The jouro Zhou ty had been long and exhausting, but as the caravan passed through the city gates, Zhao Ming couldn’t help but feel a mix of relief and curiosity. Zhou ty was a city brimming with life, yet beh its bustling markets and lively chatter, an air of tension lihe Yellow Turban Rebellion had left its mark—military patrols were more frequent, buildings bore scars of ret battles, and refugees huddled in alleys, whispering of the chaos beyond the walls.

  Murong De rode ahead, his expression calm as he approached the city guards. Produg a token marked with the insignia of the Murong family, he spoke in a measured tone.

  “We are from the Murong family. I request entry for our caravan.”

  The guards exged gnces before nodding. “Wele back, Master Murong. Have you entered any rebel activity on the road?”

  Murong De nodded. “A bandit group was waiting in ambush, but they were dealt with. They may have ties to the rebels.”

  The guards stiffe the news but waved them through. As they proceeded, Zhao Ming observed the city’s streets—shops dispying silks, bcksmiths hammering ons, and food stalls skewers of roasted meat. Yet, there was an undercurrent of unease. War roag, and everyone k.

  Onside the city, Murouro Zhao Ming. “Where do you pn to stay?”

  Zhao Miated. “I don’t have a pce yet. I came here to find my teacher, but I don’t know his whereabouts.”

  Murong Xue tilted her head. “Who is your teacher?”

  “Lu Zheng,” Zhao Ming answered without much thought.

  Silence.

  Murong De and Murong Xue both stared at him, their expressions shifting from surprise to visible frustration. Zhao Ming frowned. “Why do you both look like that?”

  Murong Xue groaned, rubbiemples. “That shameless old man is at our estate.”

  Zhao Ming blinked. “Oh. That makes things easier.”

  Murong De sighed. “Easier? He’s dohing but drink all day. He avoids responsibilities like the pgue.”

  Zhao Mi an oning headache. His teacher, whom he hadn’t seen in years, had bee a drunkard? He exhaled sharply and massaged his forehead. “Wonderful.”

  At the Murong family estate, the servants rushed to prepare rooms for their guests. was immediately taken to a physi to ensure all traces of poison were removed. Meanwhile, Murong De arranged proper lodging for Fang and Liu, ensuring the warriors had a pce to rest.

  Murong Xue led Zhao Ming through the corridors. “Brace yourself,” she muttered.

  In the tral courtyard, two men sat at a wooden table, wine jugs scattered between them. One was a middle-aged man with a anding presence—Murong Jin, head of the Murong family. The other, wearing disheveled robes, was her than Lu Zheng.

  “Father,” Murong Xue greeted, “we have a guest.”

  Murong Jin turned his sharp gaze toward Zhao Ming. “And who is this schor?”

  Zhao Ming stepped forward and bowed. “Zhao Ming greets Lord Murong. I have e to meet my teacher.” He turo Lu Zheng, whose face brightened upnizing him.

  “Hah! My dear disciple, you’ve finally e.” Lu Zheng stretched zily and smirked. “Good timing! Now I finally rex and push all my work onto you.”

  Zhao Ming’s eye twitched. His hands ched into fists as he resisted the urge to throw something at the old man.

  Murong Jin sighed. “I sympathize with you, young man.”

  Murong Xue nodded. “Same.”

  Just then, a familiar notification appeared before Zhao Ming’s eyes.

  [System Update]

  Reward: Fame +10Fame: 20Special Skill Unlocked: [Insight Lv.1]Needing a break from his ‘beloved’ teacher, Zhao Ming decided to explore the market ter that afternoon. The streets were lively, with merts calling out prices and street perfathering crowds.

  As he strolled, he overheard various rumors:

  The Imperial Army struggling against the rebels.Bandits attag smaller vilges in the tryside.A loud man bragging that he alone could defeat the Yellow Turbans.Zhao Ming ighe braggart and tinued walking—until something unusual caught his eye. Amidst the crowd, a t man with an imposing preseood out. His long beard and pierg eyes radiated an aura of strength.

  Curious, Zhao Ming activated [Insight Lv.1].

  [Target Identified]

  Name: Guan YuStrength: HighZhao Ming’s heart skipped a beat. Guan Yu?!

  Before he could react, the man approached him. “Young schor, do you know where I find an inn?”

  Zhao Ming quickly posed himself and poio the inhe loud braggart had been boasting. “That one should do.”

  Guan Yu nodded in gratitude. “Many thanks.”

  That evening, over dihe Murong family discussed current affairs. The table was filled with rich food and animated versation. At one point, Murong Xue casually mentioned Zhao Ming’s assistan identifying weak bandit groups during their journey.

  Murong Jin, intrigued, set down his cup. “You seem to have a good head on your shoulders. Tell me, Zhao Ming, what do you pn to do ?”

  Zhao Ming sidered his words carefully. “I will follow my teacher’s guidance.”

  Lu Zheng grinned mischievously. “Excellent! In that case, here’s your ask.” He tossed a sealed letter onto the table. “Take this reendatioer a to Anxi Prefecture.”

  Zhao Ming picked up the letter, frowning. “What for?”

  Lu Zheng zily waved his hand. “You’re now a Zhou Li (州吏).”

  Zhao Ming’s eye twitched again. “A gover official?!”

  Lu Zheng smirked. “It’s good for your experience.”

  Zhao Ming waue, but Murong Jin simply ughed. “sider it an opportunity, young man.”

  Zhao Ming sighed in resignation. His journey had just taken another ued turn.