Northern Town's Rising Glory Chapter 126: The Bride Abduction (Part One)

Yang Ruiyun led one thousand Silver Spear Cavalry through five days and nights of relentless travel, finally arriving within the territory of the Heavenly Kingdom.

"General, the city ahead is where those people escaped from."

"What is the situation of that city? Give me the military deployment and the number of personnel."

The soldier took out the notes he had made during his reconnaissance. "This city is called Tianhai Pass. Although it sits on the border of the Heavenly Kingdom and the Qin Kingdom, the two nations have always been on friendly terms, so there is not much military deployment here. According to our intelligence, there should be between one and two hundred garrison troops."

"Is there a large flow of people in this city?"

"Normally, yes. The city's primary purpose is to provide rest and trade for merchants from both countries, so nearly a hundred people enter and exit every day."

"Have you found any news about the Qian family?"

The soldier shook his head. "We didn't hear anything about the Qian family from the commoners, but after spending half a day scouting the entire city, we found a stronghold of the Lan family here. We preliminarily suspect that the members of the Qian family are being held there."

Yang Ruiyun pondered for a moment and said, "Gather a dozen men with good skills. We will enter the city shortly and head straight for the Lan family residence. The rest of the brothers will wait outside the city to provide cover."

"Understood."

At Tianhai Pass, Yang Ruiyun and his men took off their armor and donned the simple cloth garments they had just purchased from merchants. Combined with the cargo carts they had also bought, they looked quite like a merchant caravan at first glance.

"Where are you from?"

"Big brother, we are a merchant caravan returning from the Qin Kingdom."

The Heavenly Kingdom soldier circled the caravan a few times. "The Qin Kingdom? What have you brought back?"

As he spoke, he reached to lift the burlap cover on a cart, but the soldier who had been speaking to him immediately stepped beside him and slipped something greenish into his hand.

"Big brother, we are dealing in jade, which cannot be exposed to too much light. This is the best piece we've acquired this time. I see you're a good man, so I'll give it to you. Please, make things easy for us."

The soldier stroked the item, which clearly looked valuable, and a smile gradually spread across his face. "Since you're so sensible, go on in."

"Alright, thank you, big brother."

Just like that, the group safely entered the city.

"General, I apologize. That jade piece must have been very valuable." The soldier who had handled the bribe walked up to Yang Ruiyun, feeling apologetic. He had only borrowed a valuable item from Yang Ruiyun as a precaution, never expecting to actually give it away.

Yang Ruiyun, however, was unconcerned. "It's fine. That was a gift from a friend a while back; it didn't cost much. But I must say, I am surprised. You were prepared for this."

The soldier scratched his head and laughed. "I used to follow merchant caravans when I was younger, so I know these tricks quite well."

After walking for a while, the group finally saw the Lan family residence.

"General, we are approaching the Lan family's territory."

"Good. Take your weapons. Divide into teams of five and infiltrate the Lan residence from different directions with me. Once you find the head of the Qian family, set off a firework. The others will rush there, and we will fight our way out together." Yang Ruiyun pulled back the burlap cover, revealing a pile of gleaming spears.

Once everyone was armed, they moved in small squads toward different sides of the Lan residence.

At this time, Qian Ju was indeed being held captive in the Lan residence at Tianhai Pass. However, Lan Hao still possessed a shred of humanity; he treated Qian Ju and Song Yuelan quite well. Other than the restriction that they could not leave the residence, he satisfied their other requests as best he could.

"Old Qian, do you think Steward Qian and the others are safe now?"

Qian Ju sighed. "I sent them toward the Chaos Lands. With my Qian family token, the Merchant Alliance won't mistreat them. I only hope they can survive."

"They have truly worked themselves to the bone for our family for most of their lives." Song Yuelan felt a deep sense of guilt toward those old servants.

Qian Ju stood up slowly, but eyes outside the door immediately fixed upon him, forcing him to sit back down in frustration. "Life is full of ups and downs. Who would have thought that after a lifetime of glory, I, Qian Ju, would end up imprisoned in my old age, watched even when I try to move?"

"I wonder how Yu'er is doing?" Song Yuelan's face was haggard; the events of this period had played a cruel joke on her.

"That boy Lan Hao is no good, but he still has some affection for Yu'er. As long as we are compliant, it should be fine." Qian Ju comforted his wife, though perhaps he was only comforting himself. His wife was perpetually dejected and had fallen ill from worry, yet he could do nothing but offer these hollow words.

Suddenly, a commotion erupted outside.

"What is going on?"

"It seems someone has invaded! Quickly, send reinforcements to the south!" The noisy clamor outside drew the attention of the couple.

"Old Qian, what's happening outside?"

Qian Ju quietly walked to the window and listened for a moment. "It seems someone has broken in."

"Who would be so bold as to break into the Lan family residence?"

No sooner had she finished speaking than three masked men in plain clothes burst into the room. Qian Ju, startled, quickly ran to his wife and shielded her behind him.

"Who are you?"

The masked man exchanged a glance with his companion before saying, "Are you the head of the Qian family, Qian Ju?"

"It is I. Are you here to kill me?" Qian Ju had not expected that even with nothing left, someone would still be targeting him.

The masked man nodded to his comrades outside before turning back to the couple. "Master Qian, you misunderstand. We are the Silver Spear Cavalry under General Yang Ruiyun. We have come today specifically to rescue you both."

"Yang Ruiyun? Rescuing me?" Qian Ju found it hard to believe that the young man would come to his aid.

"Yes. Please gather your belongings. We have signaled our forces, and they will arrive shortly to protect you as we flee this place."

"Old Qian, this is wonderful! We can finally leave this place." After so many days, Song Yuelan finally managed a smile.

Qian Ju, however, remained vigilant; after all, there was no close connection between them and Yang Ruiyun, and his sudden appearance felt unusual.

Before long, more and more people gathered in the courtyard. Yang Ruiyun arrived as well.

"Where are they?"

"Inside, General."

"Prepare for battle. We are breaking out immediately." Yang Ruiyun walked into the room, where the couple was already prepared to leave.

Upon seeing him, even after many years of separation, Qian Ju recognized him at once. "It really is you, Yang boy."

Hearing the familiar address, Yang Ruiyun relaxed. "It is, Master Qian. Stay within our formation; I will lead you out."

"Ruiyun, it's been so many years. Are you well?" Song Yuelan asked.

"I am well, Auntie. Let's talk more after we get out." Yang Ruiyun led them out of the house, surrounded by Silver Spear Cavalry soldiers who were busy cutting down the guards attempting to charge in.

"Everyone, assemble! Change formation!" At the command, the soldiers quickly enclosed Qian Ju and his wife in the center, while Yang Ruiyun positioned himself at the front.

"Break through!" Yang Ruiyun charged forward first, his spear moving like a dragon or a serpent. He killed his way out instantly, pressing toward the nearest exit with unstoppable momentum.

The guards dared not meet them head-on and tried to strike from the flanks, but the Silver Spear Cavalry were soldiers tempered in the blood of the battlefield. How could these pampered guards succeed? The soldiers around them thrust their spears, and a flash of white light swept across; none could block it.

In moments, Yang Ruiyun led them out of the Lan residence, charging toward the final obstacle: the city gate.

People on the street were terrified by the sudden surge of men and scrambled to both sides, allowing Yang Ruiyun’s group to reach the gate with ease.

The tall gate was already tightly shut, and the walls were lined with archers, their arrows aimed precisely at them. Meanwhile, the Lan family had gathered their own troops and were closing in from the rear.

"Listen to me, you below! Those who trespass in the Heavenly Kingdom shall be executed without mercy! Drop your weapons and surrender on your knees immediately!" a commander shouted from the ramparts.

A soldier beside Yang Ruiyun asked, "General, shall we signal the troops outside?"

Yang Ruiyun shook his head slightly. "No. You all step back."

Though the soldiers were puzzled, they executed the order. Everyone stepped back, leaving Yang Ruiyun standing alone.

Yang Ruiyun’s expression turned cold as he slowly raised his spear.

"White Tiger's Tooth, I rely on you this time." As he spoke, a flash of white light erupted from his chest. Yang Ruiyun felt infinite power surge into his body, and his eyes turned blood-red.

"White... Tiger... Roar!" Yang Ruiyun thrust his spear forward. Several waves of terrifying martial energy surged toward the city wall like a tidal wave. The air resonated with a deafening tiger's roar.

"Quick! Quick, fire—" Before the command could be finished, the waves of martial energy slammed into the wall. With the impact of the piercing sound waves and a thunderous boom, the entire city wall collapsed instantly. The soldiers, in their shock, were buried beneath the rubble. The once-sturdy wall had disintegrated, and the onlookers watched with stunned eyes at the monster wielding the spear.

Yang Ruiyun swung his spear, then ceased all movement, breathing heavily. As the red glow faded, he exhaled in relief.

"General, are you alright?"

"I am fine. Let’s go. We must leave this place." Amidst the rolling dust and smoke, Yang Ruiyun and his men finally broke out of Tianhai Pass in record time.

After regrouping with the troops outside, they mounted their horses, took Qian Ju and his wife, and quickly departed.

"General, we are ten miles from Tianhai Pass. They shouldn't be able to catch up to us now."

Yang Ruiyun surveyed the area, found a clearing, and ordered the troops to halt and rest.

While the soldiers rested, Yang Ruiyun walked over to Qian Ju. "Uncle, it was a bit rushed just now. Are you and Auntie alright?"

To be honest, the frantic escape had left the long-unexercised Qian Ju quite exhausted, but the joy of escaping that cage made him indifferent to his fatigue.

"We are fine. We truly have you to thank for this, boy. Tell me, did you hear that we were imprisoned in Tianhai Pass from Steward Qian?"

"That’s right. We met them while they were fleeing on our march. Once I learned of your situation from them, I brought my men to save you."

"Ruiyun, Steward Qian and the others, are they well?" Song Yuelan asked with concern.

"They are doing well. They have gone to the Northern Town Pass with my elder brother. By the way, Uncle, Auntie, do you know the status of Yu'er?"