The first rays of dawn stretched across the sky as Zhao Ming stirred awake. The camp was already alive with movement—meraries sharpening their bdes, disciples of the Azure Cloud Sword Sect preparing their ons, and servants seg supplies onto the carriages.

  At the ter of it all stood Murong De, issuing final instrus. “Double-check the goods. Make sure the grain is well-secured,” he ordered. His deep voice carried authority, and the hired guards moved swiftly to obey.

  Nearby, Murong Xue was silently iing her sword, her expression unreadable. Zhao Ming sidered asking if something was on her mind but ultimately chose to say nothing.

  Before long, the caravan was on the road once more.

  As the caravan traveled along the dirt path, discussions naturally drifted toward the state of the empire.

  “The Yellow Turban Rebellion is spiraling out of trol,” Senior Brother Fang remarked, gripping the reins of his horse. “With the imperial army struggling to suppress them, more and more bandit groups have emerged, preying on travelers and vilges.”

  “Hmph,” scoffed, tapping the hilt of his sword. “If we run into bandits, I’ll send them running with their tails between their legs.”

  Senior Sister Liu shook her head. “Don’t jinx it. Overfidence leads to carelessness.”

  rolled his eyes, but before he could respond—

  Whoosh!

  An arrow whizzed through the air and struck a wooden crate at the front of the caravan.

  Shouts erupted as the meraries drew their ons. More arrows rained down from the deree line, f the guards to take cover. Then, a group of men emerged from the shadows, blog the road.

  At their front stood a rugged man with a long scar down his cheek, wearing ragged armor. A yellow cloth was tied around his arm, marking his allegiance.

  “I am Liao Hua,” the man decred. “We fight for the people, against tyranny! Leave yrain, and we will let you go.”

  Murong De remained calm, his gaze steady. “That grain is paid for with ho . If you take it, how are the farmers supposed to eat?”

  Liao Hua’s eyes darkened. “The farmers are already starving. What difference does it make?”

  Murong De sighed. “Then there is nothing more to discuss.”

  With a flick of his hand, Murong Xue and the sect disciples stepped forward, ons drawn.

  “Defend the caravan!” Fang ordered.

  The bandits charged, and the disciples met them head-on.

  Murong Xue’s bde dahrough the air, cutting down her oppos with practiced precision. Fang moved like a raging storm, overwhelming any bandit who stood in his way. Liu fought with finesse, defleg attacks and striking with calcuted precision.

  , however, was reckless—swinging his sword wildly, relying more on aggression than teique.

  Zhao Ming stayed back, the battle. Uhe disciplined swordpy of the sect disciples, the bandits fought with desperation. They weren’t mere criminals; they were starving men forced into violence.

  Then, a sudden chime echoed in his mind.

  [Emergency Quest Triggered]Choose your path:

  Help the caravan – Gain [Skill: Insight], Fame +10, Antidote PillHelp the bandits – Gain [Skill: Leadership], Infamy +10, Bandit TokenRun away – Gain [Skill: Evasion]Rewards will be granted based on your decision.

  Zhao Ming barely hesitated. He selected the first option.

  [Quest Accepted: Aid the Caravan]Skill unlocked: Insight, Allows the user to see basic stats of individuals (Name, Affiliation, Strength).

  A new awareness filled his mind. He gnced around, and faint glowing markers appeared above each person’s head:

  Fang - Strength: HighLiu - Strength: MidMurong Xue - Strength: Mid - Strength: LowBandits - Strength: Mid to LowArmed with this knowledge, Zhao Ming formuted a pn.

  He turo Fang. “Senior Brother Fang, take out the weaker ones first. Miss Murong and Senior Sister Liu, hold yround ahem from overwhelming us.”

  Fang gave him a sharp look but nodded. “Uood.”

  Following the strategy, Fang led an aggressive push, quickly cutting down weaker oppos. Murong Xue and Liu held their positions, preventing the stronger bandits from breaking through.

  Liao Hua, realizing the battle was turning against them, gritted his teeth and shouted, “Fall back!”

  The surviving bandits retreated into the forest.

  But one figure didn’t stop.

  , still hot-blooded and reckless, ignored Murong De’s warning and pursued the fleeing enemy.

  A sudden twang echoed through the trees.

  ’s body jerked as an arrow struck his shoulder. His face twisted in pain.

  Murong Xue’s eyes widened. “!”

  He stumbled, falling to one khe arrow’s shaft trembled slightly, its tip coated in a faint green substance.

  The group gathered around as a doctor examihe wound. His expression turned grim. “The poison is strong. Without treatment, he may not st the night.”

  Senior Brother Fang face darkened. “How far to Zhou ty?”

  “Too far,” Murotered.

  Zhao Ming, still processing the quest pletion notification, suddenly felt a small object materialize in his hand.

  [Antidote Pill Received]

  He hesitated, then stepped forward and hahe small jade-colored pill to the doctor. “Will this help?”

  The doctor exami closely. His brows furrowed in thought before he nodded. “This is a on folk antidote. It should ter some poisons, but I ot guaras strength.”

  Liu crossed her arms. “And if it’s not strong enough?”

  Murong Xue ched her fists. “There is no other option.”

  With a final g the unscious , the doctor took the pill and carefully fed it to him.

  Minutes passed in tense silence.

  Then, ’s breathing steadied. His plexion, once deathly pale, regained some color.

  “He’s stable,” the doctor firmed. “The poison won’t spread further.”

  Murong Xue exhaled in relief. “Thank you, Zhao Ming.”

  Fang and Liu gave him respectful nods, their earlier skepticism repced with gratitude.

  Murong De g him with newfound i. “It seems there’s more to you thahe eye, schor.”

  Zhao Ming merely smiled. “Just luck, I suppose.”

  With stabilized, the caravan resumed its jouroward Zhou ty. The road ahead was still uain, but for now, they had survived.

  End of Chapter 4.