"Makes you seem clever," the ranger scoffed, "with so many of us here, how much fire would it take to form a protective circle?

Besides, we need enough time to set it up."

"But wasn’t there a warning earlier? How come there’s no time to arrange it?

And I’ve heard that wolves hold grudges. We’ve been walking fine down the mountain road without offending them.

Who actually discovered this pack of wolves? Did someone lead them here?"

Upon hearing this, everyone thought it made some sense and some people immediately thought of Gu Kaiyuan, "They go hunting every day, could it be that they killed a wolf pup and now the wolves are seeking revenge?"

Believe it or not, this theory actually got a lot of people’s approval, and everyone started bombarding Gu Kaiyuan with criticisms.

Liu Pingkang, "Shut up, all of you. It would be better to let you be silently dragged away by wolves, a bunch of ungrateful fools.

You’ve all sinned too deeply to end up in this situation.

Everyone is barely surviving right now, yet you still want to lay blame on others. Think about how many despicable things you’ve done before you start criticizing others."

These damned corrupt officials, maybe I’ve been too lenient with them on this journey.

If it weren’t for worrying about them being injured and delaying our trip, I’d want to raise my whip and vent my anger.

"You keep running your mouths; why don’t I put Rong Ruiyuan up front to face the wolves? With all your biting words, I’m sure you can rip into the pack."

This finally shut everyone up. They’re really afraid Liu Pingkang might actually do it, and nobody dares to provoke him.

It’s finally quiet in the back, but Liu Pingkang’s expression remains tense because they see some wolves have already circled behind them. 𝒇𝓻𝓮𝓮𝙬𝙚𝒃𝒏𝓸𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝓬𝓸𝒎

☆

Bai Suihe lifted the curtain, looking at the wolves ahead with trembling hands. In the past, watching these rare animals would cost money.

Even through wire fences or glass, she could feel the threat, not to mention in the wilderness.

Dongmei and Chunxiang were also very nervous but didn’t forget to guard the door, eyes fixed on the wooden board covering it.

"Miss, don’t look. Believe that Mr. Liu and the others will definitely drive the wolves away," Dongmei licked her lips, feeling a bit dry just saying one sentence, nervous indeed.

"These wolves are really big; this standoff is testing everyone psychologically." Bai Suihe said even as she stared at the distant mountain, her eyesight quite good now but unable to spot the so-called Wolf King.

Just then, a howl echoed from the mountain; Bai Suihe immediately identified the location. Despite the snow’s glare, she seemed to see several bright spots.

The Wolf King is cunningly staying far away, dispatching its vanguard. Bai Suihe quickly shared her thoughts with Gu Kaiyuan nearby.

Gu Kaiyuan also looked in the direction Bai Suihe pointed, indeed noticing something unusual.

But now surrounded by the wolf pack, they can’t confront the Wolf King, and can only wait for an opportunity.

Dealing with such a coordinated and harmonious adversary is challenging.

Sure enough, as the howls faded, the surrounding wolves began to move, simultaneously attacking the humans in front. Despite being prepared, facing these difficult foes, victory was elusive.

And taking advantage of their unique strengths, they immediately injured several people.

Gu Kaiyuan’s side fared better; having experienced escort agents, they resisted while taking down a few wolves.

But those in the back weren’t so lucky. Apart from their numbers disadvantage, they had a group of stragglers dragging them down.

The wolves had just begun their assault when several supposed protectors — exiled criminals — dropped their weapons and scrambled aboard the carriages.

Against such beasts, turning your back exposes you as their meal.

Consequently, gaps appeared; some were directly pounced on, screams and calls for help ringing out, triggering fear in everyone.

The women and children hiding in the carriages screamed at the commotion outside.

Liu Pingkang cursed, then slashed a wolf near Ma Zhi, rescuing him. Ma Zhi immediately followed up with another strike, not having time to express gratitude before rushing off with his knife.

So that’s where the Chen Family is; Chen Dafu’s group didn’t have a bullock cart, with women and children protected in the middle. This turned them into soft targets, drawing the wolves’ attention. Two of Chen Family’s youngsters were already injured, attracting additional wolves.

Liu Pingkang leapt forward, slicing down a wolf, saving Chen Dafu.

"Mr. Liu, help us!" Chen Dafu thought he was doomed until the savior appeared, eagerly reaching for Liu Pingkang’s hand, which was briskly brushed away.

"Scram, pick up your weapons and protect your family, or your life is meaningless to me."

Hating these confused scholars most, even now they’re clinging onto him, expecting him to shield them from wolves.

"Mr. Liu, save us!" spurred by Chen Dafu, others started pleading for help as well.

Dealing with these incompetents, Liu Pingkang didn’t want to waste words, leading his brothers against the wolves.

Bai Suihe watched the terrifying scene outside, gripping tightly.

Every time a wolf lunged at a human, she clenched her fists.

"Mom, don’t worry," the baby sensed Bai Suihe’s strain, feeling uneasy in the womb, flipping over instinctively.

Bai Suihe instantly felt her stomach’s unease, rapidly calming herself, deep breathing to stabilize her emotions.

"Mom, don’t worry, even if Dad can’t protect you, I can find a way."

Outside the carriage, Gu Kaiyuan, "..."

"Baby, you must learn to trust Dad," Gu Kaiyuan’s voice echoed in their minds, reminding them not to badmouth him.

"Dad, it’s not that I don’t trust you, but I want to protect Mom.

Mom was just so tense. How long will it take to defeat the wolves? Shouldn’t I help?"

Bai Suihe inexplicably recalled the day of the meteorite, nervously swallowing, "Baby, there are many people here. Even if we’re capable, we mustn’t reveal ourselves."