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The moment Li Wei mounted the 14-speed horse, he immediately felt the difference.

The scenery on both sides sped past noticeably faster, and the wind rushing at his face was a little stronger as well.

The sensation was markedly enhanced.

Li Wei was looking forward more and more to a horse at full speed.

As he rode, Li Wei studied the map.

First stop: Bree.

The distance from Roadside Fortress to Bree was about the same as the distance to Rivendell, but the roads were better. And this time, he was traveling on a fine horse, so he was expected to arrive before nightfall.

And so he continued onward.

While the sky was still bright, Li Wei arrived at an unnamed settlement. Not far down the road stood a small inn.

—Forgotten Inn.

Looking at the familiar inn, Li Wei thought for a moment before dismounting and walking inside.

There were few people in this somewhat old-fashioned inn, with only two or three tables occupied by diners.

Li Wei spotted a familiar figure among them.

So he sat down directly across from him.

The man who had been gnawing on coarse bread with a cup of water looked up. Beneath his hood, a pair of sharp eyes fixed on the person who had suddenly taken the seat opposite him.

"Li Wei?"

Falrodan set down his bread and took a drink of water.

"What brings you here? Do you need my help with something?"

He had not forgotten the silver coin he had given Li Wei. It was his promise—he had personally told Li Wei that if he needed anything, he could wait for him at the Forgotten Inn. Still, it was quite a coincidence that they had run into each other directly today.

"Nothing really. I just had a feeling you might be here, so I came in to say hello."

"You're back from Rivendell?"

"I've been back for quite a while. Actually, I'm on my second journey now."

"I remember it hasn't even been a month since you left."

"I've already been back for half a month."

"..." Falrodan fell silent for a moment.

What a quick return.

"By the way, my people told me that half a month ago, an Orc cavalry unit marched west along the edge of the wilderness, heading in this direction. I suspect their target might have been you." Falrodan's expression was grave.

A cavalry unit of over a hundred riders was not easy to deal with.

"I was actually planning to go to Roadside Fortress to tell you about it."

The corners of Li Wei's mouth lifted as he leaned back tactically.

"Your information is outdated, Falrodan. I already wiped out that unit."

If my Iron Golem wiped them out, that still counted as me doing it. Nothing wrong with that.

Falrodan fell silent again.

"I haven't been active around here lately, so my information may be a little behind. But no matter what, it's good that you're all right."

"By the way, where are you headed this time?"

"The Blue Mountains."

"You've barely left the Elves' lands, and now you're going to find the Dwarves?"

"I have some things to take care of over there."

"All right. You always seem to be busy."

The busiest man in Middle-earth.

After a brief catch-up, the two had nothing more to say. Falrodan quickly finished the rest of his bread with water, then rose to his feet. "I'll see you off."

Whether it was an illusion or not, Li Wei felt that his movements as he stood were somewhat stiff.

"May you travel with the wind."

Outside the inn, Falrodan offered his parting blessing.

However, Li Wei did not mount his horse right away. He merely stared at Falrodan until the latter began to feel uncomfortable.

"What is it?"

"You're injured?" Li Wei suddenly asked.

"How did you know... Fine. I fight often, so it's inevitable that I suffer minor injuries now and then. A little rest and recovery will be enough."

"That doesn't look like a minor injury to me."

Li Wei looked at Falrodan's health bar.

12/25

It was no easy feat that this guy could still stand. He had literally lost half his life.

As they spoke, the Ranger lost another drop of blood.

Come on, man, don't die in front of me.

Li Wei sighed, pulled out a golden apple with a warm, lustrous sheen, and handed it to Falrodan.

"Take this. It's rich in vitality—maybe it can heal you."

"This is far too precious." Falrodan shook his head. If he wasn't mistaken, the apple seemed to be made of gold. Never mind whether it could be eaten—it was definitely expensive.

"Say no more. Take it. I don't want you dying in front of me."

Li Wei was resolute as he shoved the Golden Apple into Falrodan's hand.

He had been seen through.

Falrodan stopped trying to hide it. The spirit he had been forcing himself to maintain immediately wilted, and his sharp edge vanished in an instant.

"Eat!" Li Wei stared at him.

The weary Ranger looked at the apple that seemed to have been cast from gold. After a brief hesitation, he gently took a bite.

Sweet juice burst from the apple. Falrodan's eyes widened in an instant. The moment the flesh entered his stomach, his entire body seemed to cheer from head to toe. His slash wounds and poison wounds healed at an unbelievable speed.

At the same time, a faint golden glow rose from his body, giving him a sense of invincibility.

It was an extra layer of shielding.

By the time he finished the apple, his Health Bar had also been fully restored.

25/25

"This thing is far too precious." Falrodan instantly realized the value of the apple.

"I owe you my life. If there's anything you need me to do, please tell me."

Li Wei had originally intended to say it was nothing, but then he reconsidered. Rangers traveled all across the wilderness and were well-informed. Perhaps they could...

"In that case, let me think. Do you know where there are any gold mines?"

"As far as I know, there are some in Dwarf territory, as well as within the southern human kingdoms, such as Gondor..."

"No, no, I don't need gold mines that already have owners. I want to know whether there are any unclaimed gold mines. Or, if there really aren't any, ones occupied by Orcs would do—even Mordor would be fine. You understand what I mean, right?"

Falrodan fell into thought.

"I understand. As for places that produce gold mines, I seem to recall hearing of a few. However, I may need some time to verify them..."

"That's fine. I'll wait for you."

Falrodan nodded heavily. He had clearly already made this matter his top priority.

After bidding Falrodan farewell, Li Wei continued westward, passing through Bree and the Barrow-downs.

By the time he reached the barrows, it was night. Li Wei stopped there briefly and deliberately made some noise and light, but unfortunately, he failed to lure out a Barrow-wight this time.

So he had no choice but to give up.

The next day.

Li Wei entered the Shire and raced along the main road.

It was not until noon that he stopped outside a Hobbit dwelling.

He dismounted and knocked gently on the door.

"Just a moment—just a moment, let me get this steak out of the pot first!"

"Oh, forgive me, I didn't expect visitors at this hour..."

The rambling voice drew closer and soon stopped behind the door.

Creak.

The front door opened.

Bilbo looked upward, squinting against the sunlight for several seconds before suddenly crying out:

"...Li Wei?!"

The hospitable Hobbit immediately stepped outside and excitedly spread his arms. "Welcome, welcome! It's good to see you again, Li Wei. Since we last met, it's been, uh... well, several months anyway. Come on, come inside! We can have lunch together, and I've got some fine wine too. We can taste it together..."

Listening to Bilbo's chatter, Li Wei felt slightly dazed.

This Hobbit was still living his peaceful life. After several months apart, neither Bilbo nor Bag End had changed in the slightest. Even the room Li Wei had stayed in was exactly as before, with the bedding and sheets folded neatly.

"Come to think of it, I feel like you've changed a great deal. I mean, it's that sort of... indescribable feeling. I imagine quite a lot must have happened to you recently, right?"

Just as Li Wei was sighing inwardly, Bilbo suddenly spoke up and looked at him.

The journey ahead would not be long.

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