Chapter 5, Fire Phoenix

  However, just after ordering Xue Cheng and others, before Xu Feng could mount his horse, five black-clad men rushed out of the courtyard. Apparently, the commotion outside had startled them. Xu Feng smiled calmly to himself, thinking: This group's reaction is quite quick. He turned around and urged Xue Cheng and others, "You all go first, I'll cover the rear."

  "Feng Ge, why don't we stay behind with you too? With so many people, it's probably scary for one person..."

  "Stop nagging, it's too late, none of us can leave now. Don't worry, I'm fine." Before Xue Cheng could finish speaking, Xu Feng flatly refused.

  With a crisp "clang", a cold light flashed, and Xu Feng pulled out a long sword from his waist to defend himself, holding the sword in front of several black-clad men, his face calm and composed, without a hint of fear.

  "Hou San and others shouted reluctantly, among them, Xue Cheng was the oldest, naturally able to understand Xu Feng's intention, and immediately shouted loudly at several people "Less nonsense, listen to Brother Feng."

  "Charge!" Without a moment's hesitation, Xue Cheng gritted his teeth and whipped the warhorse with all his might. The horse let out a loud whinny in pain, its four hooves pounding the ground as it galloped towards the city gate in the distance. Hou San and the others looked at Xu Feng standing proudly on the street corner, sighed, and followed after him.

  "It's not that easy to leave." A loud shout, a black shadow flashed, a slender figure, like an arrow off the string, rushed forward, chasing after the departing cavalry.

  "Don't forget, I'm still here." Before the words had even faded away, Xu Feng suddenly sprang up, a cold light flashing, his long sword 'Sea Bottom Moon Fetching' sweeping past in pursuit of the fleeing black shadow.

  "Look at the whip." With a crack, a black shadow descended from the sky and swept towards Xu Feng's long sword. There was no sound of collision, but with another crack, the opponent's soft whip wrapped around Xu Feng's long sword like a spirit snake.

  "Let go!" Along with the other's stern shout, a surge of force came over, and Xu Feng felt his wrist tighten, the long sword almost flying out of his hand.

  "You're a big girl, I lost to you, wouldn't Xu Feng be ridiculed by others?" As soon as he heard the other person's voice, Xu Feng had already sensed that the other party was a woman. At this moment, he gritted his teeth and used force in his wrist, pulling downwards violently. The black-clothed person who was flying in mid-air let out an "ah" as they were pulled down by Xu Feng.

  "Dare to rob our horses, I think you're looking for death." With a flip of his body, the opponent landed lightly on the ground. As soon as the words fell, he rushed towards Xufeng with a loud shout. The opponent's right leg was raised high, and with a swift kick, a strong gust of wind whizzed past Xufeng's ear. He felt a dark shadow flash before his eyes, and the opponent's leg kicked out at an incredible speed.

  So quick movements, Xu Feng's heart couldn't help but be shocked.

  Xu Feng hastily dodged to the side, his left hand forming a claw as he reached forward. Originally, he had wanted to grab onto his opponent and execute an over-the-shoulder throw, but that girl had clearly seen through Xu Feng's intentions. Her right leg swung out in a futile attempt, and before Xu Feng could even get close, her body flipped upside down in mid-air, the other leg whipping around in a spinning kick that landed squarely on Xu Feng's chest.

  "Teng Teng" chest middle move, Xu Feng couldn't help but retreat a few steps. Xu Feng disdainfully curled his lip, his eyes filled with surging battle intent. How interesting, to actually encounter a rose with thorns. Unfortunately, the situation was pressing, and he couldn't engage in a thrilling exchange with him. Otherwise, this one kick, Xu Feng would have definitely returned it even if it killed him.

  "The girl's martial arts skills are not weak, unfortunately, today Brother Feng still has something to attend to, let's reschedule for another battle." With a long sword in hand, he fought off the attacks of the other four people, taking advantage of the opportunity to open up a path. His feet touched the ground lightly as Xu Feng rushed towards the distance, leaping into the air, clearly wanting to escape quickly.

  "Want to escape? Leave your life behind first." The girl shouted, preparing to whip and block him, but as Xu Feng rushed past her side, his body suddenly dropped down, his left hand grasped, and quickly lifted the black scarf on the girl's forehead. Everyone was stunned, no one had expected that Xu Feng would still have the mood to play this trick.

  A black scarf floated up with the wind, under the dim moonlight, a beautiful and unparalleled face appeared in Xu Feng's line of sight.

  "Not bad, I'm looking forward to the next meeting with the girl even more." Laughter rose, Xu Feng's figure flashed and disappeared quickly in people's sight under the cover of night.

  The woman who had her black scarf pulled off was completely stunned, and it was this moment of daze that allowed Xu Feng to escape.

  "Are you okay, young master?" Seeing the woman's daze, the others came over and asked with concern.

  "Despicable, quickly investigate Xu Feng's background. Today's enemy, Huo Fenghuang will definitely return tenfold." The woman's beautiful face was stern, her silver teeth clenched, and a chilling aura emanated from her. The other black-clad men were all stiff with fear, recalling the iron-fisted methods of the great master from yesterday, and couldn't help but secretly sweat for Xu Feng, daring to offend Huo Fenghuang, the opponent was indeed bold enough.

  "Feng Ge, why hasn't he come out yet? Could something have happened? Otherwise, let's go back and meet him." Because the city guards were killed, Xue Cheng and others who easily left the city slowed down their pace, looking back with concern as they walked. Although they hadn't spent much time together, the few of them genuinely admired Xu Feng from the bottom of their hearts. Despite his young age, Xu Feng had a sense of responsibility, charisma, brotherhood, and righteousness, all of which made them sincerely admire him.

  "It's okay, isn't he here?" Looking at the gradually clear figure, Xue Cheng relaxed his whole body and showed a hint of relieved joy. This Xu Feng was indeed not simple.

  "Are these all yours?" Looking at the dozens of fine horses that had appeared in the stables, Zhou Cang was stunned, his face full of surprise, and he couldn't believe his eyes. With just seventeen people going out, not a single injury or casualty, they had actually brought back so many fine horses. Even Zhou Cang himself didn't have such confidence.

  "It's all thanks to Xu Feng's cleverness..." Hou San opened his big mouth, with a self-satisfied expression on his face, and couldn't help but recount Xu Feng's actions during this trip.

  "Xu Feng, is this true?" Zhou Cang stared at Xu Feng with wide eyes.

  "It's just good luck, nothing more." was his reply, but it was a calm and unremarkable one.

  "Good, excellent! Xu Feng, I didn't expect that your first mission would yield such remarkable results. You will definitely be heavily rewarded for this. Last time, I let you become a squad leader, but you declined. This time, it's not possible to refuse. Our troops are few and weak, so you'll have to take on the role of squad leader for now. When we arrive at Zhuo County, I'll definitely ask Commander Cheng Yuanzhi to recognize your achievements. These war horses will surely delight him, and our attack on Zhuo County will be even more formidable, with a greater chance of victory."

  Zhou Cang excitedly patted Xu Feng's shoulder and laughed, saying that his subordinate had made a meritorious achievement, and as the leader, he would naturally gain more honor. Although Zhou Cang didn't like to show off, adding glory and prestige was a good thing after all, and it would be fake if he wasn't happy about it.

  For Xu Feng, Zhou Cang had a higher evaluation in his heart.

  Not only was Xu Fengwu sealed as the head of the five elements, but he also gave Xu Feng a copper helmet and armor. The Yellow Turbans were in dire need of supplies, and war armor was even scarcer, with only high-ranking officers having the qualifications to wear them. Someone like Xue Cheng didn't have that qualification at all.