The general atop the camp wall barked an order and the log gate suddenly swung open. A battering ram, used by the Miao to breach city gates, came hurtling straight toward Xue Qiming!0

Xue Qiming's pupils contracted sharply. Without a moment to think, he spun around, exposed his broad back, and shielded the little girl behind him.0

Bang!0

Xue Niang, cradled in the man’s arms, couldn't see a thing. In the dark, she heard a deafening crash. The man’s body shuddered violently, and then, everything was eerily silent… Even the clamor of the Miao troops seemed to fade away.0

She had no clue how much time had passed before the man’s strong arms loosened around her and she could finally see the light again. Instinctively, she raised her head and saw the man rising...0