The Han Merchant Caravan

Following the Serpent Venerable's alert, Li Yi looked towards the east. Indeed, he saw a long convoy slowly making its way in their direction. At the front of the caravan, seven or eight mercenaries clad in leather armor vigilantly surveyed their surroundings. Among them, an elderly man appeared engrossed in examining something. Nearly a hundred mercenaries guarded the lengthy caravan, which, although secure, moved too slowly for efficiency. "It seems to be a merchant group that has hired a mercenary band," Li Yi mused, finding the scene quite novel, having never witnessed such a sight before. He wondered where they were heading; if it was Yunshui City, he considered joining them for the journey. Li Yi knew little about the area, and although Gong Wushuang was familiar with the Naga Mountains, she seemed less knowledgeable about the vicinity of Yunshui City. "Let's ask them for directions," Li Yi suggested, touching his nose.

However, as Li Yi noticed the caravan, the mercenaries also became aware of him. After a brief discussion, an older man, presumably the leader, approached Li Yi with four alert mercenaries. "Ha ha, greetings! I am Han Dang, leader of the Han Merchant Caravan. May I know how to address you, sir?" The elder stopped about five or six meters from Li Yi, greeting him with a friendly bow.

Li Yi took a deep breath, observing the elderly man. The man's aura was contained, but he seemed to be a Warrior class fighter, and the four mercenaries were Fighters of varying strengths. This was a decent force, albeit not as formidable as the ones Li Yi had encountered in the Naga Mountains. As for this so-called Han Merchant Caravan, Li Yi wondered where they had come from. After contemplating, he stood up and said, "So, you are from the Han Merchant Caravan and Mr. Han Dang. I've heard of you..."

Han Dang chuckled, "You flatter us. Our caravan is just a small group in Yunshui City, nothing famous... But you, sir, don't seem to be from around here, are you?"

Li Yi smiled, "You have good eyesight, sir. We are not from around Yunshui City; we come from the west. We heard there's a big event in Yunshui City, so I couldn't resist bringing my sister to see... This is my sister."

Li Yi gestured towards Gong Wushuang, who managed a weak smile in response. Han Dang and the mercenaries were visibly struck by her beauty, especially the younger mercenaries who could hardly take their eyes off her. Given Gong Wushuang's stunning appearance, such a reaction from these inexperienced mercenaries was quite normal. Li Yi understood that a woman's beauty could be a double-edged sword, a good test in many situations. However, the intentions of this Han Merchant Caravan remained to be seen...

Han Dang was the first to recover, coughing awkwardly, "If you're heading to Yunshui City... why stop here? It's still a day and a half's journey from here. There are no small towns or tribes nearby, and if you're not in a group, nocturnal beast attacks could be dangerous..."

Li Yi sighed, "Thank you for your concern, sir. Unfortunately, my sister caught a cold last night and is quite frail... It seems difficult to continue our journey..."

Han Dang hesitated, understanding Li Yi's unspoken implication. Li Yi smiled again, then said, "If it's convenient for you, sir, could we possibly join your caravan to Yunshui City? We would be very grateful."

Han Dang paused, looking at the four mercenaries. "If it were just our caravan, it would be no issue to take you along. However, we have hired the Iron Wing Mercenary Group for protection, and without their consent..."

Li Yi showed a hint of helplessness, "Then, could you sell us two mounts so we can make our way more quickly? Otherwise..."

Before he could finish, Gong Wushuang coughed a few times, looking even more frail but stunningly beautiful. Before Han Dang could respond, one of the mercenaries, seemingly a leader, coughed and said, "Mr. Han, these two don't seem dangerous. I don't think our captain would object to them joining. Leaving this lady and gentleman here might mean they won't survive the night..."

Han Dang's expression changed several times before he finally stamped his foot and decided, "Alright! Young man, you and your sister can join our journey... If the Iron Wing Mercenary Group's leader has any objections, I'll take full responsibility!" Li Yi quickly showed his gratitude, "Then, thank you very much, sir..." Glancing at the mercenaries who were ogling Gong Wushuang, Li Yi inwardly sneered. Han Dang seemed decent enough, but the intentions of these mercenaries were dubious. Mercenary groups typically don't allow strangers to join their convoy easily, as it's against their principles. Yet, they readily accepted Li Yi and Gong Wushuang, which seemed rather obvious. For Li Yi and Gong Wushuang, currently lacking in strength, joining such a group could decrease the chances of being unexpectedly discovered, a significant benefit for them.

"Alright," Han Dang nodded, "then come with us..." Leading them, Han Dang escorted Li Yi, supporting the frail-looking Gong Wushuang, to an old carriage in the convoy. The convoy had stopped because of the strangers, but seeing Han Dang bring two outsiders, they looked puzzled. However, most eyes fell on Gong Wushuang, understanding the situation, and refrained from asking questions, instead whispering among themselves.

Li Yi and Gong Wushuang, with their strength, could hear the low murmurs but pretended not to, following Han Dang into the carriage. "Ha ha, young friend... This carriage is usually my resting place at night, but since your sister has caught a cold, let her sit inside, and I'll arrange for all necessary items," Han Dang kindly instructed.

After settling Gong Wushuang, Li Yi expressed his thanks, "Thank you again, sir. I'm not sure how I can repay your kindness, but if you don't mind..."

"That's enough, no need for such formalities," Han Dang waved off, "but I haven't yet asked for your names..."

Li Yi hesitated, then replied, "My name is Du Fei, and this is my sister, Du Xue."

"Ah, so you are Du Fei, young friend... It seems you have also cultivated Dou Qi," Han Dang noted with a smile.

Li Yi nodded, "I'm just a Fighter at the crystal level."

"To be a Fighter at such a young age, you are quite impressive," Han Dang exclaimed.

Li Yi chuckled modestly, "Just a one-crystal Fighter, nothing remarkable..."

After a moment, Han Dang said hesitantly, "Du Fei, young friend... I have something to say, but I'm not sure if it's appropriate."

"Please speak freely, sir."

Han Dang sighed and looked at Gong Wushuang, then spoke quietly, "Your sister is stunningly beautiful, which is not a problem in itself. However, Yunshui City is currently hosting many powerful guests for the Nalan family patriarch's grand birthday celebration. These people often act unreasonably, using their strength as justification... If your sister's beauty catches their eye, it could attract unnecessary trouble. It might be best to disguise her somewhat."

Li Yi was taken aback, finding Han Dang's advice somewhat strange. Han Dang seemed well-intentioned, which initially didn't concern Li Yi much, but his words now caused a twinge of guilt in Li Yi's heart. After all, he and Gong Wushuang didn't really need the protection of this caravan; their joining was just to evade Haixin and others...

Nodding, Li Yi replied, "Thank you for the advice, sir. I'll handle it, and we won't cause any trouble for you..."

Han Dang nodded, "It's good that you understand. Also, be cautious even after entering Yunshui City. While most wouldn't dare cause trouble there, Nalan's young master..." He shook his head, "Just remember my words... I have to arrange other matters for the caravan. If you need anything, just ask, and someone will bring it to you."

After expressing his gratitude again, Han Dang left, seemingly preoccupied. Once alone, Li Yi and Gong Wushuang meditated, sensing their surroundings to ensure privacy, then discussed their next steps.

"How does it feel?" Li Yi asked softly.

Gong Wushuang frowned, "There are about one hundred and fifty people in the convoy, mostly Fighters with a few Warriors. The strongest seems to be a seven-crystal Warrior, no threat to our safety... However..."

"What is it?"

"They don't seem to have any ill intentions towards us. Since we joined, I haven't sensed any murderous intent..."

"That's good," Li Yi nodded. "For now, our priority is to recover our strength. We can deal with anything else later."

The two then began cultivating in earnest, knowing that in such circumstances, only their own strength could ensure their safety.