On the desert, the blazing sun hung high, its scorching rays twisting the air, and some desert creatures crawled out from the sand, heading toward where the scent of blood wafted. Upon seeing humans, they quickly hid away.

Chen Mo did not reply to the Sand Bandit Leader’s words, merely instructing Han Yang and a few others: "Leave it to you."

Having said that, he picked up the water flask from his waist and took a drink.

After a moment of hesitation, Yu Zhu was the first to move, dealing with the Sand Bandit Leader swiftly with a single sword stroke.

Just moments ago, the Sand Bandit Leader had been struck with severe injuries, rendering him incapable of resistance.

Looking at the dead Sand Bandit Leader, Yu Zhu’s face remained calm, her eyes indifferent, clearly not a flower nurtured in a greenhouse.

Only the woman in the blue dress showed a trace of fear on her serene face, and after a brief moment, quickly stepped forward to support Han Yang with a worried look: "Grandpa Han, are you alright?"

"I’m...cough, cough..." Han Yang started to say he was fine but then coughed, spitting out some traces of blood, clearly suffering from serious injuries.

"Yu Zhu, quickly get the medicine chest." The blue-dressed woman helped Han Yang sit down while instructing Yu Zhu.

"Yes, Miss."

...

Yu Zhu bandaged Han Yang’s shoulder wound and used her skills to help him recover.

When Han Yang felt slightly better, he had Yu Zhu help him stand, and walked over to Chen Mo and the others.

"Thank you, young brother, for saving my life. I am endlessly grateful. Please allow me to offer my bow," Han Yang said, bowing before Chen Mo.

"I am Lin Xuelan, and this is my good friend Yu Zhu. We give our thanks to you, young master," the blue-dressed woman Lin Xuelan and maid Yu Zhu also bowed to Chen Mo.

"No need for courtesy, merely a slight effort. Had they not intended harm, I likely wouldn’t have intervened," Chen Mo said calmly, his gaze sweeping over Lin Xuelan. Surrounded by beauties, even Lin Xuelan’s considerable attractiveness didn’t faze him. He quickly added:

"Unfortunately, the guide is dead. Since you are merchants traveling outside, you should know the way to Yelang Kingdom, right?"

"Rest assured, young master, we are people of Yelang Kingdom and are quite familiar with the way there," Lin Xuelan said.

As soon as she finished speaking, Han Yang promptly added: "Young brother, since we share the same path, let us continue this journey together. If time permits, I would like to invite you to visit Jin City. The young lady’s family resides there, and the Lin Family is known for repaying kindness. You’ve helped us, and we will definitely express our gratitude."

"Grandpa Han is right, my Lin Family always repays kindness," Lin Xuelan quickly agreed.

Chen Mo knew that gratitude was just part of it; the true intent was for him to protect them along the way.

However, since he was unfamiliar with the way to Yelang Kingdom, it was advantageous to have guides.

Chen Mo nodded.

Han Yang immediately displayed a hint of delight, even Lin Xuelan and Yu Zhu felt significantly relieved.

With Chen Mo present, the upcoming journey would be much more secure.

"May I know how to address the young master?" Lin Xuelan asked.

"Mo... Yu." Chen Mo casually fabricated a name.

"Young Master Mo," Lin Xuelan once again bowed to Chen Mo.

Due to the guards being killed and Han Yang injured, Lin Xuelan was embarrassed to ask Chen Mo and the others to help drive the carriages. With such drastic changes occurring, reaching Yelang Kingdom swiftly became the priority.

Decisively, Lin Xuelan immediately ordered Yu Zhu to abandon some goods, keeping only valuable items, food, and water, reducing the original eight carriages down to three.

She also invited Chen Mo and his entourage to ride in two of the carriages, where they could sit inside to be shielded from the harsh sunlight.

Chen Mo accepted, relishing comfort rather than seeking hardship.

Chen Mo and Nalan Yiren shared one carriage.

Liang Mu and Si Song shared another.

The trio of Han Yang, Lin Xuelan, and Yu Zhu continued their journey in the remaining carriage.

Lin Xuelan’s carriage was at the front, driven by Yu Zhu.

Inside the carriage, Lin Xuelan still felt some surprise from the previous events as she chatted with Han Yang.

"That Sand Bandit Leader’s strength seemed superior to yours, Grandpa Han. Yu Zhu couldn’t withstand even one of his moves, yet was severely wounded by a person Young Master Mo casually threw. Young Master Mo’s strength could be mightier than my father," Lin Xuelan whispered.

"The Sand Bandit Leader’s strength should also be at Sixth Grade, but even within the same Realm, there are differences. The opponent has probably spent more time in the Qi Absorption Realm than I have. As for Young Master Mo, I can’t discern it. He’s definitely beyond your father’s capabilities," Han Yang speculated.

"Above my father, then that means Fourth Grade? This would place him in the top ten within our Yelang Kingdom. Great Song is indeed not comparable to a small kingdom like ours," Lin Xuelan sighed.

"It likely seems so," Han Yang admitted, considering Fourth Grade or higher unlikely due to the opponent’s youth.

"Sizzle, sizzle..."

Lin Xuelan smacked her lips slightly, her eyes filled with admiration. The opponent appeared only a few years older than herself, yet his strength already surpassed her father’s.

"Grandpa Han, what do you think they’re doing in Yelang Kingdom?"

"Previously, I overheard the elder beside Mo Yu mentioning they offended someone, seeking refuge in the Western Regions."

"Not long ago, a batch of nobles from Great Song were sheltered in the Capital City. I heard these individuals had links to Great Song’s former Prime Minister Lu Sheng. Grandpa Han, do you think Young Master Mo might have offended King Wei of Great Song? Otherwise, with Young Master Mo’s strength, he wouldn’t need to flee to the Western Regions," Lin Xuelan guessed.