Chapter 427: Parting Ways

Five miles outside the city of Qingxi County.

A cacophony of carriages and horses, among the people, every one of them had blood-stained clothes and weary faces, yet the joy of having survived still passed through the crowd.

Cheng Feng took a rough look.

Following along, there were roughly five groups of people.

Families of Hong Sect disciples.

Disciples of Tieshan Martial Arts Hall.

The family of Junior Sister Jin Ying.

The family of County Magistrate Liu.

And a portion of civilian survivors.

Seeing that there were no more pursuers behind him, Cheng Feng looked at the sky and said in a clear voice, "Halt."

Following Cheng Feng's "Halt," the sound of hooves stopped abruptly, and the kicked-up dust slowly settled.

Everyone reined in their horses one after another, their faces bearing the exhaustion and relief of having survived a disaster, their gazes all cast toward Cheng Feng.

Regardless of gender, people admire strength.

Cheng Feng, through his actions at the city gate, naturally took over the authority of leadership.

Cheng Feng flipped off his horse, patted the dust off his body, swept his gaze across the crowd, and said loudly, "Everyone, we have temporarily escaped danger on this journey, but this place is not suitable for a long stay.

Qingxi County has fallen, and we must find a safe place to rest and reorganize.

However, everyone has their own fate, and I, Cheng Feng, have my own arrangements for my subordinates.

For those unrelated to me, Cheng Feng, taking care of too many is unfair to my own people.

I hope everyone can understand..."

The implication was naturally that it was time to part ways.

Among the family of Junior Sister Jin Ying, a plump and beautiful woman held a young child, her eyes full of worry.

Seeing this, Junior Sister Jin Ying walked up and comforted her softly, "Aunt, don't worry too much; we will surely be able to overcome this difficulty." The woman nodded slightly, a trace of gratitude flashing in her eyes.

Meanwhile, Jin Ying looked at the disheveled family members around her, then looked at Cheng Feng, with whom she had a slight senior-junior relationship, her eyes filled with anxiety.

"The Jin Family has withered; Father is dead, and Second Uncle is also dead. What should we do in the future?"

Among the family of County Magistrate Liu, Liu Shi, who was sitting steadily in the carriage, looked at Cheng Feng, who had a handsome face and a natural aura after the slaughter.

"Medical Skill is extraordinary, Martial Dao is not bad, and his methods are decisive. Such a man...

If I had met him earlier...

Sigh..."

After a long sigh, her eyes suddenly turned cold; she also had her own mission.

As these words from Cheng Feng fell, a slight commotion stirred in the crowd. Some showed hesitation, others looked panicked.

However, the families of the Hong Sect disciples and the disciples of the Tieshan Martial Arts Hall mostly stood behind Cheng Feng with firm gazes; they already had fellow-disciple or close ties with Cheng Feng, so they naturally chose to follow.

Cheng Feng's gaze was like a torch, scanning the entire scene, and he spoke again: "Those willing to follow me, Cheng Feng, to find a place to settle, stand behind me; for those who have their own plans, I will not force you to stay."

The beautiful woman held her child, looked at Jin Ying, then looked at Cheng Feng, feeling extremely conflicted.

Conversely, Jin Ying seemed to have grown up after encountering the great disaster.

She stood behind Cheng Feng: "Cheng... Senior Brother, Junior Sister Jin Ying is willing to lead the Jin Family to follow."

The beautiful woman bit her lower lip and finally held her child and stood behind Jin Ying.

Although she worried about the future in her heart, she truly did not know where to go at this moment.

As for some civilian survivors, after looking at each other, a few chose to leave; they felt that following the large group might make them too big a target, and it would be better to find their own way to survive.

Liu Shi, from County Magistrate Liu's family, sat in the carriage and watched Cheng Feng quietly through the gap in the window curtain.

The strange feeling in her heart grew stronger; the responsibility and ability this man displayed in times of danger were like a magnet, deeply attracting her.

But as a secret agent of the Liu Shi, she had many concerns and could only sigh softly and let down the curtain.

County Magistrate Liu watched the high-spirited Cheng Feng and felt quite uncomfortable.

The "low-class" person he had looked down upon before had now actually become a force to be reckoned with.

"Madam, shall we??"

"Return to the Liu Family."

"Sigh, alright."

There was also a portion who feared being used as cannon fodder and went to find their own way out.

Seeing that everyone had basically made their choice, Cheng Feng nodded and said, "Good, farewell."

Having said that, Cheng Feng flipped onto his horse, flicked his whip, and took the lead in galloping toward the north.

The families of the Hong Sect disciples and the disciples of the Tieshan Martial Arts Hall followed one after another, and Jin Ying also followed closely with her family.

The sound of hooves rose again, and the kicked-up dust diffused under the setting sun.

Along the way, the atmosphere was slightly oppressive. Jin Ying's anxiety grew even deeper; she looked at Cheng Feng's upright back, wanting to speak several times but stopping herself.

Now that only her branch remained of the Jin Family, the road ahead would surely be full of hardships.

And Cheng Feng, although he had a senior-junior relationship with her, currently bore the safety of many people himself and might not be able to look after the Jin Family.

Moreover, Jin Ying considered that her relationship with Cheng Feng had not been particularly good before.

With the future uncertain, Jin Ying decided to take the initiative.

"Cheng... Senior Brother, do you have any arrangements?"

Cheng Feng was neither sad nor happy, and he nodded: "Twenty miles to the north, there is an abandoned village. As far as I know, the terrain there is remote, and there should be no danger for the time being. Let us go there first to rest and reorganize."

The voice was not loud, but everyone around heard it.

With a goal, there was naturally motivation.

Even after experiencing bloody slaughter and being exhausted, they were unwilling to fall behind.

Some followers at the very back also received a little care under Cheng Feng's instructions.

Watching Cheng Feng's actions, the thoughts in Jin Ying's heart became increasingly shaken.

"Really, must it be like that?"

Will he think I am a wanton woman?

But, it seems there is no other way now.

Jin Ying, as a member of the main branch of the Jin family, for the sake of your family, you must take responsibility."

As the sound of horse hooves rang out rhythmically, the group galloped toward that abandoned village in the north.

The scorching sun overhead shone down on everyone, casting long shadows, as if telling of the hardships of this journey.

Jin Ying rode on her horse, her heart feeling like a tangled mess.

She stole glances at Cheng Feng from time to time; his resolute profile appeared even more steadfast in the afterglow.

Every time their eyes met, she felt as if she had been electrocuted and hurriedly looked away, yet the urge in her heart to draw closer grew ever stronger.

"Senior Brother Cheng, I don't know what the situation is like in this abandoned village; we must be careful when we arrive." Jin Ying finally gathered her courage to break the slightly oppressive silence.

Cheng Feng turned his head slightly, glanced at Jin Ying, and said, "Rest assured, Junior Sister, I have a plan."

They continued to advance toward the north and finally saw the abandoned village before noon.

Most of the houses in the village were already dilapidated, but there were still some places that could provide shelter from the wind and rain.

Cheng Feng arranged for everyone to find places to rest and simultaneously sent a few disciples to keep watch around the village.

Finally, the most dangerous time had passed.