The first rays of dawn stretched across the sky as Zhao Ming stirred awake. The camp was already alive with movement—mercenaries sharpening their blades, disciples of the Azure Cloud Sword Sect preparing their weapons, and servants securing supplies onto the carriages.
At the center of it all stood Murong De, issuing final instructions. “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 inspecting her sword, her expression unreadable. Zhao Ming considered 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 control,” 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 villages.”
“Hmph,” Chen 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. Overconfidence leads to carelessness.”
Chen 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 mercenaries drew their weapons. More arrows rained down from the dense tree line, forcing the guards to take cover. Then, a group of men emerged from the shadows, blocking 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 declared. “We fight for the people, against tyranny! Leave your grain, and we will let you go.”
Murong De remained calm, his gaze steady. “That grain is paid for with honest coin. 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, weapons drawn.
“Defend the caravan!” Fang ordered.
If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.
----------------------------------------
The bandits charged, and the disciples met them head-on.
Murong Xue’s blade danced through the air, cutting down her opponents with practiced precision. Fang moved like a raging storm, overwhelming any bandit who stood in his way. Liu fought with finesse, deflecting attacks and striking with calculated precision.
Chen, however, was reckless—swinging his sword wildly, relying more on aggression than technique.
Zhao Ming stayed back, observing the battle. Unlike the disciplined swordplay 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 Pill
> * Help the bandits – Gain [Skill: Leadership], Infamy +10, Bandit Token
> * Run away – Gain [Skill: Evasion], Luck +5
>
> 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 (Basic), Allows the user to see basic stats of individuals (Name, Affiliation, Strength).
A new awareness filled his mind. He glanced around, and faint glowing markers appeared above each person’s head:
* Fang - Strength: High
* Liu - Strength: Mid
* Murong Xue - Strength: Mid
* Chen - Strength: Low
* Bandits - Strength: Mid to Low
Armed with this knowledge, Zhao Ming formulated a plan.
He turned to Fang. “Senior Brother Fang, take out the weaker ones first. Miss Murong and Senior Sister Liu, hold your ground and keep them from overwhelming us.”
Fang gave him a sharp look but nodded. “Understood.”
Following the strategy, Fang led an aggressive push, quickly cutting down weaker opponents. 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.
Chen, still hot-blooded and reckless, ignored Murong De’s warning and pursued the fleeing enemy.
A sudden twang echoed through the trees.
Chen’s body jerked as an arrow struck his shoulder. His face twisted in pain.
Murong Xue’s eyes widened. “Chen!”
He stumbled, falling to one knee. The arrow’s shaft trembled slightly, its tip coated in a faint green substance.
----------------------------------------
The group gathered around as a doctor examined the wound. His expression turned grim. “The poison is strong. Without treatment, he may not last the night.”
Senior Brother Fang face darkened. “How far to Zhou County?”
“Too far,” Murong De muttered.
Zhao Ming, still processing the quest completion notification, suddenly felt a small object materialize in his hand.
> [Antidote Pill Received]
He hesitated, then stepped forward and handed the small jade-colored pill to the doctor. “Will this help?”
The doctor examined it closely. His brows furrowed in thought before he nodded. “This is a common folk antidote. It should counter some poisons, but I cannot guarantee its strength.”
Liu crossed her arms. “And if it’s not strong enough?”
Murong Xue clenched her fists. “There is no other option.”
With a final glance at the unconscious Chen, the doctor took the pill and carefully fed it to him.
Minutes passed in tense silence.
Then, Chen’s breathing steadied. His complexion, once deathly pale, regained some color.
“He’s stable,” the doctor confirmed. “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 replaced with gratitude.
Murong De glanced at him with newfound interest. “It seems there’s more to you than meets the eye, scholar.”
Zhao Ming merely smiled. “Just luck, I suppose.”
With Chen stabilized, the caravan resumed its journey toward Zhou County. The road ahead was still uncertain, but for now, they had survived.