Chapter 83: Meeting an Old Friend Again·Joining Hands to Repel the Invaders

Cold killing intent replaced the initial anger.

Chen Wen's mind was unusually clear.

The system-bestowed double effect was like an invisible battle armor, allowing him to grasp the state of himself and his teammates to the utmost.

He was like a leopard in the dark night, using the shadows of burning houses and fallen fences to swiftly infiltrate the east side.

Two elite warriors behind him followed closely, their steps light and breathing steady, obviously also fully entered combat state.

East of the market town

Several Khitan cavalrymen were laughing as they surrounded the bound women.

They occasionally struck them with the backs of their knives, issuing wild laughter.

The women's cries had turned hoarse and desperate.

Not far away.

Moreover, several Khitan soldiers who had dismounted were stuffing looted chickens and ducks into their pockets, their vigilance extremely lax.

"Quick battle, quick decision!"

Chen Wen gave a low shout, his figure suddenly accelerating!

His target was clear; he charged straight at the cavalrymen guarding the women.

Almost as Chen Wen moved, a sharp breaking-air sound came from the west side!

"Whoosh! Whoosh!"

Two crossbow bolts shot out from the ruins like venomous snakes.

They precisely pierced the backs of the hearts of two Khitan soldiers who were kicking in doors and looting!

Those two Khitan soldiers didn't even grunt before collapsing to the ground.

"Enemy attack! There's an ambush!"

The sudden attack caused the lax Khitan people to instantly explode into chaos.

Someone shouted loudly in Khitan, and the looting infantry hurriedly sought cover.

While those on horseback tried to turn their mounts to see where the enemy came from.

On the east side, Chen Wen had already arrived to kill!

He did not directly charge the cavalry on horseback, but instead lowered his body.

Like a ghost, he closed in on a Khitan infantryman who had just tied his loot to the saddle.

That infantryman heard the commotion to the west and was turning his head in surprise when a bright blade flashed before his eyes!

He didn't even get a clear look at the attacker's appearance; a chill ran through his throat and his consciousness fell into darkness.

Another elite warrior lunged at another infantryman, his swordplay vicious, felling him in just a few moves.

The third elite warrior took the opportunity to rush to the bound women and swiftly cut their ropes with a dagger.

He growled:

"Hurry! Run into the woods!"

All of this happened in the blink of an eye.

The three cavalrymen guarding the women only then reacted.

Shocked and angry, they yelled wildly, spurring their horses and slashing their blades as they charged at Chen Wen and one of his subordinates!

The momentum of the cavalry charge was terrifying!

"Scatter!"

Chen Wen calmly ordered, and he and that elite warrior rolled to the sides simultaneously.

The horses' hooves, raising dust, trampled over the spot where they had just stood.

While rolling, Chen Wen supported himself with one hand on the ground, exerting force from his waist and abdomen.

He sprang up at an unimaginable angle, his horizontal blade tracing a bleak arc.

He precisely sliced the hind leg of the cavalryman's horse that had just charged past!

"Xijin—!"

The warhorse let out a miserable neigh, its hind tendons severed, it collapsed with a boom, throwing the rider heavily to the ground.

Before the cavalryman could get up, Chen Wen's blade tip was already at his throat.

On the other side, that elite warrior, relying on extraordinary agility, narrowly dodged another cavalryman's charge.

He backhandedly slashed the horse's buttocks; though not fatal, it made the horse painful, causing it to bolt and jump wildly, temporarily out of control.

But the Khitan, after all, were numerous and had now reacted.

The remaining twenty-plus cavalry began to consciously gather toward the center.

Several cavalrymen who looked like leaders shouted loudly, attempting to organize an effective counterattack.

They saw that the attackers were few in number, although individually strong, but as long as they formed a encirclement, they could easily be slaughtered.

"Form ranks! Rally to the leader!"

Zhao Dayan on the west side also felt the pressure.

After they used crossbow bolts to kill several loners, they exposed their position, and cavalry began to charge toward the ruins where they were hiding.

The three of them backed against a ruined wall, forming a small defensive circle.

They used crossbow bolts and flying stones to block the approaching enemy; the situation was perilous.

On Chen Wen's side, the rescued women were panicking as they ran toward the woods outside the town.

But this also attracted more Khitan cavalry's attention.

Four or five cavalry broke away from the main group, grinning savagely as they chased after those defenseless women!

"Not good!"

Chen Wen's heart tightened; he was farther away.

Again entangled by two newly organized cavalry units, rescue was temporarily impossible.

At this critical moment!

"Whoosh—whoosh—whoosh!"

A series of even sharper, more piercing whistling sounds suddenly rang out!

They were crossbow bolts shot from the direction of the official road!

These crossbow bolts had tremendous force and remarkable accuracy!

In an instant they shot down the several Khitan cavalrymen pursuing the women from their horses!

Even one bolt pierced a cavalryman's leather shield, pinning him to the ground!

This sudden precise strike not only lifted the women's siege but also caused all the Khitan cavalry to hesitate!

Chen Wen abruptly turned his head toward the official road, seeing only dust rising.

A squad of about ten riders came charging like wind and lightning!

Leading them was a tall figure holding a strong bow, its string still trembling.

Who else could it be but "Rongxiong," who had just split ways yesterday?!

How could he be here?

Wasn't he supposed to head northeast?

"Rongxiong" had a stern expression, his eyes sharp as an eagle's.

He evidently also saw Chen Wen trapped in heavy encirclement, letting out a clear shout.

He drew his strong bow again, arrows flying like linked beads.

He also shot down two Khitan cavalrymen attempting to charge Zhao Dayan's formation!

The gray‑clad toughs behind him were even more like tigers descending the mountain.

Before they even arrived, throwing spears and crossbow bolts poured down like rain, instantly throwing the Khitan formation into chaos!

"Chen brother! I've come to help you!"

"Rongxiong's" loud voice penetrated the battlefield, bringing a reassuring strength.

Finding life in desperation!

Chen Wen's heart was instantly filled with a warm current and fighting spirit!

He gave a long laugh, pointing his saber at the chaotic Khitan cavalry.

He shouted at the lone elite beside him and Zhao Dayan and the others who had just regrouped:

"Reinforcements have arrived! Follow me to slaughter the enemy, leaving none alive!"

The originally precarious battle situation instantly reversed thanks to "Rongxiong's" reinforcement force!

Though the two groups had never drilled together, after fighting side by side last night they had developed a rare mutual understanding.

Chen Wen and his comrades were like a sharp dagger, slicing and cutting through the interior;

while "Rongxiong's" unit was like a heavy hammer, smashing fiercely from the outside.

The Khitan cavalry were struck into confusion and disorientation.

Their numerical advantage vanished before the enemy's exquisite coordination and formidable individual combat power.

On the battlefield.

Chen Wen and "Rongxiong's" gazes met again.

This time there was no probing or politeness, only trust and admiration for fighting side by side.

The two almost simultaneously urged their mounts forward, charging into the densest concentration of remaining Khitan cavalry!

Blade light and sword shadow, bloody rain and wind.

This border town skirmish, because of an unexpected reunion, took a completely different turn.