Legend of The Young Master

Chapter 139: Camping

The man sighed. "And to you, merchant," he replied before riding ahead. Zhen Ying, who had amassed his wealth in the competitive world of Leidian's traders and merchants, was not one to miss an opportunity. "You are a Qi warrior, aren't you?" he inquired.

The man did not halt but turned his head, prompting his horse to stop. He looked at Zhen Ying, and a heavy silence fell between them. What sort of person have I encountered? Zhen Ying pondered.

Finally, the younger man nodded. "I am a Qi warrior," he admitted, as if revealing a shameful secret.

"I am in need of capable men," Zhen Ying said. "I have a caravan en route to the Northeast, destined for a grand market near Lianhua town. There's no disgrace in joining us. My only fears are bandits and the Demonics."

The man subtly shook his head and guided his horse forward. His steed, a fine war horse, was burdened unevenly with both rider and armor, affecting its posture adversely. "Are you certain?" Zhen Ying inquired, unwilling to let the opportunity to hire a QI warrior slip away. The Qi warrior continued on his path.

Zhen Ying allowed his group to pause for a midday meal before pressing onward, traveling into the evening and slightly past dusk. By dawn, they were already on the move, the sun barely peeking over the winding river to the east. Later, they descended into the valley and crossed the Majestic Bridge, marking the boundary of the Inner areas.

Zhen Ying dined at the Hidden Broth Inn with his group, who felt honored by his presence and delighted by the sumptuous meal.

Post-meal, they traversed the Majestic Bridge, a marvel of ancient architecture comprising twenty-six arches and meticulously preserved over the years. They ascended the opposite bank for an hour, the group member guiding the horses. Upon reaching the top, Zhen Ying spotted the Qi warrior again, kneeling at a roadside shrine, tears carving paths through the dust on his face.

Zhen Ying nodded in acknowledgment and continued on his journey.

By nightfall, he rejoined the rest of the caravan, already encamped. His group shared tales of their day's adventures, and Xie, his trusted aide, briefed him on the caravan's progress. Mingli Lin, one of the partners in caravan, seemed displeased by his swift return. All was as usual.

Shortly after nightfall, a young apprentice from the goldsmith's merchant group approached Zhen Ying's wagon, saluting formally. "Honored sir, a warrior seeks an audience with you," he announced, a crossbow slung over his shoulder, clearly proud of his role.

Zhen Ying followed the young apprentice to the campfire, where a few of his warriors were present. And, of course, the young Qi warrior from the road was there, hastily rising from his seat as he sipped wine. "May I reconsider?" he blurted out.

Zhen Ying smiled. "Certainly. Welcome to our journey, honored warrior."

One of Zhen Ying's guards grinned widely. "More like a noble warrior, I'd say. And that's a fine blade you have there."

Zhen Ying's main guard asked. "Your name, esteemed warrior?"

The young man, Yuanjing Guan, hesitated for so long that it became clear he was contemplating a false name. "Bai?" he finally said, almost as if asking a question.

"Very well," the main guard of the caravan responded. "Follow me, and we'll arrange for your lodging."

"Remember," Zhen Ying interjected, "The path is going to be difficult. Do not bring us any trouble."

"Absolutely," the young man assured.

What am I getting myself into? Zhen Ying pondered. Yet, he felt a sense of satisfaction. Qi Warriors from noble clans were highly skilled, particularly in combating the Demonics. Even if this young man seemed a bit disoriented, it was likely due to some romantic entanglement. The nobility were often ensnared by matters of the heart.

That night, Zhen Ying slept without a worry.

*****

Wuyi was walking through a dense forest with Jin, his poor horse was tired and afraid. Wuyi decided against riding it while Jin's horse was being used to pull the head of the being they killed.

Being a Qi master, walking long distances was not much of a challenge for him. However, Jin, who was with him, just like his horse struggled to keep up. Fatigued and consumed by fear, Jin could barely place one foot in front of the other as the trail widened into a track, and the track into a road.

Jin's new concerns were the approaching nightfall and the chill in the air. It became increasingly evident that they would have to set up camp in the forest—the same forest known for its demonics and Flying Serpents.

"Why didn't that hidden demonic attack us?" Wuyi questioned.

Jin shook his head, his eyes constantly scanning their surroundings. "Your Dao protector eliminated the first one incredibly quickly."

They reached the main road, and Jin halted his horse. "We could share your horse," Jin suggested.

"That would overburden the horse," Wuyi retorted sharply. He did not like the idea of Jin, a beastmaster, mistreating the horse. If Boluo had been around, he would have reprimanded him for suggesting such a thing.

"Was that demonic Qi in his attack?" Jin inquired about the Red Daoist, without sounding accusatory.

"Yes," Wuyi conceded. "He does employ it occasionally." Generally, the Red Daoist's Qi could not be felt by anyone, as the statue of shadow hid it in the background. However, since a second demonic was present, Wuyi did not waste the statue of shadow's Qi on hiding the Red Daoist's Qi. He would have summoned the statue of shadow if the second demonic had made any move. Luckily, the creature did not.

Jin shook his head and began to pray aloud. Hearing his prayers and complaints, Wuyi felt irritated. "Jin, I was the one who saved your life. Instead of thanking me, you are praying to the heavens. The heavens do not give a damn," Wuyi remarked.

Jin shrugged, unwilling to admit his mistake, and they continued on their journey. Soon, a light drizzle started, and the daylight began to wane.

"We'll need to take turns keeping watch," Wuyi stated. "We're exposed now."

Jin agreed.

While Jin took care of the horses, Wuyi began to gather some wood. He gathered larger pieces of wood, using his Qi to envelop his hands as he cut them. Then he collected smaller twigs, meticulously breaking them down into finer piles. Kneeling in his shallow fire pit, it suddenly struck Wuyi: How was he going to create sparks onto a piece of charred cloth to create an ember?

Then he realized he had also forgotten to prepare a nest of tow and bark to catch the ember. He had to start over.