After traversing several mountains, Qin Sang reached a broad area near the main road and halted his horse, waiting in silence.


    ording to the intelligence, the caravan of Dongyang Lady had camped in Kun Cityst night and departed in the early hours of the morning. Now, past 10 AM, they were approaching.


    Qin Sang picked up his ironwood staff, a sturdy pole he had purchased at the dock. Made from ironwood with a hardnessparable to metal and excellent resilience, he had it fashioned into a reliable weapon.


    The staff had a slot at one end where the Yan Luo Banner could be inserted. After wrapping the g around and securing it with cloth strips, the result was an oddly makeshift spear.


    Qin Sang had confirmed that although King Yan was not visible to the naked eye, he needed to be cautious and conceal his true intentions in public to avoid attracting the attention of immortal masters who mighte to exorcize demons, leading to unnecessary trouble.


    To the east of the City of Three Witchesy a range of towering mountains. The path, winding through these mountains and crossing several rivers, was arduous. Merchants preferred to take the northern route, which took an additional two days, rather than risking the challenging road, making the route sparsely popted.


    Qin Sang kept a vignt watch not only at the crossroads but also in all directions, yet he saw no signs of Jiangshan Tower''s people.


    As the sun approached its zenith, the afternoon heat was still fierce despite the onset of autumn. Qin Sang recited the <em>Scripture of Tranquility</em> and waited patiently until suddenly, his eyes glowed and stood straight up.


    A convoy appeared at the end of the road.The convoy consisted of several heavily covered cargo carts, followed by two passenger carriages and more than twenty mounted guards.


    These guards, disguised as escorts, were well-equipped with swords and appeared highly alert. Shadows of more figures seemed to lurk in the surrounding woods.


    Their formation was disciplined, maintaining perfect order as the convoy moved, ensuring they could respond quickly to any threat from all directions.


    Upon closer inspection, Qin Sang noticed that their protection focused more on the upants of the carriages rather than the cargo.


    Even from a distance, Qin Sang could see clearly that Bai Jiann was leading the convoy.


    Water Monkey Zhou Ning was also among them.


    <em>Indeed, it''s them.</em>


    Qin Sang immediately mounted his horse, urging it into a gallop. The steed burst forth from the forest and descended the hill with pounding hooves.


    "Who goes there!"


    "Stop!"


    Before reaching the convoy, Qin Sang heard Bai Jiann and the others shoutingmands.


    Upon spotting Qin Sang, the convoy halted abruptly. The guards quickly surrounded the carriages, drawing their weapons and pointing them at Qin Sang.


    Hidden crossbows aimed from the shadows, exuding a murderous aura.


    "Halt!"


    Qin Sang quickly reined in his horse and called out loudly, "Brother Bai, Zhou Ning, it’s me—Qin Sang!"


    Bai Jiann’s expression faltered as he took a closer look and recognized Qin Sang, recalling the young man he had rescued from the raftst year.


    Last year, Qin Sang had escaped from a tiger''s den, covered in blood and in a wretched state.


    Now, having practiced the <em>Netherworld Scripture</em> and trained daily, Qin Sang had undergone a significant transformation in both appearance and aura.


    Because of this, Bai Jiann initially failed to recognize him.


    Water Monkey Zhou Ning also recognized Qin Sang with a look of surprise and excitement.


    "It''s really Brother Qin! You didn''t return home? I thought we might never see you again, who would have thought—!"


    Bai Jiann gestured for Zhou Ning to be quiet, stepped forward, and, eyeing Qin Sang critically, said, "Brother Qin, may I ask what brings you to stop us?"


    It was clear that Qin Sang hade with a specific purpose.


    Sensing Bai Jiann’s aloofness and suspicion, Qin Sang didn’t take offense. He dismounted, removed his crossbow, soft sword, and staff, and approached Bai Jiann. In a low voice, he said, "Brother Bai, I have urgent news to report to Dongyang Lady."


    Bai Jiann’s face turned pale. "You!"


    Qin Sang quickly waved his hand, ncing at the guards, and said, "Please don’t misunderstand, Brother Bai. I only deduced Dongyang Lady’s identityter. I genuinely have important information. If you trust me,e with me to discuss it away from here."


    Bai Jiann, confident in his martial skills, signaled to his men and followed Qin Sang to the roadside.


    "Thedy''s whereabouts are no longer a secret. Ahead, at Luoma Mountain, there are assassins from Jiangshan Tower lying in wait, targeting thedy. I received this news by chance and, remembering thedy''s and Brother Bai''s life-saving deeds, came to report it."


    With that, Qin Sang gazed steadily at Bai Jiann.


    Bai Jiann’s expression remained neutral as he fixed his eyes on Qin Sang, studying him for a moment. Qin Sang met his gaze calmly.


    At that moment, an old woman approached and, in a raspy voice, said, "Commander Bai, the youngdy sent me to ask who the visitor is and what urgent matter he wishes to report."


    Bai Jiann continued to stare at Qin Sang, then stepped back and whispered to the old woman.


    The old woman''s eyes gleamed, and she nced at Qin Sang before saying, "Commander Bai, please search this young man first. I will return to inform the youngdy."


    The old woman turned and left.


    Qin Sang allowed Bai Jiann to search him. The <em>Netherworld Scripture</em>, Yan Luo Banner, and the ebony sword were all wrapped and left on his horse, and Bai Jiann did not investigate further.


    Momentster, the old woman’s voice rang out, "Everyone, dismount and rest."


    Several individuals quietly dispersed into the woods, and soon the old woman appeared with a young woman disguised as a man.


    This was Qin Sang''s first time seeing thedy of Dongyang Commandery. She wore an exquisite melon-shaped hat adorned with pearls. Her refined features and tall, slender figure were entuated by a silken garment with a tiny waist, a floral cloud-shaped waist sash, and a beautiful jade pendant. At first nce, she might have been mistaken for a noble young master.


    Qin Sang bowed respectfully and said, "I pay my respects to thedy."


    Qin Sang subtly observed the Dongyang Lady as she scrutinized him in return.


    The Dongyang Lady nodded and smiled slightly. Addressing Bai Jiann, she said, "Commander Bai, I didn’t expect the person you saved out of a momentary impulse woulde to bear such a great favor."


    Bai Jiann’s expression remained calm. "Lady, you overpraise us. It was with your permission that I dared to rescue him. Brother Qin’s gratitude for your great kindness led to this act of loyalty."


    The Dongyang Lady then turned her attention to Qin Sang and said to the old woman, "Granny Li[1], find a quiet ce for this brave man to exin the situation in detail. I have only read about stories of deep gratitude repaid with great returns in books and have never witnessed it myself."


    Granny Li looked around and pointed to a clearing in the forest. "Please follow me, youngdy."


    As Qin Sang followed Bai Jiann and Granny Li into the woods, he kept his attention on the Dongyang Lady. Her calm demeanor despite the knowledge of an assassination attempt, with no sign of anxiety or fear, was impressive.


    They took their time, and Qin Sang took his own time as well. Once they were in the dense forest, Qin Sang began to exin the situation in detail.


    He had already prepared his speech on the way, deliberately omitting mention of the <em>Netherworld Scripture</em> and Yan Luo Banner.


    As for how he, a mere novice in martial arts, could deal with Jiangshan Tower’s assassins…


    It was simply a matter of innate talent.


    1. It ismon in Asian cultures to address an elderly as grandma or grandpa even if not rted by blood. ?