As the group began to settle, the forest around them seemed unusually quiet. The scattered rocks and sparse trees offered enough cover to rest without venturing too deep, and the small fire cast flickering shadows across the caravan. Each member checked the crates and horses one last time, making sure everything was secure.
For a moment, the weight of the journey eased slightly. The long day of travel through mountains and plains had left them tired, but there was still a sense of focus in the air. Every pause demanded attention, yet allowed them a rare moment to relax and exchange words.
It was here, in this brief calm, that the four friends allowed themselves to speak freely, their camaraderie cutting through the tension of the journey.
Wang Yan crouched near the fire, glancing over the crates. "We'll rest for a short while. Stay alert, but don't waste energy standing stiff."
Liu Ming leaned back on a rock, rubbing his shoulders. "This spot works. Some space to stretch and check the horses. That's all I need for now."
Zhao Qing let out a soft laugh, staring at the flames. "Feels good to finally sit for a few minutes. Just some warmth, some quiet… a rare moment."
Chen Yu shook his head, a faint grin on his lips. "Quiet, yes. But don't get too comfortable. We're still surrounded by rocks and trees. Nothing says safe like a forest at night."
Wang Yan gave a small nod. "Focus. The caravan won't guard itself. Keep your eyes open."
Zhao Qing leaned back on a rock, glancing at the shadows at the forest edge. "Relax, Yan. Nothing's coming that we can't handle. Let's just enjoy a short break while it lasts."
Chen Yu chuckled softly. "Exactly. Nights like this don't come often. Might as well take a breath before the next push."
Liu Ming glanced at the fire and then back at his friends. "Alright. Short rest. That's all. Stay ready."
The four friends settled near the flickering fire, the quiet of the semi-open forest offering a rare moment of calm. The crackle of flames and the soft rustle of leaves filled the night, a brief pause before the journey would continue.
Suddenly, the quiet was broken by soft, precise footsteps echoing among the rocks and scattered trees. Wang Yan's eyes narrowed.
"Something's coming. Stay alert," he said calmly.
Liu Ming adjusted his grip on his spear, scanning the shadows. "I can sense at least nine individuals… their aura is strong."
Zhao Qing's fists crackled faintly. "Form up. Don't scatter."
From the forest edge, eight figures appeared first. Three soul rings each rose from their feet, spinning around their bodies. The colors glowed in white, yellow, and a few yellow-purple combinations, radiating quiet pressure.
The ninth figure, taller and broader, stepped forward. Four soul rings spun around his feet: white, yellow, yellow, purple. The aura radiating from him was sharp and commanding. Wang Yan sensed immediately: the leader was around level 43–44.
Wang Yan raised his Iron Sword, voice steady. "I'll handle the leader. You three," he said, nodding at Liu Ming, Zhao Qing, and Chen Yu, "and the three Iron Guard elites, fight the rest."
Liu Ming tightened his grip on the spear. "Understood."
Zhao Qing's hands sparked with electricity. "Then we'll take care of the eight. Let's not give them a chance."
Chen Yu's Wind Wolf stirred, the air humming around him. "Fine. Let's start."
Wang Yan's expression hardened. "After I take down their leader, I'll join you."
The leader stepped forward, his aura pressing down like a storm. Four soul rings glowed around his feet, spinning slowly, while a snake-type Beast Spirit coiled beside him, fangs glinting with lethal energy.
"Today, boy, it's your end," the leader said, voice sharp and cold.
Wang Yan's grip tightened on his Iron Sword. "We'll see about that."
The leader lunged, the Beast Spirit striking with blinding speed. Wang Yan moved first, swinging his Iron Sword to activate Continuous Edge, his second soul ring skill. Rapid consecutive strikes flowed like a flowing chain, each sword shadow cutting precisely at the Beast Spirit. Sparks flew as the serpent's coils met the flurry, forcing it to stagger and retreat under the relentless assault.
The leader growled, trying to regain control, but Wang Yan pressed forward. His sword shadows moved like living extensions of his will, each strike coordinated to pressure and disrupt the leader's defense. Within minutes, the snake Beast Spirit was visibly wounded, and the leader struggled to keep pace.
Seeing an opening, Wang Yan unleashed his Fourth Soul Ring skill—Sword Shadow Separation. The Iron Sword split into multiple shadows, each following altered paths and landing with delayed, unpredictable cuts. The Beast Spirit shrieked, and the leader staggered, falling to his knees under the overwhelming attack.
Wang Yan stepped forward and delivered a single, precise finishing strike. The leader collapsed completely, soul aura fading as he died.
From a distance, Wang Yan noticed the other eight attackers were already heavily wounded from the coordinated efforts of Liu Ming, Zhao Qing, Chen Yu, and the three Iron Guard elites.
"Good… now let's finish this," Wang Yan said, joining his friends. Together, they pressed forward, combining spears, lightning, and wind blades with deadly coordination. Within minutes, the remaining eight attackers were all defeated.
Wang Yan's eyes scanned the caravan. "Not a single driver or traveler was hurt. Everything's safe."
Liu Ming exhaled, shoulders relaxing. "Good… that was close. Could've gone badly if we weren't ready."
Zhao Qing nodded, his hands tightening briefly on the reins. "Yeah… it's a relief. Let's keep moving before anything else finds us."
Chen Yu's Wind Wolf dissolved back into his Martial Soul. "Exactly. No time to linger. The sooner we reach Green Pearl City, the better."
"Right," Wang Yan said firmly. "Stay focused. The journey isn't over yet."
After confirming that everything was in order and the caravan remained unharmed, Wang Yan and his companions guided it steadily forward, keeping a watchful eye over the travelers and drivers. The night passed quietly, and the group continued along the road.
By morning, they finally reached Green Pearl City.
Wang Yan let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. "We've made it," he said, a faint smile crossing his face.
Liu Ming stretched slightly and nodded. "Finally… safe and sound."
Zhao Qing allowed himself a small grin. "The caravan's intact. No surprises this time."
Chen Yu simply nodded in agreement. "Let's deliver these goods and complete the mission."
With that, the group guided the caravan toward their destination—the Fang family auction house.
End of chapter.