Unyielding Spring Mountains - Chapter 78: Wife

These people had high-bridged noses, deep-set eyes, and curly hair, with features entirely different from those of Central Plains people. Each of them was tall and strong, built like tigers.

Their numbers were large, and they carried weapons. Instead of approaching directly, they circled around on horseback, patiently observing their prey like hunters gradually tightening their encirclement.

Once they were sure Wei Zhen and Qi Yan posed no threat, a burly man among them jumped down from his horse.

Wei Zhen instinctively grasped Qi Yan’s hand. Qi Yan said, “Don’t be afraid.”

The burly man pointed his knife at the two of them, ordering them to mount the horse.

Qi Yan said, “We’re out of water. Our horse can’t move.”

Everyone’s eyes fell on the white horse. Even though the horse was on the verge of collapse, its strong build and glossy coat still showed it was a fine steed.

The leader narrowed his eyes and tossed over a water pouch.

Qi Yan caught the water pouch, opened it, and first poured water for Wei Zhen, then fed Xingye Ju, and finally took a sip or two himself.

They were escorted out of the desert and toward an oasis, where the outline of a mud-walled city gradually emerged.

On horseback, Wei Zhen whispered to Qi Yan, “Who are these people?”

“People of Chouyou, a branch of the Quanrong.” Qi Yan replied.

Chouyou’s attire was unique. They liked to decorate themselves and their horses with silver, riding like a white whirlwind. Qi Yan had recognized them immediately.

Wei Zhen remembered something, “The Chouyou prince held hostage in Jin’s palace, and the Chouyou princess sent for marriage, are they from this tribe?”

“Yes.” Qi Yan nodded.

The former King of Jin had married a Chouyou princess, and now the royal family bore Chouyou blood. Over the years, the Chouyou had bowed to Jin and adopted their customs and language.

But just now, both of them could clearly feel the deep hostility these people had toward them.

Ahead, a voice asked, “Are you from Qi or Jin? Why have you entered Chouyou’s territory?”

Wei Zhen was about to speak, but Qi Yan stopped her and said, “We are from Qi.”

“Qi? You sound more like Jin people.” The man slowly drew his curved blade, pointing it at Qi Yan’s throat.

The blade was sharp; a little more and it would pierce Qi Yan’s throat, spilling his blood.

Qi Yan glanced at it, his expression unchanged. “Why would that be?”

The man questioned, “Your horse is extraordinary, and you still carry a helmet on your reins. Are you a deserter?”

Qi Yan firmly denied, “How could that be?”

The man asked again, “And the woman with you, what’s your relationship with her?”

Qi Yan looked at Wei Zhen and answered softly, “Wife. She is my wife.”

Someone nearby said, “Mu Da, these Central Plains people are full of lies. They trespass on our land; it’s unnatural. Why not just kill them?”

Qi Yan said, “We passed through the desert and unintentionally entered Chouyou’s territory. We only wish to beg for some water and will do no harm. I beg the great lord to spare us, husband and wife.”

The man called “Mu Da” curled his lips and said, “Begging for water? Why should my Chouyou’s water be given to Central Plains people?”

Qi Yan smiled apologetically, “Yes, but may the great lord have mercy and show us charity. My wife has barely had a sip of water along the journey. Her health is poor, and she’s very weak, desperately needing water.”

Mu Da’s gaze lingered on Wei Zhen’s face. “Your wife is rather fine-looking, quite delicate.”

Wei Zhen felt his heavy gaze and hid her face behind Qi Yan.

Qi Yan spoke respectfully, “The great lord has a commanding presence. May I ask your identity?”

“Our lord is the commander of the royal city’s defenses. While patrolling today, he happened to capture the two of you!”

Unknowingly, they had reached the royal city.

Mu Da and his men entered the city gates and stopped at the market entrance, signaling his men to let them down.

Chouyou’s capital was not large. Its walls were simple, the houses low, and the streets filled with people and livestock. Compared to Jin, it resembled nothing more than a rural village.

Mu Da sneered playfully, “If you wish to beg for water, you may, but it depends on your own ability.”

He returned his curved blade to his belt. “You Central Plains people fight wars that disturb the surrounding lands, especially Jin. For years, they’ve constantly provoked Chouyou, even demanding us to send princes and princesses as hostages. You should be grateful you claimed to be from Qi. If you were from Jin, my treasured blade would have already slit your throats.”

He paused and continued, “Now, I’ll give you a chance to beg for water.”

Mu Da’s face was fierce, his gaze looking down at them like ants. He ordered his men, “Drag them to the market. Today, let those beasts have a good feast.”

They were dragged into the market, surrounded by shouting, and the loud clamor hit Wei Zhen’s head like a buzzing storm. Qi Yan held her shoulder gently and whispered, “Don’t be afraid.”

Ahead, people were gathered in a circle. Wei Zhen asked, “Where is this?”

The guide laughed, “The Beast Arena.”

Wei Zhen walked to the edge of the railing and looked down. A giant pit several meters deep lay below, blood and body parts still scattered across the ground.

The stench of blood, animal musk, and sour milk mingled together, making her stomach churn.

On either side of the pit were mud caves where wolves lay crouched, baring their fangs, their eyes gleaming with eerie green light.

The beasts saw them and let out low, threatening growls that sent chills down her spine.

A beast master climbed up from a ladder in the pit. His upper body was bare, covered in gruesome scars, his skin shining with sweat.

Wei Zhen stared at the wounds on his body and imagined Qi Yan’s situation if he went down there. She looked at Qi Yan with worry.

The beast master picked up a tray nearby. “Place your bets! How long will it take the two wolves to finish off these two Central Plains people?”

Mu Da whistled and said, “According to the rules, all war prisoners and outsiders who trespass into Chouyou’s territory must undergo a trial here. You will go down and give it a try, earn me enough wagers, and if you can make it out alive, I’ll spare you today.”

With a loud “boom,” the beasts below were released from their cages, rushing out and climbing up the dirt slopes, trying to scramble upward, causing a wave of exclamations from those outside the railings.

Wei Zhen grabbed Qi Yan’s hand. “No!”

Mu Da laughed. “This is not up to you to decide. Your lives are in my hands now. If you don’t go down, the beast masters will skin you alive later.”

Wei Zhen’s hand trembled slightly at her side, her eyes red as she glared at him.

Mu Da didn’t care in the slightest. Arms crossed, he smirked maliciously, “We Chouyou people revere strength and speak through fists. If your husband wins today, we Chouyou will even praise him as a warrior and allow you two to stay. So, how about it? Care to gamble?”

Wei Zhen clutched Qi Yan’s hand, indicating she wanted to speak to him privately.

At this moment, another man approached Mu Da, looking Wei Zhen up and down. With a greedy glint in his eyes, he whispered something into Mu Da’s ear.

He used the horsewhip in his hand to lightly brush against Wei Zhen’s cheek.

Qi Yan grabbed the horsewhip, yanking it forcefully. “Remove your hand.”

The man stumbled back a step, seeing the icy, cutting danger in Qi Yan’s eyes, which were filled with a chilling, penetrating threat.

The man got up, cursing angrily and stepping forward to cause trouble, but Mu Da held him back.

Qi Yan looked at Mu Da and said coldly, “Fine.”

Mu Da clapped his hands in approval and continued, “Then, which of you and your wife will go down first?”

Qi Yan’s brows furrowed. “She has to go down too?”

“Of course,” Mu Da raised an eyebrow. “Otherwise, how could one life count for two? But I can see you two are deeply in love. If you can’t bear to let your wife go down, you can go in her place. That will count for one round.”

Anger swirled in Wei Zhen’s eyes, and a faint redness spread around them.

Mu Da laughed heartily, “Your wife looks truly angry. You might as well comfort her first!”

Wei Zhen gripped Qi Yan’s sleeve and shook her head.

Qi Yan said to her, “It will be fine.”

“No,” her voice trembled. “You just came out of the desert, your body is weak. How can you go down there? There must be another way. Let’s think of something else…”

Qi Yan looked at her for a moment, then raised his sleeve to wipe the corners of her eyes. He reached out and embraced her, whispering softly in her ear, “Don’t worry about me. Do you remember the night of the New Year’s Eve when the wild bear attacked people? Didn’t I subdue it? These wolves here don’t seem as fearsome as that bear, do they?”

He smiled slightly and turned his head back.

Mu Da asked, “Have you made up your mind?”

Qi Yan’s sharp eyes gleamed with determination as he lifted his gaze, his thin lips parting slightly. “Fine. Two wolves, for the lives of me and her, two lives.”

Mu Da laughed, “Refreshing!”

He shouted orders to his men, “Put down the wooden ladder. The Qi man will go down soon!”