The Myth of Daqin: The Soul of Yi Xiaochuan

Nearly two months had passed since Qin Yi parted ways with his master Xiang Liang and his brother Xiang Yu, and after collaborating with Fan Li and going on a long journey, he couldn't help but sigh: ancient transportation was truly inconvenient!

During this long journey, Qin Yi deeply felt the difficulties faced by ancient people. Without the speed and convenience of modern transportation, they could only rely on walking, horseback riding, or simple vehicles. The roads were rugged and uneven, and the journey was long and arduous, often requiring a great deal of time and effort to reach their destination.

Qin Yi recalled the scene of parting with his master and brothers, and a trace of longing welled up in his heart. Although the cooperation with Fan Li brought new opportunities.

In this era when information travels slowly and connections between people are limited, a letter from home is worth more than gold.

Qin Yi and Ying Bu rode side by side, the sound of their horses' hooves echoing along the road to Pei County. As they rode forward, they took in the scenery around them.

Located in the Huainan region, this area is awash in rugged, beautiful mountains, resembling a giant, winding dragon that coils across the land. Peaks rise and fall, stretching endlessly, seemingly endlessly. Lush greenery and dense forests blanket the mountains, like a vast ocean of green. The emerald green leaves sway gently in the breeze, creating a melodious rustling sound. The refreshing, pleasant air permeating the mountain forests is refreshing and invigorating. A deep breath of it excites the mind and lifts the spirit.

Sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows and adding a mysterious aura to the forest. Occasionally, a bird flew overhead, its clear chirping shattering the stillness. In the distant valley, a crystal-clear stream flowed, its gurgling sound like a melodious symphony. Along the streamside grew a variety of wildflowers and grasses, each vying for beauty and alluring with its fragrance.

Qin Yi and Ying Bu were captivated by the beauty before them, their moods ecstatic. They slowed their pace, savoring the moment's tranquility and beauty. Such natural scenery made one forget the world's troubles and feel the vastness and inclusiveness of nature. Compared to later artificial forests, it felt more like a paradise.

Not long after, the two heard a vague cry for help in the distance. Qin Yi's heart suddenly tightened. "Oh no! I almost forgot! The Lu family father and daughter were robbed by bandits while passing through a forest. They later asked Yi Xiaochuan to escort them to Pei County. It was from that time that my cheap wife and sister-in-law, Lü Zhi, fell in love with Yi Xiaochuan. It's all because the plot of the myth was so infuriating back then. I didn't watch it carefully, and now I only remember the general order of the story."

He quickly turned to Ying Bu and said, "Brother Ying Bu, let's go over and take a look!" Before he finished speaking, the two of them had already galloped towards the direction where the sound came from.

Qin Yi and Ying Bu were terrified. They galloped at top speed, finally arriving at the scene moments later. A closer look infuriated them: two or three followers lay on the ground, clutching their bodies and wailing. Several ferocious-looking bandits were tearing at a maid's clothes. Three or five more men were besieging a carriage, while the three occupants were terrified, completely bewildered by the sudden danger.

Qin Yi, witnessing this scene, was instantly enraged. With a roar, his eyes widened, and he lashed out with the razor-sharp sword at his waist, charging at the enemy like lightning. Ying Bu, unfazed, followed closely behind. Their movements were agile, their coordination seamless, like two ferocious tigers swooping down from the mountain, unstoppable.

In a flash, the bandits were beaten to a pulp and fled in panic, their weapons and armor abandoned, in a state of extreme disarray, completely unable to withstand the fierce attack of Qin Yi and Ying Bu.

Seeing the situation was unfavorable, the bandits were terrified and had to flee. Qin Yi and Ying Bu took advantage of the victory and pursued them relentlessly, vowing to catch these villains in one fell swoop!

The long sword in Qin Yi's hand flashed with cold light, and every swing of the sword was accompanied by a fierce momentum, which made the bandits tremble with fear. Ying Bu followed closely behind, and every move he made hit the bandits' vital points accurately.

Soon, the bandits were beaten to a pulp and fled in panic. Qin Yi and Ying Bu successfully rescued Lu Taigong's family.

Qin Yi hurried to the carriage, anxiously checking to see if Lu Taigong and the others were all alright. When he saw that Lu Taigong, Lu Su, and Lu Zhi were all safe and sound, a huge stone in his heart finally fell to the ground, and he breathed a sigh of relief.

Grandpa Lü was so moved that tears welled up in his eyes, and he thanked Qin Yi and Ying Bu profusely. He held Qin Yi's hand tightly, and said in a trembling voice, "Thank you two brave men for saving my entire family. I will never forget this kindness!" Lü Su and Lü Zhi also cast grateful glances at Qin Yi and Ying Bu, their eyes full of admiration.

Lu Su, in particular, was moved by Qin Yi's handsome and imposing presence. His figure loomed large in her eyes, like an impenetrable mountain. She wondered, "This man looks so familiar. Have we met before? Why do I feel such a warm connection with him?" At that moment, a strange feeling began to grow within Lu Su.

This feeling was like a bud in spring, quietly growing. Although still very weak, it was full of vitality and energy. Lu Su didn't know what this feeling was, but she felt as if her heart was being gently caressed by a gentle hand, making her feel extremely warm. She silently looked at Qin Yi, trying to find a hint of answer in his eyes.

Qin Yi bowed respectfully to Lu Taigong, then introduced himself with a calm demeanor, "Junior Qin Yi, and this is my brother Ying Bu." His voice was deep and powerful, brimming with confidence and authority. Meanwhile, he stole a glance at Lu Su, who was standing nearby. Seeing that she was safe, he felt a sense of relief. He was especially relieved to see her loving eyes.

In contrast, his sister-in-law, Lü Zhi, appeared very calm, which made Qin Yi secretly relieved. After all, he didn't want to cause any unnecessary trouble because of his presence.

Lü Taigong showed great enthusiasm for Qin Yi and Ying Bu. He then cordially invited them to go to Pei County together, saying that he would take them to see the local customs and people.

Qin Yi gladly accepted the invitation, knowing full well that it was a rare opportunity. Firstly, it would allow him to spend more time with Lü Su, further narrowing the distance between them and strengthening their relationship. Secondly, it would also allow him to gain a deeper understanding of Liu Bang's sphere of influence and see if he could discover any talents or resources that could be utilized.

Thinking of this, Qin Yi's lips curled up slightly, and a subtle shrewdness flashed in his eyes. He knew that this trip to Pei County might not be easy, and there would be many unexpected events along the way. But he was mentally prepared for this, confident that he could handle it with ease and reap the maximum benefits from it.

So, under the guidance of Lu Taigong, Qin Yi, Ying Bu and others set out on the road to Pei County...