8mi Chapter 20 is redundant? Then let's fight it.
Chapter 20 is redundant? Then let's fight it.
Upon hearing Fu Que's words, Chen Lu's eyes showed a hint of surprise, but she quickly concealed it.
She took the letter from Fu Que, confirmed that the information and seal on it were correct, and that he had indeed been sent to escort the herb-gathering caravan. A hint of embarrassment appeared on her face.
"What's wrong?"
Fu Que noticed that Chen Lu was hesitant to speak, so he took the initiative to ask.
"The information on the letter is consistent with what you said, and the seal is also correct; it is indeed a tiger seal. However, we have not received any instructions to send an additional tiger rider guard."
Chen Lu said with difficulty.
"So, you mean there are too many people?"
Fu Que understood immediately, but he then asked, "But isn't having more people a good thing? There's strength in numbers, right?"
"It's because..."
Just as Chen Lu was about to explain, a strange, sarcastic voice suddenly came from beside the carriage.
"It's true that there's strength in numbers, but it depends on who's in the group. If it's an extra burden, then it's not about having more people than you have, but rather too many monks and not enough porridge."
Fu Que turned his head to look at the person who spoke. He was a man who looked to be in his thirties, with a square face and carrying a large knife.
"Are you talking to me?"
Fu Que asked.
"No, no, you are a Tiger Rider, a person of high status. How could I dare to disrespect you? I was only speaking to those who are superfluous. Whoever is superfluous, I will confront them."
The square-faced man spread his hands and said casually.
"May I ask your name?"
"Very well. Sir Tiger Rider, my name is Qiu Da."
Qiu Da awkwardly performed a scholar's bow and gave a serious reply.
His appearance drew laughter from those around him; clearly, most of the people did not want Fu Que to join the group.
The three blue-striped tiger riders leading the caravan remained with their eyes closed, seemingly oblivious to the commotion.
Fu Que glanced at the leading Tiger Cavalryman. The letter was given by Sun Shun, so there was definitely no problem. If Sun Shun didn't want him to participate in this promotion assessment, he could have just said so directly. There was no need to make such a fuss.
But Chen Lu said she hadn't received any information, and Fu Que thought that was probably true too. So the problem was obvious.
It must be that the Tiger Cavalry leader concealed the information, which led to the current situation.
The original owner's reputation was completely ruined; he was a universally hated loser, so much so that the Tiger Riders who led the team preferred to be punished afterward rather than play with him.
This is probably unique to scorpions when they poop.
"It's because the reward for each escort is fixed. So, if there's one more person, the reward will be reduced. Also, since you're preparing to advance as a Tiger Rider, it means you've only recently broken through the Bone Gate."
While Fu Que was internally complaining, Chen Lu, fearing a conflict between the two, quickly explained:
"The medicinal herb field is located deep in the mountains and forests. If the guards are not strong enough, problems can easily arise. If they are injured, we need to spare some manpower to take care of them. Therefore, for the guards of the Bone Pass, we bring experienced ones."
"I didn't mean anything by this, and we genuinely haven't received any information. The personnel have already been selected, and it's not easy to change them. What do you think?"
"What do you think?"
Fu Que looked around. Most of the guards hired by Qingshui Medicine House had their eyes on him, but none of them were very friendly.
"I think I'll just tell the truth."
Fu Que also showed a slight smile.
We're all just trying to make a living. We met by chance. Out of a dozen or so people, why target him? Are they just bored? Of course not. Someone must have instructed them. Going into the mountains means facing demons. Nobody wants to be backed by a lump of mud at the crucial moment of battle.
There's no need to take the long way around.
"Miss Chen Lu, and this Mr. Qiu Da, let's not waste time with words. We're all working for the Imperial Guards. Let's open the window and talk. It's not time to depart yet, so we can practice a bit."
"Let me show you that I didn't choose this promotion mission of escorting the herb-gathering caravan on a whim."
【初级（1）画轴已收集基础部件2/3，基础画卷（72/100）收录1/1，临摹素描收录1/3（刀术LV3）
Fu Que spread his hands. After using up all the Sinful Cloud Ink last night, his Scroll Blade Master status had increased to 72, and the sketch he copied from the Wind Control 3324 Blade Technique had also increased to LV3, making his strength rise again.
Chen Lu wanted to say something more, but Fu Que interrupted her with a gesture, so she had to shut up.
"you mean?"
Qiu Da asked tentatively.
"Isn't it just a matter of too many monks and too little porridge? If there are extra people, the solution is simple: let whoever is extra go."
Fu Que said with a smile.
Qiu Da glanced at Fu Que's black military uniform, then turned to look at the Tiger Cavalry leading the convoy. Seeing that they remained unmoved, he immediately understood.
"Since that's the case, then whoever is superfluous should leave. However, my martial arts skills are all honed through risking my life in the streets and alleys. If I accidentally cripple Master Tiger Rider..."
Qiu Da clenched his fist, his voice low.
"If you're simply outmatched, being crippled here is worse than dying in the jaws of beasts and being left with nothing but bones. That's a good deal."
Fu Que wasn't prepared to waste any more words.
Talks are definitely not going to work out. It's better to test these old hands here once and for all, even if they join the team later, they'll still face tests.
Qiu Da jumped out on his own, so he can't be blamed.
"I'm much older than you, so I'll give you a few moves."
Qiu Da turned around and took a few steps away from the convoy, coming to a wide-open shady spot under the trees.
"Is that so?"
Fu Que also arrived under the open shade of the trees. The scroll of the swordsman in his mind slowly unfolded, and the stick figure sketch, which resembled a flip-page animated comic, began to demonstrate.
Fu Que drew his sword, his cold gaze causing Qiu Da to pause slightly, but the pause was fleeting.
Something flew out, its sound of tearing through the air deafening.
Qiu Da reacted quickly. After all, he was a martial artist who had broken through the bone barrier. It was just a flying scabbard. He immediately blocked it with his broadsword, using the thick blade of his broadsword as a shield to block the flying scabbard.
But the force of this scabbard was terrifyingly powerful, even possessing a penetrating force.
Although Qiu Da's stance was not broken, he couldn't help but take two steps back, his arm feeling sore and numb.
A dark ripple appeared in Fu Que's eyes, and a black and white ink painting world unfolded.
He had no intention of wasting time with Qiu Da.
As Qiu Da knocked the scabbard away, he looked up again and saw Fu Que's calm face and the sharp blade light that terrified him.
"Clang!"
"Bang, bang, bang!"
The first sound was Fu Que breaking Qiu Da's broadsword.
Fu Que could have easily turned around and killed Qiu Da by snapping his neck right then and there, but considering that Qiu Da was hired by Qing Shui Medicine House, he had to give him some face. Besides, the two didn't have any deep-seated hatred, so he didn't need to be so ruthless.
He tossed his knife into the air, then turned and shoved into Qiu Da's arms, who had been violently knocked back. His fingers and palms carried four kinds of entangling force: dotting, snapping, knocking, and vibrating, striking Qiu Da's lower abdomen, chest, side of the neck, and forehead respectively.
After finishing the combo, the waist knife in mid-air fell down, which Fu Que caught and gracefully sheathed.