Luo Family Caravan

The scorching summer sun blazed overhead, cicadas cried one after another, unbearably noisy and irritating.

On the broad official road, a massive caravan moved slowly forward.

Hundreds of horse-drawn carriages stretched into a winding dragon, their shafts creaking as their wheels rolled over the yellow earth and kicked up clouds of dust.

The carts were laden with precious herbs and daily supplies, their chests and crates tightly sealed beneath heavy oilcloth, bound fast with coarse hemp rope.

At the front and rear of the caravan, escorts from the Zhenyuan Escort Agency rode tall steeds, looking imposing and majestic.

Blades flashed beneath the sunlight, while the escort banners snapped in the wind atop the horses' backs. The two words "Zhenyuan" stood out especially sharply against the bright red background.

Leading the way were the Zhenyuan Escort Agency's renowned twin escort chiefs.

Both men were broad-backed and powerfully built, with thick brows, large eyes, and full beards. They held heavy sabers in their hands, their gazes blazing like torches as they swept the surroundings, their presence intimidating.

Under their leadership, the escorts were alert and spirited, ever watchful for the slightest stir in the grass and trees.

At the center of the caravan, one lavishly adorned carriage drew particular attention.

The carriage was carved and painted in splendor, its curtains made from the finest silk, faintly revealing the luxury within.

Beside the carriage, a steward walked bent-backed and step for step, occasionally reporting the situation inside through the curtain.

More than a dozen household guards wielding long spears stood in neat formation around the carriage, while their leader, Ding Hai, possessed an especially extraordinary bearing.

He was tall and robust, like an iron tower. Every step he took was heavy and steady, and a powerful aura that made one's heart tremble radiated