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Vibrations lingered over the atmosphere as several guards marched in from the main gate, their heavy footfalls resonating through the air. Clad in formidable armor, their helmets' mechanical components creaked with each deliberate step, exuding an aura of intimidation.

Following one another in lockstep, they gradually encircled the trio, with a lone figure positioned strategically behind them. Unbeknownst to the guards, a masked individual sprang onto a nearby rooftop and fled, abandoning the three behind. As A'Ying's wound began to hemorrhage once more, Zhao Yun swiftly pivoted toward the leader of the gang, grasping his sword firmly.

"Don't permit any treacherous fugitives to escape!" he exhorted, his voice laced with urgency. At the mention of "traitor," the leader's gaze shifted laterally, accompanied by a derisive snort. "Traitor?" he repeated, his tone dripping with incredulity. "In the Jianghu realm, I've never heard that martial practitioners were deemed traitors of Wei." The leader's helmet, adorned with intricate engravings, slowly lifted, revealing a countenance marked by cunning and calculation.

As the armor plating on his shoulders receded with a soft whoosh of air, he dismounted his steed with deliberate slowness, his movements radiating an air of confidence. A faint, enigmatic smile played on the corners of his mouth. "You're perceptive," he observed, his voice tinged with curiosity. "How did you deduce our allegiance?" A'Ying attempted to rise, but her precarious balance caused her to stumble momentarily, her visage pale and drawn. Zhao Yun emitted a subdued sigh and approached the leader, his rugged features underscoring his unyielding nature.

The leader's piercing gaze scrutinized Zhao Yun, searching for any indication of weakness. "Your astuteness is commendable," he continued, "but your loyalty will be your undoing." With these words, he signaled to his subordinates, who formed a tight cordon around the trio, effectively sealing their escape routes. As tensions escalated, the atmosphere grew heavy with foreboding, the outcome hanging precariously in the balance.

"Though your badges are gone, your tone, formation, and sword betray your allegiance," Zhao Yun said. "And Wei's horses are renowned for their distinctive gait. Their lighter stomp is a giveaway."

The leader nodded, impressed. "Not bad. Your knowledge suggests you're Master Lu. Unfortunately, Wei can't let you go easily. The Great Emperor requests your presence. Let's make a deal: accompany me, and your fate will be decided."

Zhao Yun remained silent, weighing his options. A'Ying mustered her strength and approached him, grasping his hand. The leader's gaze shifted to her, and he smiled. "May I ask who this lovely lady is?"

Zhao Yun's grip on his sword tightened. "She's my fiancée."

A'Ying's puzzled expression turned to a glare. "Touch a single hair on her head, and your master will ensure your downfall for betraying his plan. Reflect on your actions carefully."

The leader nodded silently, his eyes locked onto Zhao Yun's. A fleeting glance revealed a mixture of surprise and amusement. "As expected, heroes fall for beauties. You even bring her along on perilous journeys."

With a chuckle, he raised his hands in a gesture of surrender. "Very well. You've made your point. Someone, summon a physician for her."

A young attendant stepped forward, bowing deeply before hurrying off with two companions to summon the physician. The remaining soldiers stood at attention, awaiting their leader's command.

"Shall we?" Their leader nodded, guiding a horse toward Zhao Yun and A'Ying.

Zhao Yun turned to A'Ying, who shot him a reluctant glare. His words still lingered in her mind, her expression unreadable. Sighing, Zhao Yun approached her and gently helped her onto the horse.

The soldiers parted, clearing a path for their departure. With a final, piercing glance at A'Ying, Zhao Yun followed their leader's gaze. "Move out!"

The procession began, their footsteps echoing through the gates as they ventured into the woods. Silence gradually enveloped them, punctuated only by the soft creek of trees and chirping birds.

A'Ying clutched her wound, her gaze fixed on Zhao Yun with a mixture of anger and curiosity. The tension between them was palpable, their unspoken words hanging in the air like mist.

As they rode, the scenery shifted: towering trees gave way to a rustic hut, its patched fence gate blending seamlessly into the surroundings.

The lush green grass covered the ground, a stark contrast to the wilted leaves of the baobab trees they had passed. Yi Tian commanded, "Halt. You two, accompany me. Prepare two separate, adjacent rooms for them."

His attendants nodded swiftly and hurried off to fulfill their duties, leaving the trio alone. A'Ying dismounted with Zhao Yun's assistance, her eyes locked on his.

Yi Tian reassured him, "Don't worry, a physician will tend to her wounds, provided you cooperate."

Zhao Yun's irritation flared, but he glanced at A'Ying one last time before relinquishing his sword to Yi Tian. A'Ying's weak voice called out, "Shifu..." attempting to deter him.

Resigned, she pressed her lips together and followed the two attendants, resisting the urge to look back. Guards at the door stepped aside as Yi Hao Tian approached.

With Zhao Yun leading, the doors swung open, welcoming him. Sword at his side, he strode forward with unwavering confidence etched on his face.

Hao Tian bowed deeply as he addressed the figure behind the curtains. "I've brought him as requested, General."

The room's weathered exterior belied its refurbished interior. As Hao Tian withdrew, Zhao Yun scrutinized the figure's movements.

"Good," the elderly man said, his voice gruff. "Your merit will be rewarded. You may leave."

As the door closed, the elderly man emerged from behind the curtains, clad in armor and a headgear. His piercing gaze locked onto Zhao Yun.

"May I inquire why I've been summoned?" Zhao Yun asked, his eyes never leaving the general.

General Han descended from his elevated platform, his intense stare unwavering. "Come," he commanded, settling into a chair.

Pouring wine into a cup, he handed it to Zhao Yun, who closed his eyes before speaking.

"I didn't expect General Han to seek out a Jianghu wanderer like myself. You must be dissatisfied with the Great Emperor."

General Han's eyes snapped up, surprised by Zhao Yun's astuteness.

Chuckling, Zhao Yun opened his eyes. "Honestly, I avoid court politics. I prefer the freedom of the pugilistic world. Your court intrigues suffocate me. Judging by your demeanor, you're more ruthless than the Great Emperor. I'd rather die than aid you."

General Han's face contorted with rage. He slammed the wine cup onto the table, shattering it and splashing wine everywhere.

"You dare defy me?" he thundered. "Do you think I won't kill your fiancée?"

Zhao Yun smiled slyly, his eyes locked onto the general's. "You know that if you harm her, I'll never surrender. But if you spare her, I might reconsider - depending on my mood."

Fury built up in General Han's eyes as Zhao Yun stood up, hands folded. "If that's all, I'll take my leave."

As Zhao Yun turned to depart, a guard attempted to block his path, but Zhao Yun's menacing glare sent him retreating.

Once outside, Zhao Yun's anger boiled over. He seized a nearby cup and smashed it against the door, shards scattering across the room.

"General, isn't he too arrogant?" one of the guards ventured. "Why not kill his fiancée?"

General Han raised his hand, silencing his men. "No. Investigate Zhao Yun's background. I refuse to believe I can't break him."

Followed by his attendants, General Han approached A'Ying's quarters. As they withdrew, he cracked open the door, light flooding the dimly lit room.

A'Ying lay on the bed, dropping her bowl of medicine onto the table as he entered.

Lying recumbent on the bed, A'Ying relinquished her grasp on the bowl of medicine, allowing it to clatter onto the table as Zhao Yun approached. Her countenance illuminated at the sight of him, her eyes shining with an unmistakable warmth.

"Shifu," she whispered, endeavoring to sit upright despite her evident frailty.

Zhao Yun gently forestalled her, his expression beset with concern. "Your injuries necessitate rest, not exertion."

Though she acquiesced, her gaze remained steadfastly fixed on him, her pupils reflecting an unwavering devotion.

Examining the bowl of medicine, Zhao Yun emitted a subdued sigh. "Fortunately, your condition is stable. However, our circumstances dictate caution; we must bide our time until your recovery. Our temporary sojourn here will ensure your safety."

A'Ying's lips curved into a faint, enigmatic smile, her eyes locked onto his with an unspoken understanding.

"What of General Han's proposition?" she inquired, her voice laced with trepidation.

Zhao Yun adjusted his sword, his demeanor exuding reassurance. "Your well-being is paramount; I shall address the general's concerns. Rest now, and let the healing process commence."

As he prepared to depart, A'Ying's hand instinctively grasped his, her touch conveying an unspoken appeal.

"Is something perturbing you?" Zhao Yun asked, his tone infused with solicitude.

A'Ying's eyes fluttered, her thoughts momentarily escaping her. Shaking her head, she released his hand, her smile now tinged with melancholy.

"Ensure your own safety, as well," she murmured.

Without a response, Zhao Yun exited the room, leaving A'Ying to her introspection. She clutched her wrist, her eyes closed, memories surging through her mind like a tempest.

Here's the revised passage with advanced vocabulary:

As his hand endeavored to make contact with her countenance, another hand clamped down on his wrist, arresting his motion with unwavering resolve. Zhao Yun stepped forward, his gaze unflinching, his grip inexorable.

"Don't dare profane a single strand of her hair!" he admonished, his voice redolent with a deep-seated protectiveness.

This was the second instance of his stalwart defense, and A'Ying's heart swelled with effusive gratitude. He was the inaugural champion to stand up for her, to shield her from harm with unwavering dedication.

Sequestered in the dark bedroom, she smiled wistfully at the window, her thoughts consumed by Zhao Yun's chivalrous demeanor.

Standing precariously on one leg, a towering pile of books teetered above my head, threatening to topple. My eyes vacillated, struggling to focus as I endeavored to execute the intricate swordplay. To maintain equilibrium, I took a profound breath, grasping a handful of books while my head trembled with exertion.

"Senior," a raspy voice reiterated, piercing the air.

Before I could fully regain composure, his voice shattered my concentration. Losing control, I emitted a startled yelp as the books cascaded down, pummeling my face and feet with unrelenting force.

"Ouch!" I shrieked, leaping upright while stifling the urge to cry.

He emerged swiftly, astonished to find me in such a predicament.

Clutching my fists, I gradually lifted my head, seething with indignation. Not only had my martial art practice been utterly disrupted, but my feet throbbed from the brutal book fall.

"You!" I exclaimed, my voice trembling with vexation and ire.

Flustered and alarmed by my irate visage, the diminutive boy emitted a terrified shriek and fled precipitously. I was determined to hold him accountable. He would face the consequences!

After biting my lip in frustration, I yanked the remaining book off my head and pursued him relentlessly, racing along the mountainous terrain. His desperate cries for help echoed through the air.

"Help!" he shrieked, darting around corners.

Pausing briefly beside a pillar to catch my breath, I prepared to resume the chase. However, the boy sought refuge behind Senior Wu's robust frame.

"You haven't seen the last of me, you impudent whelp! Come forth!" I bellowed.

The boy cowered behind Senior Wu, using him as a shield.

"Can we resolve this amicably? He's merely a child," Senior Wu interceded.

Seething with indignation, I twisted my head to the left, my accusatory finger pointing at the boy.

"Child?! Ever since I began training, he consistently intervenes at critical junctures. Don't feign ignorance; he's fully aware of his actions!"

The boy's silent, stifled giggles only fueled my ire.

As I moved to apprehend him, a bird's melodic chirp interrupted us. Our gazes converged on the sound.

Rushing toward the source, we reached the mountain's edge, where a pigeon alighted beside Elder Wen.

"News from Senior Lu?" Elder Yu inquired, releasing a sigh.

He retrieved a folded parchment from the pigeon's leg and handed it to Elder Yu.

I hastened to his side, reading the message alongside him.

Upon reaching the signature, Elder Yu consigned the document to flames, using the candlestand nearby.

I swiftly approached him and perused the message together. Upon reaching the signature, Elder Yu incinerated the document using the adjacent candle stand.

"Captured by Great Wei? We must expedite their rescue. Permit me to join the effort," I urged.

Elder Yu declined with a headshake, redirecting his attention to Su Ruo and Xiao Fan.

Mo Yan emerged, fanning himself with an intricately painted fan featuring a blue waterfall. A subtle smile played on his lips.

"Excellent timing. I'm confident he'll escape unassisted. However, his companions will require aid upon their escape. I must enlist your assistance, esteemed trio."

The three nodded in unison, their hands clasped in respect. Xiao Fan cast a scathing glance at Su Ruo, who averted his gaze, his expression tinged with annoyance.

I refused to remain idle. I needed to devise an escape strategy.

Turning to the little boy beside me, a wry smile dispelled my earlier perplexity. A crooked smile cracked up the puzzled look on my face.

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What is You Rong planning?

Why does General Han want his help?

Will A'Ying manage to escape with Zhao Yun?

What question was she intending to ask but stopped later?