As the eveniled over the Muroe, Zhao Ming sat across from Lu Zheng, his mind filled with questions about his new role as a Zhou Li (州吏). The flickering dlelight cast long shadows on the walls as Lu Zheng took a sip of his tea before speaking.

  "A Zhou Li assists the provincial governor in administration, tax colle, and w enfort," Lu Zheng expined. "It's a position of influence, but also one fraught with dahe politidscape in Anxi Prefecture is anything but stable."

  Murong Jied nearby, nodded. "It is a respectable post for a young schor, but be mindful—many will watch you, and not all with goodwill."

  Zhao Ming absorbed their words. This was more than an opportunity—it was a stepping stone. If he pyed his cards right, he could rise far beyond the status of a mere clerk.

  The m, Murong Xue offered to apany Zhao Ming to the Murong family’s bcksmith. "At the very least, you should have a bde for self-defense," she said.

  The fe was alive with the sound of hammerial and the roar of fire. Sparks danced in the air as bcksmiths shaped glowing steel. The lead bcksmith, an older man with a grizzled beard, looked up from his work and grinned.

  "Ah, Xue'er, finally bringing a husband home?" he teased.

  Murong Xue crossed her arms, her expression unamused. "We're here for a on, not your nonsense."

  The old man chuckled and turned his keen gaze on Zhao Ming. "A schor, huh? Well, let’s get you something practical."

  He selected a sturdy yet lightweight knife and ha over. "Keep it sharp. You never know when you'll ."

  Murong Xue studied Zhao Ming before saying, "Since you now have a bde, I’ll teach you the basics. It wouldn’t do for you to injure yourself by act."

  The bcksmith ughed again. "Teag him already? You should just marry him instead of w so much."

  Murong Xue huffed and turned away. "Fet it, I’m not talking anymore."

  Zhao Ming smirked as he followed her out.

  Later, Zhao Ming wahrough the bustling marketpce, gathering supplies and listening to the chatter of the townspeople. Stopping at a small inn, he ordered lund struck up a casual versation with one of the servants.

  "Anything neening in town?" he asked, sipping his tea.

  The servant shrugged. "Same as always. The rebels stir trouble, but at least the governor and the Murong family keep things in check."

  As Zhao Ming finished his meal, a tall man with pierg eyes and a dignified presence approached. "Is this seat taken?" he asked.

  Zhao Miured for him to sit, reizing the figure as Guan Yu. Their versation quickly turo the state of the region. Moments ter, two more meered the inn—Liu Bei and Zhang Fei. Guan Yu introduced them as his sworn brothers, and Zhao Ming quickly uood that he was in the presence of future warriors.

  "reparing to join the Han Volunteer Forces," Liu Bei expined. "The nd grows ever more chaotic. We must act."

  Guan Yu then leaned in slightly. "I saw you leaving the Muroe earlier. The Murong family is well-ected. We need ons. Do you think you could introduce us?"

  Zhao Ming sidered the request before nodding. "I try. Follow me."

  As they prepared to leave, Guan Yu csped Zhao Ming's shoulder, his voice sincere. "You missed the oath ceremony of future heroes."

  Zhang Fei ughed. "If you had been there, we would’ve forced you to swear alongside us!"

  Liu Bei smiled. "Perhaps fate has its own path for each of us."

  Guan Yu nodded.

  Zhao Ming smiled.

  At the Muroe, Murong Jin weled them upon hearing their iions. "It is rare to see young men with such resolve iroubled times. If you are truly set on this path, then I see no reason not to assist."

  A small dinner was arranged in their honor. During the meal, Murong Xue g Zhao Ming. "You seem to have a knaeeting people with grand ambitions."

  Zhao Ming chuckled. "Just ce, I suppose."

  Murong Xue smirked. "Even ces shape history. Even luck is a skill," she replied with a teasing smile.

  Zhao Ming grinned. "Including having a shameless teacher?"

  Lu Zheng, mid-sip of his wine, nearly choked. Murong Xue giggled, while Murong Jin shook his head in amusement.

  After dinner, Zhao Ming was visited by Fang, Liu, and . They came to thank him for the medie he had given , which had greatly aided his recovery.

  "We owe you one," Fang said sincerely. "If you ever need anything, seek us out."

  Liu added, "Our sect holds knowledge that even say find useful. If you wish, we introduce you to its teags."

  Zhao Ming’s i iqued. "You mean cultivation teiques?"

  , who had been quiet until now, suddenly grinned. "You should visit us one day. Our sect’s cultivatiohods are unmatched. We could teach you a thing or two."

  Liu then smiled. "Also, if you ever visit, I’ll introduce you to my younger sister."

  Zhao Ming raised an eyebrow. "Younger sister, huh?"

  Liu ughed. "Don’t get any ideas."

  They talked for a while longer before eventually retiring for the night.

  As Zhao Ming y in bed, he reflected on the day's events. His journey was just beginning, but the pieces were falling into pce.