The meat patty grilled until golden on both sides sizzles with oil. No other seasoning is needed, just a bit of fine salt, making it an unsurpassed delicacy.
Along with a bowl of thick porridge and a bit of spicy paste, everyone sweats profusely as they eat.
These past days of rushing through the mountains, we’ve had some wild game thanks to Zhao Ya’s hunting skills, but with a lack of salt and seasoning and pursuers behind us, no one had the mood to savor the flavor—just a remedy to fill the stomach.
Now, finally within the range of Wuxiang Mountain, it won’t be long before we can return to the city, naturally uplifting everyone’s spirits.
Even the food in their mouths began to taste sweet.
At this moment, Zhao Ya used the medicine pre-stored in the refuge to re-bandage Meng Lei’s wound.
This journey of exhaustion, Meng Lei’s wound surprisingly did not get infected but instead formed a soft scab, almost healed.
This also gave Zhao Ya a more direct impression of the power of a Martial Artist at the Third Rank.
Not to mention anything else, just this physical quality alone is enough to be envied.
After a full meal, everyone took a temporary rest.
Zhao Ya seized the opportunity to investigate the rear and found no one pursuing, making him feel much more at ease.
It seems that the people of Cyan Bamboo Ridge also know that, once within Wuxiang Mountain, catching them would be even more difficult, so they gave up.
Zhao Ya returned to the refuge, by which time everyone’s spirits were somewhat restored.
Upon seeing Zhao Ya return, except for Meng Lei, everyone else stood up.
"Zhao, how is it?"
Zhao Ya shook his head, "No signs of stalking, probably the people of Cyan Bamboo Ridge have retreated."
Upon hearing this, Tan Dong and others couldn’t help but breathe a sigh of relief.
Their nerves, tightly strung all the way, were finally able to relax a little.
Only Luo Feng remained solemn, his eyes full of piercing hatred.
The death of his uncle, Luo Qiang, was greatly traumatic for him; the once lively and cheerful youth had now become silent and antisocial.
Especially when the three words Cyan Bamboo Ridge were mentioned, fury would burn, wishing to eat their flesh and drink their blood.
Zhao Ya was also helpless about this and could only pat him on the shoulder.
"If you’re rested, let’s continue on our way, try to get home before dark!"
This place is still twenty or thirty miles from Wuxiang City, but since Zhao Ya knew the terrain well, they arrived at the front of Wuxiang City very quickly.
It was already night by then; the city gates had long been closed.
Zhao Ya led them through a breach in the city wall, winding their way until they finally reached Changlong Escort Agency.
Upon entering the agency, the people left behind were taken aback.
"Chief... Chief of the Escort, you... you... ."
They were about to ask why they looked like this, Zhao Ya sighed and stepped forward to say.
"Don’t ask, something happened on the way, quickly prepare clean clothes and food, oh yes, and medicine."
"Yes, yes, yes, we’ll prepare immediately."
Instantly, everyone left at Changlong Escort Agency was agitated.
Those left behind were mostly porters and handymen, not even a single Escort Master.
Seeing Chief Escort Meng Lei missing an arm and the others looking as disheveled as beggars, with no escort vehicle and not many people, they all understood something major must have happened, feeling an internal panic.
Luckily Zhao Ya stepped forward in time, commanding everyone confidently, calming the restless emotions.
After a hectic bustle, everyone changed into a fresh set of clothes, the injured received proper treatment, and then they gathered together silently.
Yes.
What is there left to say now?
The escort was lost, people died, just being able to return alive was thanks to Zhao Ya, naturally not knowing what to say.
Luo Feng bowed his head, silently shedding tears.
At this moment, Meng Lei gently waved his hand, "After rushing all the way, everyone is exhausted, go home and rest first, anything to discuss tomorrow."
Everyone exchanged a glance, then got up silently, nodded at Meng Lei, and dispersed.
Zhao Ya also left.
His heart felt equally heavy.
Because he knew that awaiting Changlong Escort Agency upon return surely would be a storm, but as Meng Lei said, it could wait until tomorrow to discuss.
From this exhausting journey, Zhao Ya was both physically and mentally fatigued, only wishing to return home to see Zui’Er and eat a meal she had made.
Thinking to this, he couldn’t help but quicken his pace, reaching the front door soon.
The gate was tightly closed; Zhao Ya hesitated for a moment and decided not to knock.
Since it was so late, knocking would disturb Zui’Er.
He planned to climb the wall into the yard and then wake Zui’Er, avoiding her having to come out to open the door in the middle of the night.
With a leap, Zhao Ya silently landed on the top of the wall.
He had traps set underneath, so he needed to look ahead and find a safe spot to land.
At a glance, his heart skipped a beat, then a rush of murderous intent surged to his mind.
Below the wall, there were two broken ropes—these were traps set by his own hands.
On the ground, there were traces of a fight.
Someone had been here, and had fought with Zui’Er, now how was Zui’Er?
Did something happen?
A series of thoughts flashed through his mind.
Even facing the siege of thieves from Cyan Bamboo Ridge, Zhao Ya had not been this irritable.
He didn’t care anymore, drew his Meteorite Iron Saber, leaped off the wall, and shouted deeply.
"Zui’Er!"
Just moments afterward, the light in the room turned on, followed by a soft voice.
"Ya?"
This voice wasn’t loud, but in Zhao Ya’s ears worked like magic to instantly calm the Qi Blood boiling in his veins.
"Yes, it’s me, I’m back!"
As soon as the words were out, the door opened, and Zui’Er rushed out, diving into Zhao Ya’s arms.
"Ya, I’m not dreaming, right!"
Holding Zui’Er’s warm body, Zhao Ya smiled slightly, "How could it be a dream? I was held up by some issues on the road, so I’m only returning now."
Zui’Er clung to Zhao Ya, almost greedily inhaling his scent.
Upon hearing Zhao Ya’s voice just now, she truly believed she was still dreaming until she hugged him tightly, her heart finally settling down.
Zhao Ya gently stroked Zui’Er’s back and said softly, "When I climbed the wall just now, I saw the traps were triggered. What happened?"
Only then did Zui’Er remember there was someone locked in the cellar, already trapped in there for three days now, wondering what their status was.
She promptly recounted the situation to Zhao Ya before bravely asking, "Ya, did I do the right thing?"
Zhao Ya narrowed his eyes slightly, having formed an opinion in his heart.
Talking about stealing was sheer nonsense, it was likely a Jianghu Flower Thief attracted by Zui’Er’s beauty.
Luckily, he had prepared defenses in advance; otherwise, regret would come too late.
Thinking of this, Zhao Ya’s killing intent burned brightly, but on the surface, he wore a radiant smile as he reached out to pat Zui’Er’s head.
"Good Zui’Er, you did perfectly. Encountering bad people should be handled this way, putting your safety first."