Khanh, Vy, and Minh Triet swayed back and forth inside a wooden wagon, its wheels creaking as they rolled over the rugged dirt path. The morning wind carried dust and the scent of resin. Behind them stretched a long caravan of merchant wagons, guarded by hired warriors and the silent, imposing figure of Vo Tinh Hai, the master who had just acknowledged the three of them.
Inside the wagon, Minh Triet leaned back with smug arrogance, his voice dripping with superiority:
"You two country bumpkins probably don't know this, huh? That merchant wagon behind us is pulled by two LINH masters of the THUY element. One uses water manipulation to create streams that push the wagon forward, while the other freezes water into ice to preserve the food and goods. That's what real high-class merchants look like."
Sitting opposite, Le Vy's eyes widened in fury, her hand tightening around her three-section staff:
"Hey, who are you calling a country bumpkin? I was born into a merchant family—I know all about that. But the fact that we're riding in the front wagon like this makes us nothing more than bait for danger. On top of that, we're only at Intermediate LINH. I'd much rather be with Master Tinh Hai and the main caravan—it'd be way safer."
Minh Triet let out a mocking laugh, his lips curling into a sneer:
"Normally, if there's nothing special going on, there won't be any danger at all. Or what—are you scared? Haha."
His taunting laugh made Vy's cheeks flush with anger, her patience wearing thin. The two of them went back and forth relentlessly, trading jabs and insults, filling the wagon with their quarrel.
Meanwhile, Khanh sat silently to the side, eyes narrowed, his mind quietly analyzing.
Master Tinh Hai is riding behind with the caravan. That must mean this delivery is important enough for him to personally guard. Still, with his combat strength… there's no doubt he can handle whatever comes. Maybe nothing will happen after all.
The rhythmic sound of hooves blended with the whistling wind. The caravan pressed onward, cutting across sparse woodland, wide plains, and rolling hills. The road stretched on endlessly, with no end in sight.