Chapter 23

After crossing several more mountains, Qin Sang approached the main road and found a place with a wide view to wait on horseback.

According to the intelligence, the convoy of the Dongyang County Lady had camped in Kuncheng last night and set off at dawn today. It was now past the hour of the Snake, and they should be arriving soon.

Qin Sang picked up the ironwood staff. The staff was made from the core of ironwood, which he had bought at a ferry. Its hardness was comparable to iron, and it was very resilient. He had it polished into a handy staff.

One end of the staff had a reserved hole. By wrapping the flag of the Yama Banner and inserting it into the hole with the tip facing outward, and then tying it tightly with a cloth, it became a makeshift spear.

Qin Sang had verified that ordinary eyes could not see the Yama, but he could not be too reckless. He had to cover up in front of people, otherwise, if he accidentally attracted a demon-slaying immortal, it would be a wrongful death.

To the east of Sanwu City, countless mountains stretched continuously. This road crossed mountains and valleys and required several river crossings, making it very difficult to travel. Merchants traveling to and from the city preferred to take the northern route around Linwu City, even if it took two more days, rather than take this road, so there were not many travelers on this path.

Qin Sang not only watched the road but also looked around, but he did not find anyone who looked like a spy from the Jiangshan Tower.

As the sun approached its zenith, though it was already autumn, the midday sun was still scorching. Qin Sang recited the "Tao Te Ching" patiently, waiting. Suddenly, his eyes lit up, and he straightened up.

At the end of the road, a convoy appeared.

Several cargo carts were wrapped in black canvas, followed by two passenger carriages, with over twenty mounted guards outside.

These guards were disguised as escorts, armed with knives and swords, and their eyes were sharp, making them look very formidable.

Their formation was well-organized, maintaining order as the convoy moved, evenly distributed around the carts, covering all directions. They could react immediately to any threat from any direction.

However, upon closer inspection, it was clear that their main focus was not the cargo but the people in the carriages.

Although they were still far away, Qin Sang could see clearly that Bai Jianglan was leading the way at the front!

Zhou Ning, the water monkey, was also there.

It was indeed them.

Qin Sang immediately mounted his horse, whipped the reins, and the horse neighed loudly, leaping out of the forest and galloping down the mountain, hooves pounding urgently.

"Who is it!"

"Stop!"

Before reaching the convoy, Qin Sang heard Bai Jianglan and others shouting.

Upon seeing Qin Sang, the convoy suddenly stopped, and the guards instantly surrounded the carriages, drawing their weapons and pointing them at Qin Sang.

The front was a dazzling array of weapons, and there were crossbows hidden in the shadows, exuding a chilling aura.

"Whoa!"

Qin Sang quickly reined in his horse and shouted loudly, "Brother Bai, Zhou Ning, it's me, I'm Qin Sang!"

Bai Jianglan's expression changed, and upon closer inspection, he recognized the young man he had saved from a raft last year.

Last year, Qin Sang had just escaped from a dangerous situation, covered in blood, and looked very disheveled.

Now, after practicing the "Yinming Scripture" and daily training, Qin Sang's appearance and demeanor had changed significantly.

That was why Bai Jianglan did not recognize him at first.

The water monkey beside Bai Jianglan also remembered and shouted in surprise.

"Really, Brother Qin! Brother Qin, you didn't return home? I thought I would never see you again, but I didn't expect..."

Bai Jianglan held back the water monkey, waved his hand, and stepped forward, looking Qin Sang up and down. His eyes flashed, and he said politely, "Brother Qin, may I ask why you have stopped us?"

He could tell that Qin Sang had come for them.

Qin Sang could sense the distance and caution in Bai Jianglan's tone but was not bothered. He dismounted, took off his crossbow, soft sword, and staff, and walked a few steps to Bai Jianglan's side, whispering, "Brother Bai, I have important news to report to the Dongyang County Lady!"

Bai Jianglan's expression changed abruptly, "You!"

Qin Sang quickly waved his hands and glanced at the guards behind, saying, "Brother Bai, don't misunderstand. I only guessed the Lady's identity later. I do have important news to report. This place is too crowded and noisy. If Brother Bai trusts me, please come with me."

Bai Jianglan, confident in his martial arts, signaled to the guards and followed Qin Sang to the side of the road.

"The County Lady's whereabouts are no longer a secret. There are Jiangshan Tower assassins lying in wait at Luoma Mountain, and their target is the County Lady. Qin Sang accidentally obtained this information and, remembering the Lady's and Brother Bai's life-saving grace, came to report it."

After finishing, Qin Sang looked at Bai Jianglan calmly.

Bai Jianglan's face was expressionless as he stared at Qin Sang for a while. Qin Sang met his gaze calmly.

At this moment, an old woman came from behind, her voice hoarse, "Commander Bai, the young lady has sent me to ask who the visitor is and what important news he has to report."

Bai Jianglan stared at Qin Sang, took a few steps back, and whispered in the old woman's ear.

The old woman's eyes flashed, glanced at Qin Sang, and said, "Please have Commander Bai search the young man first, and I will return to report to the young lady."

The old woman turned and walked back.

Qin Sang let Bai Jianglan search him. The "Yinming Scripture," the Yama Banner, and the blackwood sword were wrapped in a bundle and placed on the horse, and Bai Jianglan did not investigate further.

A moment later, the old woman shouted, "Everyone, dismount and rest."

Then, the old woman accompanied a young woman dressed as a man to walk over.

Qin Sang saw the Dongyang County Lady for the first time. She wore a beautiful melon-shaped hat with a pearl embedded in it, had delicate features, and a tall, slender figure. She was dressed in silk, with a very narrow waist, and a beautiful jade pendant on her flower-patterned sash. At first glance, she looked like a fine young gentleman.

Qin Sang bowed and said respectfully, "Qin Sang pays respects to the County Lady."

Qin Sang secretly observed the County Lady, and she was also observing him.

The County Lady nodded and smiled, saying to Bai Jianglan, "Commander Bai, I didn't expect that the person you saved on a whim would have such gratitude."

Bai Jianglan remained calm, "The County Lady is too kind. With your permission, I dared to save the person, and Brother Qin, remembering the County Lady's great kindness, has taken this action."

The County Lady then turned her gaze to Qin Sang and said to the old woman, "Grandma Li, find a quiet place and let this brave man explain the details. I have only read about the story of repaying a drop of water with a spring of water in books, but I have never seen it in person."

Grandma Li looked around and pointed to a clearing in the forest, saying, "Young lady, please follow me."

Qin Sang, watched by Bai Jianglan and Grandma Li, followed them into the forest. His attention was on the County Lady, who, despite knowing about the assassination, remained calm, showing no signs of anxiety or fear. This level of composure was extraordinary.

They were not in a hurry, and neither was Qin Sang. Once in the dense forest, he began to explain the details.

On the way, he had already prepared his story, omitting the existence of the "Yinming Scripture" and the Yama Banner.

As for how a person who had only practiced martial arts for a year could kill Jiangshan Tower assassins, it was, of course, due to his talent.