After handling all the affairs, Zhao Ya arrived at the Escort Agency early the next day.
At this time, everyone in the agency was already dressed and ready to depart.
For this escort, the Changlong Escort Agency had truly gone all out, even modifying the escort vehicle overnight. Not only was it sturdier and more robust than typical escort vehicles, but even the animals pulling the cart were given simple protection.
This was to prevent a recurrence of the situation Zhao Ya encountered on his last escort mission.
After everyone had gathered, Chief Meng quickly issued the command, and the team set off.
Iron Forging Manor is about three hundred miles away from Wuxiang City, and under normal circumstances, it would take three days to reach it.
Moreover, given the current chaotic times, with many obstacles on the official roads, the speed naturally slowed down significantly.
But Meng Lei had anticipated this situation early on, so he was not in a hurry and was instead more steady.
On the first day, they only covered a little over fifty miles. As soon as the sun began to wane in the west, Meng Lei ordered the team to stop and set up camp on an open ground to rest.
This time, they did not expect to stay at inns, so Meng Lei ordered tents and other supplies to be prepared in advance.
After camping, Meng Lei divided the team into four groups, led by himself, Lin Sheng, Luo Qiang, and Zhao Ya, each taking turns to keep watch at night.
The night passed peacefully without incident.
On the second day, it wasn’t until the sun was high in the sky that Meng Lei ordered the team to continue moving forward.
In this manner, they traveled late and rested early, covering no more than seventy miles per day.
But fortunately, they had a safe journey, and it was not until the fifth day that they entered the area under the control of Iron Forging Manor.
Upon entering, Zhao Ya distinctly felt a difference.
Firstly, the trees lining the roads were still green.
On their journey, nearly all the trees had been stripped of their bark by famine-crazed refugees.
Secondly, the number of people on the roads had visibly increased, and these travelers generally looked well-nourished, with hardly any emaciated individuals, indicating that they had their basic needs met.
This indirectly testified to the strength of Iron Forging Manor.
After all, in these turbulent times, being able to feed the people under one’s rule was already an extraordinary feat.
Zhao Ya couldn’t help but feel a bit more curious about Iron Forging Manor.
It was said that the Manor Master, Hu Tie, was a master in the Skin Grinding Realm, but how strong he actually was remained unknown.
Soon, the escort team approached Iron Forging Manor.
This was a massive fortress, with thick walls capable of withstanding attacks from catapults, and Zhao Ya noticed that watchtowers and arrow towers were built at every corner of the walls, indicating its strict security.
At the same time, a group of people stood before the gate, and upon seeing Meng Lei and his men, the leader laughed heartily and came forward to greet them.
"It’s truly unexpected that Chief Meng would personally escort the goods. It really brings glory to our Iron Forging Manor!"
With these words, a man with a fair complexion and a refined demeanor approached.
Meng Lei quickly stepped forward to greet him, clasping his fists.
"Meng Lei greets Manor Master Hu!"
Indeed.
This man, who appeared to be a scholarly gentleman, was actually the Manor Master of Iron Forging Manor, Hu Tie.
No one had expected him to personally come out to greet them.
Zhao Ya was somewhat surprised in his heart, but remained expressionless on the surface, merely observing quietly from a distance.
He found that although Hu Tie appeared gentle and weak, there seemed to be boundless power hidden beneath his fair skin.
Especially in his every movement, there was a faint aura of formidable might.
So this is the strength of a Fourth Realm Martial Artist?
No wonder he could command such a vast estate in these chaotic times, truly someone not to be underestimated.
Zhao Ya withdrew his gaze, not daring to observe further.
After all, at Hu Tie’s level, even an unintended glance from others couldn’t escape their notice.
If he looked for too long, it would easily lead to misunderstandings.
At this moment, Hu Tie had already clasped Meng Lei’s hand, apologizing sincerely.
"Previously, my subordinates acted rashly, causing some misunderstandings with your Escort Agency. This is entirely our fault at Iron Forging Manor. Upon returning, I have severely punished those involved. I hope Chief Meng will not take it to heart."
Since Hu Tie had already shown such humility, Meng Lei naturally had nothing more to say.
In fact, he hadn’t expected Hu Tie to personally come out to greet and apologize.
After all, Hu Tie was a renowned Fourth Realm Martial Artist, and this gesture was more than gracious.
"Manor Master Hu is too kind. Our own men at the agency were partly at fault as well. If it hadn’t been for his rash bravado over a pretty face, such trouble wouldn’t have arisen."
"Alas, it’s just that the demoness is too cunning. Even after sending people to search everywhere, she seems to have vanished into thin air, with no trace to be found. Otherwise, I would have personally dealt with her to rid my heart of this vexation."
As Hu Tie’s tone grew heavier towards the end, a flash of anger crossed his eyes, reflecting his deep resentment towards Cheng Jingxue.
Upon hearing this, Zhao Ya felt a stirring in his heart.
It seemed that Hu Tie harbored immense hatred towards Cheng Jingxue.
Such deep-seated animosity likely wasn’t just over a Meteorite Iron Saber.
By then, Hu Tie and Meng Lei were already hand in hand, entering the manor, and Zhao Ya and the others followed them inside.
Iron Forging Manor was vast, much like a small city.
As soon as he entered, Zhao Ya heard the clanging sounds of metal being forged, with many burly, shirtless men busily working in the sheds, and finished weapons laid aside.
In summary, Iron Forging Manor appeared prosperous, a testament to its deep foundation.
Especially in these chaotic times, weapons fetched high prices and sold quickly, which contributed to the creation of such a colossus as Iron Forging Manor.
Someone ushered Zhao Ya and his companions into the house, where young maids served tea and refreshments.
As for the animals pulling the wagons, they were well looked after by dedicated personnel, which was very considerate.
This way, everyone’s nerves, taut from the journey, finally relaxed somewhat.
Lin Sheng couldn’t help but exclaim, "I never expected Iron Forging Manor to be so hospitable. It seems we worried for nothing."
Luo Qiang also nodded in agreement.
At that moment, someone came to invite Zhao Ya and Lin Sheng to the front hall for a meal.
Upon reaching the front hall, they found Hu Tie and Meng Lei already seated.
Upon seeing Zhao Ya and the others, Hu Tie cheerfully greeted them, "I’ve prepared some wines and small dishes. I hope you esteemed escort masters won’t find them lacking."
"Manor Master Hu is too polite!"
"Yes, Manor Master Hu is truly gracious."
Once seated, Zhao Ya and the others did not stand on ceremony, picking up their chopsticks and starting their meal.
The richness of the meal was self-evident, but the highlight was the exceptional wine. Though they didn’t dare drink much, after a few cups, they felt warm inside, easing much of the journey’s fatigue.
Just as they were enjoying the wine, a strapping young man suddenly burst into the room.
"Who here is from the Changlong Escort Agency?"
Everyone was taken aback.
Hu Tie’s face turned stern, "You fool, what are you doing here?"