Chapter 197: Chapter 140: Losing All Courage
Translator: 549690339
Zhou Qing looked at Ding Heng, who was running towards him uncontrollably, and instantly a warning bell rang in his head.
Having spent several years in the Jianghu, he had become incredibly sensitive to any signs of danger.
At this moment, he instantly assessed that in a one-on-one fight, he would not be a match for the attacker.
Realizing this, it was natural that he would not heed the words of the man in the blue robe and engage in a one-on-one duel.
Whoosh
Zhou Qing pursed his lips, promptly blowing a sharp whistle.
The knights who were chasing and killing fleeing deserters in the army formation halted their movements upon hearing the whistle, quickly gathering towards the source of the sound.
In no time, over thirty men had congregated around Zhou Qing.
By this time, Ding Heng had just managed to approach, ready to get closer. “Target the man in the blue robe, unleash a five-round rapid volley!”
Zhou Qing readied his bow, taking aim at Ding Heng who was leaping towards him, he yelled out a command and fired the first arrow.
The other knights synchronized perfectly.
Some of them, having seen their command’s movement, didn’t need any orders to ready their arrows at Ding Heng.
Hearing the command, they fired without hesitation.
At this moment, Ding Heng had just managed to jump halfway into the sky, reaching about seventy to eighty feet from Zhou Qing and was preparing to hop over to spar with this young man.
But how could a man accustomed to the brutality of the Jianghu foresee such disregard for martial virtue?
Not only would they not engage in a one-on-one duel when faced with a challenge,
They even mimicked the actions of royal lapdogs— using their number to oppress the minority and employing powerful bows and crossbows to inflict injury.
Swish Swish Swish
Zhou Qing employed a three-stone strong bow. He even channeled his inner strength to amplify the power of the arrow. The other knights also used strong bows that weighed over one stone. Those with residual inner strength also infused their arrows with it.
The power of these arrows was similar to the ones Lu Yuan fired few years ago during the Wugang rebellion. In Bai’s Miao Village, when he shot the White-eyed Elder of the Five Poisons Sect, one arrow could create a hole in a person’s body.
Ding Heng was well-informed.
Having witnessed the power of the imperial army’s strong bows and crossbows, how could he dare to stand still?
He let out a ferocious roar, his feet stepping continuously as he unbelievably curved his trajectory in mid-air to avoid the incoming arrows.
However, he had barely evaded the concentrated fire when the knights who received orders later locked onto him. Suddenly, over ten arrows whizzed towards him.
Ding Heng, helplessly, had to force every bit of his internal strength and started evading again.
After a flurry of graceful rolls, Ding Heng finally landed, gaining some support beneath his feet.
But before he could steady himself, the second volley from Zhou Qing and the others who had previously shot their arrows came flying his way.
At this point, Ding Heng had just expended his energy. He was currently in a state where his previous momentum was lost, and his new one was yet to build. He couldn’t even use his lightness skill quick enough to dodge.
Having no other choice, he drew his precious sword from his waist and managed to break a few arrows in two.
With his other free hand, he swung a long punch carrying masses of energy towards the different directions.
It just so happened that one of Ding Heng’s punches landed on one of Zhou Qing’s arrows.
Zhou Qing’s strength might be considered second-rate, but the arrow he shot with utmost power with a three-stone strong bow holds immense might, doesn’t it?
As Ding Heng’s flesh hit against the strong arrow, the wind generated by his internal strength was instantly shattered by the arrow. The sharp arrowhead targeted the finger of his fist, and with a “bang,” it entered.
Puff!
An explosion resounded, followed by a scream from Ding Heng’s mouth as his body instantly flew backwards.
Blood gushed forth, his left fist had already turned into a lump of battered meat, soaked in blood.
Being shot backwards by an arrow, Ding Heng lost his balance. The extreme pain in his other hand made it impossible for him to swing his sword to block the incoming arrows.
This time, the new volley of arrows came flying. Though he tried to avoid on instinct, three more arrows lodged into his body with a succession of thuds.
Thankfully, these knights were frail in their internal strength. Their previous two volleys had drained them. This time, their arrows couldn’t explode upon hitting their target anymore.
Even so,
The arrows that hit Ding Heng still inflicted serious injuries, progressively worsening his condition.
What was most fatal, however, was that the newly lodged arrows caused him to lose further balance and weakened his reaction.
By the time Zhou Qing’s third arrow came, he wasn’t even able to dodge. He could only watch as the arrow that brought with it a strong gust of wind lodged into his neck.
Then with a bang, half of his neck exploded.
Subsequently, a few more arrows lodged themselves into his body, pinning him to the
