Meanwhile, outside the inn, more than forty bandits were searching through the villagers' houses one by one, looting any valuables they could find.Painful screams echoed in the night as the bandits mercilessly swung their weapons. They showed no mercy to anyone who dared to stand in their way.The terrified cries of women and children added to the horror of what should have been a peaceful night. The once-tranquil village was now filled with fear and chaos.Several young women sobbed as they were dragged away by the bandits. Their desperate cries for their parents did nothing to move the hearts of their captors. Instead, the bandits laughed heartily, pleased with the wealth and women they had seized."Tonight, we shall have a grand feast!" roared a tall, muscular man wielding a large sword. His laughter rang out loudly, matching his terrifying presence."That's right, Chief! We never expected such a small village to be this wealthy—and its women so alluring," one of the bandits repli

Li Jie was stunned by the loud shout. However, he did not realize that the threat was directed at him. He still had his face lifted, though he was no longer looking at the beautiful girl who had just arrived.Bang!"Are you deaf!?" the soldier shouted again while slamming the table where Li Jie and Mei Lian were seated.Li Jie stared sharply at the soldier for a moment. But then he lowered his gaze, not wanting to cause trouble in the dining hall.The beautiful girl, dressed in luxurious noble attire, glanced briefly at Li Jie. Although she admired his handsome face, her admiration quickly faded when she noticed his tattered clothing. Without further thought, she continued walking up the stairs."This is the first and last warning. If you dare look at Princess Yuan Li again, I will make you blind forever!"After delivering both a warning and a threat, the soldier finally followed the beautiful girl named Yuan Li."Why are you frowning like that?" Li Jie asked."You’re so clueless, Li

The innkeeper woman was confused by the behavior of her two guests."Wait a minute, beautiful girl... So, he's not your husband? Is he your lover?""Neither. That's why we booked two rooms," Mei Lian replied."What about you, handsome young man? Should I write down two rooms?""Whatever, Auntie! As long as we get a discount," Li Jie replied."Oh, I see. If you're really not this beautiful girl's husband or lover, then doesn't that mean this beautiful auntie here has a chance? You see, I'm a young widow who's been alone for a long time since my husband passed away. If you marry me, this inn could be yours."Li Jie rubbed his eyes repeatedly before closing them."What's wrong? Do your eyes hurt?""I think I just heard a voice. But why don't I see anyone?" Li Jie laughed freely without a trace of guilt."You little rascal...! Do you think I'm a ghost in broad daylight? There's no way a ghost could be as beautiful as I am!"The two of them burst into laughter, paying no mind to Mei Lian,

"You arrived just before dawn! Where is the girl!?" Prince Wang Wei demanded.The four personal guards of Prince Wang Wei exchanged glances before one of them stepped forward to answer."Apologies, Prince. We failed to find the girl. When we searched for her at Yu Er's inn, their room was empty.""Empty? What do you mean?""The innkeeper said they left after nightfall, Prince. Their carriage was still in front of the inn, so we assumed they were just strolling around the capital. But after searching the entire city, we couldn't find them.""Idiots!"Crash!The wooden table in front of him shattered under his fist."Didn't I order you to keep watch at the inn!?" Prince Wang Wei roared. His burning desire was now replaced by seething rage."Forgive us, Prince. We were watching, but after nightfall, we returned here to finalize our plan.""You fools! One of you should have stayed behind to keep watch! Do you have any idea how exhausting it is to stay awake all night, waiting for you to br

The decision was made in an instant. The thirteen men charged at the seven soldiers guarding the exit. They had no intention of fighting Li Jie—it would only mean certain death. Their only chance of escaping alive was to break through the soldiers.A small skirmish broke out. The seven soldiers, caught off guard by the sudden attack, immediately drew their weapons and fought back.Seeing his attackers shift their focus to the soldiers, Li Jie didn’t stay idle. He swiftly pursued them and joined the battle.But before he could strike, he sensed a powerful attack directed at him. With quick reflexes, he raised his sword to block it.Boom!The clash of two immense forces sent a deafening explosion throughout the inn. The impact was so powerful that the entire building trembled.Li Jie was pushed several steps back. He hadn’t expected such a strong attack. Tasting the saltiness of blood at the corner of his lips, he wiped it away with the back of his hand.His sharp eyes locked onto the f