Zhao Ming sat in his small inn room, staring at the floating translut s before him.

  [System Notifiain Task: Find a way to travel to Zhou ty a your teacher.Reward: Reputation +10, Gold +5 taels, Stats Unlock.

  he System will not alrovide guidance. Solve your own problems and shape your destiny.

  He exhaled sharply. "So, I have to find my own way... makes sense."

  He stretched, gathering his simple belongings before heading downstairs.

  After settling his stay with the innkeeper, Zhao Ming stepped into the bustling streets, his stomach growling. He wao a nearby food stall, the aroma of freshly baked ftbread mixed with scallions making his mouth water.

  "Obread, please," Zhao Ming requested, handing over a few s.

  As he ate, he overheard a heated discussion from a group of vilgers and travelers seated nearby.

  "The Yellow Turbans are on the move again."

  "Gover’s recruiting militias to fight them. Even ordinary folks are being scripted."

  "Not just that! Bandits roam the roads freely now. It's dangerous for any loraveler."

  Zhao Ming frowraveling alone might not be a good idea.

  After finishing his meal, he approached the vendor. "Excuse me, where I find a carriage to Zhou ty?"

  The vendor scratched his head. "Nes run there now, d. Too risky. But you might try the Murong Trading House (慕容商行 - Mùróng Shāngháng). Their caravans still travel the route."

  Zhao Ming thanked him and followed the dires to the trading house. Upon arrival, he found a bustling se—workers loading goods onto horse-drawn carriages. Spotting a nearby porter, he approached.

  "Excuse me, is this caravan heading to Zhou ty?"

  The prunted, nodding toward a nearby building. "Aye, but you'll have to ask the caravan leader yourself."

  Zhao Ming walked up to the entrance, where a stern-faced guard stopped him. "What do you want?"

  "I wish to join the caravan to Zhou ty."

  The guard smirked. "Oh? And why should we take you? A little... gesture of appreciation might help your case."

  Zhao Ming sighed. So, he wants a bribe?

  Before he could respond, a deep voice cut through. "What’s going on here?"

  A burly, middle-aged man with sharp eyes and a anding preseepped forward. The guard stiffened.

  "Leader Murong!" The guard saluted quickly.

  Murong De crossed his arms. "Trying to make things difficult for travelers again? Enough of this nonsense. Your training doubles for the week."

  The guard paled. "Y-Yes, sir!"

  Murouro Zhao Ming. "I am Murong De, leader of this caravan. Who are you?"

  Zhao Ming csped his hands respectfully. "My name is Zhao Ming. I o reach Zhou ty to meet my teacher. I was hoping to travel with your caravan."

  Muroudied him for a moment before nodding. "Very well. We depart in the Shenshi (申时, 3-5 PM). You may wait in the guest room."

  Zhao Ming thanked him and spent the few hours resting.

  Wheime came, the caravan gathered. As Zhao Ming stepped outside, he noticed a group of young men and women in purple uniforms, swords at their waists.

  Curious, he tur De to ask about them, but before he could, a clear voice called out.

  "Uncle."

  Zhao Ming turo see a young woman in a refined purple outfit approag. She was graceful yet carried herself with fidence.

  Murong De smiled. "Ah, Zhao Ming, meet my niece, Murong Xue."

  Murong Xue g him with mild curiosity. "A schor? Why is he traveling with us?"

  "He's heading to Zhou ty," Murong De replied. "We’re bringing him along."

  She nodded. "Then, are we ready to go?"

  Murong De checked with his men befiving the order. "Everything is set. Zhao Ming, you’ll ride in the sed carriage."

  As he settled ihe carava off toward Zhou ty, beginning Zhao Ming's first real step in this journey.

  End of Chapter 2