyu, and Shantong’er had left the Sheng Country Camp. Since the two shared a surname, he easily guessed their relationship and the reason for Shantong’er’s departure. He had not thought of finding the child again, but thinking further, when Shantong’er left Wanggang Village, it wasn’t because Yu Wenye had swayed him but because he inherently differed in intention with Wanggang Village, or rather with Xiao Yuansui and others. Even the later departure of Shen Tu Tai and his followers was for the same reason, coupled with the sudden outbreak of battle at Hulao Pass, so he didn’t spend much effort on it.

Unexpectedly, he didn’t go looking for him, yet Shantong’er suddenly returned, and at this very moment.

Moreover, he came to rescue Yu Wenye!

However, didn’t he leave alone? Where did these people come from?

With doubt in his heart, Xiao Yuansui looked closely again. Behind Shantong’er were about twelve or thirteen people. Though the flickering torchlight blurred specific appearances, he could vaguely tell they were all strong and sturdy, wearing blue-gray cloth clothes and holding long weapons. While their figures seemed somewhat unstable as they galloped over on horseback, their roaring shouts were deafening. For a moment, he inexplicably thought of the "Lion’s Roar" mentioned in the Buddhist scripture.

Regardless of who they were, they could not be allowed to approach Yu Wenye!

Xiao Yuansui immediately ordered, "Block them!"

At his command, the outermost soldiers immediately rushed forward, their long spears and pikes striking at the group like venomous snakes. Shantong’er, experienced in battle, skillfully dodged the attacks while wielding the copper hammer to clear a path.

Soon, he pierced through the first layer of opposing troops.

However, those following him were not as successful. From the swaying posture of those riding over, Xiao Yuansui noticed they were seemingly unaccustomed to horseback combat or even lacked riding skills entirely. Indeed, when his soldiers surrounded and attacked them, a few immediately toppled off their horses to avoid the stabbing weapons.

Laughter erupted amidst the crowd.

But in the next moment, they could no longer laugh—once those on the ground began to move, they became agile, charging into the formation, swinging their weapons with vigorous force, toppling several soldiers with a single move!

Everyone instantly sensed something amiss, quickly urged their horses forward, ready to stab at one of them with their long spears.

Yet the person nimbly rolled aside, evading the thrust. Then, springing to his feet a few paces away, he leaped high, nearly reaching a man’s height, striking heavily with his weapon on a soldier’s shoulder. A dull thud sounded, followed by the soldier’s scream as he was flung from his horse.

Next, this person turned and dashed toward another group, whose soldiers, intimidated by his prowess, instinctively sought to evade. But just then, another figure behind him, seemingly short in stature and wielding a pair of short weapons like wind turbines, bent low and charged straight into the crowd—or rather, the horses.

The war horses, unable to dodge, neighed in pain as their forelegs were struck, some collapsing to the ground while others reared painfully, throwing soldiers off their backs.

In a short time, the soldiers attempting to obstruct them had their formation disrupted and were gradually retreating!

Panic flashed in Xiao Yuansui’s eyes.

Though he led a large contingent of soldiers tonight to pursue Yu Wenye, as the target was a single individual, these soldiers were not arrayed in formation. Once Yu Wenye stopped, they lined up in a single file, enclosing around him. Such a setup feared assaults from the perimeter most. Now, with Shantong leading this force in an assault, they were immediately unsettled. Some were even former members of Wanggang Village. Seeing Shantong’er, bravely leading at the front, they instinctively stepped aside.

The rest were simply no match.

During the battle, Xiao Yuansui noticed that the lengthy weapons in their hands were neither swords, spears, nor blades but merely thick wooden staves and staffs. Although lacking sharp edges, when wielded by them, they were as fierce as any weapon. Even though many soldiers wore armor, impervious to blades, the heavy strikes from these staves inflicted severe bruises, toppling a large section of the opposing soldiers.

What surprised and shocked him even more was that as these intruders delved deeper and drew nearer, the flickering torchlight finally illuminated them, revealing that these thirteen agile yet inexperienced horseback fighters were indeed monks!

Not reinforcements from Hulao Pass, but monks!?

Xiao Yuansui was momentarily stunned.

These monks relentlessly followed Shantong’er, pressing forward, although all were dismounted. With Xiao Yuansui’s troops arrayed in a serpentine line at a moderate distance, they couldn’t charge effectively and lost the cavalry’s advantage. Moreover, they were caught off-guard, given these individuals’ martial prowess, evidently skilled martial monks. Fierce and formidable, they left Xiao Yuansui’s forces powerless to counterattack.

The previously solid encirclement was torn open!