AHH!

A sword flashed. The bandit chief's right arm was severed at the wrist, blood spurting as he let out a miserable shriek.

"Boss!"

The surrounding bandits were aghast to see their leader lose an arm.

"Damn it!" The bandit leader snarled. He leaped onto his horse and roared through gritted teeth, "There's an expert here! Retreat!"

Saying this, the bandit leader spurred his horse and fled into the distance without a backward glance.

"Run quickly!"

Seeing their leader flee, the remaining bandits turned deathly pale. They cried out and scattered in all directions, escaping towards the distance. Some even dropped their weapons, wishing they had three legs to run faster.

"Where do you think you're going? Captain Fang, let's chase them down and wipe out these bandits!" a hot-blooded young escort declared, ready to give chase.

Captain Fang waved his hand, stopping them. "Don't pursue a desperate foe; be wary of traps."

Yao Qing sheathed her sword, glanced in Luo Feng's direction, and said, "As escorts, our duty is to protect the goods, not to give chase."

"Yes, Ma'am."

Although the young escort was somewhat reluctant, he greatly respected Yao Qing and Captain Fang, so he nodded.

Yao Qing surveyed the surroundings and ordered, "Take a headcount. What are our casualties?"

A moment later, an escort approached and reported grimly, "Three dead, two seriously injured, and over a dozen lightly injured."

Yao Qing's brow furrowed slightly. She hadn't expected so many casualties from this single battle.

Captain Fang patted Yao Qing's shoulder comfortingly. "We escorts constantly walk the line between life and death. Everyone understands the risks involved. You needn't grieve, Miss."

"Indeed. Considering how many bandits attacked, we're already very fortunate that our losses weren't heavier."

"It's all thanks to Feng Luo for blocking that strike from the bandit leader. Otherwise, the consequences would have been unthinkable."

The nearby escorts chimed in one after another. Having escorted goods for many years, they had long grown accustomed to life and death situations.

Yao Qing nodded and announced, "Rest assured, everyone. The Yao family will compensate for any injuries or deaths on this mission and will take care of your families."

"Thank you, Miss!"

"The Young Miss is truly kind! Now we can set our minds at ease."

The nearby escorts all smiled gratefully. They had become escorts to provide for their families. With Yao Qing's promise, even if an accident occurred, their families would not lose their support.

"Alright, everyone, regroup. We depart immediately," Yao Qing announced.

The entire escort team began to bustle with activity.

"Feng Luo."

Captain Fang walked over to Luo Feng.

Seeing it was Captain Fang, Luo Feng smiled. "Captain Fang."

Captain Fang looked Luo Feng over, a warm smile on his face. "You're not injured, are you?"

Luo Feng shook his head. "No."

Captain Fang patted Luo Feng's shoulder and smiled. "Well done. We owe you for your actions just now. It seems our Shangfeng Escort Agency was truly fortunate to hire you."

Luo Feng replied humbly, "You flatter me, Captain Fang."

Captain Fang shook his head. "I, Fang, have been an escort for decades. I've traveled far and wide and met countless people. I trust my judgment of character."

Luo Feng scratched his head and said nothing.

"Rest well. The road ahead is still long, and we'll be counting on you more," Captain Fang said, giving Luo Feng a meaningful look before turning to direct the others in cleaning up.

As soon as Captain Fang left, a few nearby escorts excitedly gathered around.

"Feng Luo, you're really amazing! Even Captain Fang thinks so highly of you. He rarely praises anyone," a young escort said, looking at Luo Feng with admiration.

"Is that so?" Luo Feng chuckled.

"I've followed Captain Fang for decades, and this is the first time I've heard him praise someone so highly," several others nodded in agreement.

"Feng Luo, when I saw that boulder flying towards you, I nearly jumped out of my skin! I never thought you'd be able to block it."

"Yeah! What kind of fist technique do you cultivate? It's so powerful!"

"I heard that during your assessment at the Martial Artist Hall, you killed a Great Power Demon Ape with your bare hands. Is that true?"

The men looked at Luo Feng curiously, their words filled with respect.

Just as Luo Feng was wondering how to respond, Captain Fang's voice rang out, "Everyone, back to your posts! Prepare to depart!"

"Huh? We're leaving already?"

Hearing Captain Fang's voice, the men pouted but had no choice but to reluctantly disperse.

Luo Feng breathed a sigh of relief. Just then, Liu Tao appeared out of nowhere, clapped him on the shoulder, and chuckled. "Heh heh, Feng Luo, I didn't expect you to be so formidable! Your strength is truly freakish!"

Luo Feng looked at Liu Tao, his brow furrowing slightly. "You had the strength to stop that boulder too, didn't you? Where were you just now?"

Luo Feng hadn't seen Liu Tao at all once the fighting began.

Liu Tao chuckled awkwardly. "Heh heh, I was right behind. I planned to step in if you couldn't handle it, but I didn't expect you, kid, to steal the limelight."

Luo Feng sneered internally, not believing a word of Liu Tao's flimsy excuse.

"What are you two still standing there for? The convoy is about to leave. Get back to your posts, quickly!"

As the two were engrossed in their own thoughts, a clear, cold voice suddenly interjected. Yao Qing had appeared beside them at some point.

Seeing Yao Qing, Liu Tao flashed an ambiguous smile. "Escort Head Yao Qing, we just had a fierce battle. Let us rest a bit. Feng Luo here exerted a lot of effort just now."

Liu Tao pushed Luo Feng forward.

Yao Qing's beautiful eyes glanced at Luo Feng, a peculiar light flashing within them. She snorted coldly. "Don't even think about slacking off. Otherwise, when we reach Green Wood City, don't blame me if your wages are docked."

With that, Yao Qing turned and walked away.

Watching Yao Qing's departing figure, Liu Tao pouted. "I thought having a beautiful escort leader would make the journey easier. I never expected her to be such a shrewish girl."

Luo Feng wholeheartedly agreed. "On that point, I concur."

Yao Qing suddenly stopped and turned back. "What are you two still muttering about?"

Liu Tao chuckled. "Escort Head, we weren't saying anything! We'll go prepare for departure right away."

Saying this, the two of them quickly walked towards the escort team.

Yao Qing watched their retreating figures, bit her red lip, and a cold snort escaped her delicate nose. "Those two rascals!"

The dead were dead. The previous slaughter had surely alerted the nearby Demon Beasts. After regrouping for a moment, the escort team continued their journey.

Along the way, aside from dealing with Demon Beasts that attacked the convoy, Luo Feng spent his time on the escort carriage, meditating and comprehending the various martial arts he cultivated. His understanding of the intent realm of these martial arts gradually deepened.

「Two days later, the group had safely left the confines of the Blood Roar Plains.」

The surrounding scenery gradually became desolate. As far as the eye could see, there were only endless, barren mountain ranges.

The escort team stopped to rest before a mountain. Luo Feng was preparing to further familiarize himself with the Eight Wildernesses Dominating Flame Fist when Liu Tao suddenly sidled up to him.

"Feng Luo, want to see something interesting?" Liu Tao approached, speaking mysteriously.

"Something interesting?" Luo Feng looked at Liu Tao skeptically. "It's all barren hills and wilderness around here. What interesting things could there be to see?"

He was instinctively wary of this person.

A mysterious smile appeared on Liu Tao's face. "Heh heh, that's where you're mistaken."

As he spoke, Liu Tao reached into his robes and produced a map. Spreading it open on an escort carriage, Liu Tao pointed to a spot on the map and smiled. "Look here."

Luo Feng glanced at the spot Liu Tao indicated. It was on the edge of the Blood Roar Plains, presumably their current position.

"What about it? This should be where we are now."

"Exactly." Liu Tao nodded, then drew a circle on the map with his finger. "Look, we're currently around here. After this, much of the road ahead winds through desolate mountains, fraught with danger."

Liu Tao put the map away and, looking at a nearby mountain peak, smiled. "As far as I know, there's a hot spring on this mountain."

"A hot spring? So what?" Luo Feng asked.

Liu Tao let out a breath, then chuckled slyly, "Think about it. On such a long and arduous journey, a pretty young lady clad in armor, tired and weary... and there's a hot spring nearby. What do you think she'll do?"

Luo Feng frowned. "What are you trying to say?"

Liu Tao, looking at the mountain peak behind them, grinned lewdly, "I just saw the Escort Head quietly leave the convoy with her personal guard. Do you think she might be going for a soak in the hot spring?"

Luo Feng's eyes flickered as he understood the implication. "You mean...?"

Liu Tao nodded, a sly grin on his face as he wiped his mouth. "Well? Want to go feast our eyes together?"

"That's not a good idea. What if we're discovered..."

Although Luo Feng was somewhat tempted, the thought of Yao Qing's furious eyes made him hesitate.

"What's there to be afraid of? It'll be fine as long as we're not discovered." Liu Tao grabbed Luo Feng's arm and started walking. "Come on! Opportunities like this are rare. Let's have some fun today."

"Keep your voice down. Don't alert the others," Liu Tao whispered cautiously as they passed the main group.

Luo Feng nodded. The two of them left the convoy and began to sneak up the mountain.

The mountain was steep and overgrown with wild grass. The two cautiously picked their way upwards.

After walking for some time, Luo Feng noticed Liu Tao seemed quite familiar with the path and asked, "Have you been to this mountain before?"

Liu Tao paused, then chuckled. "Once, a long time ago. Shh! We're close. The Escort Head's personal guards must be nearby."

Just as Luo Feng was about to speak, his brow furrowed. He quickly pulled Liu Tao down, and they flattened themselves behind a patch of grass.

RUSTLE... RUSTLE... RUSTLE...

They had just hidden when footsteps approached. A young female guard walked over, glanced around, then turned and left.

"That was close!" Liu Tao, still shaken from the close call, looked at Luo Feng with admiration. "Feng Luo, your hearing is truly sharp! You were the one who spotted the bandits earlier too. It seems I was right to bring you along!"

Luo Feng gave a wry smile internally. So, that was why this fellow had dragged him along.

Still, Luo Feng himself wasn't sure what had possessed him to follow.

"Let's go. The hot spring is just ahead."

As soon as the guard left, Liu Tao eagerly got up and headed forward.

Luo Feng shook his head but followed.

After walking a short distance, hazy white steam began to appear around them, and the clear, gurgling sound of flowing water drifted from ahead.

"We're here!" Liu Tao licked his lips, parted the grass in front of him, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "Feng Luo, quick, look over there!"

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