The streets were still buzzing with energy a few days later, just like they were before, with people going about their daily business and the atmosphere remaining lively and vibrant.
A figure emerged from the crowd, a young man with a humble air about him, clad in unassuming black.
At his side, a sword lay still, nestled in a simple sheath that belied the potential for danger that it held.
It was Sun Yunso.
His mind was elsewhere, not really taking in the crowded streets that surrounded him.
He found himself still thinking about the talk he had with Anyu Feng just a few days before.
“A sword isn’t meant to remain in its sheath forever.
If you truly wish to become stronger and intact your revenge…
then it’s time you experienced the world beyond that mountain.”
Sun Yunso lowered his eyes slightly.
“Experience, so…
what kind of work should I even look for?”
Sun Yunso followed the voice through the crowded street.
A small crowd had gathered around a young woman standing beside three heavily loaded wagons.
The woman repeatedly bowed her head.
“Please.
I only need a few capable escorts.”
One man scratched the back of his head.
“Sorry.
I’ve heard what’s been happening along the eastern road.”
Another shook his head.
“They say a bandit group has taken over the mountain pass.”
“If I took that job, my wife would be furious with me.
I’m pretty sure she’d find a way to make my life miserable, and that’s if I even made it past the dangers that come with the job – she might just be the one to finish me off anyway.”
Some people let out a few awkward chuckles, but the tension was palpable.
The woman tried to put on a brave face, forcing a smile even though it was clear she was really disappointed, her eyes betraying her true feelings.
“I understand…”
She lowered her head again.
“I’ll increase the payment.”
One of the men sighed.
“It’s not just about the cash anymore, the Black Fang Bandits have already taken out twelve caravans this month, and that’s a serious problem.”
“Anyone taking that road is practically throwing their life away.”
As the crowd slowly started to break up, people began to walk away one by one, until finally, the only person left standing beside the wagons was a woman, alone and waiting.
She bit her lip. This chapter was copied from g.com without permission.
“What am I supposed to do now…?”
As she stood there, the sound of footsteps came to a halt right in front of her, and for a moment, everything seemed to freeze.
As she raised her head, her eyes met those of a young man who was standing before her, dressed from head to toe in black.
His face was a picture of serenity, expression as calm and peaceful as the stillness of a quiet lake on a windless day.
“…I’ll do it.”
The woman blinked.
“What?”
“I’ll escort your caravan.”
She just stood there for a second, looking at him, trying to figure out if she really heard what he said.
“You…will?”
Sun Yunso gave a small nod.
“I happen to be looking for work.”
The woman’s face lit up with relief.
“Thank goodness!”
She quickly bowed.
“My name is Lei Mei.
And…
thank you.”
Sun Yunso simply nodded.
“Likewise, I’m Sun Yunso by the way.
So, when are we leaving?
Lei Mei with a huge smile on her face said:
“I just want to let my brother know and then we’ll get going, is that alright with you?”
“That’s fine, please take your time.”
Lei Mei sprinted to a store where her brother was still busy purchasing their food.
“Big brother, I got you the last escort.
So, no more waiting.
We can finally set out.” Lei Mei said with a happy expression.
The young man, apparently about twenty two or three years old, gazed at his little sister who had accompanied him to a shop operation.
“Right, huh?
So what if that’s the case.
Fortunately, we have our food ready.
We can get going now.”
Let us go.”
So, at the same time, he cast his watchful eyes to the scene outside.
The five spacious carriages were lined up in a straight row.
Each was filled with crates of wood that were covered with heavy canvas sheets and tied down with strong ropes.
The horses were quite restive as they pawed the ground that was covered with ice, their breaths showed while talking the cold air.
“…Five carriages.”
It was a much bigger quantity than he had anticipated.
Next to each carriage was a single guard, all different in their dresses but with a sword or a spear as their weapon.
If Sun Yunso counted he would have to say that there are five people carrying one guard each, which makes five including himself.
Sun Yunso silently continued to contemplate them.
Some looked like they had been through many situations, on the contrary most of them were thinking more about the finances than the work.
A couple of guards were having a little talk amongst themselves without even noticing the risk that was supposed to be on the way.
One of the guards looked at Yunso and then suddenly he laughed.
“…So, he is the last escort?”
Another one examined him with great care.
“Yeah, he looks younger than I expected.”
“So, the question is can he handle a sword?”
Sun Yunso did not react to the remarks.
He started going towards the last carriage and put his palm on its wooden structure, doing a mute inspection of the convoy.
Suddenly, Lei Mei and her brother came out of the store together.
“Thanks for waiting, everyone.” Lei Shun said.
“I know that my young sister here has asked the five of you to protect us while we are leaving, so I beg you to do it.”
The five guards didn’t make any excuses, they just accepted and got into their own carriages, one by one, without saying a word.
Sun Yunso hesitated for a moment before going in, and what caught his attention was the tone Lei Shun used.
At first glance, it seemed like Lei Shun was just telling them to do their job, but in reality, it was more like an order, and that’s what intrigued him.
There was something about the way Lei Shun said it that made Sun Yunso wonder what was really going on.
He couldn’t quite put his finger on it, but the tone seemed to convey a sense of authority and expectation that went beyond a simple request.
This intrigued Sun Yunso.
Lei Shun and Lei Mei made their way to the first carriage, where they found Sun Yunso standing nearby.
Without hesitation, they stepped inside and took their seats.
“Aren’t you coming inside, Sun Yunso?” Lei Mei asked.
“Oh sorry about that.”
Sun Yunso stepped inside and the journey got underway.