Traveling Between Two Worlds: From Bread for Maids to Fantasy Overlord

With Qin Cang bedridden and recuperating, the military power of Qin Family Fort was completely handed over to Qin Yuling. This usually aloof and proud young lady shed her girlish demeanor, donned light armor, and stood on the command platform of the city tower, her posture upright and her eyes dignified, displaying the full demeanor of a female general.

The elders who had previously caused trouble were now trembling with fear before Qin Yuling, daring not to disobey in the slightest. Qin Yuling acted swiftly and decisively, first rectifying military discipline by severely punishing the guards who had retreated in the face of battle, and then redividing the defensive areas, assigning troops to guard the city tower, city gate, and side walls, with each location arranged in an orderly manner, instantly transforming the previously chaotic defenses into a well-organized one.

"Increase the number of crossbowmen on the north tower to twenty, concentrate firepower to suppress the bandits' ladders; the catapults on the south tower should fire in shifts without interruption; reinforce the wooden railings at the city gates and prepare oil, so that we can use fire to attack as soon as the bandits get close!" Qin Yuling's voice was clear yet authoritative, and her orders were issued in an orderly manner. The guards responded and acted without the slightest delay.

Huang Yiming stood beside her, watching her calmly command the troops, a hint of approval flashing in his eyes. Qin Yuling was exceptionally talented, having studied military strategy and affairs since childhood. However, she had never held significant power before. Now, entrusted with a critical mission, she displayed astonishing leadership abilities, a stark contrast to her usual shy demeanor, making her exceptionally captivating.

The two had a clear division of labor and worked together seamlessly: Qin Yuling was responsible for military operations, personnel deployment, discipline, and overall defense; Huang Yiming was responsible for tactical command, weapon allocation, and handling of emergencies, precisely targeting the bandits' vital points. One was calm and dignified, the other was cool and wise; standing together, they were a perfect match.

Qin Yuling would occasionally turn to look at Huang Yiming, her eyes filled with inquiry and reliance. Huang Yiming would nod slightly in affirmation. A single glance was enough for them to understand each other's feelings; their tacit understanding was impeccable. The guards on the city wall, watching this scene, felt increasingly reassured. With these two in charge, they were confident they could defend the fortress.

"Brother Huang, I'm leading a team of guards to guard the city gate. Anyone who dares to come near, I'll smash their head in!" Qin Hu, carrying a thick wooden stick, looked fierce and volunteered to guard the most dangerous city gate. His honest and straightforward appearance was reassuring.

Yang Xiu, accompanied by several women, moved between the city walls, serving tea and water, distributing dry rations, and tending to the wounds of the lightly injured guards. She was constantly busy, yet always wore a smile. As long as she could help Huang Yiming, she felt utterly content. Occasionally, she would glance at Huang Yiming and Qin Yuling in the center of the city wall, a faint pang of sadness flashing in her eyes, but it was quickly replaced by a resolute determination—she only wanted to stay by the young master's side; she never asked for more.

After resting for half an hour, the bandits launched another fierce attack. This time, the bandits went all out, with ladders densely packed against the city walls and battering rams slamming against the city gates, making loud "thump-thump" sounds, and the entire fortress trembled slightly.

"Fire arrows! Prepare the oil!" Qin Yuling shouted the order. Arrows rained down, and the oil was ignited. The raging fire instantly engulfed the bandits approaching the city gate, and screams of agony rose and fell. But the bandits were too numerous and continued to charge forward, almost reaching the top of the city wall.

Huang Yiming's eyes darkened. He picked up the improved crossbow, aimed at the bandits' ladder ropes, and pulled the trigger repeatedly. The crossbow bolts accurately severed the ropes, and several ladders collapsed instantly. The bandits climbing the ladders fell one after another, some dead and some injured. He then directed the crossbowmen to concentrate their fire on the bandits' ramming log team. Soon, the pressure on the city gate was greatly reduced.

"Good! Well done!" The guards shouted encouragement, their morale soaring, and they fought with increasing ferocity. Qin Yuling watched Huang Yiming's precise command, her eyes filled with admiration, her cheeks slightly flushed, and her heart pounding involuntarily. She had grown up in the fortified village and had seen countless heroes, but none had ever stirred her heart like Huang Yiming, making her willing to follow him.

The fierce battle lasted for an hour. The bandits suffered heavy casualties but were unable to breach the city gate and had to sound the retreat again. The guards on the city wall cheered, their fatigue vanished, and their eyes were filled with admiration as they looked at Huang Yiming and Qin Yuling.

Just as everyone was celebrating their temporary victory, two figures dressed in blue Taoist robes rose into the air from the distant mountains and forests, riding flying swords and flying towards Qin Family Fortress. They exuded faint spiritual energy fluctuations, clearly indicating that they were cultivators.

The cheers from the city wall ceased instantly, and the guards' expressions changed drastically. Cultivators were seen as supreme beings by mortals, capable of destroying cities with a mere flick of their wrists. The arrival of two cultivators was undoubtedly a catastrophe. Qin Yuling's face was grave as she gripped her longsword tightly, looking at Huang Yiming: "They're cultivators from the Black Stone Sect! The bandit leader actually brought cultivators!"

Huang Yiming's eyes were icy as he looked up at the cultivators in the air, a disdainful smirk playing on his lips: "So what if they're cultivators? Here, even the extraordinary are afraid of iron sand. Let them see the power of mortal weapons." Qin Yuling gripped her longsword tightly, worriedly saying, "They know flying sword magic; our crossbows can't reach that high." Huang Yiming patted the pistol at his waist, his tone resolute: "Don't worry, my treasure is faster and more ruthless than flying swords." Qin Hu, hearing this at the city gate, was filled with excitement. He raised his crossbow and shouted, "Who cares about immortals or Taoist priests? If they dare to invade the fortress, I'll shoot them in the butt!" His honest shout echoed across the city walls. The guards suppressed their laughter, their tense nerves instantly relaxing, their fighting spirit rising even higher.