THE GOD'S OF CHOSEN WARRIOR

Attempted Rape

The bandits then attacked Li Jie together. Their fear of death transformed into a blazing determination.

However, mere determination was not enough to fight against Li Jie, whose skills were far superior. In no time, the bandits met their end at the young man's hands.

The towering bandit leader could only watch as all his men perished. The villagers who had witnessed the incident shared the same stunned expression.

The peace they had lost due to the bandits' attack now seemed to return. A handsome young man had suddenly appeared and saved their village, slaughtering dozens of bandits in the process.

The villagers' pent-up anger was finally unleashed. Armed with whatever weapons they could find, the men of the village surrounded the now lone bandit leader.

"Come any closer, and I'll kill you!" the bandit leader roared. He could no longer think rationally. If he surrendered, he would still die at the hands of the enraged villagers. If he fought back, at least he could take a few of them down with him.

Seeing this, Li Jie stepped forward to calm the villagers.

"My friends... let me finish him! Enough lives have been lost in this village. Let’s not add to the casualties. If you fight him, some of you may die by his sword—perhaps even more. But if you insist on killing him with your own hands, then go ahead!"

Li Jie's words made the furious villagers reconsider. Without speaking, they acknowledged that he was right. Their lives could be wasted if they acted recklessly. One by one, they stepped back, putting distance between themselves and the bandit leader.

"I won’t offer you any deals because I intend to kill you anyway. Now prepare to join your men in death!" Li Jie declared, his voice calm yet terrifying.

Realizing there was no hope for survival, the bandit leader chose to attack.

His massive sword swung wildly, his strikes uncoordinated and desperate. His mind was filled with only one thought—to attack. Not once did he think about defending himself.

Effortlessly, Li Jie dodged each attack. A brute relying solely on physical strength was no match for him.

With a single swift and deadly strike, Li Jie’s sword flashed, severing the bandit leader’s head from his body. Then, he calmly sheathed his blade.

As soon as their leader fell, the villagers rushed toward the young warrior.

"Thank you, warrior. We don’t know how to repay you for what you’ve done for our village," said a middle-aged man on behalf of the others.

Li Jie smiled at his words. He never sought rewards for his actions.

"There’s no need for thanks, Uncle. It is my duty to help those in need. As long as it's the right thing to do, I won’t hesitate to lend a hand."

Suddenly, Li Jie remembered Mei Lian, who was still at the inn. After bidding farewell to the villagers, he sprinted back, not wanting anything to happen to the beautiful girl—especially since he had promised Master Anom to protect her.

Upon arriving at the inn, he dashed toward her room. Before he could even knock, he heard Mei Lian’s terrified screams from inside.

"Help... Li Jie... help!"

Bang!

The door shattered under his powerful kick.

Inside, he saw a slightly overweight merchant, shirtless, gripping Mei Lian’s wrists.

The man’s intentions were clear—his lust was evident from Mei Lian’s torn clothing.

"Li Jie, help! He’s trying to rape me!" Mei Lian cried out, tears streaming down her pale cheeks.

The merchant was shocked to see Li Jie. He had been hoping that the young warrior would be killed by the bandits, allowing him to have his way with the girl. Mei Lian’s beauty and graceful figure had consumed his desires. Now, all his plans had crumbled.

"You...!" Li Jie’s eyes burned with rage. He never imagined the merchant would have such vile intentions toward Mei Lian.

Without hesitation, he delivered a powerful kick.

Bang!

The merchant’s plump body slammed against the wall with a sickening thud.

"Arrgh!" he groaned in pain, clutching his fractured shoulder. His back ached where it had crashed into the wall.

"Forgive me, Li Jie! I was blinded by lust... The devil tempted me!" the merchant whimpered, pleading for his life.

"You blame the devil?" Li Jie snapped. "Let me tell you something—the devil only does its job. The real fault lies with you for falling for its whispers!"

"T-then please forgive me! Take all my wealth as compensation!" the merchant begged.

Li Jie’s expression remained cold.

"Even if you gave me the entire world, I still wouldn’t forgive you. Your crime is beyond redemption!"

Stepping forward, he delivered a brutal kick to the man’s head, channeling his inner power. The impact cracked the merchant’s skull, killing him instantly.

Still trembling with fear, Mei Lian instinctively threw herself into Li Jie’s arms, clutching him tightly. Her tears soaked his tunic as she sobbed uncontrollably.

"It’s over now. You’re safe. Don’t cry anymore—I’m here," Li Jie murmured, gently stroking her long, dark hair.

"Promise me... you won’t leave me again," Mei Lian whispered. A strange yet comforting warmth filled her heart.

"As long as you stay by my side, I promise to always protect you," Li Jie vowed before pressing a soft kiss to her forehead.

Mei Lian was surprised but happy. She tightened her embrace, unwilling to let go.

The next morning, they resumed their journey in the merchant’s horse-drawn carriage. Before leaving, Li Jie distributed the stolen goods among the villagers.

Mei Lian's fear had vanished, replaced by an overwhelming joy. For the first time in her life, besides her father and grandfather, a man had kissed her forehead.

"Why are you smiling like that?" Li Jie asked, tapping her forehead.

"It’s nothing. But why did you touch my forehead?" Mei Lian asked in return.

"Oh, just checking if a spirit from the inn possessed you," he teased, covering his mouth to stifle a laugh.

Mei Lian glared at him while gripping the reins tightly. Though inexperienced, she was determined to steer the carriage.

Three days passed since they left the inn. Exiting a vast forest, they decided to stop at a bustling roadside restaurant to eat.

Unbeknownst to them, they were now close to the capital city. Since they had never traveled far before, they relied solely on Mo Yan directions.

The restaurant had two floors: the first catered to commoners like farmers and villagers, while the second was reserved for merchants, warriors, and nobles.

As soon as they entered, all eyes—mostly from men, young and old—locked onto Mei Lian. Her beauty captivated them as if a celestial maiden had descended from the heavens.

Ignoring their gazes, Li Jie and Mei Lian walked toward a table near the staircase leading to the second floor.

After placing their order, they started conversing.

"Mei Lian, when Mo Yan asked me to protect you, a question came to mind. I just remembered to ask it now."

"What is it?"

"Where are your parents? Even when I stayed at your house, I never saw them."

Sadness clouded Mei Lian’s face. Her previously cheerful expression turned somber.

"My parents passed away, Li Jie. According to my grandfather, my father fell into a ravine while collecting wild honey. My mother died after giving birth to me. I never knew what they looked like," she said softly.

"I’m sorry to hear that, Mei Lian. It seems we share the same fate—both losing our parents at a young age."

Forcing a small smile, she tried to suppress her sorrow.

"If I had to guess, your parents must have been incredibly handsome and beautiful," Li Jie added.

"How can you be so sure?"

"Because they had a daughter as beautiful as a goddess."

His words instantly lifted her spirits.

Before Li Jie could tease her further, the restaurant fell silent.

A noble-looking young woman, just as beautiful as Mei Lian, entered, escorted by three guards.

As she passed their table, one of the guards barked at Li Jie.

"Lower your gaze, unless you want me to gouge your eyes out!"