As the evening sun set, everyone had packed their belongings. Han Liang and the Second Commander set out under Simon's guidance. Normally, the road would take a single day on horseback, but with wagons it would take at least two days.
The road ahead was long, harsh, and filled with danger.
Three riders and two wagons—seven people in total—began their journey. Simon's wealth was impossible to ignore; his refined clothes and diamond rings stood in stark contrast to the others.
Han Liang frowned slightly. Does this man never fear? Is he not afraid of being robbed?
Today, he would find out.
After about four hours in the dark forest, Simon finally spoke.
"Let's rest. Light a fire. I'll take a nap."
As sparks rose into the night sky, the guards quietly spread out to scout the surroundings. The Second Commander leaned toward Han Liang, his voice low.
"We shouldn't sleep. This place invites trouble."
A sudden crack broke the silence. Dry branches snapped, and movement stirred in the shadows.
Five masked men emerged at once.
Their blades caught the firelight, and the forest filled with the sharp clash of steel.
Han Liang moved first. He parried the incoming strike, turned sharply, and forced the blade aside before driving his sword forward. The attacker fell with a heavy thud.
The Second Commander fought with heavier force, using his shield to bash one opponent back before disarming him with a crushing strike. The other guards joined in, and soon the air was filled with ringing steel and hurried footsteps.
Han Liang slipped behind another attacker and pressed his sword to the man's shoulder, forcing him down with speed and precision.
At that moment, two masked men rushed toward Simon's wagon. Simon still appeared to be asleep.
Han Liang stepped forward—
but Simon was faster.
He rose in a single motion, striking like a beast. One powerful kick sent both attackers sprawling to the ground.
From his coat, he drew a compact crossbow. A sharp twang cut through the night, and a thin bolt pierced one attacker's chest, dropping him instantly. The second tried to flee, but another shot struck his leg, sending him crashing down.
The last man hesitated, glanced around in fear, then disappeared into the darkness.
"Don't chase him," Simon said calmly.
Then he smiled faintly.
"There were fewer today. It seems your presence made them cautious."
Han Liang and the Second Commander exchanged a glance. Their suspicions only deepened.
Simon turned to his men.
"Remove the bodies. I don't want the smell of blood lingering."
Before they were taken away, Han Liang examined them briefly. Were they simple thieves, or something more? For now, it appeared to be nothing more than an ambush.
That night, they slept in turns, with one man always on watch. By dawn, after a quick meal, they were back on the road.
Han Liang continued to observe Simon along the way. Every movement was controlled, every reaction deliberate. Was it arrogance… or something else entirely?
Simon fought like a man who had seen this many times before.
As the town came into view, unease settled in Han Liang's chest. Ying Town… the place where Gu Feng was.
Who had bought the sword? Was it the Jewel Sect, or someone moving in the shadows? Had Gu Feng taken the bracelet knowingly?
The questions did not stop.
Han Liang steadied himself. He needed answers. He needed to find Gu Feng.
When they finally arrived, Simon slowed his horse.
"We're here," he said. "I'll stay at the inn for a few days. I still have business to finish."
He smiled faintly.
"The rest… is not something I can share."
Simon handed a ring to Han Liang, then another to the Second Commander. Han Liang turned it between his fingers, his thoughts sharpening. None of the men on the rooftop had worn rings.
A symbol… or something else?
Simon leaned closer, his voice low.
"We'll meet again… in two months."
And with that, he disappeared into the town.