After two and a half days of arduous trekking through the forest, Shi Wanxia and Li Changyu finally emerged from the dense woods. Once down the mountain, a breathtaking view opened up before them, revealing a cluster of wooden houses scattered in the distance.

At this time, around four o'clock in the afternoon, the sunlight slanted down on the houses, bathing them in a warm golden glow. Surrounding the houses were patches of lush green grass, dotted with colorful wildflowers. A gentle breeze blew, and the flowers and grass swayed softly, as if beckoning to them.

In the distance, rolling mountains rise majestically, their peaks appearing particularly grand under the sunlight. At the foot of the mountains, a crystal-clear stream flows gently, its melodious waters creating a pleasant sound. Beside the stream stand several tall willow trees, their branches swaying in the wind, like a beautiful painting on the water's surface by nature's brush.

"This village is so beautiful, but it's strange that we don't see anyone." Shi Wanxia was wondering when several screams in the distance startled them both. Li Changyu led Shi Wanxia quietly into the village. The village had about a hundred households. Usually, when he came down the mountain, there were many people working in the fields, but they were all gone today. It seemed that something had happened in the village.

"Miss Shi, something seems to have happened in the village. Follow me, let's go take a look. Once we enter the village, don't wander around." Li Changyu, holding a bow and arrow, tiptoed into the village with her. Shi Wanxia knew she couldn't cause trouble, so she obediently followed behind him.

"Help! Let me go!"

"Sir, please let go of my daughter! She's only 11 years old. Please, have mercy on my family!"

"Father, save me! Father, help me! Let go, let me go!"

"Hehe, this woman is really beautiful. There are quite a few women in this little village. Brothers, kill all the others except for this young lady, and take the young lady back to the stronghold."

The occasional conversations and heart-wrenching cries for help told Li Changyu and Shi Wanxia that bandits had entered the village.

Li Changyu's expression was solemn. He carefully hid Shi Wanxia in a dilapidated house, his gaze resolute as he instructed her to stay hidden. A hint of fear flickered in Shi Wanxia's eyes, but she nodded and turned to slip into a secluded corner.

Li Changyu took a deep breath and turned to look towards the center of the village. Thick smoke rose intermittently from the village, and shouts of battle and cries for help echoed throughout. His heart was filled with anger; he knew he had to do something for the villagers.

Without hesitation, Li Changyu leaped into the village. His figure appeared and disappeared in the thick smoke, like a ghost. He gripped his bow and arrow tightly, his eyes revealing a resolute killing intent.

Suddenly, he saw a group of bandits slaughtering villagers. A surge of rage welled up within him, and without hesitation, he drew his bow and shot an arrow. One arrow flew, and a bandit fell to the ground. His movements were swift and decisive, giving the bandits no chance to react.

Upon seeing Li Changyu's appearance, the other bandits scattered in panic. The bandit leader instantly flew into a rage, slaying the innocent woman beneath him, which immediately intimidated the villagers. His fierce gaze searched for anyone who dared to provoke him: "What are you panicking for, you piece of trash? Find them for me, and kill them all. Kill all these villagers, and take the women back to the stronghold first."

Realizing what their leader had said, the bandits drew their knives, ready to attack the villagers. At this critical moment, Li Changyu stepped forward, nocked an arrow, and with a thunderous twang, shot and killed three vicious bandits. Taking advantage of this opportunity, the villagers grabbed their farm tools and engaged in a fierce battle with the bandits.

Li Changyu was agile and swift, his arrows never missing their mark, each one hitting the bandits' vital points precisely. His eyes revealed unwavering determination and courage, as if telling the bandits that their evil deeds would be punished. Under his leadership, the villagers' morale soared, and they united closely to resist the bandits' attacks.

Although the bandits outnumbered them, they gradually found themselves in a difficult situation due to the tenacious resistance of Li Changyu and the villagers. Panic ensued, and the bandits scattered in all directions. Li Changyu and the villagers pressed their advantage, capturing the entire bandit force.

After the battle, the village returned to its former tranquility. The villagers were deeply grateful to Li Changyu, praising him as a hero. Li Changyu humbly replied that it was what he should do. The village chief wiped away his tears and stepped forward tremblingly to bow: "Hero Li, we owe you so much today. If it weren't for your righteous act of saving our village, our Li family village would have been slaughtered by this horde. This old man and the Li clan kowtow to express our deepest gratitude to our benefactor."

Looking at the kneeling village chief and villagers before him, Li Changyu felt a surge of complex emotions. He had never imagined that his small act would cause such a huge reaction.

He quickly reached out his hands, trying to help the village chief up. However, the village chief stubbornly refused to get up, repeatedly muttering, "Mr. Li, you are a great benefactor to our village! If it weren't for you, we don't know how these bandits would have slaughtered our village!"

Li Changyu was deeply moved upon hearing this. He knew that he had only done a trivial thing, yet he had received such high regard from the village chief and the villagers.

"Village chief, please get up! This is what I should do," Li Changyu said.

The village chief looked up, tears welling in his eyes. He grasped Li Changyu's hand tightly and said, "Mr. Li, our village will never forget your kindness. You are a great benefactor to our Li Family Village."

The village chief noticed Li Changyu's wound, which was still bleeding, and immediately told Old Li from the village to bandage it for him. Li Changyu couldn't refuse, so he let them bandage him.

"My benefactor, please come to my house to rest today. Old woman, quickly prepare some good wine and food to entertain you. The rest of you should also go home and comfort your families. As for the villagers who died today, Sanzi, find someone to give them a proper burial." The village chief immediately turned back the crowd. They had also received many surprises today, and it was good for them to go home as soon as possible.

Li Changyu couldn't refuse. Thinking that the girl was still waiting for him in the hut, he explained to the village chief, "Village chief, I can't refuse your kind invitation. However, my sister is still at the village entrance. I'll go and fetch her. Village chief, please excuse me."

When Li Changyu returned to where Shi Wanxia was hiding, he was covered in blood, and Shi Wanxia was startled by his appearance. She immediately went up to him and asked, "Brother Li, why are you covered in blood? Are you injured? By the way, where are the bandits? Were the villagers rescued?"

"Don't worry, I'm fine, just a minor injury. I've already killed the bandits. The village chief is hosting a banquet to thank me, so let's go! I'll take you there." Li Changyu said, then pushed open the door and went out first.

"That's good, let's go then." Shi Wanxia immediately followed, looking at the mess in the village. Many families were starting to clean up their homes. These bandits were really despicable.

We arrived at the village chief's house. Before even entering the courtyard, we saw the village chief and several respected elders of the village greeting us at the door. Their faces were beaming with warm smiles, conveying their sincerity and friendliness.

The village chief raised his wine glass and said politely, "Welcome! We have prepared a sumptuous feast for you today, and we hope you will enjoy it to the fullest." I quickly thanked him, accepted the wine glass, and clinked glasses with the village chief and the clan elders one by one.

At that moment, I noticed a detail: traditionally, men and women were not allowed to sit together, but today was an exception. The village chief explained that this was a deliberate break from tradition to show respect and welcome to him and Li Changyu. Hearing this, I couldn't help but feel a surge of emotion.

Stepping into the courtyard, I saw that the banquet had already been set out, with the tables laden with all sorts of delicious dishes. Everyone took their seats and began to enjoy this rare feast. At the banquet, everyone chatted and laughed, creating a very harmonious atmosphere.

Time flew by, and the banquet ended amidst laughter and joy. He then stood up to express his gratitude to the village chief and elders.

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