44:Widow's Dream

After stretching, Shen Hao entered the space, changed into ancient clothes, and reappeared in the other world.

The scene was exactly as it was before he left.

The next day, Shen Hao joined the Lu Family Escort Agency in Luyang County. At the same time, on the carriage, Song Yongci and Ji Dongge, both dressed as men, were still drowsily dozing off.

Suddenly, a loud rumbling sound filled the air, and the ground began to tremble.

The noise was coming from at least a hundred riders.

From a distance, a cloud of yellow dust darkened the sky, resembling a sandstorm. The thunderous sound stunned everyone in the Lu Family Escort Agency.

"Prepare for defense!"

At the same time, Song Yongci and Ji Dongge woke up, startled by the huge noise, and instinctively huddled closer to Shen Hao.

Shen Hao, already prepared, had retrieved his M416 assault rifle from the space.

No wonder the wandering heroes of ancient times were all so strong; ordinary people, faced with this situation, had no choice but to surrender.

Shen Hao's face grew serious. If it were just him, facing thousands of soldiers wouldn't be an issue. But with Song Yongci and Ji Dongge beside him, their safety was now his primary concern.

"I'll take care of them," Shen Hao said.

"Master, it might be dangerous," Song Yongci warned.

"Don't worry. It's just a small issue," Shen Hao reassured them.

Seeing their nervous expressions, Shen Hao realized it was time to teach them some self-defense skills. He wasn't looking for them to become experts but simply to be able to protect themselves.

Just then, a middle-aged man in his forties, wearing a serious expression, stepped out of the Lu Family Escort Agency. He drew his sword from his waist, ready to face the approaching threat.

Seeing this, Shen Hao was puzzled. He had initially thought the bandits were part of the Lu Family Escort Agency, but it seemed that wasn't the case.

As the sound of galloping hooves drew closer, everyone tensed up.

The leader of the bandits reined in his horse, stopping it in front of the Lu Family Escort Agency. Hundreds of horses came to an abrupt halt, raising a cloud of dust.

"I am Lu Junsheng, the head of the Lu Family Escort Agency. May I ask for your consideration, and we can discuss matters later?" the leader of the bandits sneered.

"Who is Lu Junsheng? I've never heard of him," the leader of the bandits responded coldly. "You have three breaths. Put down your weapons and step aside. If not, don't blame us for being ruthless."

Lu Junsheng's eyes narrowed with determination. "If there's nothing to talk about, let's see who's stronger with our hands."

The bandit leader smirked. "A mere Third Layer of the Body Refining Stage dares to act tough in front of me? Stay put. I'll deal with him first. Anyone who moves will be killed."

"Yes, Boss."

With that, the bandit leader kicked his horse and rushed toward Lu Junsheng. His large sword swung down with terrifying speed.

Lu Junsheng was forced to step back several paces, his eyes filled with shock. "Damn it, I was careless!"

The bandit was at least a Sixth Layer of the Body Refining Stage, and Lu Junsheng could already tell that his chances were slim.

The bandit charged again, his sword slashing down with terrifying speed. Lu Junsheng barely managed to evade the blow by leaping backward.

The force of the strike caused a loud crack as it split the horse-drawn carriage in two.

The air was filled with sword energy, leaving deep grooves on the ground.

In a matter of seconds, the two had exchanged dozens of blows, and Lu Junsheng was struggling to keep up. He was clearly on the defensive.

Shen Hao, observing from the sidelines, was shocked by the speed and power of the fight. He realized that the bandit leader and Lu Junsheng were both at the Body Refining Stage, but the bandit's movements were far more aggressive and lethal.

Shen Hao's understanding of martial strength became clearer in that moment.

Yet, what truly amazed him was that all the bandits were at least in the Body Refining Stage.

The bandit's movements were straightforward but deadly, seemingly designed to kill. They were similar to a military fighting style. Meanwhile, Lu Junsheng's swordsmanship, while more elegant, was lacking in strength, and it seemed inevitable that he would be defeated.

Shen Hao narrowed his eyes. It was time to take action. He retrieved his M416 rifle and prepared to fire. As soon as the bandit leader came closer, he would unleash a burst of gunfire.

But with Lu Junsheng and the bandit locked in combat, it was too difficult to get a clean shot.

Suddenly, the bandit leader's sword landed on Lu Junsheng's shoulder, followed by a brutal kick that sent Lu Junsheng flying.

The bandits quickly restrained Lu Junsheng, and the bandit leader shouted, "Your head, Lu Junsheng, is captured. Surrender now, and we'll spare you. Resist, and we'll kill you all."

At this point, the members of the Lu Family Escort Agency also chose to surrender.

Shen Hao realized that these bandits were no ordinary thugs. They were highly organized, disciplined, and led by someone extraordinarily skilled. He suspected that they might even have military training.

"Quick, everyone, get out of the car and line up," one of the bandits ordered as he knocked on Shen Hao's carriage.

"Everyone inside, get out!"

Shen Hao calmly instructed the two women, "Stay hidden in the carriage for now. I'll draw their attention."

Song Yongci quickly shook her head. "Master, you're no match for their leader."

Even Ji Dongge looked worried.

Shen Hao smiled. "Don't worry. I have my own ways."

With a reassuring glance at the two women, he stepped out of the carriage.

Two bandits immediately moved to search him. Without warning, Shen Hao fired two shots, each hitting a bandit in the head.

The sudden gunfire shocked everyone. The bandits had never expected someone in the crowd to act so boldly.

The bandit leader's expression turned to rage. "Catch him! I'll skin him alive!"

Shen Hao sneered. "Idiot, catch your own father first. Bye, fool."

With that, Shen Hao's feet pushed off the ground, and he shot into the air, leaping several meters high, his body soaring like a wisp of smoke.

In just a few moments, he had covered several dozen meters, making his way toward the mountain peak.

This was the ultimate lightness skill, Light Phoenix Shadow, which he had learned from Zhou Hailu, the second-in-command.

Shen Hao was confident that as long as he drew the bandit leader away, things would be much easier. He also hoped that the Lu Family Escort Agency would prove useful.

And of course, Shen Hao also planned to eliminate the bandit leader.

He had ten grenades in his possession, and even if the bandit leader was a Body Refining Stage expert, that wouldn't stop Shen Hao.

But before he could act, the bandit leader hesitated. He hadn't expected Shen Hao to have such a high-level lightness skill.

Rather than fear, the bandit leader was excited.

His eyes gleamed with greed.

This kind of agility technique was something he didn't have.

And Shen Hao, despite not being at the Body Refining Stage yet, was a mere late-stage practitioner.

"Hmph, I'll watch them. I'll deal with that kid."

At the same time, a white figure stealthily followed Shen Hao through the trees.

It was none other than Meng Xuanji, who had been trailing Shen Hao from the start.

The bandits were fast, but within ten breaths, they had almost caught up to Shen Hao.

Shen Hao, feeling the distance between him and the bandits, realized the difference between the Body Refining and Inner Strength stages.

With his Light Phoenix Shadow, even a Body Refining Stage expert like the bandit leader couldn't catch up to him.

But as he entered Black Tiger Gorge, Shen Hao knew the chase was about to become more dangerous.

The area was surrounded by steep cliffs, making the grenades he carried the perfect tool to use here.

The bandit leader saw Shen Hao enter the gorge and smiled.

This gorge was known for its treacherous terrain. With no way out, Shen Hao had no choice but to run forward.

The bandit leader believed Shen Hao's inner strength would soon run out, and it would only be a matter of time before he was caught.

The bandit leader savored the hunting thrill.

After several minutes of running, Shen Hao's inner strength was running low. He was left with only 30% of his energy.

He quickly bundled the ten grenades together, preparing them for use.

Finally, Shen Hao stopped, sitting on a stone, pretending to catch his breath.

Barely a few seconds passed before the bandit leader appeared, grinning menacingly.

"Kid, you stopped running? Keep running! You've lost all your energy, haven't you?"

Shen Hao waved his hand casually. "No more running. I'm too tired. Spare my life, and I'll surrender."

The bandit leader's eyes flashed with cold intent.

"Spare your life? You wasted my time. I'm going to dismember you."

After a brief pause, the bandit leader charged forward, his sword drawn and ready to strike.