Chapter 80

Hu Xiaotian nodded. This suspension bridge swayed as people walked on it, let alone horses. Moreover, the bridge was made of wooden planks connected together, with gaps of about a foot between each plank. If the horses were forced to cross, they would likely be frightened, and if their hooves got stuck in the gaps, the consequences would be unimaginable. The most rational thing to do was to leave the horses behind, but in this desolate mountain area, if the horses were left here, they would surely become prey for tigers and wolves. Although they were just animals, he had developed some affection for them after riding them for so long.

Hu Xiaotian made a quick decision: "Hu Fo, Li Jinhao, you two take the horses back!" He had originally planned to have these servants escort him to Qingyun and then return to the capital. Now that they had reached the territory of Xichuan, they had completed most of their mission. He chose them because Hu Fo was the oldest, and Li Jinhao had a baby at home, making him the most concerned among the group. Hu Xiaotian considered things very thoroughly.

Hu Fo said, "Young Master, Master asked us to escort you to Qingyun." He was secretly delighted by Hu Xiaotian's decision.

Hu Xiaotian waved his hand and said, "No need. With Inspector Murong accompanying us, we can handle any situation. You won't be much help by staying." He was telling the truth.

Liang Dazhuang and Shao Yijiao were envious. Why couldn't they go back too? They really didn't want to cross this swaying iron bridge. Hu Xiaotian wasn't choosing them for their abilities; he just had a lot of luggage. If all the servants left, he would have to do everything himself. Liang Dazhuang and Shao Yijiao were tall and strong, and he would need their help on the journey ahead.

The group unloaded the luggage from the horses, trying to simplify it as much as possible, but still ended up with two large bags. Naturally, these two large bags fell to Liang Dazhuang and Shao Yijiao. Murong Feiyun didn't have much luggage and didn't bother to hand it over to anyone. Her black horse had been with her for two years, and they had a deep bond, so she was naturally a bit sad to part with it.

The little girl held a small blue floral bag, standing by the suspension bridge, quietly gazing at the opposite mountain peak, as if their affairs had nothing to do with her.

After Hu Fo and Li Jinhao arranged the luggage, Hu Xiaotian told them to head back down the mountain immediately. The sky was getting darker, and it looked like it was going to rain. The mountain path was difficult, and with so many horses, their return journey would be just as dangerous.

After they left, Hu Xiaotian smiled and said, "There's no turning back once the arrow is released. If you want to be an official, you must cross this iron bridge. Who wants to go first?"

Shao Yijiao said, "I'll go first!" At this critical moment, he showed some courage.

Shao Yijiao carefully walked onto the suspension bridge, the wooden planks creaking under his feet. At first, it was fine, but as he reached the middle of the bridge, the swaying became more severe. Murong Feiyun, seeing this, closed her beautiful eyes in fear. Hu Xiaotian kept an eye on her and smiled, "Don't worry, I'll go with you!"

Murong Feiyun said, "I think I'll go back. I don't think I can cross this bridge."

Hu Xiaotian said, "If you go back, who will protect my safety?"

Murong Feiyun opened her beautiful eyes and feigned confusion, "Does your life have anything to do with me?"

As Shao Yijiao was about to reach the other side, Liang Dazhuang started to cross the bridge. He was tall and fat, and with the luggage on his back, he weighed as much as two people. As soon as he stepped onto the bridge, it began to sway. His journey was quite awkward, and he often had to stop and wait for the bridge to stabilize before continuing. It took him twice as long as Shao Yijiao.

At this moment, a bolt of lightning split the dark sky, and large raindrops began to fall with a闷雷 (thunderclap). Hu Xiaotian shouted, "Hurry up, we can't delay. The rain will get heavier soon!"

The little girl had already started across the bridge. Despite her young age, she was very brave and quickly reached the middle.

Seeing that Murong Feiyun was still standing there, Hu Xiaotian walked over and whispered, "Feiyun, let's go together, I'll support you!"

Murong Feiyun bit her lip and steeled herself, "You go first!"

Hu Xiaotian was somewhat amused and surprised. He never thought that the always strong Murong Feiyun would be so afraid of heights. He stepped onto the bridge, and Murong Feiyun nervously followed, matching his steps. They had only walked about two yards when the rain started pouring down like a waterfall, and the wind intensified, causing the bridge to sway violently. Murong Feiyun clung to the iron cables, feeling her legs go weak, and could hardly move.

Hu Xiaotian looked ahead and saw the little girl had already crossed three-quarters of the bridge. Turning back to Murong Feiyun, a bolt of lightning illuminated her pale face, her eyes filled with fear and helplessness, her hands tightly gripping the iron cables, her body trembling.

Hu Xiaotian knew that Murong Feiyun's fear of heights couldn't be overcome in a short time. He shook his head, reached out, and held her hand, whispering, "Take it slow, step by step. Focus on the wooden planks below, and don't miss a step."

Murong Feiyun looked into his determined eyes, then at the ground, and finally mustered the courage to take a step forward.

Hu Xiaotian smiled, "It's fine, see, it's completely fine!" He placed one of her hands on his shoulder and slowly led her forward. The rain grew heavier, making it hard to see. Hu Xiaotian vaguely saw the small, blurry figure of the little girl still struggling forward in the rain and wind.

Suddenly, the bridge began to sway more violently, but the wind wasn't much stronger. Hu Xiaotian turned around in surprise and saw a gray figure approaching. The rain was so heavy that he couldn't see the person's face. Thinking it might be Hu Fo and Li Jinhao returning, he shouted, "Hu Fo, is that you?"

The gray figure walked onto the bridge, and a bolt of lightning illuminated the figure. The cold, clear blade in his right hand reflected the lightning, creating a dazzling light that hurt Hu Xiaotian's eyes. He instinctively closed his eyes and then quickly opened them again, his fear spreading through his body: "Be careful!"

Murong Feiyun also sensed the approaching danger, her eyes wide as she suddenly turned around.

The gray figure had already rushed onto the bridge, his right foot stepping on a wooden plank, using the rebound to leap into the air, covering a distance of five yards in an instant. The long sword in his hand cut through the heavy rain, aiming straight for Murong Feiyun's head.

Murong Feiyun shouted, "Quick, go!" In that moment, she forgot her fear. When danger came, her focus was entirely on the present. The sudden appearance of the enemy and the sudden attack made her forget her fear of heights. Her body spun on the narrow plank, and she drew her sword from her waist, blocking the gray figure's powerful strike. The clash of the sword and the blade produced a shower of sparks. The two invisible forces collided at the point of contact, creating a powerful shockwave that sent raindrops flying in all directions. Murong Feiyun's disheveled hair was blown back by the wind, and the wooden plank beneath her feet cracked under the impact. She quickly took a step back, standing on the plank behind her, holding the iron cable with one hand, her body swaying with the bridge.

The gray figure's attack missed, and he flipped backward, landing steadily on the plank. His gray robe billowed in the wind, clinging to his emaciated body. His face was gaunt, almost skeletal.

The middle of the bridge swayed the most. Hu Xiaotian quickly grabbed the iron cables. The little girl was almost to the other side when a black shadow suddenly appeared, a black eagle with black wings and golden claws swooping down toward her face.

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