Chapter 384 Years Ago
Chapter 384 Years Ago
Guangzong held a sharp kitchen knife tightly in his hand, the blade flashing coldly in the sunlight. His eyes were red as he waved it angrily at Cuihua, shouting, "Mom and Dad, don't stop me! I've had enough! This bitch has been looking for trouble with me all day long. Today, I'm going to show this bitch how powerful I am!"
Zhao Cunliang and Tian Guilan used all their strength to stop Guangzong. Zhao Cunliang grabbed Guangzong's arm tightly and shouted at the top of his lungs, "Son, we can't afford to offend her! Listen to your father's advice and don't be impulsive!"
Tian Guilan also hugged Guangzong's waist tightly, crying breathlessly, and said with a sob: "If we really do something to her, if she goes crazy, our whole family will be finished!"
"I killed her and buried her, who would know? I'm going to kill her today!" Guangzong's eyes were wide open, and he waved the kitchen knife wildly.
Cuihua looked at the almost insane Guangzong with empty eyes, and kept repeating in her mouth: "Kill her, kill her." At the same time, the night ten years ago emerged uncontrollably in her mind.
Ten years ago, in a particularly gloomy year, He Sange hadn't been home for nearly two weeks, trying to catch tigers in the mountains to improve his family's poverty.
The only ones left at home were the five-year-old Cuihua and the frail Manniang.
"Mom, are we going into the mountains? But Dad told us to wait for him at home."
Cuihua opened her big watery eyes and looked at Man Niang who was busy preparing the treasures with a puzzled look, with a hint of timidity in her voice.
Man Niang paused, her brow furrowed as she spoke worriedly, "I'm terribly worried. Your father has never been away from home this long while hunting in the mountains, and I'm really worried. If you're worried, just stay home. I'll make you some pancakes to last you a few days."
"No, I want to be with Mom!"
Cuihua tightly grasped the corner of Manniang's clothes, her little face was tense and her eyes were determined. She was afraid of being separated from her father and mother, and she didn't want to be alone at home.
Manniang packed her bag with a serious expression, carefully carrying some steamed buns she had carefully made herself. Although they didn't look good, they were the best food the family could offer.
There was also a tattered cloak, the edges of which were worn and there were several patches on it, but it was cold at night in the mountains and it could at least keep out the cold.
There was deep worry in her eyes. She was not sure whether she could find He Sange this time. After all, the mountains and forests were vast and full of dangers.
But when she thought about the danger that He Sange might be in, her heart felt like it was being gripped tightly by a large hand. It was better than just waiting at home and letting her imagination run wild. Even if there was only a glimmer of hope, she had to give it a try.
The mountain where He Sange hunted was called Black Tiger Mountain, a mountain with a great reputation in the local area. Few people were seen here, and the surrounding area was filled with a mysterious and gloomy atmosphere.
The entire mountain is like a lurking tiger, its bloody mouth gaping, as if it can devour anyone who approaches at any time. The mountain is covered with jagged rocks, towering trees, and steep peaks that are daunting.
Ever since a band of bandits emerged from this area, the area has become even more deserted. Their rampant violence, including murder, looting, and other atrocities, has terrified the nearby residents, who dare not venture near this dangerous place. The occasional shrill bird calls echoing through the valley only add to the eerie atmosphere.
"Mom, I'm scared." Cuihua's voice trembled, her small body shivering, and she held Man Niang's hand tightly, as if it was her only life-saving straw in this terrifying atmosphere.
Man Niang squatted down, gently stroked Cuihua's hair, and comforted her, "Don't be afraid, child. Your father should be nearby." Then, she looked up and carefully observed her surroundings. "Look, there's a mark he left on this tree," Man Niang said, pointing to a large tree not far away.
Cuihua looked in the direction Manniang pointed and saw a clear triangle carved into the tree trunk with a knife. Her eyes flashed with surprise, and she excitedly shouted, "It's Daddy's mark! It's Daddy!"
Manniang held Cuihua's hand tightly as they walked cautiously through the forest. Fallen leaves rustled beneath their feet, and occasionally branches scraped against the corners of their clothes.
Man Niang looked at the deep woods ahead, and in order to ease Cuihua's inner fear, she softly sang the familiar ballad: "The wind is gentle, the moon is bright, and the leaves cover the window lattice..." Her singing was soft and warm, as if it could penetrate the gloom and silence of the forest.
Cuihua listened to Man Niang's singing, and her originally tense face gradually relaxed. She followed Man Niang's rhythm, taking small steps and walking forward step by step.
"Hahaha!"
A burst of sharp and piercing laughter startled a flock of birds. Suddenly, a group of bandits rushed out of the woods, each holding a sharp blade and with a ferocious look on their faces.
The leader, a dark-skinned and strong man, walked forward with an arrogant step.
The man's small eyes gleamed with squinting light as he looked at Man Niang unscrupulously. The corners of his mouth curled up, revealing a row of yellowed teeth. He said sarcastically, "Hey, young lady, you sing well. It really touched my heart. Today is a blessing for us brothers to meet such a beautiful woman in this desolate mountain."
"Cuihua, run!"
Man Niang screamed in fear, took Cuihua's hand without hesitation, and ran desperately into the depths of the forest.
The mother and daughter were in a panic and stumbled around, but they were no match for this group of well-trained and vicious bandits.
"Cuihua, you hide here, I'll lead them away!" Man Niang's voice was full of determination. She quickly hid Cuihua in a hidden bush and covered her up as much as possible with branches and leaves.
Man Niang's eyes were full of determination and reluctance. She looked at Cuihua deeply, as if she wanted to engrave her daughter's appearance in her heart.
"Where is she? Chase her! Don't let the little beauty get away!"
The cries of the bandits echoed through the forest, shattering the tranquility. Man Niang, hearing the noise behind her, was terrified and fled in panic.
In a panic, Man Niang's hair was disheveled and her clothes were torn by branches, but she didn't care about that. She just ran desperately, trying to get rid of the bandits behind her.
However, she was no match for this group of people. Man Niang's physical strength gradually weakened and her speed slowed down...
Soon, Manniang was surrounded by the bandits. Her eyes revealed despair and fear, like a butterfly caught in a spider's web, unable to escape no matter how hard it struggled. The bandits laughed triumphantly as they advanced on Manniang.
RPAGF