Chris Lewis turned and walked into the cave, holding Richard Scott's hand and smiling, "Looks like we need to find another place."

Chapter 13: A Thrilling Night

Richard Scott heard their conversation outside and was moved. Forcing a smile, he said, "Actually, George Adams won't kill me. Even if I'm captured, it's no big deal."

But Chris Lewis ignored him and directly carried Richard Scott on his back. "Let's go! If I don't die, you won't die either."

Carrying Richard Scott out of the cave, Stephen Wood led the way in front, and the three of them continued climbing toward the mountaintop.

On the mountain path, dozens of generals surrounded a middle-aged man. He had a one-foot-long beard under his chin, a high, prominent nose, and sharp eyes. He wore a golden helmet, golden chainmail armor, the Sword of Yitian at his waist, and rode a yellow steed with lightning-fast hooves.

This man was none other than George Adams. Abraham Lewis had already escaped far away, and since he couldn't catch up, he had no choice but to lead his troops back to Rang Mountain. There, he heard that the great general Richard Scott was wounded and hiding in the mountains, accompanied by a young man who turned out to be the nephew of William Lewis. George Adams couldn't help but become very interested.

This place was not far from Jingzhou. If he could capture William Lewis's nephew, he could use the excuse of returning the nephew to meet William Lewis at the Han River, and perhaps exchange him for Abraham Lewis—not a bad deal.

In front of George Adams's horse, Robert Evans knelt on one knee. At this moment, he was filled with deep regret. If only he had known how much his lord valued that young man, he would never have let him go. How foolish he had been!

He dared not hide anything and recounted Chris Lewis's words in full detail, then said dejectedly, "I was tricked by him, and as a result, he and Richard Scott escaped right under my nose. It's too late for regrets. I was foolish and ruined your great plan, my lord. Please punish me."

A hint of surprise flashed in George Adams's eyes. This young man was not only knowledgeable but also bold and meticulous. That William Lewis actually had such a nephew—it was truly impressive. George Adams's interest grew even stronger. He was determined to capture this nephew of William Lewis.

He immediately gave the order: "Pass on my command: no one is allowed to set fire to the mountain. They must be captured alive. Whoever captures Richard Scott will be rewarded with three hundred jin of gold; whoever captures William Lewis's nephew will be rewarded with five hundred jin!"

George Adams then ordered the general James Lee, "Take three thousand troops and go by the small path, climb the mountain from behind, and cut off their retreat to the south."

"Yes, my lord!" James Lee led three thousand soldiers along the mountain path, circling to the southwest.

With such heavy rewards, brave men were sure to emerge. Tens of thousands of Cao's soldiers, torches in hand, swarmed up the mountain, making the entire slope look like a sea of blazing lights—an awe-inspiring sight.

Chris Lewis and his companions had already crossed the ridge and reached the saddle on the other side of the mountain, which was covered in pine forest. At this moment, Richard Scott's poisoned wound began to flare up. He was semi-conscious, with blisters forming on his lips, sometimes lucid, sometimes confused.

When clear-headed, he said nothing; when confused, he would murmur, "Water! Water!"

His whole body was burning hot, and he was on the verge of dehydration. Chris Lewis was frantic with worry. Richard Scott urgently needed water and medicine. The medicine was gone, but at least he needed water. If they didn't find water soon, Richard Scott would die. Chris Lewis straightened up and looked around.

He had once been a young hunter and had some experience. It had just rained the day before yesterday. There wouldn't be water in the pine forest, but in the saddle-shaped depression, there might be puddles of rainwater.

He took the canteen and said to Stephen Wood, "Watch General Zhao carefully. He saved our lives—we absolutely cannot abandon him. I'll go find water and be right back."

Stephen Wood nodded. "Don't worry, young master! I'll take good care of him."

Chris Lewis was still uneasy, but there was no other way. He could only go quickly and return quickly. He jumped down a dirt embankment and dashed toward the hollow.

Watching Chris Lewis disappear into the distance, Stephen Wood's expression changed, becoming twisted and ferocious, a murderous glint in his eyes. "Kid, you want to die, but I don't!"

He pulled out a dagger from his chest, which he had found in the saddlebag of his warhorse and had kept hidden on him. He concealed the dagger behind his back and took a step toward Richard Scott...

Chris Lewis's luck was good. After running just over a hundred steps, he found a small puddle with a bit of rainwater. Overjoyed, he carefully filled the canteen, but there was too little water—he only managed to fill half the canteen before it was gone.

Chris Lewis knew that if there was one puddle, there would be more nearby, but he was worried about Richard Scott, so he turned and ran back...

Stephen Wood squatted in front of Richard Scott, the hand gripping the dagger hidden behind his back, and called softly, "General Zhao! General Zhao!"

He had seen Richard Scott's martial prowess with his own eyes and was still a bit intimidated. If Richard Scott could still fight back, he would be doomed.

At that moment, Richard Scott happened to be lucid. He slowly opened his eyes and asked in a low voice, "Where is Young Master Jing?"

"He went to find water. I'm here to take care of you."

As he spoke, he pressed lightly on Richard Scott's wound. Richard Scott was in unbearable pain, but he gritted his teeth and didn't make a sound.

"General Zhao, it looks like your injury is quite serious. How about I help you walk a few steps? Get your blood flowing."

Richard Scott was very experienced. Seeing the murderous glint in Stephen Wood's eyes and the twisted muscles on his face, Richard Scott immediately understood—this man had evil intentions.

Alarmed, Richard Scott immediately called out in a low voice, "Young Master Jing is right behind you!"

Stephen Wood was startled and spun around, but there was nothing behind him—not a trace of Chris Lewis. A sinister smile appeared in Stephen Wood's eyes. "So General Zhao is joking with me!"