Steal my marriage? Turn around and marry the tyrant to take the throne

Chapter 1156: Relying on a strong will to survive

"The pursuers are gathering again, there are at least a dozen of them. This place is open, we can't stay here for long!"

Gu Jinxiao's judgment is accurate and calm.

This patch of undergrowth was too sparse to provide effective cover. Staying here would only make us sitting ducks for crossbows.

Without hesitation, Shen Zhinian suddenly stood up from behind the rock and made a quick decision: "Let's go!"

"This way!"

Almost as soon as she stood up, Gu Jinxiao pointed to the denser and obviously darker coniferous forest in front of her.

There are towering ancient trees with gnarled branches, and thick pine needles and fallen leaves cover the ground, like a natural maze.

Without any delay, the two of them rushed towards the deep dense forest like two tacitly moving shadows!

The pursuers behind them had obviously discovered their intention. Their whistles became sharper and more rapid, and their footsteps were approaching like thunder.

The arrow came through the air again, carrying with it the scream of death!

"My lady, bow your head!"

Gu Jinxiao let out a low growl and suddenly pulled Shen Zhinian to his side.

A sharp arrow brushed past the spot where Shen Zhinian had just stood, and with a "thump", it pierced deeply into the trunk of a thick pine tree!

Shen Zhinian only felt a steady force that carried her forward a step, avoiding the fatal arrow.

Gu Jinxiao's hand was through the thick sleeve of the cloak, with moderate strength, and it separated immediately after the touch, without any excessive lingering.

He didn't even look back at her, his eyes fixed on the front, as if he had just helped a colleague who was about to fall.

The two of them, one in front and one behind, finally rushed into the dark forest.

The light dimmed instantly.

The towering ancient trees blocked out most of the sunlight, and the air was filled with a damp smell mixed with pine resin, soil and rotting leaves.

There is a thick, soft layer of pine needles under your feet. It is silent to step on, but it is also easy to slip.

Thick tree trunks, tangled roots, and hanging vines form a natural barrier and a complex maze.

As soon as they entered the dense forest, Gu Jinxiao immediately slowed down his pace and became extremely cautious.

He no longer ran, but chose the most hidden path, using the thick tree trunks as cover and moving silently.

Gu Jinxiao always stayed about half a step ahead of Shen Zhinian, able to explore the way for her and protect her at any time.

His eyes scanned every shadow and every bush around him, alert to any possible ambush.

Shen Zhinian followed closely behind, also holding his breath and concentrating.

The darkness and complex terrain of the dense forest greatly limited the pursuers' vision and speed, but also gave them a chance to breathe and hide.

She could clearly hear the suppressed breathing of herself and Gu Jinxiao, as well as the occasional chirping of unknown birds coming from the depths of the dense forest.

The footsteps and shouts of the pursuers behind him were blocked by the dense forest and became intermittent. They seemed to be left behind for a distance, but they did not disappear.

The Huns were like a pack of wolves on the grassland, with the instinct of tracking ingrained in their bones.

Gu Jinxiao stopped behind a huge ancient pine tree that required several people to hug it. He leaned his back against the rough trunk and listened attentively to the movement behind him.

Shen Zhinian also immediately stopped beside him, breathing slightly to adjust his breathing.

"My lady, we have temporarily shaken off some of the pursuers, but we are not out of danger."

Gu Jinxiao's voice was very low, so that only the two of them could hear it. He spoke with a calmness that showed that he was in danger but still clear and coherent.

He turned his head and his eyes quickly swept across Shen Zhinian's face to confirm her condition.

Then he headed into the depths of the dark forest, frowning slightly, as if he was trying to identify the direction.

"This forest is too large. We need to find a more secluded location, or try to contact Commander Zhan's men."

Gu Jinxiao's words were concise and clear, all about practical considerations of escaping danger, without a word of unnecessary concern or comfort.

This courtesy and restraint appear particularly clear in the dense forest where life and death are at stake.

He even deliberately kept a half-arm's distance from Shen Zhinian to avoid any unnecessary contact.

Shen Zhinian nodded slightly, his eyes scanning the surroundings with the same sharpness: "We really can't stay here for too long, the pursuers will soon follow us."

She pointed in a direction. "The terrain over there seems to be lower. There might be a stream or a cave."

"Okay, please follow closely, Madam."

Gu Jinxiao agreed with Shen Zhinian's judgment immediately without any doubt.

He took the lead once more, his movements still cautious, choosing the most concealed route. His wide crimson robes, in the dim light, almost blended in with the shadows of the forest.

The two of them walked silently among the ancient trees and vines.

Gu Jinxiao is always exploring the way ahead.

Occasionally, when he encountered a steep slope or slippery tree roots, he would stop and use the machete he had taken to cut off the vines blocking his way.

Or use the scabbard to test the soft ground.

After confirming that it was safe, Gu Jinxiao stepped aside to make way and whispered, "My queen, be careful with your steps."

The voice was steady and without any ripples.

His back was tall and straight, and in the dim light, it was like a silent rock, blocking all possible dangers in front of him.

He will also strictly observe the limits and distances that belong to his subjects.

Deep in the dense forest, the only sounds were the slight rustling of footsteps on the thick pine needles and the suppressed breathing of the two people.

The whistles of the pursuers seemed to be temporarily swallowed up by this ancient forest, but they were like a sword hanging over their heads, ready to fall at any time.

The ancient trees are towering, with twisted branches, cutting the already sparse autumn sun into pieces, leaving only mottled shadows in the dark forest.

Stepping on the thick layer of pine needles is like walking in a silent swamp, and every step requires extra effort.

Shen Zhinian followed closely behind Gu Jinxiao, half a step away, but his steps were no longer as light as before.

The torn part of her cloak swayed slightly as she moved, revealing the hem of her palace dress, which was covered with mud and dead leaves.

Shen Zhinian was not a martial artist, and he was able to escape here despite the desperate pursuit of the pursuers, all thanks to his strong will to survive.

At this moment, she was breathing rapidly, with fine beads of cold sweat oozing from her forehead, which was made even colder by the chill in the forest.

My stomach felt empty, a faint burning pain throbbed from my stomach walls, and my limbs felt heavy as if they were filled with lead...

Shen Zhinian bit the inside of his lower lip tightly, scanning the path that Gu Jinxiao had explored in front of him and the dark surroundings, forcing himself to keep up with his cautious pace.

At this moment, Gu Jinxiao, who was exploring the way ahead, paused slightly.

He didn't turn around, but his voice was clearly heard by Shen Zhinian: "My Lady, there seems to be a rock in the leeward side of the left side. The terrain is slightly higher, and the visibility is still good."

When saying this, Gu Jinxiao turned slightly to the side so that Shen Zhinian could see clearly the direction he was pointing.

The rock was not too big, but it was big enough for two people to hide.

There was a steep mountain wall behind them, and a wide view ahead, allowing them to observe the direction they came from.