CHAPTER 314: 314. MATURE

Hua Qiang was the first to step forward, but instead of a knife, he wielded a crossbow like Hua Jing.

With Hua Chengtian’s continual improvements, the crossbows became increasingly refined and compact, making them easier to carry. Although not everyone could have one, all the team leaders traveling outside were equipped with them.

Hua Qiang pulled out his crossbow and shot the first arrow. The rest followed smoothly, shooting one after another without even blinking.

Then, Hua Rong and the others took out their crossbows as well. Those without them, their eyes firmed up, and they swung their knives.

In these troubled times, if you want to protect those you care about, you must harden your heart and cannot afford to be soft-hearted.

As one person after another fell and blood splattered, the ten or so people from Bai Niu’s group were utterly terrified, their bodies squirming in an attempt to escape this one-sided massacre.

This scene was all too familiar, only now the roles were reversed.

As figures fell one by one, Hua Jing put away her small crossbow, watching everything indifferently.

Perhaps it was innate cold-bloodedness. While Hua Jing would feel reluctant towards people she didn’t care about, when it came to making choices, she would unhesitatingly choose the side that benefited her.

After all, heaven assists those who assist themselves!

Indeed, adults are hypocritical. As soon as someone stands out, everything changes instantly.

Hua Jing glanced at Xiaoxiao, whose face was pale, but she took no protective action.

This child was fortunate to be born into a good family, in a kind environment. Even though they faced such calamity, he had not suffered the slightest grievance. His innocence remained untouched. Today was the best lesson, albeit a harsh one, that could quickly propel his growth.

Resisting the urge to hold her brother, Hua Jing remained motionless.

Hua Laohan didn’t move either, even as he felt the tremor in his grandson’s body. Wasn’t the reason for bringing him out here exactly this?

At this moment, Xiaoxiao was indeed very agitated. However, he was not afraid of seeing so many people killed in front of him. In his heart, these people were no longer human but beasts. Isn’t it perfectly normal for beasts to be killed?

It was the sight of the bones in the deep pit that frightened him.

Beneath the torchlight were heaps of human bones, some skulls still cracked open and shattered. Severed limbs and fragments were scattered everywhere, with no intact body, piled one upon another. The different-sized skulls silently conveyed to Xiaoxiao how many had died there, and how many were children.

The impact of this scene was overwhelming, so much so that in his agitation, he could only stare wide-eyed, deeply realizing how many cruel events were occurring beyond his knowledge, and how difficult survival truly was.

His fists clenched unconsciously as he stood there watching, until everyone fell to the ground.

Bai Niu’s group had long since collapsed on the ground in fright, the acrid stench of urine spreading everywhere.

"Find a random place to dispose of them, keep them away from these remains," Hua Laohan said coldly.

They were tormented by these villains in life; in death, at least make it so the owners of these bones can rest in peace, far from these demons.

As for... Hua Laohan’s gaze settled on the ten or so people lying like a pile of mud on the ground.

"Hua Qiang, break their arms and legs."

This, too, was keeping the promise made to them.

"Ah... you can’t do this, you promised to spare us..."

"Didn’t we spare you? Do not push your luck, otherwise choosing another path is always an option." Hua Laohan coldly stared at them, his eyes devoid of any emotion.

"Do it!"

"No... no..." Breaking their arms and legs was the same as taking their lives, or even worse. Their desire to live unleashed their final potential, and two of them managed to break free from their bonds. They seized the swords from two Hua Village men approaching them and swung them, trying to carve out a bloody path to escape.

"Be careful Uncle Shitou!" Xiaoxiao, who had been watching these people, called out nervously.

Hua Jing also raised her small crossbow but lowered it in the next instant.

Though the chaos erupted quickly, it dissipated just as fast.

The uncles and brothers in Hua Village hadn’t trained in vain. Even though their swords were snatched, their movements were quick. Almost the moment the swords were taken, they lunged forward, dodging and kicking the people to the ground, while simultaneously retrieving their swords. They stamped hard on their legs.

Alongside the shrieks, a sharp cracking sound echoed, "crack, crack" by the time Hua Jing lowered her arm, the two were completely paralyzed on the ground, letting out eerie cries.

Seeing there was no longer any need for them, Hua Jing pulled on Hua Laohan’s hand.

"Grandpa, let’s go!"

The dreadful screams were unpleasant and affected one’s mood. With Uncle Hua Qiang there, everything would be taken care of.

"Hmm" Hua Laohan nodded.

There was no need to stay any longer since even looking at them felt like it dirtied the eyes. Casting a glance at his grandson, now evidently more mature, Hua Laohan tightened his grip on the child’s hand.

Growth, although cruel, is necessary.

By the cave, the people from Li Village and the rescued townsfolk had already gathered, each holding a bowl and eating.

Watching them guzzle greedily evoked a pang of heartache.

"Slow down, there’s more, isn’t there?" an occasional youth cautioned.

Hua Laohan silently led the child to sit by the fire, not disturbing those earnestly filling their bellies.

Xiaoxiao stared blankly at the scene, the sight of these people hunger for food starkly distinct from his joy upon seeing food.

As his gaze landed on a boy about his age, Xiaoxiao couldn’t help but approach. He dug out all the jerky he had on him and placed it on the boy, who was busy eating. Then, he returned to his grandfather’s side during the boy’s stunned state.

The night had impacted him deeply. Having never seriously pondered before, Xiaoxiao realized for the first time how fortunate he was and understood the meaning behind his grandfather’s words about appreciating the experience.

From witnessing the extreme suffering of these tormented people, a profound sense of responsibility rose within Xiaoxiao’s chest.

To avoid being bullied, one must become strong to protect those they wish to shield.

Just thinking that his grandparents, parents, brothers, and sisters might become one of them made it uncontrollable for Xiaoxiao.

Even the food, which he used to consider very important, seemed less so now. In an instant, he appeared to have grown up, the innocence in his gaze replaced by determination.

"Xiaoxiao," Hua Jing hugged her brother.

Seeing the newfound determination in his eyes softened Hua Jing’s heart suddenly.

"Sis... I will definitely protect you and Mom and Dad and Grandpa and Grandma from now on." Xiaoxiao said solemnly.

"Hmm, our Xiaoxiao has always been amazing. Sis believes in you." Stroking Xiaoxiao’s hair, Hua Jing spoke in a rare gentle tone.

"Good boy," when Hua Jing saw the smile reappear on her brother’s face, she too followed with a gentle smile.

The two large pots of food seemed abundant, but when divided among several dozen people, it quickly disappeared, even the boiled water to clean the pots was consumed.