Chapter 2093 - 1 - 5

Book 1 Chapter 1 - Time Machine

Screech!

The shrill screeching caused by braking resulted in the friction between the tyres and the road sounded right in front of the city's most popular 'Black Leopard Bar'. The jeep that belonged to Team 7 of the army's special unit, regarded as the best of the best, suddenly stopped.

Amid the cheers and laughter, Xiang Shaolong and his three teammates grabbed the grills and jumped down from the car. After three months of intensive training in body and warfare in the Gobi desert, they finally have three days of leave. If they do not thoroughly enjoy life now, they would be letting down their parents who gave birth to them.

Xiang Shaolong is twenty this year. His skin glowed with a healthy tan because of his long hours under the sun. He may not be considered a handsome young man, but with his height nearing 2 meters, broad shoulders, trim waist and long legs, firm muscles with not an inch of excess fat, agile and smart eyes, pencil straight nose, perfectly rounded cheekbones, square face, matched with a lazy smile that seems to flirt with women, he definitely has the qualities that will pique the interest of any girl.

Just as they were about to enter, there was chaos and a mess of bodies landed on the ground amidst claps and curses. It was their team mates Xiao Zhang and Man Niu (Stubborn Cow) who came earlier being thrown out of the door and landing in a heap. They were groaning to get up and although this is usually a very simple act, but now to these two top agents of the special unit, it's a very difficult task.

The expression on the four's faces changed and they rushed forward to help the two of them up. Rhino, who has a growth on his forehead, exclaimed, "How many people?"

This question is very logical. Xiao Zhang and Man Niu, like them, belong to Team 7 Special Unit. They are picked amongst the best in the whole army to receive special training as a crack team, and specialized in handling all kinds of dangerous situations like anti-terrorists missions, entering hostile countries to carry out assassination attempts or saving lives, protecting important political people etc. Their training includes the use of various weapons, unarmed combat, resistance training, survival training, various spying techniques, in fact the aim is to train them into becoming supermen. Even ten odd brawny men may not be able to harm even a single hair on them.

But since other teams have always been jealous of them, they find it an honor if they are able to take down members of Team 7. So it's quite normal for fights to break out whenever they're on leave and having drinks, but this is the first time that they have actually been thrown out of the door.

Xiao Zhang regained some of his senses, opened his bruised eyes and when he saw it's Xiang Shaolong helping him up, he exclaimed with joy, "Brother Long, go and back us up quickly!"

Everyone in the team addressed Xiang Shaolong as Brother Long, not because he's older, but because he's the sharp shooter of the team, champion of freestyle boxing, and the fittest among them.

Man Niu panted and pointed towards the inside of the bar and said, "It's Team 841's instructor Black Faced Deity, he actually had the guts to harass our ice beauty."

The four of them flew into a rage. Ice beauty Zheng Cuizhi is the secretary of their team's instructor, so how can they allow other teams to touch her when none of them have managed to woo her?

Xiang Shaolong's hands started itching once he thinks about fighting, so he puffed up his chest and shouted, "Help them in and let me how off my skills!" With that, he led them into the bar.

The spacious bar was filled with smoke and the noises and music deafening. Half of the crowd was from the army or police and foreigners and civilians numbered only about thirty. It was crowded and the mood spirited.

They had just appeared at the door when the bar suddenly became quiet.

The well built and muscular Black Faced Deity and about a dozen of his men were wearing civilian clothing and drinking and laughing with a few sexily clad ladies. Black Faced Diety was holding Ice beauty Zheng Cuizhi by her tiny waist and when she saw Xiang Shaolong, who usually ignored her coming in, she deliberately turned her sultry body towards Black Faced Deity and even kissed his cheek.

Black Faced Deity saw Xiang Shaolong and his face shone. He moved his hands lower towards Zheng Cuizhi's voluptuous butt and slapped it twice, saying with a smile, "One against one, or everyone charge!"

There's an unwritten rule in the army, which is all fights are to be fought only with fists, unless there's some great enmity, or if blinded by rage, they will not use things that can hurt like knives or broken bottles, in case things get out of hand and they get apprehended by the military police.

Xiang Shaolong saw the queen of the bar Zhou Xiangmei leaning against the table and looking at him with a smile and felt a boost of bravado. He replied with a smile, "Against someone like you, it doesn't really matter to me. Up to you."

Everyone in the bar, regardless of male or female, all cheered and added fuel to the flame, the atmosphere reaching a burning high.

Xiao Zhang moved to his side and warned with a low voice, "Be careful! That fellow's extremely good."

Someone shrieked with a strange voice, "Someone's afraid!"

The onlookers watching the show laughed even harder.

Man Niu walked over as well and whispered, "That two men Black Faced Deity are the best two champion boxers at the local martial arts school. They are prepared for a fight today with the intent of making us lose face."

Xiang Shaolong noticed the two murderous looking men long ago. 'Taking note of your surroundings' is the second rule out of the seven in the special task force. The first rule is 'to be well prepared' and the third is 'remain calm'. This is exactly what he is going to do now. He instructed quietly, "Tell them to stay clear, I'm confident of settling those three alone."

By now Black Faced Deity has removed his jacket and handed it to ice beauty. He took two steps forward and said coldly, "Xiang Shaolong! I've put up with you for a long time. The last time you injured dozens of my men at the Wild Cat Karaoke, today I will settle those old scores with you."

Xiang Shaolong told his five friends to stand back and spread out, and he took two steps forward as well and were within four paces of Black Faced Deity. He called out calmly to the bartender, "Give me some fresh milk, I need to quench my thirst after I deal with this Black Faced Deity."

This sentence immediately caused a roar of laughter from everyone.

Someone from Black Faced Deity's group called out, "This lad is going to use his strength for drinking milk as well."

Black Faced Deity leaned towards the left and made a fake move, while he deviously kicked with his leg, aiming at the position 5 inches above Xiang Shaolong's calf.

Xiang Shaolong moved to the side and avoided the attack effortlessly.

When the crowd saw that they're finally fighting, the started cheering and adding fuel to fire.

Black Faced Deity roared and rushed forward with the speed of lightning, crouched when he got near and both his fists struck out towards the chest. Xiang Shaolong took another step back and avoided the enemy's fists.

When the crowd saw that he's only dodging but not retaliating, they jeered. Black Faced Deity's men also ridiculed him loudly.

Black Faced Deity thought that Xiang Shaolong is afraid of him and became even more conceited. He suddenly stuck out his middle finger and taking advantage of his lead, rushed forward and aimed a punch at his nose.

Xiang Shaolong was thinking to himself how good that he's coming. When the fist was only a few inches from his nose, he suddenly stumbled backwards, as if that punch has thrown him far back.

The crowd went mad and started shouting.

Man Niu and the rest naturally knew that he was not hit, and were perplexed why he only dodged but did not attack. That lad stumbled six steps back, leaned back and actually fell into the arms of the queen of the bar Zhou Xiangmei, who was sitting on the chair.

Zhou Xiangmei was so shocked that she screamed.

Black Faced Deity leapt forward like a crazed tiger.

Xiang Shaolong yelled and straightened his body, his right hand taking the chance to touch Zhou Xiangmei's creamy bosom, and sprang up using the strength from his waist. He shot towards Black Faced Deity like a cannon, ignoring the fact that his opponent's fists are clenched and coming down hard on his back, and his head hit his opponent right on the stomach.

Before Black Faced Deity has a chance to hit Xiang Shaolong, his opponent's head caused his almost 100kg body to stumble back like a toy with an unstoppable force and fell right on to the middle of the dance floor.

The two hundred odd people in the bar gasped in unison. Immediately the place became from being extremely noisy to being extremely quiet, leaving only the speakers at the corners of the bar playing a very groovy song.

Xiang Shaolong was like a ferocious tiger being released and leap towards Black Faced Deity who is still on the ground.

The two professional boxers who were invited by Black Faced Deity saw that the situation was amiss and both rushed out at the same time, going around Black Faced Deity who is still on the floor and attached Xiang Shaolong while sandwiching him between them.

His friends Man Niu, Xiao Zhang and the rest were all cursing and calling them shameless, but they did not help at all. No one can be more confident of Xiang Shaolong's abilities than them.

The battle ended in the blink of an eye.

Xiang Shaolong dodged a few times and avoided his enemy's attacks and squeezed in between the two of them, elbowed the person on his left under his armpit, his right hand pushing away his enemy's fist and before the man on the left fell to the ground, he gave two quick knocks with his knee on the person on his right's stomach. Black Faced Deity had just struggled to stand up but Xiang Shaolong has already given him a wicked punch on his nose just as the boxer on his right was kneeling down in pain. Black Face Deity cried out as fresh blood poured out and collapsed onto Cuizhi who was just rushing over and the two of them tumbled down.

Xiao Shaolong laughed heartily, and pointing Black Faced Deity's men, taunted them, "Come! All together now."

Man Niu and the rest rushed up, rubbing their fists and palms.

Cuizhi climbed up and shrieked, "Xiang Shaolong! You're good! Just you wait and see!"

Xiang Shaolong can't be bothered with her but walked towards the queen of the bar Zhou Xiangmei, pulled her up and walked out of the bar.

Zhou Xiangmei exclaimed, "Where are you taking me?"

Xiang Shaolong carried her up and deposited her on the passenger seat of the jeep and said with a laugh, "Home of course, I don't have enough money to pay the exorbitant price for a hotel room."

"Ring….."

Xiang Shaolong, who is used to strict training, woke up immediately and disentangled himself from Zhou Xiangmei's slender limbs and grabbed the phone.

Cuizhi's clear voice traveled to his ears, "Captain Xiang, you have 15 minutes to wash up, the Ministry of War's armored vehicle is waiting for you at the main door."

Zhou Xiangmei moaned and said, "Baddie! Come quickly!"

Xiang Shaolong rubbed his aching back, caused by the numerous rounds of 'fights' with this seductress, and exclaimed hoarsely, "Are you trying to scare me? Would a fight cause such a big trouble?"

Cuizhi said icily, "Who said it's got anything to do with the fight, it's the Science Institute who wants the fittest among our special task force for an experiment. I saw that you were so brave last night and your stamina was so surprisingly good, so I recommended you to the instructor. The instructor has given his orders!"

Naturally Xiang Shaolong knows that she's making use of the opportunity to take revenge and said with irritation, "But I'm still on leave today!"

Cuizhi laughed, "Oh my Captian Xiang, you only have leave when there's no mission. A soldier belongs to the country 24 hours a day."

Xiang Shaolong can't wait to strangle her, but he sighed instead, "Hai! I was so brave last night, all because of you. Do you really not know or are you just pretending?"

Xiangmei wriggled out from under the blankets naked and asked, "Who are you talking to?"

Xiang Shaolong hurriedly signaled her to keep quiet.

The other end of the line was silent for a moment, before a soft voice said, "You're lying!"

Xiang Shaolong covered Zhou Xiangmei's tiny mouth with one hand, and glibly replied, "Why would I lie to you. I, Xiang Shaolong, thinks about you day and night, I just did not say it out! Do you know! You…"

Cuizhi interrupted him, "All right! We'll talk about that later! You'll only be a lab mouse for one day maximum, I'll find someone else the next time. Get changed quickly."

"Pak!" And she hung up.

The armored vehicle stopped outside the main door of the heavily guarded Science Institute and Xiang Shaolong was escorted inside like a prisoner by 4 soldiers and passed over to the security at the research department. He was immediately brought to a hospital ward filled with medical equipments and after going through a thorough body check-up, the doctor signed the papers with satisfaction and the nurse pushed him out of the room.

Lying on the hospital bed, Xiang Shaolong objected, "I'm not sick, I can walk on my own."

The nurse is obviously very interested in him and smiled as she walked and said, "Be a good boy, I know you're not sick, in fact you're stronger than a bull."

Xiang Shaolong could not change his character and he immediately flirted, "Hey! What's your name and how can I find you."

The nurse rolled her eyes at him and did not reply.

Doors opened one by one in front and the nurse pushed him deep into the building until they reached a lift.

8 security guards were standing guard next to the lift door and they took over Xiang Shaolong.

Xiang Shaolong felt a shiver in his heart and wondered what kind of experiment could this be? Why would the laboratory be in an underground cell at the Science Institute?

The lift descended by more than 10 floors before it stopped. Xiang Shaolong was pushed out by the guards and after passing a few heavily guarded doors, came to a spacious hall.

Xiang Shaolong looked around and sat up in shock.

He saw on one end of the 30 meters hall a huge metal object that looked like a iron furnace right in front of him.

All sorts of equipment filled the hall, and it looked like the cabin of a huge spacecraft.

A hundred odd male and female researchers dressed in white coats were busy working with various equipments.

The two sides of the hall were split into two levels, the top level separated by a full length glass and inside there were countless researchers busy working on many types of unnameable equipment, and some were pointing at him through the glass.

Xiang Shaolong was confused. God! What is this all about? The serious atmosphere and the huge weaponry is not funny at all.

A male and a female researcher walked to his side, and the man smiled, "I am Professor Fang Ting, she is Professor Xie Zhimei. We're the assistants to the head engineer of this time-space project, Director Ma Ke."

Xiang Shaolong stood up and exclaimed, "What is this all about? At least tell me why I'm here!"

The average looking female professor Xie Zhimei who looked like a spinster said seriously, "Don't worry! Everything is safe, as for the details, Director Ma will tell you personally."

Professor Fang Ting added, "It's a soldier's duty to serve the country, Captain Xiang should feel honored to be the first human experiment for the time-space project. Come!"

Xiang Shaolong shook his head and smiled bitterly, and helplessly followed them towards that huge object. Hai! What kind of luck is he having today?

Xiang Shaolong lay down in a human shaped gold box, his hands, legs, waist and neck all secured by straps and became an experiment target at their mercy.

He was just cursing Zheng Cuizhi, thinking of how he will get her after the experiment, how he will take revenge on the bed, when a bespectacled old man with white hair appeared from the top of the box and smiled at him, "I am Director Ma Ke, Captain Xiang, how do you feel?"

Xiang Shaolong snorted coldly, "I feel like an animal being sent to the slaughterhouse, and am still wondering if this slaughterhouse is for pigs or cows."

Director Ma laughed dryly, "Captian Xiang sure knows how to joke." He paused and asked, "Which period of our country's history are you more familiar with?"

Xiang Shaolong was surprised, "What has this got to do with the experiment?"

Director Ma was displeased and said, "Answer my question first."

Xiang Shaolong can only blame it on his bad luck, and wanting to end this quickly, he replied after a thought, "I'm not familiar with history, but recently I saw that movie 'Emperor Qin', and was really envious of his Epang Palace and his indulgence in life, and I read a few books about the warring states and Emperor Qin…"

Director Ma interrupted impatiently, "Hey! That's enough, so it's the Qin dynasty, 246BC, the first year Emperor Qin ascended the throne." Then he repeated the year into the intercom clipped on his white shirt collar.

Xiang Shaolong exclaimed in shock, "My god! What are you saying?"

Director Ma became excited and his old face glowed. He reached out and touched Xiang Shaolong's cheek and said with a smile, "Friend! You don't know how lucky you are, to become the first man in history to go back in time."

Xiang Shaolong did not understand him and said, "You…"

Director Ma was not interested in what he has to say at all and interrupted excitedly, "Did you watch that show 'Time Tunnel' on television. Look! In front of you is the great time tunnel, this is no longer a dream, but a reality. Very soon I will change humankind's perception about time and space…"

Xiang Shaolong was lying in the box so naturally he could not see anything at all. He struggled and said, "Stop joking, tell me what experiment am I here for?"

Director Ma's excitement was undiminished, and he continued rambling, "Later you will be sent into the time furnace, and once I press one button, the hydrogen reaction furnace fixed at the bottom will gather enough energy within 36 hours to produce enough thermoneuclear in the furnace to make a black hole to go past time and space. By then the magnetic field conveyor will send you back to the world of the past, how marvelous do you think that is."

Cold sweat broke out and Xiang Shaolong looked at this mad scientist who is not much different from a lunatic and said, "Are you joking."

Director Ma said, "Of course I'm not joking. I have successfully sent 20 white mice and 2 monkeys back and returned them safely. But a pity they could not tell me where exactly they have been, and how they felt. That's why I asked the army to provide us with the fittest warrior to experiment, and that person is you, Xiang Shaolong."

Xiang Shaolong was scared out of his wits and he cried out, "I don't agree, I want to quit the army immediately."

Director Ma said unhappily, "Don't be nervous, you'll be there for less than 10 seconds, just like a short dream. I only want you to remember what happened in the dream. You can give the injection now."

Xiang Shaolong was still protesting when one of the staff came and gave him an injection. As he gradually lost his senses, the cover was lowered and became a sturdy metal box. It was moved and pushed into the round entrance of the time furnace.

All the equipment in the laboratory immediately started working and numerous indicator lights lighted up. Close to 400 researchers were at work, concentrating on working and observing the equipments.

Time passed on slowly, and a few hours passed.

Director Ma who went to the main control centre became more and more excited, his eyes gleaming.

The final moment will soon arrive, the laboratory began a countdown from 100.

"60, 59, 58…"

The alarm suddenly went off.

The researcher in charge of supervising the energy field inside the furnace cried out in alarm, "The energy level in the time furnace is rising abnormally fast, Director Ma please advise if we should switch off the energy source immediately."

"48, 47…"

All the staff had their eyes fixated on Director Ma.

"39, 38, 37…"

Director Ma looked at the readings on the machine showing the energy level in the furnace, his forehead breaking out in cold sweat. He hesitated for a moment and suddenly waved his hand and ordered, "Implement the fifth emergency procedure now!"

A thunderous sound could be heard from within the furnace, and the whole laboratory started shaking, intense and hot white rays of light shot out of the cracks in the time furnace.

Before anyone had a chance to scream, the whole hidden underground laboratory was shattered into pieces by the strong explosion, and not a single thing remained. Naturally no one was left alive.

Book 1 Chapter 2 – Ancient Beauty

Xiang Shaolong woke up suddenly, his whole body in intense pain. He suddenly realized he's now falling from a great height.

"Crash!" Tiles flew all over and he felt himself crashing through a roof right into a house, and landed on a man. Groans and the sound of bones cracking can be heard.

It was followed by a female's scream and in his daze he seem to see the back of a naked woman running out, then he passed out.

Without knowing how many days have passed, in between bouts of consciousness, he seems to feel a woman taking care of him meticulously. Helping to clean his body and change his clothes, treating his wounds, feeding him goat's milk. Finally on a certain night, he woke up. The scene that appeared before his eyes made him draw in a gasp of cold air.

Heavens! Where is this place?

He was lying on a soft and thick carpet, an oil lamp hanging on the wall. The dim light shone weakly in this crude house about 10 square meters large with mud and hay as walls and tiles as woof. On one side of the wall, rain coats and hats made from straw hung on it, and at the corner of the house there's a fire pit with no fire. At its side there were cauldrons, stove, plates, bowls etc, primitive cooking equipment that can only be seen in museums. There were a few chests of different sizes on the other end, and there was a copper mirror on one of the chests.

Xiang Shaolong felt a chill in his heart.

That crazy director said he will only be here for 10 seconds, so why is he still in this nightmarish place. Could he really have gone back to Emperor Qin's hometown.

Footsteps were heard.

Xiang Shaolong stared at the wooden door, his heart beating quickly, praying that this is only part of the experiment, a prank set up by Crazy Ma to trick him into believing that he's really gone back to the past in that accursed furnace.

The wooden door was pushed open.

A beautiful lady wearing ancient hemp garment who could only possibly appear in movies appeared. She has a red scarf on her head, her long hair parted in the center, swept to the sides, tucked behind her ear and plaited into two braids. She carried a bottle, and on her feet she wore straw sandals and walked in.

She looked pretty, her figure nice and slim, and when her lively eyes saw Xiang Shaolong staring at her in shock, she was so startled she almost dropped the bottle. She hurriedly put it down, knelt down in front of him, her slender hands touching his forehead. She said some words very quickly in her melodious voice, her face full of joy.

Xiang Shaolong thought to himself, "It's the end." and fainted again.

The sunlight irritated his eyes, waking him up. The house was quiet without anyone else.

He's in a better shape than the last time. Besides he's always been optimistic, so he stopped trying to think and tried to get up. He came out from beneath the blanket and realized he is now dressed in a weird looking ancient clothing that is at least two sizes too small. His collar crisscrossed around his front from the back of his neck and dropped straight to the ground. At the bottom he was wearing an apron like leather shorts, and looked absolutely ugly.

Xiang Shaolong suppressed the urge to hide beneath the blankets again and looked ahead. He saw that the roof was recently mended and remembered that when he dropped down from the sky, he landed on a man.

Is that person dead or alive? If he has hurt someone, why is that pretty ancient young woman treating him so nicely!

With all these questions puzzling him, he stood up.

He felt a wave of dizziness, and after a moment he found himself leaning in front of the window, his hands grabbing the sill, supporting his body. The sunlight shone on his face, making him feel a little better.

What really happened? Has something gone wrong with that accursed experiment? Why isn't he back yet? Will he be forever unable to return? Wouldn't his family and friends be really worried? And there's no way he can have his great revenge in bed with Zheng Cuizhi now.

Xiang Shaolong is so miserable that he could cry.

The weather is so hot, if only he can have a can of soft drink.

He looked out and saw the lush green grass, abnormally blue sky and clouds that looked even whiter and cleaner than cotton.

Xiang Shaolong's heart lurched, and knew that he has really gone back to the past. Why else would there be such an unpolluted sky.

The skin on his limbs has scars from the burn and luckily his is healthy and his skin is now renewing the cells, so it's not too serious.

After wallowing in self-pity for a moment, Xiang Shaolong felt his energy rapidly returning and his curiosity rising.

What is the world like outside? Can he really find the tyrannous Emperor Qin as depicted in the movies?

He pushed the door open and walked out. It turned out he is in a quiet little valley, a stream flowing down the back of the house out of the valley. On the right of the stream he seem to hear a girl's singing. On the left is a mulberry forest, a place to cultivate silkworms.

Once he thought of the ancient beauty, Xiang Shaolong's mood lifted and he walked towards the sound of the singing.

The girl was dressed in white, her skirt pulled up and tucked into the waist, revealing the thin chemise under the skirt and a pair of round and slender legs. She was squatting at the side of the stream washing clothes and cutlery, her expression languid and humming an unknown folksong.

Xiang Shaolong saw her revealing herself, and she's quite pretty as well and desire filled him so he walked over. However he was still unsteady on his feet and stepped on a loose rock. He exclaimed in alarm and fell into the stream.

That beauty was startled and jumped into the water to help him.

Xiang Shaolong stood up in the chest deep stream and the girl happened to reach him and grabbed his hands to place it on her shoulder.

Xiang Shaolong was roused and took advantage of the situation to lean onto her fragrant body.

The lady spoke to him in shock and concernwith a string of words.

This time Xiang Shaolong's brains is more alert and after some concentration he understood most of what she said. It sounded like a difficult dialect used around Hebei or Shanxi region. He vaguely figured out that she was reprimanding him for running around before he has fully recovered, and was so full of gratitude that he blurted out, "Thank you Miss!"

That lady was stunned for a moment. She stared at him and asked, "Where did you come from?"

This sentence may be difficult to understand, but Xiang Shaolong finally guessed the meaning and was immediately dumbfounded. What can he say? Tell her that he came from the 21st century in a time machine?

The two of them were still standing in the water, totally drenched. It doesn't matter to Xiang Shaolong but that beauty's clothes were thin and after being wet it showed off her curves, and she's no different from being naked.

The lady saw Xiang Shaolong's hot eyes staring at her chest. She blushed and immediately forgot her question, and hurriedly helped him to shore.

Xiang Shaolong can't help but take the opportunity to lightly knock into her breasts and the lady's face blushed even redder, but she did not object or reprimand him.

Xiang Shaolong was ecstatic. It seems that the beauties of this era is even more open than those in the 21st century. All those talk about not taking 3 steps beyond the house or having to marry the man once he sees her body were all far fetched, or it's those hateful Confusionist lecturing about morals during later years.

So it seems that, even if he does not return to the 21st century for the time being, life would not be too boring.

Xiang Shaolong changed out of his wet clothes and sat opposite to the beauty, eating the rice she cooked, with vegetables, mutton and braised meat marinated with five spices.

Maybe because he's hungry, but Xiang Shaolong enjoyed the meal, all the food tasted especially delicious, even better than peking duck or hamburgers.

The beauty ate and looked at him with interest at the same time.

Xiang Shaolong was thinking to himself that this is such a secluded place, and not a village or even another house could be seen, and yet she seems to be living a fulfilling life. Could it be that the past is really better than the present?

The beauty said something softly.

Xiang Shaolong asked in surprise, "What?"

The beauty repeated her words and this time he understood. She was saying that he's very tall, and she has never seen someone so tall.

He was secretly laughing that people of this era must all be short, and asked her, "What is your name?"

The beauty shook her head to indicate she could not understand his question and encouraged him to repeat 3 more times before she replied, "The people of Mulberry Forest Village all call me Mei Canniang. (Pretty Silkworm Lady)"

This time it is Xiang Shaolong's turn to not understand. By the time he clarified it, the two of them were laughing happily. So Xiang Shaolong told her his name as well. The conversation flowed with such tries, failures and continuous work, neither party wanting it to end. When Xiang Shaolong is 80% confident of understanding her dialect, he asked her about what happened the day he fell in through the roof.

Mei Canniang blushed slightly and said, "The man you crushed to death the other day is a bandit from a neighboring village called Jiao Du. He followed me home all the way from the market and was going to rape me. Luckily young master fell down from the sky and crushed him to death. I've buried him in the mulberry forest." She paused for a moment, her face reddened to the ears and she lowered her head and said shyly, "I was married to two brothers, but they were forcefully conscripted into the army by bad people and were killed in Chang Ping."

The battle of Chang Ping, isn't it one of the famed battles between Qin and Zhao, where the army of Qin killed all 400,000 of the Zhao's army. Xiang Shaolong hurriedly asked, "How long ago did this happen?"

Mei Canniang replied, "It happened 9 years ago."

The battle of Chang Ping happened in 260BC, then isn't it 251BC now. Crazy Director Ma wanted to send him back to 246BC which is the year Emperor Qin ascended the throne, and although he's off by 5 years, but considering the facts he's still quite accurate.

He asked, "What is this place?"

Mei Canniang replied, "Didn't I tell you, it's Mulberry Village!"

Xiang Shaolong asked, "Is this part of the kingdom of Zhao?"

Mei Canniang shook her head, "I don't understand what you're talking about? I only know what happens in Mulberry Village, the news of my husbands death were told to me by the people in the market."

Xiang Shaolong exclaimed in surprise, "You really married two husbands at the same time?"

Mei Canniang replied, "Of course it's true!"

Xiang Shaolong sighed quietly to himself. Although he has read a few books about the Warring States, but he's not familiar with the customs during this period at all, so he put aside this question and continued, "Did you not bear any children for them?"

Mei Canniang replied quietly, "After the two fathers of the children left, life was extremely difficult and the children all died of sickness. Later I learned to keep silkworms and life finally settled."

Xiang Shaolong felt pity for her, this beauty has suffered much.

Mei Canniang said quietly, "I have been praying to Heaven everyday, praying to her to bestow me a husband. Just when I was at my saddest, Heaven opened her eyes and dropped you for me. I am so ecstatic, from now on you will be Canniang's husband."

Xiang Shaolong was absolutely dumbfounded. But it's not too bad as well, he need not put in so much effort to explain where he came from.

Hai! It seems that he'll have to depend on her to support him. Suddenly he had a flash of inspiration, and thought that in 251BC, Emperor Qin is still destitute in Handan, the capital of Zhao. If he can find and befriend him, when he becomes the emperor in future, then won't his fortunes rise as well, and can have anything he want, including beauties? Once he thought of this, his heart itched and he asked, "Do you know the way to Handan?"

Mei Canniang shook her head at a loss, then her face turned pale and she chewed her lower lips and stammered, "Are you thinking of leaving this place?"

Xiang Shaolong climbed over, stuck himself to her fragrant back, his hands reaching forward to hold her little tummy and said gently, "Don't be afraid! No matter where I go, I'll bring you with me."

Mei Canniang's body softened at his touch and she exclaimed happily, "Really!"

Xiang Shaolong nibbled her ear lobes and replied, "Of course!"

Mei Canniang's two husbands were all coarse and unrefined men, so she has never encountered such flirtatious teasing, her slender body shook and she said, "I'm going to the market tomorrow, I'll ask someone then! Someone will surely know where Handan is."

Xiang Shaolong put his huge hand into her clothes and kneaded her voluptuous bosom, asking "That bandit Jiao Du, did he… heh… what you?"

Mei Canniang panted, "He just took off my clothes, and have not… Ai!" Her lips have been locked.

Xiang Shaolong has never seen such a gentle and accommodating beauty, so he hurriedly showed her his best moves. The whole room was heated up and moans and pants joined together to form an orchestra. Mei Canniang, who has been alone for so many years, finally tasted for the first time the joy of being an equal with men in the act of copulation.

Xiang Shaolong felt an itch in his nose and sneezed. He woke up and saw that it was Mei Canniang teasing him with a mulberry leaf.

The sun has not risen.

He hugged Mei Canniang and pressed her down, using his body to put pressure on her sensitive areas, and even pushed her buttocks up with his hand so that she cannot avoid him while he greedily kissed her wet lips. Mei Canniang was totally caught unawares and almost lost her senses from the teasing. She kept crying out, and who knows if she was expressing her joy or objection.Xiang Shaolong flipped her skirt over, revealing her round yet firm thighs, and was about to proceed when Mei Canniang moaned with a flush, "Shaolong! We have to go to the market immediately!"

Xiang Shaolong came to his senses immediately and stopped his assault. He warned her, "Do you still dare to be mischievous?"

Mei Canniang covered her mouth and laughed, "Yes! But not now, if we don't go to the market now we won't even have food for today."

Xiang Shaolong was aroused by her heated body and hesitated, "It won't take too much time to do it just once, right?

Mei Canniang suddenly hugged him and said gently, "My good man! Besides eating some food after lunch yesterday, you have been doing it to me until I fell asleep. You're even more capable then my two husbands added together and now you want to continue. Are you trying to kill me! Get up quickly!"

Xiang Shaolong thought of her hunger and charm last night and felt desire again, but once he thought of looking for Emperor Qin, he can only suppress his lust and climbed out.

Mei Canniang took out a set of clothes and said, "I made this for you when you were unconscious, you'll certainly look very good wearing it."

With her help, Xiang Shaolong wore it and it fitted him perfectly. It may be made of coarse material and hemp but Mei Canniang's eyes shone on seeing it and complimented him, "Mei Canniang has never seen any man as handsome as you in the world." And used a cloth to tie his growing hair before going on their way after washing up.

Xiang Shaolong carried a whole bag of silk, with a hatchet around his waist, straw shoes on his feet and followed Mei Canniang out of the valley, towards the ancient civilization 2000 years ago.

Book 1 Chapter 3 – Showing off for the first time

The two of them walked down the hill in the darkness preceding dawn, towards the marketplace beyond the endless hills.

Xiang Shaolong has never felt so much love and infatuation towards any women before. He carried her and ran down. To a warrior like him who has gone through special training, this is as easy as breathing.

However Mei Canniang was extremely surprised, but once she thought that he is a gift from Heaven, she no longer felt bewildered.

Xiang Shaolong asked her effortlessly, "How did you end up marrying that two brothers? Where is your own family?"

Mei Canniang screamed in shock just as he jumped. She patted her chest and her pretty face was blushing from the excitement. She replied, "I live in a place that is 3 day's journey towards the sun. One day, the two brothers came with 10 tiger skins, 1 bear skin, 50 marten skins, 5 cows and 100 goats and gave to my father in exchange for me. Our tribe has never seen such extravagant gifts, so I married them."

Xiang Shaolong carried her up by her waist and waded though a 3 meter wide river, thinking to himself that if he has the latest AK47, then he can hunt for tiger skins in exchange for women. He asked her, "How old were you then?"

Mei Canniang held on to his neck tightly and whispered in his ear, "14!"

Xiang Shaolong exclaimed in surprise, "What? That's below the legal age for intercourse!"

When they reached the main road outside the mountainous area, the sun revealed it's first ray of light.

This couple who should have been separated by over 2000 years walked closely side by side, chatting happily.

Mei Canniang finally found someone, and after spending the most exciting and romantic night in her life, she was ecstatic. She was pulling Xiang Shaolong like a little girl, kicking her little straw sandals, walking cheerfully. The painful journey in the past has now become an endless joy, and she said with a laugh, "In the past I had to walk at least 20 hours to the market, but ever since someone built this road for military transport, it takes only 8 hours to reach the market. A lot of time has been saved."

Xiang Shaolong thought to himself, so war can actually promote the development of transportation, and indirectly boost the economy and increase efficiency. So it seems that, in this era, there are advantages to wars.

Hai! A pity he can't bring anything here. If he has a machinegun, or even a gun, he may become the highest paid soldier in this warring states period.

He can't help but laugh once he thought of this.

Then he thought of the queen of bars Zhou Xiangmei and Zhang Cuizhi who caused him to end up in this state. And his parents, they always said that he's unfilial, his 2 older brothers and 3 older sisters are all better than him. Now that he's gone, he reckons that they won't be too sad. But he still felt that this is not the case. A pity that he can't give them a call right now to tell them that he's safe.

The sound of wheels grating along the ground sounded behind. It turned out to be a mule cart going towards the market, with a dozen or so white sheep on it. On the cart there were an old and a young man dressed as farmers and when they gave a friendly greeting, they were surprised and scrutinized the tall and well-built Xiang Shaolong. In contrast, they weren't too surprised about Mei Canniang's beauty.

After the mule cart was far gone, a few horses ran swiftly past and the men riding them were dressed like ancient warriors, on their horses there were bows, swords, axes etc, but they were not from the army.

The two of them avoided them and stood aside.

Mei Canniang spoke in his ear, "These warriors are all for hire. They help merchants transport money, and it's the most profitable business."

Xiang Shaolong laughed, "Ha! Finally there's a job suitable for me!"

Mei Canniang shrieked, "No! I cannot lose a husband like you again."

Xiang Shaolong was startled and after reassuring her, they continued on their way.

The nearer they got to the market, the more crowded the roads became. Most of them were pushing wooden carts with a single wheel, carrying various goods like corn, millet, sorghum, rice, wheat, garlic, cows, goats etc and all of them were hurrying towards the same destination.

Only now did Xiang Shaolong realize how huge he is. The tallest among the people is still shorter than him by half a head and he looked around complacently, feeling like a crane among chickens.

After another hour, they finally arrived at the market.

40 odd kinds of mud houses, straw houses and stone houses were lined up untidily on two sides, forming a wide street. Various kinds of harvests and animals, buyers and sellers filled the mud road that was about half a mile long, a feeling of festivity filled the air.

They had just stepped into the market when Mei Canniang cried out quietly in fear, "Look! The group of men on the left is the bandit Jiao Du's brothers. They're staring at us, what should we do?"

Xiang Shaolong gathered his wits and walked alertly forward.

A group of 10 odd powerful looking men who are obviously the town bullies were standing or sitting in front of a mud house but their eyes were fixed onto them in astonishment.

Mei Canniang continued, "They surely know about Jiao Du looking for me, and thought that I've become his woman. So when they saw it's you instead, they were astonished. Oh dear, we better leave immediately!"

Xiang Shaolong scrutinized the crude metal swords they carried with his professional judgment and gave them a suave smile. He said to Mei Canniang, "My wife, do not panic. Your husband is here, no one will be able to hurt a single hair of yours." He realized that the words he used is getting more and more similar to what these ancient people uses that he can't help but laugh out loud.

Mei Canniang was so frightened her face turned pale, and pulled him towards the other end of what you can hardly call a 'street'.

The two of them melted into the crowd. While others were sizing him up, Xiang Shaolong was taking note of his surroundings without any concern.

All these people from the warring states, just from the way they dressed, he can tell that they came from different places. Regardless of men or women, most of them have a flat face, short, rough skin, very few of them has the same alluring body and pretty face like Mei Canniang. But they all looked simple and honorable, giving others a good impression.

The only exception was the men and women wearing unique red headpieces. Their hats were not like the hats that he's used to, which covers the top of a person's head. Instead it covers only the hair, which was tied into a bun, two red ropes hanging down from the side and tied into a knot under the chin.

The men and women of this tribe were not only tall and good looking, the women were fair and wore extremely sexy short tops and skirts which bared the chest and arms. It really was an eye-opener for him and quite unbelievable as well, changing his perception that all ancient people must be conservative.

A few of those young women were exceptionally outstanding, almost as pretty as Mei Canniang, and almost all of them trade in horses.

When Xiang Shaolong made eye contact with the prettiest girl among them, those beauties all made eyes at this fine specimen of a man from another dimension, not at all bothered that his eyes was fixated on their half naked chest and slender legs.

Mei Canniang felt much safer once they're among the crowd and when she saw his lecherous look, she's not offended at all. She said quietly, "They're all from the Baiyi tribe, expert in rearing horses. All the men and women are very good hunters, no one dares to bully them."

Xiang Shaolong felt his heart itching, but he was pulled into a mud house by Mei Canniang who took over the silk he was carrying and proceeded to do business with the man inside.

Xiang Shaolong took the opportunity to slip out of the house.

"Dang! Dang! Dang!"

Copper bells sounded in the biggest stone house opposite, and someone shouted, "Quality horse for 30 coppers! Quality horse for 30 coppers!"

Xiang Shaolong was curious and walked forward. On the stairs of the large house stood ten over huge men wearing similar clothes as those riders they met on the way here. One of them wore a tall headpiece, his clothes were comparatively more splendid, a difference of heaven and earth with the coarse clothes worn by the farmers.

He may have good eyesight, but from a distance of over ten meters, he can only see that person has a square face and large ears, with a solemn look, and carried with him an air of affluence.

There was an immediate commotion in the market as the horse traders all squeezed forward with their horses and the situation was chaotic.

Right at this time, he heard a cold snort next to him.

By the time Xiang Shaolong was aware, those brothers of Jiao Du have already surrounded him heavily.

He unhurriedly took 2 steps back, and pushed Mei Canniang back into the house just as she was walking out. He asked quietly, "Does one have to go to jail for murder here?"

Mei Canniang asked in surprise, "What is jail?"

Xiang Shaolong rephrased his question, "Does anyone care if someone gets killed?"

Mei Canniang understood a little and replied, "Besides their own tribesmen, no one else will bother." She then added, "You're not going to fight with so many of them right? They have swords! I can give them the money I've just bartered for."

Xiang Shaolong was assured and thought, in this time period, nothing is more useful than strength and martial arts. All the tough training he had in the past will not go to waste at all.

One of Jiao Du's brother shouted, "Mei Canniang! Where is Big Brother Jiao? And who is this stinking man?"

By now those people on the street are starting to realize that something is happening here and all came forward to watch the show. Even that well dressed man who is here to buy horses and his men all stopped their trade and walked towards them.

Xiang Shaolong, who is used to creating trouble and fighting was assured and he laughed loudly, "Your Big Brother Jiao has been killed, come over if you want revenge."

Mei Canniang was so frightened that she shivered and hugged him tightly from behind.

The expression on their faces changed at the same time and with a 'swish' they all pulled out their swords.

Xiang Shaolong slowly pushed Mei Canniang away and pulled out the hatchet from his waist. Immediately there were sighs and pitying noises coming from the crowd, saying that he does not know his own capability, actually using a hatchet to block swords.

2 burly men rushed towards him with their swords raised, slashing towards him from the left and right.

The crowd screamed, and one of the Baiyi beauties who were making eyes with Xiang Shaolong covered her eyes, not daring to look further.

Xiang Shaolong roared and his hatchet swung forward fast as lightning.

In his nearly 10 years of strict training, there is a saying that anything can be used as a weapon. These two men in front may be brave and ruthless, but he does not take them into account at all. He can even easily defeat them empty handed, much less with a hatchet in his hands now.

"Clang clang", the long swords were swept away. Xiang Shaolong ran forward like an arrow, his left fist punching a man's face, his leg giving a flying kick towards the other man's groin.

The two of them immediately cried and fell down, their long swords dropping from their hands.

Xiang Shaolong then retreated to where Mei Canniang was, his hatchet held in front of him, with a combat ready pose, shouting at the shocked crowd, "Come!"

The rest hesitated, not one of them dared to lead the fight. They have never imagined that there are such swift and vicious attacks.

Xiang Shaolong gave a long laugh and leapt out like a ferocious tiger, his hatchet slashing down and was embroiled in a battle with those 20 odd people.

He moved swiftly so that the enemy has no chance to group together and in no time they all fell to the ground, either felled by his punches or his kicks.

The crowd kept cheering for him, obviously they've had enough of those bullies.

When Xiang Shaolong became the ultimate winner, he picked up the best sword smong the pile and tied it to his waist.

The crowd cried out, and a few people rushed forward followed by the rest of the crowd. They picked up sticks or hoes or similar weapons and starting hitting those bullies on the ground. It seems that in the face of public fury, none of them will be able to survive.

Mei Canniang ran over and hugged him tightly, exclaiming, "Heavens! You're really brave! I will never have to fear bullies again."

Xiang Shaolong hugged her and walked towards the other end of the street and asked nonchalantly, "Have you found out how to get to Handan?"

Mei Canniang replied, "There's some who have heard of this place, but do not know how to get there."

Footsteps can be heard behind them and someone called out, "Brave man, please hold your steps!"

Xiang Shaolong turned around while still hugging Mei Canniang and saw that man dressed in fine robes who was buying horses walking towards them.

Xiang Shaolong, Mei Canniang, and that well dressed man sat down on the floor in a big room.

Xiang Shaolong studied the man, and guessed that he's about 40 years old, his features gives an impression of intelligence and his skin smooth. Obviously he has never done any manual labor in his life and compared to the farmers at the market, it's like the difference between a city man and a poor country man.

That man introduced himself, "I am Tao Fang, one of the 12 servants of Master Wu. Brave hero, your accent sounds strange, I wonder where you're from?"

Xiang Shaolong said, "My wife and I are both from Mulberry Village. I wonder if Master Tao has invited me here for some deals?"

Tao Fang looked perplexed, obviously not understanding his choice of words, so he could only guess part of the meaning. Luckily he's used to trading with various tribes, so he nodded and said, "Is brave hero interested in earning a large sum of money."

Xiang Shaolong looked at Mei Canniang.

She gave a sweet smile and nodded, indicating that she has no objections to any decisions he makes. To her, a man's words are orders.

Xiang Shaolong felt released from the binds of military rules, and feeling carefree, nodded, "Would Master Tao please enlighten me!"

Tao Fang leaned forward and said excitedly, "With brave hero's marvelous skills, you can block 100 men with ease. If you agree to become my bodyguard, I can pay you 50 coppers every month, what do you think?"

Mei Canniang exclaimed "Ah!", grabbed his arm and uttered, "That's enough to sustain us for one year."

Xiang Shaolong took a whiff at her face and replied, "The offer is very attractive, but we're planning to go to Handan!"

A hint of a smile appeared at the corner of Tao Fang's lips and he said calmly, "Hero must not have heard of the great name of out Master Wu. He is the finest 'King of Livestock' in Handan. After collecting enough horses all over the place, we will send them to Handan. If hero will become my bodyguard, won't it be killing two birds with one stone."

Xiang Shaolong replied joyously, "But I'm going to bring her along!"

Tao Fang looked at Mei Canniang and laughed, "Don't worry! Besides buying fine horses, we also purchase beauties from various places, so there's no problem at all if hero wants to bring your beauty along." He furrowed his brows as he looked at his clothes and continued, "I'll order someone to clean up a place for you and your wife to rest as well as get you some new clothes. We'll return to Handan at the break of dawn tomorrow. What weapons do you use, if it's swords, I'll immediately give you a good sword made by an old blacksmith in Handan. You can throw away the one you picked up earlier."

Xiang Shaolong burst out laughing, and asked "How long will it take to get to Handan?"

Tao Fang has obviously taken a liking to him and replied without irritation, "On a fast horse, about 10 days. But the way we are going to travel, and having to purchase horses and beauties on the way, we'll take at least a month."

Xiang Shaolong was in a good mood, and once he thought that he'll be able to find Emperor Qin in Handan, he immediately said there's no problem.

So this matter was thus settled.

Tao Fang ordered someone to bring him to a camp near the market. The person who led the way is Li Shan, also a bodyguard. He was very impressed with his skills, so naturally he was extremely respectful.

The camp was heavily guarded, with a guard in front of the 30 odd tents, either to prevent the beauties from escaping, or to prevent thieves.

Next to the camp there was a temporary erected horse enclosure, with more than a hundred horses kept in there.

Li Shan introduced Xiang Shaolong to the head of the bodyguards Dou Liang. The fierce looking warrior sized him up coldly and said disdainfully, "Since Brother Xiang is so capable, I must exchange pointers with you when I have the chance." After he spoke, he eyed Mei Canniang lecherously, obviously disregarding Xiang Shaolong's presence.

Li Shan was a little embarrassed and led the two of them to a tent at the edge of the camp and left after a few words.

The two went into the tent.

Mei Canniang lowered her head and did not speak, but it was obvious she was troubled.

Xiang Shaolong hugged her and said gently, "There's no need to be afraid of that Dou Liang. Sooner or later I'll find a chance to teach him a lesson. I, Xiang Shaolong is not afraid of any bullies at all." And he can't help but think of Black Faced Deity.

Mei Canniang said quietly, "City folks are all deceitful, I'm afraid I won't be used to that kind of life."

Xiang Shaolong thought to himself that modern folks are a hundred times worse than you ancient people, but he assured her, "With me to protect you, what is there to fear?"

Mei Canniang's eyes reddened, collapsed into his arms and cried piteously, "Everyone who lives in Mulberry Forest Village are good people, our lives fulfilling, getting better year by year. And now that the bullies Jiao Du and his men are dead, it'll be even more peaceful. Husband! Why don't we return there to stay, happily until we grow old and die, and I'll have children with you, isn't that better?"

Xiang Shaolong sighed secretly, he's so used to indulgences in life, how will he ever get used to such a life. He said gently, "Why don't we do this! I'll borrow 100 coppers from Tao Fang, that'll be enough for your living expenses for 2 years, and I'll forge a path in Handan. Once I am successful, I'll come back for you, won't that benefit both of us?"

Mei Canniang stammered, "Won't it mean that I'll have to part from you?"

Xiang Shaolong replied, "At the earliest it'll take a few months, the latest one to two years, I will definitely return. Don't forget that I am sent by Heaven, so I'll definitely not die."

Mei Canniang wailed, and just when Xiang Shaolong was at a loss, she came to a decision and tearfully agreed to Xiang Shaolong's suggestion.

Once they thought of the impending parting, the two of them engaged in joyous acts in the tent until dinnertime, when they left the tent to join Tao Fang for dinner. He brought up the topic of paying his salary in advance and without a second word, Tao Fang gave him 200 coppers straightaway. Xiang Shaolong can't help but feel impressed.

But that head of bodyguards Dou Liang was extremely jealous.

Tao Fang asked in passing again Xiang Shaolong's origins, but Xiang Shaolong still insisted that he's from Mulberry Forest Village, so Tao Fang did not press the issue.

Early that night they returned to the tent and continued in their engagements until the next morning. After an unwilling parting, Mai Canniang returned to Mulberry Forest Village alone while Xiang Shaolong followed Tao Fang towards the unknown Capital of Zhao, starting on his journey to look got Emperor Qin.

Book 1 Chapter 4 – Surrounded by Danger

They walked for less than 2 hours when it started raining heavily.

The 100 odd warriors wore their straw raincoats, escorting 12 horse carriages and almost 200 fine horses and moved forward with much aplomb.

Xiang Shaolong thought about Mei Canniang, thought about her tears as she parted, and felt an indescribable sadness. He almost had the urge to turn back and look for her but he remembered he had taken 200 coppers from Tao Fang and stopped himself. He is not someone who will go back on his words. He must at least work for a few months as a bodyguard.

The rain only stopped at dusk and the entourage stopped and pitched tents. 60 odd young girls came out of the horse carriages, all of them young and beautiful. A few among them were exceptionally pretty, comparable to Mei Canniang.

Although they all looked tired, but they were all in high spirits, not like slaves who have just been bought at all. They even helped to cook and talk and laugh with the warriors, which baffled Xiang Shaolong.

The girls realized that now there's another handsome man, Xiang Shaolong, so they all made eyes at him. A pity that he has lost the mood to flirt because he missed Mei Canniang and instead he went for a walk outside the camp.

The wilderness after the rain was crisply green, the air refreshing.

Xiang Shaolong can't help but feel sentimental.

No matter how pretty nature is, how alluring the world in front of him is, but surrounding him was undeveloped land, endless forests. It's only the beginning of man's destruction towards nature. But by the 21st century, they have reached the end of this path of no return, and humankind had to suffer the consequences.

If he has the power to change all these, would history be re-written?

"Shh!"

Xiang Shaolong was startled.

Amidst the rustling leaves, a Baiyi girl wearing a sleeveless top and short skirt, which revealed her rounded thighs, jumped out. It turned out to be the prettiest Baiyi girl he met the other day at the market.

She went to him excitedly and looked up to him, saying, "I've been following you for 2 days and nights." She pulled him and said nervously, "Escape quickly!"

Xiang Shaolong pulled her into his arms instead and holding her tightly by her waist, kissed her lips.

The Baiyi lady reacted fierily, even hugging his strong neck, not at all shy.

Xiang Shaolong is believing more and more that women of this era, once they meet a man they like, are more direct then women from the 21st century, and felt his spirits lifting.

The Baiyi girl left his mouth, her pretty face blushed an endearing red and said hurriedly, "My name is Xiu Yi, come back with me to Mount Baiyi! If you follow those Zhao people to Handan, you'll certainly be killed by Hui Hu and his group of horse thieves."

Xiang Shaolong listened to her melodious voice, enjoying her voluptuous body, and his desire was just rising when he was suddenly shocked and asked, "What did you say?" In reality he only understood about 30 to 40 percent of her words.

The Baiyi girl Xiu Yi slowed down and said each word clearly, "A few days ago, our tribesmen received news, Hui Hu and his 800 horse thieves were preparing to lay an ambush for the Zhao people at Dashi Valley to steal their women and horses. If you go with them, you'll surely be killed. They're a lot more formidable than Jiao Du and his men."

Xiang Shaolong finally understood, his two ill-mannered hands continuously caressing her chest and buttocks and laughed, "Don't worry! I have a way to deal with them."

Xiu Yi smiled coquettishly, using her chest to press against him and her arms to rub against him, asked with a smile, "I know you will not abandon your friends to save your own life, I shall not force you. But I've given you such useful information, how are you going to thank me?"

Xiang Shaolong smiled bitterly, "Besides copper coins, you can have anything else."

Xiu Yi disentangled herself from his arms and turned a circle in front of him, saying with a flirtatious smile, "Everyone says that I'm pretty, do you agree? I still do not know your name!"

Xiang Shaolong stared at her, all his worries gone and replied, "I'm Xiang Shaolong!"

Xiu Yi repeated it a few times, and suddenly loosened her clothes, revealing a fair body that can make any man dizzy. She said with a smile, "Would this be prettier? The men in the tribe all love to look at my body."

This is the first time Xiang Shaolong has seen a girl like that, he breathed in deeply and ordered, "Come here!"

Xiu Yi threw herself into his arms, and as she took off his clothes, she moaned, "It's always men who have begged me, but this time I'm begging you. Come! Lover! I have not gone home for 2 days, if you did not come out I'd have gone into the camp to look for you."

Xiang Shaolong returned to camp all relaxed and looked for Tao Fang. He pulled him to a corner and told him everything that just happened.

Tao Fang's expression became very somber and after a while, reached out and placed his hand on his shoulder and said, "You have saved my life this time. The problem now is not those horse thieves, but there's a spy among my people."

Xiang Shaolong nodded, "Master Tao must have kept the route you're taking to Handan very secret, not many will know about it. So if Hui Hu knows that you will be passing by Dashi Valley, there must be a spy who supplied him with this news."

Tao Fang was extremely surprised at his quick wit and complimented him, "I was right about you. Not only are you good looking, but intelligent and brave as well. Good! As long as I am still in power, I will not treat you badly."

Xiang Shaolong laughed to himself, it'll be more like it if Emperor Qin said these words to him.

Tao Fang hesitated for a moment before saying, "The spy must be Dou Liang. There's two reason why I'm so sure it's him. Firstly he excused himself from the group for two days, so he must have met up with Hui Hu. Secondly, out of the few who knows our route, he's the only one from Wei, and people from Wei cannot be trusted."

Xiang Shaolong was perplexed, "Since the Weis cannot be trusted, then why did you employ him?"

Tao Fang replied, "Shaolong, you have been living in the mountains, naturally you're not familiar with the situation in central plains."

Xiang Shaolong replied earnestly, "I really want to know!"

Tao Fang explained, "We have to start the story from the partitioning of Jin into 3 states, that was the beginning of the division of the whole era. It was said that the powerless King of Zhou isolated the states and after the split, Wei, Han and our Zhao kingdoms were forged and no one paid any heed to Zhou. If the past can be described as a peaceful stream, now it's a torrential river. The change within the last ten years almost equals the change that has happened over the last 100 years. Those who are incapable will be ousted." And he can't help but sigh as he spoke.

Xiang Shaolong cannot imagine that a horse trader like him would be so knowledgeable, and felt the urge to tell him that no matter how they struggle or fight, Emperor Qin would be the one who unite the world in future. But of course he can't say it out loud, and even if he did, no one would believe him. So he tried to get some information, "Is Qin the strongest and biggest state now?"

Tao Fang looked at him in surprise and said slowly, "Ever since Qin used the reformative policies suggested by Gongsun Yang*, from the Wei ruling family, they've indeed become stronger and wealthier. They even destroyed Zhou 5 years ago but also incurred the wrath of the everyone else. Therefore after our state's great general Le Cheng, Yan She defeated Qin's army badly and 3 years ago Wei invaded and captured Tao Ju, Qin's most important city in the east, their strength was greatly diminished." He was obviously still concerned about the matter of the spy and was not in the mood for further discussion so he said, "Shaolong! I want you to kill that spy Dou Liang for me."

*http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shang_Yang

Xiang Shaolong patted his chest and said, "Leave this to me, but if the wrong person was killed, won't the enemy be even happier."

Tao Fang smiled coldly, "You're new here, Dou Liang have not figured out your background. You could test him with words, I'm sure he'll fall into the trap."

Xiang Shaolong secretly thought that he's smart, and nodded his head in agreement.

Tao Fang's attitude to him changed totally and said, "Anyone from Wei can be killed. It's only recently that I found out that he's from Wei, and have decided to stop using him after the completion of this task, but I did not expect him to strike first." He took out an exquisite sheathed dagger and handed it to Xiang Shaolong, saying, "Make it a clean job, after this I'll tell others that I sent him somewhere else on a mission. This dagger is made by a famed blacksmith specializing in making swords in Yue, and can easily cut a strand of flying hair. I'll give this to you, let it drink it's fill of that Wei thief's blood."

Xiang Shaolong saw that he spoke of murder like an everyday affair and was secretly startled. However, all the training he received taught him how to kill, so as long as it's the bad guys he's killing, he won't feel too sad about it.

Tao Fang was suddenly in the mood to chat again and said, "The Weis occupied our capital Handan for 2 years, and thankfully the State of Qi helped us force the Weis to retreat. But a lot of Weis were still left in Handan, and they became traitors and spies. That is what Dou Liang is, so you must not have any sympathy when you strike."

Xiang Shaolong went back to camp. All the other warriors were respectful towards him and now that the sun is setting, the land started getting darker.

From a corner of the camp sounds of girls laughing could be heard. In any case, Xiang Shaolong had to find Dou Liang, so he might as well walk over and take a look, and was immediately stunned. It turns out that the small river was filled with naked girls, all bathing and having fun in the water.

My god! Why are ancient women even bolder than the western ladies in Caen or Miami Beach?

A few warriors were at the side of the river enjoying this marvelous scenery, and one of them was Li Shan. He walked forward with a smile and said, "The quality of this batch of girls is very good, does Brother Xiang want to ask Master Tao for two to have some fun? He seems very impressed with you?"

Xiang Shaolong asked in bewilderment, "Where did you find so many pretty women? Don't they feel that it's very sad to be traded like goods?"

Li Shan asked curiously, "Isn't Brother Xiang from the mountains? If women aren't goods then what are they? If they were sold to some poor village or isolated place, they would have to serve the whole family of 10 odd men alone, isn't that worse? Now they can go to the city, and if they're lucky, they may capture the eyes of someone from a wealthy family. They'll be able to wear jewelry, how much more proud can they be!"

Xiang Shaolong may be lecherous, but he's always respected women so he finds it difficult to accept such an attitude. Therefore he can only stop talking about this subject and instead asked, "Where is Dou Liang?"

Li Shan smiled evilly, "Just because he's the head here, he chose the prettiest girl and went into the tent, what do you think he's going to do?" Xiang Shaolong was secretly furious and after finding out where his tent is, walked towards it.

Before he reached the tent, he could hear a man panting and a woman moaning.

Xiang Shaolong guessed that he will certainly emerge for dinner so he waited at the side. Indeed, after a while, the girl came out first with her clothes in disarray, followed by Dou Liang.

Xiang Shaolong walked towards him and as he walked past, said quietly, "Come alone with me if you have the guts."

Dou Liang laughed sinisterly and followed him out of the camp.

They came to a dense forest and Xiang Shaolong turned around, taking the opportunity to hide the dagger behind his back and said respectfully, "Brother Dou, I am sent here by Hui Hu to help you."

Dou Liang's hand was already on his sword but once he heard that, he looked at him in extreme shock.

Xiang Shaolong was laughing secretly to himself and said, "There's been a change in plans, Hui Hu has decided not to strike at Dashi Valley, and told me to inform Brother Dou."

Once Dou Liang heard him mention the name Dashi Valley, he was finally hooked and said furiously, "What the heck is Hui Hu trying to do. What other better locations can there be other than Dashi Valley?"

Xiang Shaolong took the opportunity to step forward and said, "It's at…"

Dou Liang shouted, "Stand there and talk!"

Xiang Shaolong drew out his long sword and threw it aside, saying with a bitter smile, "Brother Dou is too overly suspicious."

When Dou Liang saw him drawing his sword, he drew his in retaliation as well but when he saw him throwing it aside, he was relieved and replaced his sword back into the sheath. His expression calmed a little and he said, "That old fox Tao Fang is quite formidable, how can I not be careful."

Xiang Shaolong suddenly stared at a spot behind him, his expression full of fear.

Naturally Dou Liang would turn his head back for a look and when he saw no one, he knows he has fallen for the trap. He felt a coldness on the side of his neck, stabbed by Xiang Shaolong's dagger, fresh blood flowing out from the vein and he died on the spot.

Xiang Shaolong walked over to his body and sighed, "When it comes to killing, who can be better than me, who is from the Special Task Force and well versed in anatomy?"

Xiang Shaolong returned to camp and other than the warriors on patrol, everyone else were gathered at the open area in the middle of the camp. There were 20 over tables, the girls taking 10 tables, and there was a campfire banquet. There was a wide array of food, and maybe because of this, the women were willing to become goods.

He walked towards Tao Fang, sat next to him and lifted 2 fingers in a sign of victory, to indicate he has taken care of Dou Liang.

Naturally Tao Fang did not understand his signal, but looking at his spirited expression, he knows that he has succeeded. He was secretly complimenting him, thinking that this lad has killed a man and yet there's no change in his expression, he's indeed a first rate assassin and killer. He said, "Shaolong, go and take a look at the ladies' table, if there's anyone to your liking, just take a few into the tent for fun, no need to be shy."

Xiang Shaolong secretly thought to himself, now why would he be shy. It's just that my body is not made of iron after all, after dealing with that insatiable Baiyi wanton, he has no more energy to enjoy another woman, much less a few. He spoke into Tao Fang's ear, "Is Master Tao interested in making a night journey, so that the enemy's spy will suddenly realize tomorrow morning that he's lost our whole camp?"

That night Tao Fang ordered his men to cover the horses hooves and the wheels of the carriages with soft cloth. Leaving behind a few empty tents and some straw men, they journeyed in the dark of the night until dawn before they pitched camp and rested hidden away in a small valley.

Xiang Shaolong slept soundly in his private tent, now he has become the head of the bodyguards.

When he woke up he realized that there's a pretty lady in his tent.

The beauty knelt on the floor, her forehead touching the ground and said respectfully, "I am Ting Fangshi, and have been ordered by Master Tao to serve Master Xiang on this journey."

Xiang Shaolong was secretly commending Tao Fang for his kind thoughts. He might as well enjoy the feeling of being a master, so he said, "Sit up!"

Ting Fangshi sat up straight, her voluptuous bosom straining to escape from her clothes.

Xiang Shaolong took a while to shift his gaze back upwards, and immediately recognized her as the beauty Dou Liang took into his tent yesterday. He remembered her tender moans and immediately felt desire, secretly hating Dou Liang for being able to pick a fine specimen. He sat up with a smile, reached out and pinched her face and said gently, "Who can bear to sell you?"

Ting Fangshi lowered her head and said quietly, "It's my husband!"

Xiang Shaolong exclaimed hoarsely, "What? How can there be such a man who does not know how to treasure a woman?"

Ting Fangshi guffawed, covered her little mouth and said, "Master Xiang talks so funnily, you're different from the others."

Xiang Shaolong thought to himself, of course it's different, we're from a different time period! However he asked, "Is he inept?"

Ting Fangshi asked in alarm, "What is 'inept'?"

Xiang Shaolong explained patiently, "It means a man who is incapable of copulating with a woman."

Ting Fangshi finally understood and she shook her head, "That's not the problem, but because he already had over 10 wives, and all of them snubbed me and backstabbed me, saying that I was flirting with other men with my eyes. So he sold me."

Xiang Shaolong was suddenly enlightened, and felt that beauties truly have a hard life. Because her beauty has incurred the jealousy of the other evil wives. So he asked nonchalantly, "So did you flirt with other men?"

Ting Fangshi gritted her teeth and said, "Not initially, but I did later. Because I had hoped that a stronger man than him will come and save me. As long as I can get him and his wives out of my sight, I am willing to make any sacrifice."

She then chuckled and said, "Master Xiang is different from other men. They can't wait to take off their clothes and jump onto me once they see me, only Master Xiang will talk to me like this. I am very grateful."

Xiang Shaolong felt a sense of pity, the women of this era really have hard lives, like a rootless duckweed, their fate totally controlled by men. His enthusiasm was dampened, the fire of desire he felt early disappeared totally. He stood up and said, "I think there's a clear stream towards the east, I'd like to go there for a cold bath."

Ting Fangshi did not really understand what he said, so after he explained again, she hurriedly stood up and said, "Let me serve Master Xiang with your bath." She then added quietly, "That would be my greatest honor."

The two of them stood naked in the waist high stream, with Fang Tingshi helping to scrub him. Xiang Shaolong was so comfortable he almost wanted to sigh.

click to show/hide spoilers

Suddenly he heard Tao Fang's voice on the shore, "If Shaolong is satisfied with this woman, then let her follow you in future."

Ting Fangshi exclaimed, "Ah!", her expression overjoyed. If she can become this man's mistress or maid, she'd be willing even if it means death.

Xiang Shaolong obviously knows that this is Tao Fang's way of bribing him, so after thanking him, asked, "Have the scout returned with any news?"

Tao Fang's eyes settled on Ting Fangshi's peaks, which was trembling slightly. When he bought this woman, he inspected her body personally so he knows how smooth and supple her skin is, so now he felt something. He swallowed his saliva and said, "Shaolong has guessed correctly, there's 3 thieves running after us but they've been killed. We have lost Hui Hu for the time being but we must not let our guard down. The horse thieves are good at tracking, and added with our slow speed, they will catch up sooner or later."

During his life in the army, Xiang Shaolong has long become accustomed to bathing together with his teammates, so he's not uncomfortable at all that Tao Fang is seeing him. However, for Ting Fangshi to be admired by him thus, he felt a little taken advantaged of, so he said "We'll leave immediately after the meal and see how far we can travel. Give me 10 odd men, I will hide the tracks of the horses and carriages." Tao Fang is getting more and more confident of him, so he nodded and said, "We'll depend on you, enjoy yourself!" and left.

Ting Fangshi turned towards him and said while hugging him, "Master Xiang! I will be yours in future."

How can Xiang Shaolong withstand the sight of her alluring body, so he carried her up and kissed her lips hardly and invaded her body.

It's the first time Ting Fangshi enjoyed such tenderness from a man, so she used all her might to express her willingness and joy.

Familiar moans and groans sounded in Xiang Shaolong's ears again like music from the heavens.

Xiang Shaolong showed all his moves gently, and let this beauty who has suffered in the hands of men enjoy a sweetness that she can never imagined.

Book 1 Chapter 5 – Display of invincibility

As far as they can see all around them, the land was a large lush plain of green, peppered with wild forests and winding rivers and streams. Nature is so breathtakingly beautiful.

Tao Fang suddenly sighed and said, "I'm in conflict when it comes to the Weis as well. The southwest of Great Jin has a corner separated by the Yellow River, followed by treacherous mountains. It effectively sandwiched the Qin's only entrance in the east. After the separation of the 3 states, this section was taken by the Weis, and as long as they remain strong, the Qins will be trapped in the west and cannot conquer towards the east. Hai! So do we wish for the state of Wei to be strong or weak?"

Xiang Shaolong asked, "Why does Master Tai hate the Weis so much?"

Tao Fang's expression turned somber and he said, "Ever since Marquis Wen of Wei reformed Wei, he kept invading others, not only weakening us, but made the Qins stronger and become a danger to us. The chaotic situation now is all the result of the Wei's actions. Secondary are the aberrant Qis who goes back on their words. When we joined forced with Chu and Han to attack Qin, they came to attack us and gave Qin the opportunity to eliminate the 2 states of Ba and Shu, thus expanding their land. All of them are short sighted people."

Another warrior interrupted, "But the most idiotic would be King Chu. The Qins used only 600 miles of land to entice him to break off friendly ties with Qi. In the end they were left isolated and without reinforcements. The Qins defeated them badly at Danyang and they lost 80,000 men, Hanzhong, northwest of Chengdu and Pingxiao which resulted in a huge setback for their state. Later he was lured by the Qins to go to Wu Pass and was captured by them. In the end he died of an illness in a foreign land. One does not know whether to pity him or laugh at him."

Xiang Shaolong got excited upon hearing all these. In the 21st century there's no turmoil like this where the outcome can be determined by war. Only here can he show off his capabilities like a fish to water. By now he is thinking less and less about returning.

After the few of them discussed about their strategies at Shantou, they split up to follow up on their respective tasks.

Xiang Shaolong led 30 odd men and set traps and dug holes on the surrounding slopes to prevent the enemy from attacking them in the cover of the night. He also confirmed the emergency back up plans with Tao Fang, who nodded with consent as he listened.

During these few days, Xiang Shaolong would practice on his swordplay and archery whenever he is free. He had learnt all these in the past, but of course such skills were not as important as practicing their marksmanship at that time, so now he has to work harder in these areas.

To a full time army personnel like him, he is more adept at using weapons then anyone else. However he humbly sought advice from other warriors and improved on their swordplay, creating for himself a powerful yet unconstrained style of swordplay that is most lethal. Although he felt that it's still not good enough, but he can't find a good teacher in such a short time, so he'll have to make do with it.

He only returned to the camp to rest late at night.

The beautiful and coquettish Ting Fangshi, who has been nourished by love, had just woken up and was about to change his attire for him when Xiang Shaolong stopped her and said, "I'll sleep in this tonight! I have a feeling the thieves will come tonight."

Ting Fangshi was so startled her face turned pale and she stammered, "What should we do then. If I end up in the hands of those horse thieves, I will surely be defiled, and face a fate worse than death."

Xiang Shaolong hugged and assured her, "Don't be afraid, with Xiang Shaolong around, I will guarantee your safety, I may stay behind to fight off the enemy, you'll go with Master Tao to Handan first and I'll meet up with you later."

Ting Fangshi's expression turned stricken and she sobbed, "I ask that Heaven have pity on me and protect Master Xiang. In the past I felt that it doesn't matter which man I follow. But now I know that if I don't have Master Xiang, I would not want to live a single day longer.

Xiang Shaolong knows that this enticing beauty has developed feelings for him and suddenly felt desire again. He licked the tears off her face, his other hand reaching into her top and working its way around her bosom. For a moment he remembered Mei Canniang, and secretly thought that it was a good idea not to let her come along, or else she might have been frightened to death now.

Ting Fangshi's petite body shivered, her face red and burning, fire coming out of her eyes. Her little mouth gaped open, sighing and moaning, the expression of desire on her face thoroughly enticing.

Xiang Shaolong suddenly stopped, and said "I have to conserve my energy tonight to deal with any situation that might arise. Can you wait for a night?"

Ting Fangshi gasped and moaned, she has no choice but to nod her head in agreement. But once he saw her rapidly heaving bosom, he knows that she is now in a heat of desire that cannot be extinguished.

For the first time, Xiang Shaolong thought that how idyllic life will be if there's no war.

Ting Fangshi blew out the oil lamp and fell into this man's arms, making him out of control.

Xiang Shaolong hugged a ball of fire and snuggled into the blankets. He asked gently, "I forgot to ask you, have you ever had an affair with another man behind your husband's back?"

Ting Fangshi curled up and nibbling his ear, said softly, "He was very strict with me, but I frequently have to accompany the men he singled out. When he's happy, he'll let his relatives and friends have fun with me. Luckily it's a lot better serving other men than serving him."

Xiang Shaolong secretly sighed to himself, women in this era has no standing at all, but just the slaves of men. From what she said, a married woman is not that much different from a prostitute. When he thought of the Emperor Qin in the movie, his mother was the favorite concubine of Lu Buwei, who offered her to his father, and no longer felt that such a situation is strange.

Under extreme exhaustion, he slept.

He suddenly woke up, and heard urgent footsteps coming nearer and nearer. Ting Fangshi was frightened awake.

Xiang Shaolong ordered her to stay in the tent and quietly took his sword and left the tent. He met a nervous looking Li Shan and knew that something's wrong so he hurriedly followed him to the top of the eastern hill.

Tao Fang and all his warriors are all awake, crouching at the top of the hill looking at their surroundings.

Under the majestic starts, in the seemingly quiet plains, birds were startled into flight, and there were roars from ferocious tigers.

Tao Fang turned pale and exclaimed, "They're coming!"

Xiang Shaolong is adept at observing his enemy's movements, and guessed that their enemy is still far away and have not grouped up in force. He suggested, "Why don't' Master Tao escape with the women first, but leave the horses here. I will lead 50 men to engage the enemy and we will meet in Handan at a later date."

Tao Fang knows that the horse thieves outnumber them and they're all vicious and fearless, and felt a chill in his heart. He reached out and grabbing his shoulders, said with gratitude, "I'll leave everything to you. You must keep your life and come to Handan to look for me. I will take good care of Ting Fangshi for you." And he left in a hurry after speaking these words.

After a moment, Tao Fang and the women went up the horse carriage and under the protection of the other 60 odd warriors, left by the other passage that has not been laid with traps.

Xiang Shaolong and the rest immediately busied themselves, improving their defenses, increasing the depth of the trap holes, putting more ropes to trip the horses and such.

3 hours later, the horse thieves finally came. The horses on the hills neighed as the thieves surrounded the small hill. Murderous horse thieves were all around them, causing a chill down the various warriors' heart, because they are really greatly outnumbered.

Xiang Shaolong felt himself getting numb and kept reminding himself to calm down.

Suddenly footsteps were heard, 2 teams of 100 odd horse thieves ran up the hill from the east and west.

Xiang Shaolong knows that the other party is just testing them, so he instructed everyone to stand by their positions and not make any rash moves.

The 2 teams of horse thieves started making their way up, whooping shrilly, and causing anyone who heard them feel a cold shiver.

Halfway up the hill, the horse thieves split up and charged quickly forward.

The horse thieves at the forefront fell over, either falling into the pike holes or their horses tripped over the ropes, causing the men and horses to roll down the hill and knock into the charging horse thieves behind. Under this chain reaction, more than half of the 2 teams of almost 200 men were either dead or injured.

The warriors cheered, their confidence greatly boosted.

Xiang Shaolong secretly thanked the good luck, knowing that the enemy lost because they were careless and over confident, that's why they fell into the trap. He hurriedly ordered everyone to move to the bottom of the slope and hide in the holes without the pikes and prepare their arrows to launch a third attack to the enemy.

A few hundred torches lighted up the surrounding area, throwing the whole hill into fiery brightness.

A burly man with huge graying beard walked out from among their enemy, sitting proudly on a horse. He pointed and shouted, "Those damned Zhao devils. If I, Hu Hui, allow anyone of you to die with an intact body, then I will retire immediately."

Xiang Shaolong was secretly berating the other party for being stupid. Once he said that, won't he be forcing his opponents to fight with all their might?

Xiang Shaolong felt that his arm is stronger than others, and shot an arrow towards Hui Hu. The light weighted arrow lost its momentum before it even reached its target and dropped about 10 meters away from Hui Hu. However, this is enough to cause apprehension among the horse thieves. Who has such incredible arm strength?

The warriors were secretly cheering, but none dared to make any noise, afraid that the enemy will find out their location.

The horn blew and the horse thieves all came down their horses and split into two groups to attack from all sides.

Horse thieves with shields and spears, who under the light of the torch, made their way carefully up the slope, led the first wave of attack, spoiling the trap that Xiang Shaolong had laid.

Behind them were archers, who kept shooting arrows towards the hill, covering the ascent of the men with spears. However they did not know that Xiang Shaolong is already hiding in the middle of the hill in a hole designed to avoid arrows.

By now all the warriors were impressed with Xiang Shaolong's prediction of the enemy's moves and their confidence soared.

By Xiang Shaolong's estimation, the enemy still has about 700 men who can fight. Even if they can get rid of the 400 odd men who are making their way up now, their enemy still outnumbers them greatly. Besides, there's no way they can kill all the troops who are advancing now without causing casualties to their own people. He had an idea, and instructed Li Shan, who was by his side, "When the fight starts later, bring 10 men to the horse enclosure immediately. When you hear the signal of 3 long and 3 short horns, break the enclosure immediately and let the horses out. Let them charge down from the east, then we'll escape from the west."

Li Shan immediately agreed and went to look for his partners.

By now the first batch of horse thieves have reached the midsection of the hill, slowly coming closer. The atmosphere was tense.

Hui Hu and the remaining of his 300 men sat on their horses at the east side arranging their formation. They rubbed their fists and palms, getting ready to charge up and kill.

This is the first time Xiang Shaolong is in such a situation, and his heart beat wildly for a moment. He ordered, "Release the rocks!"

The barrier of 10 odd piles of tree trunks and rocks, which were hidden behind the bushes and grass, was removed and they rolled down like waves, breaking the enemy's shields and causing them to fall.

Xiang Shaolong shouted, "Release the arrows." All the warriors who were hidden in the burrows immediately showed themselves and their arrows fell like rain. The enemy was in chaos and could not retaliate at all. They were struck by arrows and rolled down the hill, suffering another 200 odd casualties.

The morale of the warriors were greatly boosted and they cheered.

Hui Hu was jumping mad and after retreating the injured men, he immediately regrouped his men for the third attack.

Xiang Shaolong observed how the other party was moving and knew that they're putting their main force on the slope at the east. That area is not as steep and secretly thanking heaven for helping him, he ordered all the warriors to retreat up the hill.

There are advantages to having less men, the enemy will not be able to detect their movements so easily.

When they have all retreated up the hill, Xiang Shaolong told them to lead their horses and told them his plan. When the warriors heard that they can escape, their morale were boosted and they were all united, with no one making any objection. Until now, none of their men has been injured so naturally they think of Xiang Shaolong like a deity now.

The horn sounded, the horse thieves charged up again from all areas but most of the remaining 500 off horse thieves were coming up from the east.

Xiang Shaolong waited until the horse thieves were halfway up the hill before he ordered his man to sound the signal. Horses neighed and hooves drummed, a hundred odd wild horses were chased out of the enclosure and the warriors all hurriedly helped to steer the horses so that they ran madly down the eastern slope. They even used their long spears to poke the horses buttocks so that they will become even wilder. Amidst the flying sand, the wild horses galloped down the slope, directly into the horse thieves who were on their way up.

Xiang Shaolong has no time to observe the outcome and leading his 50 warriors, ran towards the western slope, running all the way down the safe path.

Only a hundred odd horse thieves met them, and because they were unprepared, they were quickly defeated.

Xiang Shaolong knows that his plan must be beyond the expectations of the enemy. Hui Hu does not know that all the women have been sent away, so he couldn't have imagined that only 51 riders were left to charge out of the siege.

The eastern slope may be in chaos, but the horse thieves from the other 2 sides all came to help and for a moment, the sounds of killing filled the air.

Although Xiang Shaolong had learnt to ride in the army, but he's naturally not as adept as the warriors and horse thieves who grew up on horseback. When they reached the foot of the hill, he's already lagging behind the other warriors, who thought that he is so brave as to risk his own life to cover their retreat.

By now only about 30 out of the 50 warriors remained, and they hurriedly escaped.

With his amazing arm strength, Xiang Shaolong killed a few horse thieves who were pursuing him with his spear. He was about to catch up with his team when he felt a sharp pain on his shoulder, shot by an arrow.

Xiang Shaolong roared and urged his horse to run faster. In his haste he did not see where he is going at all, but onl knows he must move forward quickly. In a short moment, he was all alone, riding forward is the vast plains.

The horse suddenly lost its footing and threw him off. He stumbled into the bushes and even the end of the arrow was snapped. The horse finally collapsed and died of exhaustion.

Xiang Shaolong felt his body getting weak and his head giddy, with a fiery pain behind his shoulder. His body was stained with fresh blood from the wound. He gritted his teeth and stood up. Taking the dagger Tao Fang gave him, he endured the extreme pain and cut out the flesh surrounding the arrowhead, and after that haphazardly bandaged the wound with his shirt.

He was parched, and knew that this is an indication of losing too much blood so he climbed up with much pain.

A ray of light shone from the eastern side of the plains. They have ran the whole night, no wonder the horse could not take it any more. He looked at the horse in apology and continued on his way.

He walked for 20 odd days in the deserted wilderness. Xiang Shaolong experienced the most difficult journey in his whole life.

The first few days he depended on wild fruits to stave his hunger. Later when his wound gradually healed after he applied mashed herbs on it to prevent infection and inflammation, his strength returned and he hunted wild rabbits for food. He was disheveled and dirty with tattered clothes.

Following Tao Fang's instructions, looking at the sun during the day and checking out the stars at night, he walked towards the direction of Handan. One day he came to the bottom of a huge mountain and looking at the tall and dangerous looking cliff, he had no choice but to walk around it. But he walked for more than 10 days and yet he was still walking around the winding mountain area. By the time he left the mountainous area, he was totally exhausted. Even his sword was broken and just as he was despairing, he found an official road outside the forest. He was overjoyed and bounded towards the road. By this time even his boots were torn.

On the way he met two groups of traders with a dozen men but when they saw his bedraggled look, they hurriedly moved away, totally ignoring him.

Xiang Shaolong sighed about the heartlessness of men. After walking for three more days, he reached another large city in the state of Zhao, Wu An, which is west of Handan.

By this time, the weather will turn cold at night, so cold that he'll be shivering. He wanted to go into the city but was chased out by the Zhao soldiers. He realized that all who enters the city must pay taxes and have their identities checked. The way he looked, like a beggar now, not to mention that he is penniless, there's no way he can enter the city.

Never did Xiang Shaolong imagine that he would become a pest that no one wants. Luckily he has been through rigorous military training and was especially resilient. He did not give up but waited for a chance outside the city gates.

He decided that after gaining into the city, he have to get clothes, food and a horse even if he has to steal or swindle. And after he finds out the route to Handan, he'll go there immediately to look for Tao Fang so that he can end this painful existence.

That night he ate wild fruits to appease his hunger, huddled up in the forest next to the road, tolerating the bitingly cold night.

When the sun shone on him as the day broke, he finally fell asleep.

Without knowing how long he slept, he was suddenly jarred awake by the sound of carriage wheels.

He opened his eyes for a look, and it turned out to be a group who was carting sheep. He was ecstatic and when no one was noticing, he hid himself in the last sheep cart amongst the sheep and stole into the city.

This city of the State of Zhao during the Warring States Period has a lot of elderly with tall and large buildings. The place was crowded, but it seems that there are more females to makes. Xiang Shaolong thought to himself that this must be the after effect of Changping where the Qin generals killed 400,000 Zhao soldiers.

He was wondering if they have gigolos here, if there is, with his ability, he'll be able to make the ladies happy. He can then earn enough for traveling expenses, a good horse and fresh clothes to Handan.

Once he thought about this, he himself felt that it's hilarious, and jumped off the cart.

Once the people on the street saw him, they all gave him despising looks.

Xiang Shaolong touched the beard on his face and almost wanted to cry. Before he came into the city, he had a purpose, which is to figure out how to come into the city. But now that he's really in the city, he is at a loss instead.

He felt ashamed of himself and turned into a deserted lane, but was discovered by a group of children who were playing in the courtyard. They ran after him and made fun of him as if he's a monster, and were so mischievous they even threw stones at him.

When he turned around to scare them, the dozen or so children immediately scattered. One little girl could not run away in time and fell down.

When Xiang Shaolong wanted to help her up, the little girl was so panicked that she wailed loudly.

Immediately a few adults holding knives, spears, rods etc ran towards him with cries of murder.