After crying for a while, Zhao Ya calmed everyone down, asked them to find clean clothes for Wang He, and then went alone to the courtyard to keep watch for the night.
The events of today left Zhao Ya somewhat saddened.
After all, the companion who was chatting and laughing with him just yesterday was separated by life and death today.
But Zhao Ya knew that the Jianghu had always been like this, and the path of the Martial Dao he chose was even more difficult.
Zhao Ya took a deep breath, cast aside all those negative emotions, and then took out the tablet he found on the body today.
The tablet felt smooth and was of good quality.
Engraved on it were three large characters, Cyan Bamboo Ridge.
Below it was a line of smaller characters, Youqi Stronghold Village Chief Lu Kun.
Cyan Bamboo Ridge?
Zhao Ya furrowed his brows.
He had never heard of this name.
This was not uncommon; after all, bandits emerge endlessly in this world, with new ones appearing every day.
But Zhao Ya was certain that this Cyan Bamboo Ridge was not ordinary.
Just by looking at the group of strongmen under its command, it was evident that this small village chief Lu Kun surprisingly possessed the strength of a Martial Artist of the Second Realm, and he even wielded a Treasure Weapon.
Although it was not as good as his Meteorite Iron Saber, it was enough to prove the terrifying strength of Cyan Bamboo Ridge.
This world... indeed is becoming more and more chaotic!
A night passed without words.
The next morning, Zhao Ya and his companions set out on their journey early, finally returning to Wuxiang City by late afternoon.
When they arrived at the entrance of the Escort Agency, the members, who had already received the news, were waiting at the door.
Standing at the forefront was the Chief of the Escort, Meng Lei.
"Chief of the Escort..." Zhao Ya was just about to speak.
Meng Lei waved his hand, "No need to say anything, you have all worked hard, go inside and rest first."
Someone took over the Escort Vehicle.
Meanwhile, Wang He’s family had also rushed over upon hearing the news, wailing loudly over Wang He’s body.
The Escort Agency sent people to appease them with kind words, and of course, they offered generous compensation.
Zhao Ya followed Meng Lei to the back house, where Lin Sheng and Luo Qiang, two Escort Masters, had also returned. Everyone gathered to hear Zhao Ya recount the journey.
After Zhao Ya finished speaking, he placed the tablet and weapon obtained from Lu Kun on the table.
"Cyan Bamboo Ridge... I’ve never heard of this name before!" Lin Sheng scrutinized the tablet for a moment, then frowned and said.
Luo Qiang focused his attention on the weapon.
The weapon’s blade was sharp, and the steel quality was excellent, clearly not an ordinary item.
"Such a weapon is not something an ordinary craftsman can make; it should be the work of Iron Forging Manor. Although the blade edge has some damage, it would still be worth at least several hundred taels of silver on the market." Luo Qiang said solemnly, then looked at Meng Lei.
"Chief of the Escort, this Cyan Bamboo Ridge is definitely not just some petty bandits."
Meng Lei remained silent for a while, then said, "Whether this Cyan Bamboo Ridge is petty bandits or not, since they attempted to seize the escort and were instead defeated by us, it can be justified no matter where we go."
He then looked at Zhao Ya with eyes full of admiration.
"Zhao Ya, this time, it’s thanks to you. Otherwise, losing the escort would be a small matter; these people probably wouldn’t have returned."
"The Chief of the Escort is too kind, it is my duty."
"Alright, you’ve worked hard on this escort journey, go and rest well. We’ll discuss anything else tomorrow."
"Yes!"
Zhao Ya turned to leave.
Meng Lei suddenly called him back, "Wait a moment!"
He picked up the long blade on the table and handed it to Zhao Ya.
"This is the trophy you seized, it should naturally belong to you. The remaining rewards will be discussed tomorrow."
Zhao Ya was momentarily stunned, but he did not decline, taking the knife and expressing his thanks before leaving.
After he left, Lin Sheng couldn’t help but sigh.
"The younger generation is truly formidable."
Luo Qiang nodded in agreement.
"To wipe out an entire squad single-handedly, this youngster’s talent in martial arts is something I have never seen before."
Meng Lei laughed heartily, then said, "Alright, since Zhao Ya brought the escort back safely, the remaining matters are ours to handle."
"Luo Qiang, take the Escort Vehicle to deliver it to the Hong Family in the Inner City."
"Yes!"
Zhao Ya hurriedly came to the small courtyard where he lived, seeing that everything was as usual, he finally breathed a sigh of relief.
He knocked on the door, and after a moment, footsteps of Zui’Er could be heard from within the courtyard.
This time, however, Zui’Er did not ask who was at the door; instead, he leaped and clung to the wall, peeking outside.
When he saw Zhao Ya standing at the door, Zui’Er’s face instantly lit up with a beaming smile.
"Ya!"
He hastily opened the courtyard gate.
Zhao Ya was both amused and exasperated by Zui’Er’s recent actions.
"Who taught you to peek over the wall to see who’s outside?"
Zui’Er didn’t respond, merely giving an embarrassed smile.
Once inside, Zui’Er quickly fetched clean clothes.
Zhao Ya took a bath, changed his clothes, and finally sat down to drink tea.
Zui’Er, full of excitement, busied himself in the kitchen, preparing a sumptuous dinner for Zhao Ya.
Watching Zui’Er’s graceful figure, Zhao Ya suddenly felt a surge of heat in his abdomen.
He suddenly pulled Zui’Er over.
"Oh, Ya...."
Before she could finish speaking, she was silenced.
Half an hour later, Zui’Er, with disheveled hair and flushed cheeks, scrubbed the burnt pot.
It took quite an effort to finish cooking this meal, and after eating, Zhao Ya called out to Zui’Er, who was about to clean up the dishes.
"Wait, don’t clean up yet."
"Wha... what’s the matter, Ya?" Zui’Er looked at Zhao Ya with a bit of fear.
She was still feeling weak all over from the scolding earlier and was afraid of Zhao Ya.
Zhao Ya was at a bit of a loss but he smiled, taking out the knife he had seized.
"This is a knife I got for you, give it a try."
Right after acquiring this blade, Zhao Ya had already decided on its use.
Although Zui’Er’s swordsmanship was still at an elementary level, wielding a sharp weapon would undoubtedly increase her lethality by a notch.
Especially since this blade wasn’t too long, and although the edge was slightly damaged, it was just right for Zui’Er.
Zui’Er took the knife, weighed it, and found it quite suitable, her eyes showing a look of fondness.
"Do you like it?" Zhao Ya asked.
"Yes!" Zui’Er nodded vigorously.
"Go out to the yard and practice a bit," Zhao Ya said.
Zui’Er blushed, "Or maybe... tomorrow."
"Why... alright, tomorrow then!" Zhao Ya realized, laughing.
Seeing him laugh, Zui’Er’s face flushed even more, and she quickly escaped with the excuse of tidying up the dishes.
Zhao Ya finally felt a little relieved.
Although Zhao Ya had traveled hundreds of miles with the Escort Vehicle for the past two days, he didn’t feel exhausted.
Zhao Ya understood that this should be related to his Heart Unlock Progress.
With this in mind, Zhao Ya couldn’t help standing up, taking out a cherished Blood Qi Pill, swallowing it, and then heading to the yard to practice.
Through the window, Zui’Er watched Zhao Ya practicing the Five Tiger Fist in the yard with vigor, her cheeks growing warm.
Ya... doesn’t he feel tired?