Escort

Zuo Dongxi had been grinding away in the Patrol Horse Gang for over a decade, and he had always been steady in his dealings.

This job for the Feng Family came so suddenly that it left him with no time to prepare.

Furthermore, he had heard rumors in the gang recently that the Third Young Master of the Feng Family had been at odds with the main branch, a conflict that was only barely suppressed after the clan elders personally intervened.

The waters of these noble clans ran too deep; he had always preferred not to get involved, but he owed the Feng Family steward a favor.

He could not refuse this task and had no choice but to bite the bullet and accept.

The men in the Patrol Horse Gang were his old brothers who had licked blood off blades alongside him, and he did not want to drag them into this nest of trouble.

Thus, his mind turned, and he set his sights on the carriage firm.

Most of the people in the carriage firm had only shallow ties with him.

Even if something were to happen to them on the road, a bit of silver would be enough to handle it.

His conscience would remain clear.

Shen Chongsan said this man was a martial artist recommended by Head Escort Sun, possessing solid skills, and since he was a newcomer with no family or ties to hold him back, he fit his requirements perfectly.

If the journey went smoothly, it would be a happy outcome for all, and perhaps it would even pave the way for future opportunities.

If something went wrong, it would not shake the foundations of the Patrol Horse Gang.

He immediately set off with Chen Ye and the carriages, heading straight for the Feng Family, feeling satisfied.

Capital City, in front of the Feng Family estate.

Zuo Dongxi brought the three new carriages to a steady halt at the entrance and called out to the back; Chen Ye jumped down from the carriage shaft.

"Although the Feng Family is only a secondary branch, they are still a century-old noble clan; the reward for this errand will certainly not be thin." Zuo Dongxi patted Chen Ye on the shoulder and lowered his voice. "Keep your eyes sharp on the road, and if there are any issues with the carriages, handle them promptly. If you encounter any trouble, don't rush forward, but don't hide behind either. Be smart."

Chen Ye gave a vague nod of agreement and looked up.

The two stone lions in front of the Feng Family gate had their eyes wide with fury, and the drum-shaped stone pedestals inside stood as steady as mountains.

This was a family of military nobility.

Chen Ye counted silently; there were already five carriages parked in front of the gate, almost crowding the entire street.

The scale was truly significant; he wondered what the Feng Family was planning to do.

Before long, the side gate of the Feng Family opened, and a lean, middle-aged man walked out.

This man was dressed more decently than an ordinary steward, his eyes were lively, his arms reached past his knees, and the joints of his ten fingers were broad and covered in a thick layer of calluses; every movement he made carried an air of capability.

His internal energy was condensed and solid, hidden but not revealed.

Before the man had even reached them, Chen Ye felt the hair on his body stand on end, as if pricked by needles.

The four grains of True Yang deep within his dantian began to heat up faintly.

This man was no ordinary character.

Chen Ye felt that the other party's cultivation was far above his own.

Zuo Dongxi hurried forward to meet him, cupping his fists with a smile. "Steward Feng, I have not failed your commission! The carriages and horses are all prepared for you."

"As expected of Gang Leader Zuo; if not for your help, I truly wouldn't know how to answer for this task. You have done me a great favor." Steward Feng quickly returned the salute, his words flawless.

After the two exchanged pleasantries for a while, the Feng Family steward turned serious. "This shipment is of vital importance to the Third Young Master. There must be no mishaps on the road; you must deliver the Young Master and the goods on time."

Zuo Dongxi patted his chest and agreed.

At the same time, he pointed to Chen Ye and said, "This is a martial artist from the carriage firm who has undergone Mortal Shedding and is well-versed in carriages and horses. Knowing how much the Third Young Master values this trip, I specifically requested him from the firm to provide support and assist the Young Master along the way. I guarantee he will not hinder the Young Master's affairs."

"With your word, Gang Leader Zuo, I am at ease."

Chen Ye stood quietly to the side, his gaze sweeping over the Feng Family steward and the guards behind him, saying nothing.

After waiting for another moment, the principal figure finally walked slowly out of the estate.

The Third Young Master, Feng Yanwu, looked to be only in his twenties, with delicate and handsome features.

Dressed in a moon-white silk robe with a green jade pendant at his waist, he stood there like pine or bamboo, possessing an air of natural, refined nobility.

Unlike the Gao Yunheng from before.

This Feng Family young master was humble and gentle, showing not a hint of the arrogance typical of noble scions.

As he emerged from the gate, his gaze swept over the servants waiting at the entrance, and he nodded slightly, acknowledging them.

Passing the lead carriage, he noticed a loose mortise and tenon joint on the shaft; he gestured for the servants to repair it, then carefully inspected it himself, attending to the matter personally.

Zuo Dongxi had mentioned on the way that this Third Young Master was a strong contender for the next head of the Feng Family.

At a young age, he had already undergone Mortal Shedding five times, his physical body perfected.

In another year or two, he would likely break through to the Dragon Elephant realm.

By then, the position of family head would likely be his.

Feng Yanwu personally inspected the caravan before waving his hand to begin loading the cargo.

For a time, figures darted back and forth in front of the Feng Family gate.

A multitude of servants swarmed like ants, hauling crates from the manor and loading them into the carriages.

Once the cargo was secured and Feng Yanwu had confirmed nothing was left behind, he waved the servants away, leaving only a contingent of guards to accompany them.

The old steward obsequiously lifted the carriage curtain for him, presenting a familiar set of purple clay tea ware.

He then took a celadon tea canister from a servant nearby and handed it into the carriage: "Young Master, this is the Spring Jade Tea the Old Mistress sent over this morning. She bids you sip it slowly on the road and remain cautious in your words and deeds."

"Mm." Feng Yanwu accepted it indifferently and stepped steadily into the carriage.

The caravan set off.

Zuo Dongxi took the lead on horseback, while Chen Ye brought up the rear.

The procession rumbled grandly down the main street, passed through the towering city gates, and onto the imperial road.

Sitting at the back of the carriage, Chen Ye glanced back toward the Feng manor, a persistent sense of unease gnawing at him.

Before departing, he had made inquiries and learned that the caravan's personnel were of an exceptionally high caliber; there were no shortage of Mortal Shedding martial artists like himself.

On the surface, the security was airtight, leaving no room for error.

Yet, for some reason, he felt the entire team's atmosphere was far too solemn, not at all like a routine delivery.

Having clawed his way up through the mud and been burned too many times, Chen Ye instinctively braced himself with twelvefold vigilance.

The next half-day passed.

Feng Yanwu remained inside the carriage the entire time, with attendants riding guard on all sides and trusted confidants never leaving his side, serving him closely.

The journey was peaceful.

Chen Ye shook his head, assuming he was simply overthinking things.

Because the cargo was heavy, the caravan had to stop periodically to rest and water the horses.

By the afternoon.

The caravan halted in the countryside, roughly a hundred miles from Luoyang.

The sun was scorching, and the carriage cabin was stifling.

Unable to bear it any longer, Feng Yanwu stepped out of the carriage to stretch his limbs.

Several guards stood a few paces away, their short tunics soaked through with sweat, clinging to their backs.

Feng Yanwu glanced at them, then turned and gave a few instructions to his confidant.

The confidant turned, retrieved several waterskins from the carriage, and handed them one by one to the surrounding guards.

Feng Yanwu took one himself, but instead of drinking immediately, he held it in his hand and walked forward to admire the scenery.

Along the way, he caught sight of a clear spring bubbling out from a crevice in the rocks nearby, the water shimmering and crystal clear.

His eyes lit up. "Go fetch some of that spring water; it will be perfect for brewing tea."

The guards nearby knew he was obsessed with tea, so they immediately sent men to fetch the water and boil it on the spot.

To be safe, the guards specifically used a spirit needle to test for poison and even had several men drink a few mouthfuls first. Only after confirming it was harmless did they carefully brew the Spring Jade Tea.