Chapter 23: Report

**The Mortal Realm**

After crossing several more mountains, Qin Sang approached the main road. He found a spot with an open view, stopped his horse, and waited quietly.

According to intelligence, Princess Dongyang's caravan had camped in Kuncheng last night. They departed at dawn today, and by mid-morning, they should be arriving soon.

Qin Sang picked up his ironwood staff. The staff was made from the core of a type of ironwood that Qin Sang had bought at the ferry. It was as hard as iron and exceptionally tough, and he had commissioned someone to polish it into a handy staff.

One end of the staff had a pre-drilled hole. He only needed to wrap the banner of the Yama Flag, insert it into the hole with the tip facing outwards, and then secure it tightly with cloth strips, transforming it into an odd-looking spear.

Qin Sang had confirmed that ordinary mortals truly couldn't see Yama. However, he couldn't be too reckless; he always had to conceal it in front of others. Otherwise, if he attracted immortal masters who subdue demons, he would die unjustly.

East of Sanwu City, countless mountains stretched in a continuous range. This road crossed mountains and rivers several times, making it truly difficult to travel. Merchants preferred taking the northern route around Linwu City, even if it took an extra two days, rather than this path. Consequently, there were few travelers on this road.

Qin Sang not only kept an eye on the road junction but also scanned his surroundings. He found no one suspicious of being an agent from the Jiangshan Tower.

As the sun neared its zenith, though autumn had arrived, the midday sun remained fierce. Qin Sang silently recited the "Scripture of Purity and Tranquility" as he patiently waited. Suddenly, his eyes brightened, and he straightened up.

A caravan appeared at the end of the main road.

Several cargo wagons were covered with black tarpaulins. Behind them were two carriages for passengers, accompanied by more than twenty mounted guards.

These guards were disguised as escorts. They wore swords and blades, and their eyes were sharp, indicating their formidable nature. Their formation was highly methodical; it remained perfectly organized as the caravan moved forward. They were neatly distributed around the caravan, covering all directions, ready to react immediately if an enemy appeared from any direction.

However, a closer look revealed their primary focus of protection was not the cargo, but the people inside the carriages.

Although still far away, Qin Sang could still see clearly: leading the way at the very front was Bai Jianglan! Zhou Ning, the Water Monkey, was also there. It was indeed them.

Qin Sang immediately mounted his horse. He sharply flicked the reins, and the steed neighed loudly, leaping out of the forest and galloping downhill with urgent hooves.

"Who's there!"

"Stop!"

Before reaching the caravan, Qin Sang heard Bai Jianglan and others shout loudly. After spotting Qin Sang, the caravan halted abruptly. The guards immediately formed a protective circle around the carriages, drawing their swords and blades with a 'swish' and pointing them at Qin Sang from a distance. The front was a glinting expanse of weapons, and hidden strong crossbows added to the palpable killing intent.

"Whoa!"

Qin Sang quickly reined in his horse and shouted loudly, "Brother Bai, Zhou Ning, it's me, Qin Sang!"

Bai Jianglan's expression froze. Upon closer inspection, he found Qin Sang's face indeed somewhat familiar. He suddenly recalled the young man he had rescued from the raft last year. Last year, Qin Sang had just escaped from danger, covered in blood and dirt, looking extremely disheveled. Now, Qin Sang cultivated the "Netherworld Scripture" and practiced martial arts daily; his appearance and demeanor had greatly changed compared to last year. This was why Bai Jianglan hadn't recognized him at first.

The Water Monkey next to Bai Jianglan also remembered him and shouted out with a surprised and delighted expression. "It really is Brother Qin! Brother Qin, you didn't go back home? I thought I'd never see you again, I never expected..."

Bai Jianglan stopped the Water Monkey, waved his hand backward, and took two steps forward, gripping his sword. He looked Qin Sang up and down, his eyes flashed, and he courteously asked, "Brother Qin, may I ask why you've stopped us?" He could tell that Qin Sang had specifically come for them.

Qin Sang sensed the detachment and wariness in Bai Jianglan's tone but didn't mind. He dismounted and openly removed his crossbow bolts, soft sword, and staff from his person. He walked a few steps to Bai Jianglan's side and whispered, "Brother Bai, I have something important to report to Princess Dongyang!"

Bai Jianglan's expression suddenly changed. "You!"

Qin Sang quickly waved his hand. He glanced at the guards behind them and said, "Brother Bai, please don't misunderstand. I only guessed the Princess's identity later. I truly have something important to report. There are too many ears here. If you trust me, please come over here with me."

Confident in his martial arts skills, Bai Jianglan gestured to the back and followed Qin Sang to the side of the road.

"The Princess's whereabouts are no longer a secret. There are assassins from Jiangshan Tower ahead, ambushing her in Luoma Mountain, and their target is precisely the Princess. Qin Sang unexpectedly received this information, and recalling the life-saving kindness of the Princess and Brother Bai, he specifically came to report it."

After speaking, Qin Sang quietly watched Bai Jianglan. Bai Jianglan's face was devoid of expression. He stared at Qin Sang for a while, and Qin Sang met his gaze calmly.

Just then, an old woman approached from behind and said in a hoarse voice, "Commander Bai, my lady wishes for me to ask you, who is this person, and what important matter does he have to report?"

Bai Jianglan kept his eyes fixed on Qin Sang. He took a few steps back and whispered to the old woman for a moment. A glint flashed in the old woman's eyes. She glanced at Qin Sang and said, "Commander Bai, please search the young man first. I will go back and report to my lady." The old woman turned and left.

Qin Sang allowed Bai Jianglan to search him. The "Netherworld Scripture," Yama Flag, ebony sword, and other items were wrapped in a parcel and placed on his horse. Bai Jianglan indeed did not inquire further.

A moment later, the old woman's voice rang out, "Everyone, listen to my command: halt and rest your horses." Then, the old woman was seen accompanying a young woman dressed in men's clothing walking over.

It was Qin Sang's first time seeing Princess Dongyang. She wore a delicate skullcap adorned with embedded gems. Her features were exquisite, and her figure was tall. Dressed in silk, her waist was remarkably slender, and a cluster of floral cloud patterns adorned her sash, which was fastened with a beautiful jade pendant. At first glance, one might mistake her for a refined young gentleman of this world.

Qin Sang bowed respectfully and said, "Qin Sang greets Your Royal Highness."

Qin Sang covertly observed Princess Dongyang; the Princess was also observing him.

Princess Dongyang nodded and smiled faintly. She said to Bai Jianglan, "Commander Bai, I never expected the person you rescued on a whim would return such kindness."

Bai Jianglan's expression remained calm. "Your Royal Highness, you flatter me. It was only with your implicit permission that I dared to go into the water to save him that day. Brother Qin, grateful for Your Royal Highness's great kindness, has performed this righteous act."

Princess Dongyang then turned her gaze to Qin Sang. She tilted her head and said to the old woman, "Granny Li, find a quiet place and let this brave Qin tell us the full story in detail. The story of a small kindness repaid with a gushing spring, I've only read about it in books; I've never witnessed it firsthand."

Granny Li looked around, pointed to a clearing in the forest, and said, "My lady, please follow me."

Qin Sang was watched by Bai Jianglan and Granny Li, one in front and one behind. He followed them into the forest. His attention remained on Princess Dongyang. He noted that despite knowing of the assassination attempt, she remained calm as ever, showing no hint of anxiety or fear on her face. Such composure was truly remarkable.

They were in no hurry, and Qin Sang was even less so. Only after they had entered the dense forest did Qin Sang carefully recount the reason for his presence. On his way there, he had already prepared a mental draft, omitting the existence of the "Netherworld Scripture" and the Yama Flag.

As for how a person who had only practiced martial arts for a year could kill an assassin from Jiangshan Tower? It was, of course, talent.