As afternoon arrived, the warm winter sun cast its rays obliquely upon the land, bringing a touch of warmth to the cold weather.
Everyone played to their hearts' content in the beautiful snowy landscape, their laughter echoing continuously.
They seemed to forget the time, having so much fun that they didn't want this wonderful time to end.
At this moment, Ma Chao calmly reminded everyone, "It's time for us to return."
Only then did everyone realize that it was already late.
In the dead of winter, with the snow still unmelted, spending the night outdoors was not realistic.
Despite their reluctance, everyone understood that Ma Chao's suggestion was wise.
Thus, everyone began to pack their belongings, preparing for the return journey.
As they packed, they recalled the joyful moments they had just shared, their faces beaming with satisfied smiles.
Though reluctant to part, they still bid each other farewell.
Everyone promised to meet again next time.
Everyone headed towards their carriages to prepare for the return journey, and just then, an unexpected turn of events occurred.
From the forest, a group of small animals, including rabbits and deer, ran frantically ahead, their figures weaving through the trees, as if fleeing from something terrifying.
Before people could react, a deafening tiger's roar suddenly erupted, followed by a massive fierce tiger that roared out from behind, chasing after those small animals.
This fierce tiger was majestic and awe-inspiring; its body was strong and powerful, exuding a chilling aura.
Its eyes gleamed with a ferocious light, and its gaping maw seemed ready to devour everything.
People were stunned by this sudden scene, momentarily at a loss for what to do.
The horses pulling the carriages were intimidated by the tiger's might; their eyes filled with terror, their bodies trembling, and their once agile strides became chaotic.
The coachman desperately pulled the reins, trying to control the frightened horses, but they had already lost their minds, trying to break free from their restraints at all costs.
In the chaos, the carriage swayed, almost tipping over.
The passengers inside were in a panic, their screams rising and falling.
Seeing this, Ma Chao decisively ordered Pang De to raise his guard and soothe the frightened horses.
At this moment, the panicked people noticed a person chasing behind the fierce tiger.
This person was burly, with bulging muscles, as if forged from steel.
He was shirtless, wearing only an animal skin, his exposed skin a bronze color, exuding an aura of wildness and resilience.
His face was extremely fierce, full of harsh lines, with a ruthless expression between his brows.
His tiger-like eyes emitted a cold light, as if they could penetrate one's soul.
His nose bridge was high, and the tip of his nose was rounded, yet it carried a hint of savagery.
His lips were thick, with the corners slightly upturned, as if ready to let out a roar at any moment.
His hair was disheveled, like wild grass, swaying freely.
His forehead was covered with gruesome veins, pulsating with his movements.
The Steel Fork he held tightly in his hand gleamed with a cold light, its sharp prongs exuding a chilling aura.
Overall, this formidable man looked like a demon emerged from the wilderness, fierce and terrifying, sending shivers down one's spine.
He chased the fierce tiger to the point of near madness.
Meanwhile, Da Qiao's carriage was parked a bit further away, and at this moment, the fierce tiger, now in a frenzied state, lunged towards Da Qiao's carriage.
Ma Chao's mount, Aurora, was the king among wild horses, known for its extremely violent temper.
Aside from Ma Chao, this peerless fierce general, no one else dared to ride him easily.
His untamed wildness was not affected in the slightest by the tiger's might.
At this critical juncture, Ma Chao unhesitatingly spurred his horse and raised his spear, galloping towards Da Qiao's carriage.
Aurora took agile strides, moving as fast as lightning, as if in perfect sync with Ma Chao's intentions.
Ma Chao was burning with anxiety, his gaze sharp as he fixedly stared at Da Qiao's carriage ahead.
The long spear in his hand gleamed with a cold light in the sunlight, as if proclaiming his determination and courage to the enemy.
Aurora galloped like flying, carrying Ma Chao through numerous obstacles.
His fur flew in the wind, exuding a wild aura.
Ma Chao's figure drew closer and closer, his arrival seemingly bringing a ray of hope to everyone.
At the same time, the nimble Sun Ce had already rushed to his horse like a swift wind.
He moved with the agility of a swallow, leaping onto his horse's back like a flash of lightning, his movements fluid and precise.
Sun Ce instantly took his carved bow from his mount, the bowstring gleaming with a cold light.
His gaze was sharp and focused, as if he had become one with the bow.
With a steady and powerful arm, he nocked an arrow and drew the string, all in one smooth motion.
Arrows flew like shooting stars, whistling through the air, launching in a continuous volley.
Each arrow struck the fierce tiger with precise accuracy, his archery skills astonishingly ghostly.
The fierce tiger roared, but it could not dodge the rain of arrows and ultimately fell to the ground.
Da Qiao witnessed all of this from the side, her beautiful eyes sparkling with gratitude and admiration.
Her delicate body trembled slightly, her small mouth slightly agape, her face filled with disbelief.
When Sun Ce came to her side, Da Qiao's eyes were filled with tenderness and gratitude.
Her cherry lips parted slightly, her voice as melodious as a nightingale: "Thank you, young master, for saving my life; Da Qiao is endlessly grateful."
Sun Ce smiled and replied, "You're welcome, Da Qiao, I've practiced martial arts since childhood precisely to protect those I wish to protect."
Da Qiao smiled faintly, with a hint of admiration in her tone: "Young master's archery is divine, and his movements are agile; he is truly a heroic figure."
Sun Ce laughed heartily, "Haha, it's just a small matter, not worth mentioning.
If you ever need help in the future, young lady, just speak up."
Da Qiao's heart fluttered, and a blush appeared on her face: "Thank you, young master."
She secretly glanced at Sun Ce, her heart secretly developing feelings for him.
The world is inherently unpredictable and ever-changing.
When young boys and girls gather, it's like dry wood meeting a fierce fire; sparks are bound to fly.
The originally lively and adorable Xiao Qiao had quite a good impression of Sun Ce when she first met everyone.
However, fate is always full of drama.
When she gently strummed the zither, showcasing her musical talent, she was deeply attracted by Zhou Yu's elegant and distinguished demeanor.
And Da Qiao, with her quiet and gentle personality, was like a secluded orchid in a deep valley, silently exuding its subtle fragrance.
Yet, inadvertently, she too was moved by Zhou Yu's extraordinary and graceful temperament.
Who would have thought that at the critical moment, when she was in danger and her life hung by a thread, Sun Ce's brave and selfless act, like a brilliant star, deeply imprinted itself in Da Qiao's heart.
In that instant, it was as if time itself stood still.
Da Qiao's gaze was fixed on Sun Ce, her eyes filled with boundless gratitude and admiration.
And Sun Ce's steadfastness and courage also became an indelible mark in her heart.
Perhaps, this is the arrangement of fate.
Allowing these young people to meet in the midst of destiny, and then, inadvertently, each found that flutter and yearning in their hearts.
Everyone around was deeply impressed by Sun Ce's divine archery; their eyes wide, their faces filled with astonishment and admiration.
Lu Su, with his keen insight, instantly seized this excellent opportunity to proclaim Sun Ce's prestige.
He raised his voice and loudly shouted, "The hero who shot the tiger is Sun Ce of Jiangdong!" His voice was loud and impassioned.
Xun Yu, standing nearby, immediately understood and, comprehending his intent, followed with a loud shout, "He personally shot the tiger, behold Sun Lang!" His voice carried genuine praise.
The people around them first paused in surprise, then joined in unison, shouting, "He personally shot the tiger, behold Sun Lang!" Their voices rose and fell like waves, echoing through the forest.
These shouts were filled with people's reverence and admiration for Sun Ce.
They were excited to have witnessed this heroic feat firsthand and also hoped to spread Sun Ce's renown further through these shouts.