TRT -Chapter 34 Counter-Robbery

My heart burned with anxiety. I was extremely worried. One against ten—even if Guo’er was amazing, he wouldn’t last long. At this rate, how could this continue?

No! We couldn’t just sit there and wait for death!

I bent down and whispered something into his ear. He immediately nodded, covered his ears, and started screaming at the top of his lungs:

“AAAAHHHH!!! YAAAAAHHH!!! AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!!!”

A band singer’s voice and an athlete’s lung capacity were no joke! This trick worked amazingly well. Everyone on the battlefield froze in shock.

“Guo’er, come here.”

Guo’er feinted, jumped out of the circle, and landed beside me. He was breathing heavily, drenched in sweat, and had injuries on his arms and waist.

I crossed my arms and stood majestically on the carriage, facing the men with the confidence of a student council election candidate, staring them down fearlessly.

I’ll kill you with my eyes!

“Everyone, stop,” I said calmly. “If we keep fighting, both sides will suffer. It’s meaningless. Let’s negotiate.”

I took a breath and pointed at the carriage beneath my feet.

“You can take all the gold and valuables. If you need supplies, take one-tenth of the food. The rest stays with us. How about it?”

“Why do you think we’d agree?” someone asked.

“Hmph. First, judging from what you said earlier, money isn’t your main goal, so splitting it isn’t impossible.

“Second, if you’re doing this for fun, you’ve already had enough. For you it’s a game; for us it’s life or death. Push us too far, and we’ll drag you down with us. You don’t want to get hurt just for fun, right?

“Third, from your outfits, you look like northern nomads. You hate dragging things out. Gold is fine, but carts of grain will just slow you down. You probably don’t even want them.

“Fourth…”

I hesitated.

“Well?” the masked man asked with interest.

I clenched my teeth and went all in.

“Fourth, your skills and bearing don’t match ordinary bandits! Real bandits are chaotic—some loot, some keep watch, relying on numbers like wolves hunting prey. But you’re disciplined, organized, divided into attack and defense units. You’re more like soldiers.

“And real bandits care about goods first. But you were more interested in fighting Guo’er, even though you knew we were helpless. You didn’t rush to loot. That means your real purpose isn’t robbery!”

I stared at the masked man.

“I don’t care who you are. Since you’re not bandits, there’s no need to pretend. You go your way, we go ours. Let’s part peacefully.

“And besides…”

I took a breath, blinked, and looked at them sincerely.

“Though we’re of different races, all under heaven are one family. This grain could save countless innocent lives. Why not consider it a good deed? Why force us?”

“Hahahahaha!”

The brute called Third Brother burst into laughter, and everyone joined in. My face instantly turned red.

“What’s so funny?!”

“Boss, this kid is interesting!” someone said. “We thought he was nothing special, but he talks with real logic! Negotiating with us! Even figured out we’re not bandits! Hahaha!”

They started chatting in their own language, laughing. They were probably mocking me. I was embarrassed and angry, thank goodness my face was covered.

“Oh~ We underestimated you,” the masked man said. “You’re right—we’re not bandits. But… today, we’re still robbing you.”

He rode his horse around me.

“Letting go of such easy prey—don’t we deserve something in return?”

“We… we won’t reveal your whereabouts?”

“Hmph. Killing you would be cleaner.”

I panicked. The masked man tapped his chin with his whip, watching me calmly. That relaxed attitude made me furious.

Fine. Since we couldn’t escape anyway, I might as well talk back!

“Alright! If you give up the grain, I’ll give you three life-saving pieces of advice. Deal?”

Silence fell. Everyone stared.

The masked man snorted coldly. I suddenly felt chilled.

He won’t kill me, will he?!

But he only lifted his chin.

“Speak. If I’m not satisfied… deal with the consequences.”

His finger brushed his curved blade.

Gulp.

I swallowed hard and forced myself to speak.

“First: You’re a foreigner in the Central Plains. Yet you’re robbing openly, without hiding. Brave, yes—but arrogant. Being flashy is your biggest weakness. Advice: Low-key is a virtue.

“Second: You kill people and decorate your saddle with skulls. Some may fear you, but more will hate you. You’re cruel and bloodthirsty. Advice: Win people with virtue.

“Third: You can’t sincerely praise others. You’re proud and narrow-minded. Advice: There’s always someone better. Be tolerant.”

After I finished, everything was silent.

The wind blew. Horses stamped.

I wasn’t even scared anymore.

After a long time, a man beside him spoke.

“Young Master, he’s right. I’ve warned you before. Today, you met someone perceptive.”

Young Master?

What young master?

Before I could think more, the masked man suddenly appeared in front of me. I stumbled and fell onto a sack.

A gloomy voice said, “Boss, this kid is too smart. He’ll be dangerous in the future. Better kill him.”

What?! No! Being outstanding is dangerous!

The masked man ignored him and asked:

“Why are you risking your lives to transport relief grain? Who are you? Government officials?”

“Don’t joke!”

Thinking of corrupt officials, I exploded with anger.

“If I were an official, I’d use dirty money for disaster relief! Why would I risk my life here?!”

My words rang out passionately.

The masked man laughed loudly.

“Good! For that sentence alone, you can keep the grain and gold.”

I was so touched I almost wanted to kiss him!

But then he smiled wickedly.

“However… your lives stay.”

My joy froze instantly.

He pulled out a golden bell. It rang sweetly—but to me, it sounded like a death knell.

“You said I’m cruel. Fine. If you three can take this bell from me, I’ll spare you. Deal?”

You petty, narrow-minded, revenge-seeking bastard!!!

The Battle

As soon as he finished speaking, Guo’er and another charged.

One grabbed him, one grabbed the horse.

After a long stalemate, when everyone was exhausted, no one expected me—a skinny weak kid—to sweep in with a fierce leg sweep!

He fell.

Before he could react, I pounced like a starving tiger.

I unleashed every move I knew:

Dragon Claw Scratches!
Nine Yin Bone Claw!
One Yang Finger!
Street-fighter grabs!

In short: foul play galore.

Result: I grabbed the bell—and tore off his headscarf and mask.

Everyone froze.

They didn’t expect their boss to fall.

We were stunned by his face.

Sharp brows—arrogant.
Thin lips—probably cold-hearted.
Bronze skin—wild and healthy.
Silver-white hair—messy but stylish.
Broad shoulders, slim waist—black and white clothes that somehow looked perfect.

Arrogant. Beautiful.

Most shocking: his eyes were golden, reflecting green-blue light like a nocturnal beast.

Beautiful. Dangerous.

For some reason, I blushed.

Suddenly, he flipped over and pinned me down.

I tried to fight back—but his knee restrained me, and one hand pinned both my wrists.

Damn it! One hand!

He leaned close, chest pressing against me, and whispered:

“So… you’re a girl.”