Xin Wuming had barely steadied himself when the coachman followed like his shadow, closing in instantly. His broad shoulder slammed into Xin Wuming's chest like a wall.
Xin Wuming flew backward several yards, his feet plowing two deep furrows through the snow.
"You... is that a military... fighting technique?"
The fierce pain in his ribs made Xin Wuming's voice hoarse. As the man struck his chest, a close-range elbow strike had dealt him another, hidden blow.
"May I ask... your esteemed name?"
Unwilling to concede, Xin Wuming took a few steps forward, clutching his chest as he asked coldly.
"No name!"
The coachman straightened his bamboo hat and gave the quiet reply, then casually pulled up the horsewhip stuck in the ground.
"With your skills, you can hardly be... an unknown in Luoyang City. Could it be... you dare not tell me the truth?"
A cold gleam flashed through Xin Wuming's eyes as he raised his voice.
The coachman ignored him. He walked to the carriage, brushed off the snow, and led it by the horse's bridle until he stopped before Han Chanjuan.
"Young miss, please get in!"
The coachman spoke calmly, but the big black horse pulling the carriage swished its tail happily at the sight of Han Chanjuan, pawed the snow with its forehoof, and snorted loudly.
"I... I'm taking him with me!"
Han Chanjuan glanced at Xin Wuming a short distance away, clung to He An's arm, and lifted her pretty face to glare at the coachman, her voice petulant.
When the coachman remained silent, Han Chanjuan beamed. She lifted the carriage curtain, pushed He An inside first, then climbed in after him.
"By taking these two away, are you openly declaring yourself an enemy of our Dragon Gate Academy?"
Standing nearby, Xin Wuming watched them treat