Mysteries of the Great Zhou Dynasty

Chapter 85: Out of the Tiger's Lair

"What is the Goose Formation?" Su Zhan looked confused, and the others were also confused.

"The Goose Formation is a common formation used by the Khitan army. It is like the formation of geese in flight, and is particularly suitable for the Khitan army to take advantage of their cavalry and archery." Yan Mingzhang stared at the group of people, trying to find a way to break the deadlock, while explaining.

"But, sir, they have neither horses nor bows and arrows now. How can they form this goose-step formation?" Mo Yun was a little confused.

"They simplified the Goose Formation and replaced weapons with farm tools, which greatly reduced its power. However, we still cannot be careless."

Yan Mingzhang had already figured out some of the tricks. "We can't let them gather into a formation. Mo Yun, you go to the left wing. That's where the main force is, and we need to contain them. Changfeng, Miss Rong, the right wing is the weak point. Split them up, and that's the escape route. Go through the right wing, and you'll find the forest we came from. With the forest's cover, we can at least avoid their attack. Su Zhan and I don't know martial arts, and we'll be a burden to you, so don't fight too long. We'll make a long-term plan later."

Mo Yun whipped out his long sword and lunged towards the left wing with lightning speed. He swung the sword, a flash of cold light flashing, and each chop was accompanied by a whirring sound. The villagers who tried to stop him were forced back by the sharp force of his sword. Some who tried to get close were kicked away by him.

Meanwhile, Changfeng and Rong Wanyin fought side by side on the right flank. Changfeng's sword swung like a dragon, its blade dancing in a hail of lightning, each strike precisely targeting the enemy's vital points. Rong Wanyin, with her lithe dexterity, sent villagers falling to the ground with cries of pain wherever her soft sword struck. The two, working in perfect harmony, quickly opened a gap on the right flank. Yan Mingzhang and Su Zhan, no longer refusing, hurried to follow.

However, Changfeng suddenly turned around and rushed towards the direction where Mo Yun was fighting, shouting, "Sir, you guys hurry up, Mo Yun and I will cover your rear." He flashed and stabbed his sword at an enemy who was about to attack Mo Yun. The man could not dodge in time and was stabbed in the arm by the sword. He retreated screaming.

Mo Yun glanced at Chang Feng and said with a smile, "Just in time!" He then swung his long sword horizontally, forcing several enemies in front of him back a few steps. Then, he strode forward, sword raised high, and chopped at a villager. The villager quickly raised his hoe to block the blow. There was a loud "clang" sound, and sparks flew everywhere.

Yan Mingzhang frowned as he watched the two men fighting fiercely. He couldn't think of a better solution for a moment, so he nodded and warned, "Be careful, don't fight too long!"

Chang Feng raised his hand to show that he heard. Mo Yun took the time to jokingly say, "Don't worry, sir. I have enough time to deal with these remaining soldiers!"

At this time, the village chief saw that they were about to escape, and he was immediately furious. He shouted loudly: "Stop them, don't let them run into the forest! The sacrifice is gone, and we will use you for sacrifice." The villagers were already incited and emotional. At this moment, their eyes were bloodshot and their faces were hideous, like evil spirits from hell. They rushed towards Yan Mingzhang and others desperately.

As soon as we entered the forest, the surroundings suddenly became quiet, and the sound of fighting came from a distance.

"Go! Go forward!" Yan Mingzhang looked back, feeling a little embarrassed, but still made up his mind.

After walking for a while, Yan Mingzhang confirmed that they were already quite a distance away from the village. He also asked Rong Wanyin to confirm that no one was following them, and only then did he let everyone stop to rest.

"Why don't you leave?" Su Zhan was still a little scared and didn't care whether he was tired or not. He wanted to run back to the county government office in one breath, take a shower, and burn all the clothes on his body.

Yan Mingzhang looked serious and looked around: "Don't go, stop, look at this tree!"

"Sir, this tree? What's wrong with this tree?" Rong Wanyin also looked puzzled.

"We just passed by here..." Yan Mingzhang said slowly.

"These trees all look the same. Did you remember it wrong?" Su Zhan curled his lips, then thought of Yan Mingzhang's photographic memory. "No, you can't be wrong."

Yan Mingzhang said to Rong Wanyin, "Miss Rong, please take me to the top of the tree to have a look." Miss Rong looked eager to try, "Really? That's what you said! Don't blame me if you're afraid of heights!"

After Rong Wanyin finished speaking, she picked up Yan Mingzhang and flew him up the tallest tree nearby.

Yan Mingzhang felt dizzy and didn't dare to look down. He thought, it doesn't have to be so high!

Yan Mingzhang hugged the tree trunk tightly with both hands and took several deep breaths before opening his tightly closed eyes. He looked down tremblingly, and sure enough, his guess was confirmed.

"Miss Rong, please take me downstairs!" Yan Mingzhang tried hard to make his voice sound less shaky.

"Puchi" Rong Wanyin couldn't help laughing, and picked up Yan Mingzhang and brought him down from the tree.

"What's going on?" Su Zhan was a little anxious, "Cheng Xuan, tell me!"

"Someone has set up a formation here. If you don't know the direction of the escape, you will definitely not be able to get out." Yan Mingzhang said slowly.

Yan Mingzhang picked up a branch from the ground and drew something on it. After a moment's thought, he said, "This formation is dangerous, but fortunately, the person who set it up has relatively young skills, otherwise it would be a very deadly formation! However, the time has not yet come, and the door to escape has not yet opened. Let's just wait!"

Su Zhan couldn't help but feel a chill down his spine. "This village is truly haunted. How come the people here know everything? Where do they come from?"

"No, the killing array in the forest is based on the Five Elements and Eight Diagrams. Khitans are not good at this. Plus, the village chief just shouted, 'Don't let us enter this forest.' I think the person who set up the array must be someone else!" Yan Mingzhang touched the jade flute at his waist, a habit he made when thinking. "Let's go this way. Miss Rong, leave some marks for Mo Yun and Chang Feng along the way."

"Ah? Then the villagers can find us too?" Su Zhan was puzzled.

"No, they won't come into this forest." Yan Mingzhang said firmly, "They must have suffered losses in this forest."

"We just went up and took a look. This forest almost surrounds the entire village. That means they can't get out?" Rong Wanyin suddenly had an idea.

"Someone must have trapped them!" Yan Mingzhang narrowed his eyes, wondering who this person was who had such great abilities! He wondered if he was a friend or foe.

"Do you think this is the reason they're so anxious to offer sacrifices to the tree god?" Su Zhan felt a chill. "If it were me, and I suddenly couldn't get out of the woods, I would definitely think I had angered the tree god!"

"Who are these people? Why do they look so strange... Are they really Khitan soldiers? Could they be spies sent by Khitan?" Rong Wanyin asked doubtfully.

"It must be Khitan soldiers. Did you hear what they called the village chief just now?" Yan Mingzhang said.

Rong Wanyin pondered for a moment, then suddenly realized, "They call him... Yilijin!"