Page 450 of Doted By The Regent King

Several people entered in succession, bringing with them a piercing chill. The man in the lead looked toward Wufu and the others, his gaze landing on Ah Jiu; his eyes flashed as he stepped forward.

"Young master, we were passing by this place when we encountered a snowstorm and sought temporary refuge here. We apologize for any disturbance and hope for your understanding," the man said with a cupped fist salute.

Ah Jiu nodded silently and replied, "We too are taking shelter from the snowstorm." He didn’t elaborate further, as everyone knew that the decrepit temple belonged to no one; if you could come, then naturally, so could I.

The man saluted again with his fist, then turned around. Two others helped a young man, no more than sixteen or seventeen years old, to sit down and took out some dry food.

Wufu was chewing on a chicken leg, observing the wary demeanor of the newcomers. Glancing outside at the pitch darkness, where only the snow fluttered, she couldn’t help but lean closer to Ah Jiu.

"Do you believe that there will be a fierce battle tonight?" she whispered in his ear.

Ah Jiu was initially taken aback to see her lean in, then, hearing her words, his brow twitched. He leaned in close to her, mimicking her posture, and said, "Oh? Does Wufu also have the ability to foresee the future?"

Wufu cast a sidelong glance at him and replied, "That’s how it’s always shown on TV."

"Hmm?" Ah Jiu was puzzled.

Wufu coughed and elaborated, "What I mean is that, according to storybooks and unofficial histories, it’s typically like this. Snowy weather, a broken temple, people with dubious intentions—it’s the perfect setting for a night of murder under a dark and stormy sky!"

This odd mix of ideas left Ah Jiu watching her, not knowing what to make of it.

"What, don’t you believe it?" Wufu grinned, baring her teeth. "How about making a bet?"

Ah Jiu immediately recalled the scene of their horse race and countered, "Is Wufu trying to trick me again?"

Wufu burst into laughter, "It’s not a trick, it’s willingly taking the bait."

Amused yet exasperated by her playfulness, Ah Jiu shook his head.

However, he did not completely discount Wufu’s words, as he had also noticed that the new arrivals were trained fighters with martial arts skills. He believed they had already been through a fierce battle because the young man had a pale face and there was a faint smell of blood on all of them.

Ah Jiu glanced at Su Luo, who nodded subtly, silently acknowledging his command.

After eating and drinking their fill, everyone settled down to rest.

Being a girl and keeping her guard up, Wufu, along with her two servants, Hongyu and Liu Jin, decided to sleep under the broken table dedicated to the local earth deity in the temple. A ragged yellow cloth hung there, offering some concealment in case of trouble.

The entire group found their places to lie down, including the new arrivals, who also followed suit and lit a fire to keep warm like Wufu and her group had done.

Outside the dilapidated temple, the cold wind howled past; inside, only the crackling sound of the firewood could be heard, creating an eerily quiet atmosphere.

Suddenly, several barely audible sounds landed behind the temple. Ah Jiu, who was lying on his side, snapped his eyes open without moving his body.

At the same moment, Wufu’s eyes opened too. She was facing in Ah Jiu’s direction, and they exchanged a glance.

They’ve come!

Wufu mouthed silently.

Almost simultaneously, they leapt to their feet, and looking over, they saw a man in his forties or fifties rushing toward the shadowy figures that had drifted in through the doorway.

It turned out that, as they opened their eyes, the few others had already risen, vigilantly watching the entrance.

"Protect the young master and leave," the man, Uncle Qian, roared out to the two men guarding the youth.

"Uncle Qian," the young man responded in surprise and anger.

"Go now!"

Wufu made sure her two people were well-hidden, and Ah Jiu stood firm by her side. Looking at the situation, they both said in unison, "There’s no escaping now."

No sooner had they spoken than attackers descended from above the dilapidated temple.