Volume II, Big Summer Dynasty, Chapter 35: In-depth Tiger Caverns
by Xiao Xiang Dong'Er | Translated and Arranged by Angel Chua
Out in the dark, a small shadow rapidly walked on the east side of the path along the plains. A huge leather coat covered the child's head, and with a small stature, they carried a bulky mink saddlebag on their back, resembling a backpack.
The snow was falling heavily, and most people's eyes could barely stay open when the wind blew, their vision blurred and stinging. But the child pressed on, never stopping, as if pursued by a fierce beast.
The wind hissed, and the sound of crisp horseshoes echoed. Still distant in the snow-covered forest, a pure black horse became visible. Immediately, the child's thin figure, appearing seven or eight years old, came into view, dressed in Yanbei guard clothes. A pair of dark eyes, sharp like an eagle's, glanced at the lone, combative bantam ahead of the child. "Hi," the child said abruptly, then continued walking, whipping the horse to catch up with the small figure in front.
"Little Eighth Sister!" Chu Qiao shouted. The sky's wind buzzed, and her voice seemed broken, barely reaching the child. But the child kept their head down, ignoring her, and continued walking quickly. Chu Qiao urged her horse forward, stopping just in front of the child. She frowned and coldly said, "Little Eight?"
A raspy laugh suddenly approached. The small figure finally looked up, revealing their face. It wasn't a child at all—it was a middle-aged gnome, clearly around forty years old!
Chu Qiao had little time to react before an arrow shot from the gnome's sleeve toward her face. The cold wind intensified, the sharpness burning her skin as she was caught off guard by the gnome's childlike disguise. She fell from her horse.
The gnome sneered, his husky voice sounding strange in the cold night. He tossed the heavy burden off his back and approached, kicking the child lying motionless in the snow. He crouched down to check for breath.
"Lord Shu Ye's son is truly a fool, sending me to deal with such a small child," the gnome muttered. But before he could finish, the child on the ground suddenly sprang to life. Her eyes, blazing with fiery intensity, glinted like stars in the night. In a flash, she overpowered the gnome, pressing a cold dagger to his neck.
The gnome cried out, reminiscent of a startled animal. Chu Qiao grabbed him, forcing him to the ground, his face buried in the snow, his sleeves and weapons scattered. She interrogated him fiercely.
"Where is Little Eight?"
The child's voice was icy as she pressed the blade deeper into the gnome's neck. Bright red blood began to drip.
"I don't know who Little Eight is!" the terrified gnome stammered, trembling with fear. "I just work for people."
"The owner of your backpack is Little Eight, whom you pretended to be," Chu Qiao said, her voice calm yet threatening.
"I-I don't know," the gnome replied. "The fourth young master's men found me. I work for the Zhuge family."
Under pressure, the gnome continued to plead, but Chu Qiao silenced him with a swift slash to the throat. His eyes widened in shock, and within moments, his body went still.
"You were never fit to be a killer," Chu Qiao muttered, standing over the gnome's lifeless body. "If this was your skill, you would have died soon anyway."
She wiped her dagger clean and picked up her heavy hooded coat.
The night was far from peaceful in Huang Cheng, the City of Destiny. Late as it was, the lights of the East Gate remained on. At the Zhuge Yue household, the fourth young master privately sat, quietly ordering half of the garrison's forces to mobilize and search for escaped slaves.
Despite the military's efforts, they returned with no results. Zhuge Yue sat behind the East Gate, appearing as a massive, sleepy lion in the timeless night. His household staff remained breathless, afraid to speak out, fearing the master's wrath.
"Fourth young master!" A man named Zhu Cheng, dressed in a gray robe, hurried over with urgent news. "A message has arrived from the Zhuge family, instructing you to withdraw the troops immediately and return to base."
Zhuge Yue's face remained expressionless as he listened. Zhu Cheng continued his report, "Yan Xun fled with a small army. A child warrior broke through the city's defenses. Word has spread that Wei Shu Ye's fingers were cut off by the child, and he was taken hostage."
Zhuge Yue raised an eyebrow, slightly amused, though his expression remained calm. "Which direction did Yan Xun flee?"
"They escaped through Prynne Temple, down Lagerstroemia Square to Jiuwei Main Street," Zhu Cheng replied.
Zhuge Yue frowned, his mind quickly deducing the situation. He realized why Wei Shu Ye had arrived at the Zhuge household earlier. His thoughts darkened, his brow furrowed, his eyes gleaming like a brewing storm. "Where is Yan Xun heading now?"
Before Zhu Cheng could answer, the sound of galloping hooves approached. A thin figure in a Yanbei military outfit appeared on a black horse. The rider's face was hidden beneath a large hood.
Zhuge Yue's eyes locked onto the figure. Suddenly, the thin body collapsed into the snow beside a dead figure, hair disheveled and face unrecognizable. Zhuge Yue's anger flared. Slowly, he raised his head and, in a cold voice, demanded, "Did you kill her?"
The rider knelt before him, a loud thud resonating in the cold wind. "Young master, wasn't it your command to kill her?"
"Arrogant fool!" Zhuge Yue roared, his temper unleashed. He lashed out with his whip, striking the figure. "When did I ever order you to kill her?"
The rider, caught by surprise, leaped into action, dodging the whip with the agility of a leopard. In an instant, the rider drew a dagger and aimed it at Zhuge Yue's throat. But Zhuge Yue countered with swift precision, subduing the attacker.
"You're still alive?" Zhuge Yue's voice was eerily calm, his expression unreadable. "You're lucky to return intact."
Chu Qiao, her face cold, glared at him. Her voice sharp, she demanded, "Where is my sister?"
Wind howled between them as Chu Qiao's eyes burned with rage. "If you don't tell me, you and your entire Zhuge family will join your ancestors in hell."