novelraw Chapter 53: Find Him!
Chapter 53: Find Him!
Chapter 53: Find Him!
The war ended, and the inner city wall was no longer burning. However, outside Jin Wu City, the roads were still ablaze. Countless corpses of evil creatures piled up like mountains, doused with oil and continuously burned. Debris and ash were whipped up by the wind and scattered far away. Initially, it drifted towards the city, with the thick smoke preventing people from leaving their homes. But soon, the wind direction changed. The north wind began to blow, signaling the arrival of a cold snap in autumn and winter.
Wen Gu had his team monitor the movements at the city gates. As soon as he learned the time the gates would open, he instructed his team to prepare for departure. Escort Leader Lin and his group wanted to stay for another day or two, unsure if the evil creatures outside had been completely cleared. However, Wen Gu insisted, "Let's leave as soon as possible; delays could lead to complications! The areas outside have been thoroughly burned and smoked, greatly reducing the risk of being possessed by evil spirits, and those creatures also avoid them. With the temperature dropping and the cold wave arriving, even if we encounter them, their threat will be significantly reduced."
After internal discussions, the escort agency agreed. However, some people within the agency wanted to stay. According to the rumors among the populace, this place was protected by the Jin Wu Divine Bird, which could suppress evil. Some felt that this place was indeed quite good; with effort, they might even be able to live in the inner city. They were not so naive as to not know the difficulties of survival, but they truly did not want to risk their lives outside anymore. If it hadn't been for Wen Gu this time, and if they had been on their own, they might have been swallowed by a horde of evil creatures without knowing what was happening. Staying here felt more secure.
Those who had twisted their limbs or fallen ill during the journey, including both escorts and employers, were the most easily swayed now. Their northward journey was for survival and a better future. Since this was the territory of the six major clans of the northern lands, and a divine city that even evil creatures could not conquer, they were more inclined to stay here and make a living. They no longer wanted to flee outside. They were strong and had inquired about ways to earn food, either by working or joining the city defense army. With divine protection here, they could even be promoted for their merits. The times were difficult, and no one knew if the next city would be better than this one. Even He Da and Yu Er wavered for a moment. However, they then remembered the many vagrants in the outer city area, who lived quite recklessly. They would fight for a drink, grab merits from the city defense army, and live for the day, without caring if they lived or died tomorrow. He Da thought, "Am I after just a drink?" He licked his lips. "...I'm still very tempted!" But! "I still have the responsibility to revitalize the family! A hundred years from now, when I meet my charming ancestor beneath the ground, I'll tell him I brought the He family back to glory!" Of course, there was another important reason: no one was looking out for them here. A casual word from the nobles could crush all their efforts! Following Wen Gu, they could still latch onto some powerful figures, and having support provided greater peace of mind.
In the end, twelve people from the escort agency decided to stay. No one could be sure if their future choices would be better; Wen Gu couldn't be sure either. "Then we will respect each person's choice. However, I have a few suggestions, and I hope you will all listen." Wen Gu looked at them with a serious expression: "The city is still a bit chaotic now. Use this opportunity to conceal your identities. Do not mention the escort agency in the near future, and do not say you came with the escort agency or a large group. Just act like ordinary refugees who know nothing else." These ten or so people listened attentively. After this experience, they attached even greater importance to Wen Gu's words. Although they didn't understand why Wen Gu said this, they would follow his instructions first, regardless of the reason. Even if they had other ideas, they would make their choices later. After distributing their share of supplies, Wen Gu urged the team to pack up quickly and prepare to slip away.
The burning had generated a lot of smoke. Although the wind direction had changed and the debris floating over Jin Wu City had reduced, many people still wore masks when they went out. The city gates opened, and some people went out to work, some to cut firewood for emergency use, and some teams, large and small, headed to other places. Those entering and exiting the city gates were all covered with cloth, moving back and forth in haste. Wen Gu's group was the same as them. There were no additional fees for leaving, and they passed through the city gates quickly. The main roads outside the city had been cleared, with mounds of burned remains piled up on both sides. During winter, laborers would gradually clear these away. After walking along the main road outside for a while, Wen Gu looked back at Jin Wu City. Only a blurry silhouette remained at the edge of his vision. Wen Gu's lips curled. "One cannot underestimate the vigilance and sharpness of the young master of a noble family in charge of a city's vital affairs." To prevent themselves from being detained, it was best to leave quickly. "We have finally survived this ordeal. Next, we're heading to my beloved aunt and uncle!"
Jin Wu City.
The residence of Young Master Ren Qi.
Recently, several families had sought refuge from the southern lands, along with renowned physicians. He attached great importance to them. Families from the south were classified by rank here. Those of importance were met first; others would be seen when he had time. The times had changed; it was those people who were seeking favors from the Ren Clan! Supplies, beauties, and labor—they would offer them with both hands without him even asking. After dealing with urgent matters, he discovered a problem.At this moment, on the desk before him, two jars of fine salt were placed side by side. One was presented in an exquisite gift box, while the other was in a common jar. Both were refined products selected and offered by those below. However, the fine salt in the latter was even purer and finer!
After the artisans confirmed it, Young Master Ren Qi ordered his subordinate: "Find him!" In such times, what kind of status could produce so much high-quality fine salt? If one could offer such a jar of fine salt as a fee for entering the city, it indicated a large group! He might not think much of the large groups coming to Jin Wu City, but anything unusual needed to be identified. What if it was an important figure from one of the other five clans... The six major clans were not united!
As he dispatched people to investigate, a subordinate entered to report. Young Master Ren Qi's sharp gaze swept over, asking, "Where are they?" The subordinate lowered his head, "The courtyard is empty. As soon as the city gates opened today, they already left." "Did not a single person from the hundred-person team remain?" "No one who remained was found." "Impossible!" Young Master Ren Qi did not believe it. "After witnessing our Ren Clan's divine artifact, someone must have been tempted!" The subordinate said, "The identities of the refugees in the outer city are complex, making it difficult to determine who among them belonged to their group."
Young Master Ren Qi remained silent, looking at another desk. On the table were other small paper packets, all containing salt. This was the viewing fee collected at the inner city wall. After several artisans sifted through them, one packet was brought over. "Sir, this one." The paper wrapping the salt was the same as that from the outer city guard leader. The difference was that this packet contained a mixture of coarse and fine salt. At first glance, although the quality was acceptable, it was not outstanding. Young Master Ren Qi tapped his fingers on the table and sneered, "Hiding well!" He then turned to another subordinate: "Where is the person you were sent to find?" "We have found them!"
Shortly after, a young man was brought in. It was the same person who had watched the battle with Wen Gu and his group. Seeing Young Master Ren Qi, the young man was very excited and nervous, and somewhat confused. He answered Young Master Ren Qi's questions honestly, mentioning that those people had come with an escort agency. Young Master Ren Qi: "..." ??? In his sharp eyes, confusion was rarely seen. "Escort agency? What thing is that? What exactly are their identities?!" He ordered his subordinates to pay attention to any refugees in the city who mentioned the term "escort agency." Young Master Ren Qi now deeply regretted it; he might have missed a big fish from another clan! Back then, when he looked towards them from the city wall, he should have brought them over! Among the six major clans of the northern lands, it was a competitive relationship. What they fought over was not only supplies but also talent! Should he stop them now? It was too late! After leaving Jin Wu City, who knew which road they would take or which clan they would pledge allegiance to?
...
On the small road leading to the Zhao Clan.
Wen Gu was using his notebook to make records. The team had experienced non-combat attrition, but it was okay; it was a small problem. He was now considering other things. Each of the six major clans of the northern lands must have its extraordinary aspects; their reputations were all built on strength! For example, the Ren Clan, how many battles had they fought to summarize their experience in confronting enemies? "This Ren Clan is truly a great place!" Timing and location are not something everyone can grasp. The Ren family indeed has a certain destiny. He didn't inquire much useful information about the Zhao Clan's characteristics this time. The truly informed people among the powerful families and dignitaries would not answer Wen Gu's questions.
Wen Gu marked the area where Jin Wu City was located in his notebook. The region where Jin Wu City was located did not seem to have oil. With the technological level of this era, it should only be in the initial exploration stage, mainly utilizing surface oil seeps. Where were the Ren family's oil mines? When he arrived at the Zhao Clan later, he must ask his dear uncle. That was an oil mine! He jotted it down, and when the opportunity arose... Having marked the mission, Wen Gu became curious about the Zhao Clan again. To be one of the six major clans, the Zhao family must have its own strengths. Coal? Iron? Other secret weapons? It wouldn't be good moral character, would it?
(End of this chapter)