Chapter 75: Beware the Bald Man
"You're impressive."
Meng Yu's eyes revealed a peculiar gleam. "When they charged within about 500 meters, you began firing arrows almost every second without missing. Within mere seconds, half their numbers fell to your arrows. You even pierced two men aligned front-to-back with a single shot."
Chen Fan nodded calmly. This represented his standard performance.
Yet his face showed little joy - Meng Yu had mentioned the enemy retained half their forces.
"What happened next?"
"Then..." Meng Yu swallowed, "they must have entered effective range. Under the bald leader's direction, they all aimed at you."
"And me?" Chen Fan's question came instinctively.
Escape seemed impossible. Faced with that scenario, he'd have two choices: keep shooting while enduring their arrows, or grab a spear to parry the incoming barrage.
"You..." Meng Yu's eyes shone with admiration, "After a moment's hesitation, you threw down your bow and seized a nearby spear. You deflected every incoming arrow."
Surprise flickered in Chen Fan's eyes. His fundamental spear techniques combined with combat preparedness must have produced that miraculously high deflection rate.
But this passive defense created new dangers. Even if he held temporarily, what of his father's group...
"After several volleys," Meng Yu continued, "the bald leader realized conventional attacks failed. He dismounted, charging you with a poleaxe while ordering others to pursue Uncle Guodong's team."
She paused. "That's where the dream ended."
"Enough." Chen Fan smiled bitterly.
Regardless of his own fate, Father, Uncle Liu, and Uncle Gu would become living targets for mounted archers. As for Gu Ze, he'd be instantly focused - no chance to nock an arrow.
A disastrous outcome indeed.
"You're saying this happens tomorrow?"
"Yes." Meng Yu nodded hesitantly. "If you avoid going tomorrow..."
"I appreciate your warning." Chen Fan inhaled deeply. "But matters aren't so simple. Those bandits wait outside for us, yes?"
"Right." She bit her lip. "The bald man had binoculars."
"Meaning they've watched us since we entered Song Fortress. Postponing changes nothing - they'll still ambush us."
Meng Yu blinked slowly, appearing slightly dazed. "I...suppose so."
"Song Fortress has spotters selecting targets." Chen Fan's voice hardened. "If your vision holds truth, we must go tomorrow."
"What?" Meng Yu's eyes widened. She'd risked exposure to prevent this expedition, yet her warning steeled his resolve.
Chen Fan met her gaze. "Your foresight gives us tactical advantage. Wait another day, and the variables change completely."
"You plan...to ambush them first?" Her whisper trembled.
"Yes." Deadly intent flashed in Chen Fan's eyes. "In the vision, I reacted too late. But striking first alters everything."
Though his 500-meter range remained unchanged, surprise and attack momentum could prove decisive.
Meng Yu hesitated. "Then...you must beware their leader. He blocked two of your arrows with his axe."
"What?" Chen Fan stiffened. "He parried my shots?"
"When you targeted him," Meng Yu confirmed, "he raised his weapon, deflecting both projectiles."
Chen Fan's expression shifted. A polearm master - explaining why he'd dismissed subordinates for single combat.
"Engagement distance?"
"Four hundred meters." Meng Yu recalled. "His vanguard carried shields, not bows. After failing against him, you picked off others - even shieldbearers fell eventually."
"Understood."
Naturally, he'd prioritize eliminating the commander. Wasting two shots taught harsh lessons. Next time, either exploit unpreparedness for a kill-shot, or wait until closer range where arrow force could shatter the axe.
Decision would depend on circumstances.
Turning to Meng Yu, Chen Fan bowed slightly. "Thank you. Without your warning, consequences would be catastrophic."
"It's nothing!" The girl flushed, waving hurriedly. "Your family saved me first. Besides...if you perish, the whole village..."
Chen Fan nodded grimly. Their deaths would doom Chen Village's survivors. Despite precautions, this brutal world offered no safety.
Of course, Meng Yu's vision might prove false - though her earnest demeanor suggested otherwise.
"We'll stop here." Chen Fan rose. "Your secret remains safe. Should your gift prove true, I'll never force prophecies from you."
"Thank you." Tears glimmered in Meng Yu's eyes.
As Chen Fan exited, his mind raced. This warning required verification - and contingency planning.
(Chapter end)
