"Good day, dear travelers. Looks like you've run into some trouble on the road."
"Manager Wei, it looks like these people need help."
"Coming…"
Soon, another man came out of the workshop. He looked to be about the same age as the blacksmith, but was slimmer and dressed more like a manager than a worker. He smiled politely, though his sharp eyes suggested he was sizing them up.
"I am Wei," he said, giving a small nod. "You are a long way from any city. Please, come inside and rest. We can discuss your troubles over a hot meal."
The offer came at the right moment. Uncle Zhang, though trying to keep his composure, felt some exhaustion; after all, his cultivation was not very high. The road ahead was uncertain, and there were no villages for miles. They truly had nowhere else to go.
Uncle Zhang hesitated, then spoke up. "We left our carriage by the road. It still holds our belongings. Would it be possible to have someone fetch it for us?"
Wei gave a short nod, as though he had already expected the request. "Of course. One of my boys will bring it in. It will be safe here." He turned and gave a quick order to a younger worker, who jogged off toward the forest path without delay.
Relieved, Uncle Zhang bowed slightly. "Thank you."
With that matter settled, Wei gestured toward the tavern next door. Its wooden sign creaked gently in the wind, the painted mug above that swung back and forth with the wind.
"Can we trust them?" Yan Rou sent out a mental message to Uncle Zhang, still unsure about all this.
"It should be fine, Young Miss," Zhang replied. "Apart from Manager Wei, these people do not seem to have any cultivation. We should be able to beat them easily if they try anything funny."
Uncle Zhang and Yan Rou followed Manager Wei into the tavern. Lei Feng walked behind them, hands behind his back, looking around the quiet place with a hint of amusement.
The tavern was clean and simple. A few sturdy wooden tables were scattered across the room. Manager Wei led them to the best table, located by a window that looked out onto the quiet woods.
"Please, sit," he said graciously. "I will have the kitchen prepare something for you."
Once they were seated, Uncle Zhang, ever direct, got straight to the point. He described the strange and sudden death of their horned steed. He explained how the powerful beast, a creature with its own cultivation, had collapsed without any warning or apparent cause.
"It was almost as if something unseen had struck it down," he speculated.
"Perhaps a hidden poison or a spell?"
Manager Wei listened intently, his calm expression shifting to one of mild surprise. "A horned steed just collapsed? That is unheard of. Those beasts are bred for their resilience and strength." He stroked his clean-shaven chin thoughtfully. "It is a true mystery."
He then clapped his hands, and a server quickly appeared.
"Bring our guests your best dishes and some refreshments," Manager Wei ordered. He turned back to them with a reassuring smile. "While you eat, I will have my men prepare a team of horses for you. It is the least I can do for travelers in distress."
Soon, the table was filled with several simple but hearty dishes. There was roasted meat, fresh bread, a stew thick with vegetables, and cups of fragrant tea. The aroma was inviting, and Uncle Zhang, who had been tense for hours, began to relax.
Lei Feng, however, did not eat. He picked up a piece of roasted meat with his chopsticks, brought it close to his nose, and sniffed it carefully. He then turned it over, examining its texture, before placing it back on the plate untouched. He repeated this peculiar ritual with a piece of bread and a vegetable from the stew.
"There are so many varieties of food? Interesting…" Lei Feng murmured.
Yan Rou noticed his odd behavior and felt embarrassed. It was one thing for him to be shameless, but this was just strange. She glared at him, but he stayed focused on the food, not noticing her disapproval.
"This meal tastes really good," Lei Feng commented aloud to no one in particular, a curious glint in his eyes.
Trying to ignore him, Yan Rou started eating herself. It was clear that she did not want to be associated with Lei Feng in any manner.
Soon, Manager Wei returned to their table just as they were finishing their tea.
"My men have four strong horses ready for you," he announced. He paused, a business-like expression settling on his face. "They are not cultivation beasts like your steed was, of course, but they are sturdy and will get the job done."
"Thank you, Manager Wei. You have been a great help," Yan Rou said gratefully.
"However," he continued, his tone becoming apologetic, "such fine horses are not cheap. Business is difficult in this remote area, so I must ask for five hundred silver taels."
Uncle Zhang nearly choked on his tea. "Five hundred! For four common horses? That is an outrageous price!"
Manager Wei's smile remained pleasant, but his eyes were firm. "It is the price for convenience and safety, my friend. It is a long and dangerous walk to the next city."
Yan Rou felt her heart sink. She and Uncle Zhang exchanged a worried look, knowing they did not have enough silver. After a tense pause, Uncle Zhang cleared his throat and stood up, looking serious.
"We are from the Yan family of Azure Dragon City," he declared, his voice full of pride. "We do not have that amount with us now, but I give you our word. As soon as we reach the city, we will send a messenger back with the full payment and a handsome tip for your troubles."
At the mention of the "Yan family," Manager Wei's eyes suddenly shone with a new light. His professional demeanor briefly transformed into one of surprise, and then into that of a predator eyeing its prey. "The Yan family? Why did you not say so sooner!"
He waved his hands dismissively. "Please, do not worry about the payment. Consider the horses a gift, a small gesture of goodwill." He gave them a low, respectful bow. "It is an honor to be of service to you. Please, finish your meal in peace. I will ensure the horses are saddled with our finest gear."
With that, Manager Wei hurried away, leaving the trio at the table.
Uncle Zhang sat down, clearly pleased. After settling everything, he turned to Lei Feng and spoke in a condescending tone.
"You see, boy! That is the power of the Yan family. Just the mention of the name was enough to make the person want to curry favor with us."
"Only hillbillies like you have no idea what greatness truly looks like."
He took a long sip of tea and then glared across the table at Lei Feng, who was now tapping a carrot against his cup.
"This is all your fault," he grumbled under his breath, just loud enough for everyone to hear.
"Ever since you boarded our carriage, we have had nothing but trouble. You are a source of bad luck."