Chapter 88 Lord, Save Me

Chu Bing was momentarily stunned and couldn't help but look toward the source of the voice. A tall figure sat astride a horse, commanding and impressive, his gaze fixed upon her from above—it was Ren Changfeng!

What was he doing here?

Chu Bing was startled, but soon a surge of anger welled up within her. That Ren Changfeng! She hadn't even settled the score for his previous attempt to poison her!

Ren Changfeng could not hide the excitement on his face when he saw Chu Bing. Spurring his horse forward, he approached her at once.

"Hongxiu, what are you doing here?" Ren Changfeng's voice was laced with delight, and before Chu Bing could reply, he turned his horse toward Li Yuxi and called out, "Wait for me. I'll deal with that traitor and come back to catch up with you."

But I have no desire to catch up with you...

Chu Bing twitched her lips, her gaze suddenly falling on Li Yuxi in the crowd. In his inky black eyes, she seemed to spot a fleeting chill that vanished as quickly as it appeared. A shiver ran through Chu Bing's heart. That lunatic must think I'm in league with Ren Changfeng again—perhaps even his inside man!

She quietly took a few steps back, putting distance between herself and Ren Changfeng.

Ren Changfeng didn't notice her subtle movement, but Li Yuxi did. A fleeting trace of amusement passed through his deep eyes, and he couldn't help but laugh aloud. "Ren Changfeng, are you daft? That's my maid—of course she'll share my fate!"

Chu Bing twitched her lips and couldn't help but curse under her breath. "Nonsense! Who in their right mind would want to share your fate?"

She wished nothing more than for this madman to be killed as soon as possible!

Chu Bing rolled her eyes venomously, making no attempt to conceal her resentment. Yet, in Ren Changfeng's eyes, her demeanor only confirmed his belief that Chu Bing had been coerced into the residence by Li Yuxi!

With a sweep of his long sword, Ren Changfeng declared in a sonorous voice, "Li Yuxi, you are a traitor and a rebel. By the Emperor's decree, I am here today to claim your head!"

With that, he cracked his whip hard against his horse's flank and charged at Li Yuxi.

Li Yuxi immediately kicked a nearby soldier toward Ren Changfeng, used the tip of his foot to vault away, and dodged nimbly.

Ren Changfeng was a formidable martial artist, seasoned by years of battle. His aura was overwhelming—as he moved with powerful, sweeping strikes, he cut down many of Li Yuxi's subordinates.

The faint smile at the corner of Li Yuxi's lips finally vanished, his gaze turning icy as a glacier.

Amid the screams around him, he gripped his sword and suddenly lunged at Ren Changfeng.

If a leader cannot protect his own men, what use is his life?

"Excellent!" Ren Changfeng's eyes flashed with excitement. He reveled in such unrestrained combat!

Alas, few of his subordinates could withstand his blows, but Li Yuxi was a worthy adversary!

Ren Changfeng laughed boldly, his voice ringing with heroic vigor. His sword flashed with cold light. "Hongxiu, once I finish off this traitor, I'll come for you myself!"

Chu Bing froze, muttering under her breath, "Over my dead body..."

But when her gaze caught Li Yuxi, a sudden thought flashed through her mind. She instantly called out, "Sir, Li Yuxi is vicious and tormented me on purpose! You must teach him a lesson—no, punish him severely!"

Her hopping and shouting drew the attention of many around her.

A strange look flickered in Li Yuxi's eyes, and his thin lips curved into a cold smirk. "What an ungrateful little scoundrel."

Ren Changfeng, hearing Chu Bing's plea, looked at Li Yuxi with even deadlier intent. "Now I have all the more reason to end you!"

"Then let's see whose sword is sharper!" Li Yuxi's gaze turned steely cold, and his blade flashed like lightning as he thrust it straight at Ren Changfeng!

Ren Changfeng made no move to dodge. He leaned from his saddle, meeting Li Yuxi's sword head-on.

A resounding clang echoed.

Watching this, Chu Bing swallowed with difficulty. "These two maniacs..."

Neither of them had left themselves any way out!

The system's voice sounded in her mind: "Now is the time to leave! Don't hesitate—go quickly!"

Chu Bing snapped to attention. While the two men were locked in battle, she had a chance to escape; otherwise, no matter who won, she would be doomed!

She immediately activated her teleportation skill, hoping to escape the chaos.

But as if cursed, every time she teleported, she appeared right beside either Li Yuxi or Ren Changfeng!

Her expression went beyond stiff; she stared at the familiar faces before her, numbly trying her skill again and again.

Ren Changfeng, seeing her sudden appearance, quickly withdrew his sword and said seriously, "Hongxiu, go hide! These blades know no mercy—I don't want you getting hurt!"

Chu Bing paused, face wooden, and tried the skill again—only to reappear in the same spot.

"Damn system, are you playing tricks on me?" Chu Bing wanted to tear her hair out and howl at the sky.

The system sounded innocent. "Host, this is your own doing..."

Heh, who would have thought that Lord Ren cares so much for a mere maid? Li Yuxi's voice suddenly sounded beside her before she could react, and a cold blade pressed against her neck.

She froze, looking up to meet Li Yuxi's icy gaze.

Li Yuxi raised his head, a half-smile on his lips as he looked at Ren Changfeng. "Master Ren, she's in my hands now. If you truly care for her, have your men stand down."

Ren Changfeng's face contorted, his fingers gripping his sword hilt so tightly that his murderous intent was palpable to all.

But when his gaze fell on Chu Bing beneath Li Yuxi's blade, he forcibly suppressed his rage.

He stared at Li Yuxi. "If you so much as harm a hair on her head, I will never let you go!"

Li Yuxi tightened his grip on the sword, his laughter chilling. "Rest assured, Master Ren. I need her alive. Besides, how could I bear to harm such a beautiful lady?"

With the cold sword edge at her throat, Chu Bing could feel the terror of being close to death.

She didn't even dare to swallow, afraid a slip might slice her own throat.

Li Yuxi leaned close to her ear and spoke softly, "Little wildcat, you'd best behave—or my sword won't show mercy."

Chu Bing wanted nothing more than to punch him, but she didn't dare.

She could only let herself be steered forward by Li Yuxi, puppet-like.

With Chu Bing as his shield, Li Yuxi quickly broke out of the soldiers' encirclement.

He looked at Ren Changfeng and said unhurriedly, "Let my men go first."

He was gravely wounded this time, and most of his remaining subordinates were also injured. If he abandoned them, none would survive.

Ren Changfeng's men grew anxious. To let these wanted criminals go for the sake of a maid—was it worth it? "Master, is it truly worth releasing these fugitives for a mere maid?"

Ren Changfeng looked at Chu Bing, his gaze fervent. "Of course it's worth it!"

His subordinates tried to protest, but Li Yuxi only smiled. "Master Ren, you have impressive resolve."

He nudged Chu Bing forward and, in a voice only she could hear, said, "If you want to live, cooperate with me."

Chu Bing paused, pressed her lips together, and gave Ren Changfeng a pleading look, her voice pitiful. "Sir, please save me..."

Ren Changfeng felt a pang in his heart. Glancing at the battered men in black, he waved his hand. "Let them go."