pdf-ebookys 679. Passing by
679. Passing by
Thanks to Wang Zhuang's meticulous arrangements, the night passed without any unexpected incidents. Apart from the crackling of the campfire and the hushed conversations of the night watchmen, the entire camp was completely silent, allowing Wang Zhuang's tense nerves to relax for a moment.
The next morning, Wang Zhuang once again directed the convoy to begin intensive preparations for departure.
To provide crucial cover for the three mysterious "VIPs" inside the carriage, Wang Zhuang, following industry practice, took on an extra cargo escort mission before accepting this critical task. This wasn't just for extra income, but also to mislead potential spying individuals, making the entire caravan appear more like an ordinary merchant caravan—cargo, guards, and a clear purpose of escorting goods—the norm for ordinary caravans on the road.
After the convoy finished its inventory, Wang Zhuang learned of the only unexpected situation from the previous night: the charcoal-skinned man, thanks to Wang Ling'er's "miraculous" medical skills, had stubbornly survived the night and was alive.
So much so that early in the morning, several guards who noticed the situation excitedly woke Wang Ling'er up.
The little girl was innocent and simple-minded. Rubbing her sleepy eyes, she ran to the camel cart and saw the still rising and falling of the charred body's chest. Her hazy consciousness was instantly replaced by great surprise.
With the encouragement and praise from the guards around him, he was already feeling quite smug, as if he thought he could join the Valley of Medicine and Poison tomorrow.
Wang Zhuang felt a mix of emotions upon seeing this scene. He was pleased with his niece's kindness and joy, but he also knew very well that this situation had nothing to do with Wang Ling'er's medical skills. The main reason was that the black-faced man's vitality far exceeded expectations.
After checking it carefully again and finding nothing unusual, I finally felt a little relieved.
"There really isn't anything wrong or unusual. Could it be that I'm just overthinking things?" Wang Zhuang asked in a voice only he could hear.
Out of his love and protectiveness for his niece, he acquiesced to the status quo, continuing to protect her safety with extreme care while allowing her to help the dark-skinned man.
Seeing this, Wang Ling'er's confidence soared. She even went to great lengths to prepare easily digestible liquid food for the dark-skinned man, even before she had eaten breakfast herself.
Seeing her so excited, Wang Zhuang was filled with emotion. His own brother had died when Wang Ling'er was only three years old, leaving behind this orphaned little niece. He had raised her from a young age, treating her as his own daughter.
He even neglected his own cultivation for Wang Ling'er's sake. With his talent and temperament, he might have made further progress long ago if it weren't for this burden. However, looking at his graceful and kind-hearted niece now, Wang Zhuang felt it was all worth it.
Under his care, Wang Ling'er indeed grew up exceptionally well, possessing an innately kind and benevolent nature. This is why she admired Valley Master Xiao of the Medicine and Poison Valley and even wanted to join him.
Wang Zhuang knew about his niece's idea and naturally wanted to fulfill her wish.
"This girl's temperament is indeed very suitable for the Valley of Healing Poisons."
However, Wang Zhuang immediately changed his tune. As the leader of the caravan, he knew that the road ahead was uncertain and that he could not afford to relax for even a moment.
"Alright, those who haven't finished breakfast, hurry up!"
"Those who are ready, immediately begin preparing the campfire, checking the axles and pack animals, and organizing the caravan! Hurry!"
"Yes, Chief Escort!"
……
Zhongzhou is the core region of the entire Dou Qi Continent, home to countless experts and powerful figures. However, beneath this prosperous backdrop, there still exists an astronomical number of ordinary people.
These people could only rely on their own strength and physical abilities to earn their living. Most of the镖师 (bodyguards/escorts) in Wangzhuang were like this, but fortunately, they had a good leader!
With his Douhuang-level strength, cautious approach, and the reputation and trust he had gradually built up in the underworld, everyone who followed him on his escort missions lived a relatively comfortable life, despite the considerable risks.
Apart from Wang Zhuang himself, everyone else believed this was just another ordinary escort mission. There was little unnecessary tension; they were mostly just mechanically repeating their tasks.
What truly drew everyone's attention along the way was the charcoal-skinned man they rescued halfway through the journey, becoming a hot topic during the otherwise tedious trip.
As time went by, this charcoal-colored man not only did not die, but also showed extremely tenacious vitality.
From the very first faint breath, it gradually became stronger and longer each day.
Throughout the journey, Wang Ling'er carefully tended to the charred man, meticulously removing most of the dirt and loose, charred parts from his body. However, despite her efforts, the charred man remained unconscious.
Many people had already seen the charcoal man's condition firsthand, and many experienced veterans judged that he had suffered extremely complex injuries, possibly even involving the mysterious power of the soul.
If you want to cure it, ordinary doctors may be powerless; you must find a true master alchemist.
A single alchemist's work can be dozens of times more effective than that of an ordinary physician.
Wang Zhuang did indeed love his niece dearly and fully supported her desire to study medicine and save lives. However, this support did not mean he would lose his mind and spend such an astronomical sum to treat a complete stranger of unknown identity who might even bring trouble.
Therefore, the treatment of the charcoal man has stalled here. Wang Ling'er, however, is still happy to do so, and she still prepares food for him carefully every day. The charcoal man can still take simple liquid food.
The caravan did not travel particularly fast, and it took a full ten days to finally cross the border between the northern and eastern regions of Zhongzhou and officially enter the eastern region.
Throughout the journey, Wang Zhuang dared not relax for a moment. His years of experience told him that before the mission was truly over, any slackening would only lead to his and the convoy's deaths. This mission was definitely not going to end so easily; any generous reward came with corresponding risks.
On the ninth day after they officially entered the Eastern Region, at dusk, the sunset dyed the horizon an ominous blood color.
"Stop the car and submit to inspection!" A piercing, arrogant shout tore through the relatively quiet air under the twilight, precisely piercing the thin layer of tranquility that had been covering the convoy.
Wang Zhuang's heart sank the moment that sharp shout rang out!
coming!