Starting from the pharmacy, he grew into a martial saint among men.

Arrive at the Dawei Escort Agency's base in Huang'an County.

Shi Yi announced that the escort mission had come to an end.

"Our caravan will be returning tomorrow at 9:00 AM. If anyone wishes to join us, please let us know in time."

Chu Hong had already decided to return with the team tomorrow.

Therefore, after bidding farewell to Xiao Yi, he quickly headed to Xinglinfang in the inner city.

After presenting his identification, Chu Hong successfully obtained a delicate little porcelain bottle.

This was the treasure he was going to bring back for the important person.

"Sir, is there anything else you need?"

"We have a lot of good stuff in Xinglinfang. It's not easy for you to come all this way, why don't you take a look?"

Chu Hong pondered for a moment, estimating the amount of silver in his pocket, and became interested:

"Let's take a look."

A moment later, Chu Hong walked out of Xinglinfang with satisfaction.

After returning to Dawei Escort Agency and completing the formalities, they were given a small house to stay in.

Without saying a word, Chu Hong took out a bright red pill from his pocket.

This is a Qi and Blood Pill specially formulated for martial artists, which can increase the speed at which Qi and Blood are accumulated.

Taking one pill can provide the same amount of energy and blood as several days of ordinary martial arts training.

Those scions of powerful families quickly gained entry into the sect with the help of Qi and Blood Pills.

However, since the blood and qi are not cultivated through one's own painstaking efforts, the foundation is somewhat weak.

But Chu Hong didn't have this problem.

No matter what he eats, he needs to practice hard to make it his own.

The foundation will only become more solid.

"Bang bang bang!"

Chu Hong practiced the Nine Forging Fist in the open space in front of the house. His fists exploded with force, producing a series of loud bangs.

Shi Yi, who was passing by, was attracted and glanced at Chu Hong, who was practicing his boxing seriously.

After a moment, he nodded slowly and left silently.

[Nine-Forging Fist Proficiency +1]

[Nine-Forging Fist Proficiency +1]

Practicing boxing, stance training, and swift footwork.

Even late into the night, Chu Hong did not feel tired at all.

He absorbed most of the medicinal power of the Qi and Blood Pill, and his strength increased once again.

Heaven rewards diligence.

[Effect: Reflecting on all methods, diligent study and practice will surely yield results!]

【Hun Yuan Zhuang (Minor Success)】

[Proficiency: 98/2000]

【Nine-Forged Fist (Minor Success)】

[Proficiency: 25/2000]

【Swift Step (Beginner)】

[Proficiency: 38/500]

Looking at the panel, Chu Hong thought to himself that there would be many opportunities to leave the city in the future.

I reckon I should first upgrade Swift Step to minor mastery.

That way, even if we encounter danger in the future, we can run faster.

Survival is the most important thing!

-----------------

The next morning.

The caravan began loading cargo again.

Xiao Yi and a group of bodyguards returned from outside, looking quite tired.

It turns out they spent the night outside; no wonder we didn't see them.

This is also the norm for bodyguards.

Those who work as镖师 (bodyguards/escorts) live on the edge of a knife; they might not see tomorrow.

Therefore, after completing each escort mission, he would indulge in a carefree and unrestrained celebration.

Xiao Yi was new to the area and needed to build good relationships with the other bodyguards, so even if he didn't want to, he had no choice but to blend in.

The return cargo barely filled eight horse-drawn carriages.

But the team is stronger than before.

This is because there are more fellow travelers like Chu Hong than when we arrived.

The wheels rolled over the bluestone road again, landing on the yellow mud outside the city.

Chu Hong saw the Wuyou Sect's porridge distribution point again.

However, the number of displaced people receiving porridge was more than half that of yesterday.

Yesterday, people of all ages and genders were present, men and women alike.

But today, all the able-bodied men and women have disappeared, leaving only the elderly, women, and children, who are suffering and receiving only thin porridge.

Could it be that they've been recruited by the Worry-Free Sect?

A bad feeling rose in Chu Hong's heart.

Upon re-entering the territory of Black Wind Village, the atmosphere in the convoy became tense once again.

Shi Yi continued to send out scouts to investigate from time to time.

Before long, Chu Hong saw a group of refugees kneeling on both sides of the official road ahead.

Not far away, a leader-level figure dressed in the gray robes of the Wuyou Sect seemed to be arguing with the bandits blocking the road.

The Worry-Free Cult has a strict hierarchy.

Above ordinary believers, those who have not yet entered the faith are collectively referred to as believers, usually composed of a carefully selected group of "ambitious individuals".

The Ming Jin martial artists are called priests or instructors, and they are the backbone of the Wuyou Sect.

As for those with strong internal energy, they become the altar masters, governing a county.

Above that, there are many other ranks such as deacons, messengers, and Dharma Kings, forming a complete structure.

Chu Hong looked up.

There were only about a hundred refugees kneeling down, but they were all young and strong, with not a single old, weak, sick, or disabled person among them.

Even beneath their tattered clothes, one could vaguely see strong muscles.

Immediately, Chu Hong's vigilance reached its peak.

Not only him, but the entire team was like that.

All of them were experienced bodyguards, so how could such an unusual scene not make them wary?

However, the group was experienced, calm, and on high alert.

Shi Yi stepped to the front of the group, raised his hand in a warning gesture, and called out to those ahead:

"Third Master, what's going on?"

"Why are you blocking the road?"

The men blocking their path were none other than the third leader of Black Wind Stronghold.

The Dawei Escort Agency frequently traveled between the two counties and had dealt with Black Wind Stronghold many times, so they were quite familiar with each other.

Although they were bandits, they still had some degree of friendship with each other.

The third leader looked at the newcomer and laughed:

"Brother Shi, these beggars are asking our village for money and food. Hahaha, who asks mountain bandits for alms?"

Shi Yi casually agreed, then presented a 'package' as a toll, saying he needed to pass through.

The third leader weighed the package in his hand and laughed loudly:

"Alright, alright! Brother Shi, just go!"

He waved his hand, and his men immediately moved away the barricades and other obstacles placed on the road.

Shi Yi raised his hand to signal, and the team moved forward slowly.

But the group did not relax for a moment, keeping their eyes fixed on the refugees and bandits as they walked.

Before long, the entire team was completely surrounded.

At this moment, the leader of the Worry-Free Cult, who had been arguing heatedly, suddenly roared:

"Let's do it!"

Immediately, the young and strong refugees who were kneeling on the ground suddenly drew their weapons and fiercely rushed towards the nearest carriage.

Several instructors hidden among them also attacked at the same time.

Shi Yi shouted, "Don't panic! Form a defensive formation! Kill!"

As he spoke, he charged straight at the leader of the Worry-Free Sect.

The third leader then laughed loudly, "Attack them all together! Swallow them!"

Suddenly, a group of bandits sprang into action, joining the refugees in surrounding and killing the caravan.

Chu Hong swung his fist and took down several 'vagrants' who had surrounded him.

He was ruthless and showed no mercy.

Every move drew blood, instantly intimidating those around them.

Very brave.

But this feat also made him a target of a Ming Jin expert.

The newcomer, wielding a large sword, suddenly charged forward, the blade flashing like a bolt of lightning as it slashed down.

Chu Hong dared not take the attack head-on and used Swift Wind Step to dodge.

Although he had already reached the Ming Jin level, he was still made of flesh and blood.

If one is slashed by a knife, one will definitely be injured or even die.

He slipped and slid, giving no one a chance to take advantage, which made the newcomer very anxious.

Suddenly, Chu Hong seized the opportunity and attacked before Chu Hong could regenerate his old power.

He flicked his hand, scattering a handful of powder, and then suddenly pressed close to his body.

He punched the blade, deflecting it.

Then, his five fingers formed thorns and gripped the opponent's throat.

"what!"

"Pfft!"

In the blink of an eye, the newcomer was killed by Chu Hong.

His eyes were closed; he had already passed away peacefully.

Just as he succeeded, another gust of wind blew behind Chu Hong.

A heavy punch suddenly landed.

Chu Hong rolled on the spot, narrowly avoiding the killing move.

But the other party did not give up, and used both hands and feet to kill Chu Hong.

But Chu Hong dodged them time and time again.

"Kid, you've got some skills!"

The newcomer was also dressed in a gray robe, exuding a cold aura. He licked his lips, a look of interest appearing in his eyes.

It was clearly also a training soldier, but it was more powerful than the previous one.

"Hand over the items, or die!"

The newcomer lunged fiercely at Chu Hong.

Chu Hong seized the opportunity and threw out another handful of powder.

But the newcomer was prepared and waved a gray cloth to block out all the powder.

"Kid, what other tricks do you have up your sleeve?"

As he spoke, he launched another powerful attack.

Chu Hong immediately felt as if he were facing a formidable enemy.

"Bang bang bang!"

The two exchanged dozens of blows in an instant.

The opponent has extensive combat experience, and their moves are equally insidious and cunning.

Chu Hong was momentarily suppressed and faced a perilous situation.

Fortunately, he had achieved some mastery of boxing techniques, and although he could only defend passively, he remained standing.

"Wow!"

"Go to hell, kid!"

The attacker's arm exploded with a loud bang, then unleashed tremendous power as it hurtled towards them.