When Hu Xiaotian spotted the man, the man noticed them as well and rode toward them.
Huo Shengnan grew wary and quietly took down her longbow, ready in case he meant them harm.
The man first spread his arms to show that he meant no ill, then cupped his fists from horseback and called out, "Gentlemen, I've lost my way in Peak Forest Gorge. Would you be kind enough to point me in the right direction?"
His voice sounded familiar to Hu Xiaotian. Only after studying his features did he recognize him as the red-haired man he had met aboard the merchant ship. He had never expected to run into him here. The red-haired man was covered in yellow dust, which was why Hu Xiaotian had not recognized him at first. The man had not recognized them either. For one thing, Hu Xiaotian and Huo Shengnan were also coated in dust; for another, they were both wearing masks.
Hu Xiaotian smiled. "We're feeling our way along too."
The red-haired man rode up and dismounted. Glancing at the waterskin in Hu Xiaotian's hand, he asked, "Could you spare me some water, brother?" Before Hu Xiaotian could agree, he took out a gold ingot and tossed it over.
Hu Xiaotian had intended to give him some for free. He had not expected the fellow to be so extravagant. He caught the ingot-it weighed a full five taels.
"Thanks!" Hu Xiaotian said with a smile, tossing him the waterskin.
The red-haired man caught it and gulped down several mouthfuls. Then he took a copper basin from his baggage, poured all the remaining water into it, and set it before his mount to drink. Once he had finished, he came back to Hu Xiaotian. "Would you two gentlemen be willing to let me travel