C9 Acting(1)

In the realm of tearful performances, Lianxiang, well-acquainted with life's ups and downs, could easily summon half an hour's worth of tears by recalling a tragic event. Xiang Ling, too, found herself weeping uncontrollably under Lianxiang's influence.

Chu Hen, on the other hand, required no pretense. His demeanor and appearance were the epitome of a gentleman of high standing.

The tribal chief was cunning with age, yet the play's realism was such that even Han Meng, a typically fierce and brutal man, had to tone down his nature to convincingly portray a noble family's enforcer.

After ensuring everyone's safety and burying the deceased, Xia Ren rallied the local militia to bolster the village's defenses against any sudden Barbarian Soldier raids.

A modest courtyard with three rooms served as the temporary abode for Chu Hen and his companions.

"The old man doesn't trust us; there are guards outside the courtyard," Han Meng remarked, closing the window and speaking in a hushed tone.

"Understandably so. Amidst this turmoil, they're like startled birds. But for the moment, we're safe."

Chu Hen gestured for the others to sit and quietly said, "No one doubts the mission's legitimacy now, do they?"

"It just seems so incredible..." Lianxiang trailed off.

"And yet, it has truly happened," Xiang Ling said with a wry smile.

"If everyone believes it to be true, then the Barbarian Soldiers will indeed arrive tonight," Chu Hen continued. "Our task is to survive, but just the four of us stand no chance against hundreds of Barbarian Soldiers."

"As we observed on the outskirts, the villagers have fortified themselves with high walls and ditches between the inner and outer village to fend off the soldiers. Now, we must rely on this place's resources. Still, we need to fully assess the available equipment, strength, and supplies."

During the conversation, Chu Hen's gaze shifted to Lianxiang.

"I understand," she acknowledged.

She was aware that among the four, her strength was the least, which meant the villagers would be less wary of her. Her ability to charm and engage was unparalleled.

To the long-time rural dwellers, Lianxiang's gentle demeanor and sweet words were enchanting, captivating their very souls.

"Brother, earlier I..." Lianxiang strolled through the courtyard, delicately touching the hem of her garment. Her coquettish smile instantly mesmerized the guards outside. Coupled with Chu Hen's carefully crafted questioning techniques, the villagers were forthcoming with answers, much to the delight of the three inside the house.

As dusk fell, a hushed conversation began.

"How's it going, Lianxiang?"

Chu Hen and three others convened a private meeting after politely declining the village chief's dinner invitation under the pretense of needing rest.

"There are some developments, though I'm not sure of their significance."

Lianxiang shared the intelligence she had gathered in her characteristically gentle and soft-spoken manner.

"Isynlenor Village was once known as the Xia Family Estate, encompassing nine villages. They unified in response to the barbarian invasion. The village now has nearly a thousand inhabitants, with the Xia surname being predominant. Excluding the elderly, the weak, and women and children, there are about three hundred able-bodied men, all well-trained."

"The most skilled in martial arts is Xia Shouli, son of the village chief, Xia Ren. He is rumored to have reached the fifth level of the True Essence Realm and is the mainstay of the village."

"Currently, Isynlenor Village is on edge. Chief Xia Ren has ordered a full alert, barring anyone from entering or leaving. The walls are reportedly being fortified, and the moats deepened."

"Moreover, there's news circulating that's unfavorable to us. It's said that we've surrendered to the barbarians to survive and are now acting as spies within Isynlenor."

"If that's the case, they'll target us first."

"Hmph! No wonder they're guarding against us as if we were thieves," Xiang Ling remarked with a cold snort.

"They'll realize their mistake when the barbarians come," Han Meng said grimly, absorbing every word Lianxiang spoke.

Chu Hen remained composed. It's only natural for people to be cautious amidst turmoil, especially with the sudden arrival of strangers.

The fact that they hadn't driven us out immediately could indicate a measure of kindness and mercy, but there were also elements that didn't quite add up.

These rural folk have guarded their land for generations. They possess a certain generosity, but their shrewdness is just as pronounced. If they truly believed we were colluding with the barbarians, they might detain us now and deal with us later. That possibility couldn't be dismissed.

"It looks like we need to keep a close eye on the village dynamics, just in case."

Chu Hen outlined the complexity of the situation to everyone and set up a rotation for the watch posts. He then suggested, "While things are still relatively calm, can we try to remember what happened before we arrived here?"

"At that time... I was just about to light the incense when Young Master An arrived..." Lianxiang lowered her head, speaking haltingly, "In my panic... I was going to brew tea for Young Master An, but I accidentally smashed the teacup, and the hot tea splashed all over him. I... I just blacked out and fainted..."

"Hmph! What's the rush in brewing tea?" Han Meng scoffed dismissively, "I bet that An guy was too hasty, wasn't he? I don't share your refined tastes. At that time, I was about to enjoy a drink with a human heart, hahaha..." He laughed maliciously, showing no regard for Lianxiang's feelings.

Xiang Ling turned her gaze thoughtfully towards the window, "I was taking a rest in the pavilion in the back garden. I felt slightly drowsy, and then I found myself here."

"I was practicing martial arts and took a tumble. Who would have expected such a disaster to strike!"

It appeared that the transmigration of these individuals was unrelated to any bloodshed. However, the red jade bracelet that had its True Essence erased and Xiang Ling's jade bracelet seemed quite peculiar.

Before his death, Chen Sheng claimed he was the Saint's light, and his blood had a unique fragrance. With these two pieces of evidence, what could be the true background of Chen Sheng? If his blood had a unique fragrance, why didn't Leng Yan transmigrate, but instead, it was just me and these random individuals?

Chu Hen's brow furrowed as he mulled over these enigmatic conundrums.

...

"Whoosh... Bang..."

An arrow whistled through the sky, a harbinger of ill tidings on this quiet night. The courtyard was first filled with hurried footsteps and voices seeking answers, followed by the villagers' shouts, the sound of running, and the cries of women and children.

"The barbarians are here..." A robust male voice echoed across the village.

"All families, secure your homes! The local militia, assemble!"

The inevitable had finally arrived.

As the glow of flames and the cacophony of footsteps flooded the courtyard, Chu Hen and the three others had already flung the door open.

The modest courtyard was packed with local militia brandishing torches, led by the solemn-faced chieftain, Xia Ren, with a towering figure standing by his side.

"Chieftain, we've all suffered at the hands of the barbarian troops. Seeking refuge here was our only recourse. Given the dire circumstances, why not join forces to repel the invaders?" one of them proposed.

"Who would believe that?" challenged a visibly agitated militiaman, torch held high.

"Indeed, let's kill them! They must be spies sent by the barbarians!" another shouted, inciting the crowd as they waved their arms and echoed the call.

Chu Hen stepped forward, his voice resolute. "The barbarians are haughty and merciless; they never leave prisoners alive. How could there be spies among us?"

"If you place your trust in me, I could summon reinforcements from the imperial army. We just need to hold out for a few days... and then Isynlenor Village will be saved."

His argument was logical and offered a glimmer of hope. Xia Ren hesitated, weighing the possibility.