Chapter One Hundred Eleven: A Test

(1/3)

As they moved through the forest, Fan Bei instructed Dabai to stay close behind him.

The path chosen by Lin Zhongshi was the gentlest one marked on the map. Even though it appeared relatively smooth, covering the straight-line distance of 90 kilometers would still take three to five days, depending on luck.

After crossing a valley and then another mountain, they would reach an east-west river. Traveling west along the river promised a much easier route.

At this moment, the dense canopy cast heavy shadows, and the air was filled with the chorus of birds and insects. Ahead, members of the Tenacious Stone Guild were felling trees to clear the way.

After more than thirty years of no one entering these mountains, all the trails had been overgrown with trees and shrubs. To carve out a path by foot, one had to rely on axes and machetes.

The Tenacious Stone Guild’s people took turns clearing the way. Even so, after two hours, the dozen or so men were drenched in sweat and had rested three times already.

By then, they had only covered five li (about 2.5 kilometers) of mountain trail.

At a pace of two li per hour, progress was slow but this was the price of traversing untamed wilderness.

No one dared rush—not only did they have to watch their footing, but also remain vigilant. An encounter with a malevolent creature at any moment could be fatal.

Fortunately, everyone in this large group was skilled at or above the Bronze Tier; common evil spirits had long since fled at their approach.

Fan Bei, walking with a staff in the middle of the group, looked at the team and felt a surge of emotion.

In the past, he had thought the evil tide was a grave threat. Now, it seemed a kind of twisted protection. Because of the rampant evil tide, many factions were confined in their movements.

Now that the evil tide had vanished, caravans from six to seven hundred kilometers away could approach their doorstep.

Before reaching Bronze Tier, such individuals were rare—but now, this entire team was composed of them.

Of course, this did not mean Bronze Tier cultivators were common goods. Whether from Youhe or Tenacious Stone, all were carefully selected from many.

As he pondered this, a branch suddenly blocked his path. Just as he prepared to step over it, the branch moved aside, clearing the way.

No one else noticed this, but it stirred something in his heart.

Lin Zhongshi, at the rear, pressed the formation and encouraged morale.

“Watch your steps, don’t rush. In two days, once we reach the riverbank and follow it westward, we’ll move much faster.”

Time passed. Fan Bei looked up at the sky; the sunlight filtering through the dense treetops had reached its zenith.

Looking back now, they had just crossed the valley’s peak, leaving their shelter far behind.

(2/3)

“All right, everyone find a spot to eat and rest. We’ll set out again after 2 pm. Remember, keep your strength at its peak at all times,” Lin Zhongshi ordered.

Fan Bei took the words seriously. The others were seasoned; as escorts, their pursuit was caution, not speed.

Before long, a simple campsite was set up. The two caravans took turns standing watch while the others rested.

Fan Bei took out some canned food, baked bread, and fresh vegetables from his personal space, found a stone to sit on, and ate alongside Dabai.

Looking around, he noticed Boss He from the Youhe caravan leading a man out of the camp, seemingly to inspect the surroundings.

——

Behind a distant rock, concealed by thick bushes, He Gui and his confidant He Xing were conversing.

“Have you found out anything? Is that dog really valuable?” the old man He Gui asked eagerly.

He Xing frowned. “I asked several people along the way. Old Chen said the dog is indeed rare. Some nobles in our city are eager to buy such a talking exotic pet. It could fetch at least 300,000 silver coins. He has the connections.”

“Three hundred thousand? That’s a bit low,” He Gui shook his head. “From the look of that man, he won’t resell it. Besides, he’s close with Lin Zhongshi and his group.”

He Xing nodded. “Right. Though 300,000 isn’t a small sum, making two long trips would earn us that much. It’s not worth the risk.”

“Then let fate decide. If that fellow meets misfortune, we can’t be blamed for picking up the dog along the way,” He Gui said with a sinister smile.

He Xing was not surprised. Nowadays, caravans traveling far from home were like merchant mariners of the Age of Discovery—part trader, part pirate. Pure merchants hardly existed.

If they encountered weak rivals, they robbed them. If roughly equal, they traded. If stronger, they fled.

Of course, within settled territories they dared not act rashly. This was the domain of another overlord; without cause, they couldn’t just attack and expect to return safely.

Two days passed, crossing mountains and ridges. The sizable group finally reached a winding river.

“The Tenacious Stone Guild lives up to its reputation—no wonder they’ve been active in the northern lands for years,” He Gui complimented as he gazed at the river. “We’re lucky not to have met a single evil creature. They must fear the guild’s reputation.”

Lin Zhongshi replied politely, “Not at all. It’s the combined effort of both caravans and everyone’s experience that made the journey smooth.”

“Hopefully the rest of the journey goes as well,” He Gui said, staring at the vivid green river with delight.

Just as they finished speaking, a distant animal’s shriek echoed, followed by a splash into the river.

Everyone exchanged uneasy glances; this was not an auspicious sign.

(3/3)

“Everyone, move away from the river. Stay calm. We’ll go ahead,” Lin Zhongshi soothed the group.

He Gui nodded quickly. “Everyone, keep your distance.”

Fan Bei followed, stepping over the sandy stones along the riverbank.

Walking along the river was much easier than crossing mountains, though no one dared to ride a wooden raft. That would have been even simpler.

Dabai trailed behind, showing remarkable stamina, hardly seeming tired, eagerly sniffing about.

After more than two hours, they stopped again to rest.

At that moment, one of the scouts came to He Gui and whispered something.

Fan Bei, having cultivated the Mist Armor and thus extremely attuned to air and wind, caught fragments of their quiet conversation.

“There’s a sandbar in the river ahead. On it grows a cluster of honeysuckle, one of the cultivation supplements the city lord specifically requested.”

He Gui appeared tempted and spoke to Lin Zhongshi, preparing to send a few men to gather it.

Lin Zhongshi immediately advised, “Boss He, don’t cause unnecessary trouble. We’re not treasure hunting on the way.”

“Heh, Chairman Lin, don’t worry. Just picking some snacks along the route—what could go wrong?” He Gui said nonchalantly.

“Better safe than sorry. After years of trade, you should know that as guards, the worst thing is when employers act recklessly,” Lin Zhongshi spoke candidly.

Business is business. If the other party invites danger, he wouldn’t lead his brothers to their doom.

“Right, Chairman Lin knows what he’s doing,” He Gui laughed heartily, not offended in the slightest. “I old-timer chose well. You all just ignore the roadside flowers and grass. When we arrive, there’ll be big money to make.”

Fan Bei shook his head at the old fox’s antics—never missing a chance to test Lin Zhongshi and the others, even now.

End of page.