They soon reached the market area. This bustling place, known as Fang Market, was widely popular in the outer city. Here, many cultivators joined temporary escort missions to safely reach distant regions. As planned, they headed straight toward the escort agencies area—information Shen Yue had acquired earlier from Peng Lei's memories.
Thanks to memory reading, Shen Yue's literacy and knowledge skills were gradually approaching perfection. Without delay, he approached a manager seated behind a modest reception desk and asked if there were any escort missions heading toward a high-rank area.
The manager, who was lazily listening to a report, lifted his eyes with mild interest.
"You're just in time. There's an escort mission departing in two hours. It's headed to a high-class district of the outer city. Your task will be to protect the third young master of the Su family, Su Long."
He looked over Shen Yue and his companion, his gaze indifferent.
"You'll receive two bronze contribution codes regardless of your cultivation level. Judging by the faint blood qi from the two of you, I doubt either of you are high-ranking cultivators."
He kept a straight face, indifferent and mildly dismissive.
"You may explore the market in the meantime, or do whatever you want. But return on time. If you're late, the carriage will leave without you, and your mission will be canceled."
Shen Yue understood immediately. Because they were concealing their strength and blood qi, the manager had no way of sensing their true power. It was fine. He didn't mind.
They moved deeper into the market area. Shen Yue chose a low-class pavilion room for two hours, paying ten copper coins. Inside, Shen Yue activated the clone body-altering function. His clone was changed to look exactly like him—only his facial features were altered slightly, now resembling a plain-looking man from the modern world. Not too handsome, not too bad.
After that, both of them took a bath. Shen Yue changed into his ancient dark black robe, while the clone selected a red robe adorned with subtle bamboo patterns from their spatial storage. Though not a special item, the robe looked stylish and elegant. Shen Yue left his long hair untied, while the clone tied his hair neatly and secured a sword at his waist.
The clone, adjusting his robe, glanced at him and smiled faintly. "Thank you, Master, for this robe."
Shen Yue nodded slightly. "It suits you."
After freshening up, they stepped out into the vibrant marketplace. People bustled everywhere—shoppers walking, families laughing, lovers whispering. Shopkeepers loudly advertised their items, hoping to draw attention.
As they passed a nearby stall, Shen Yue noticed a man gifting a delicate pendant to his lover. The sight triggered something deep in him. His mind flashed with memories—his sister Shen Ning's cheerful smile before their father's death, and the gentle way his mother had comforted him afterward.
A soft smile touched Shen Yue's lips.
He stopped at a jewelry stall and found a beautiful necklace. Using his detection function, he analyzed it. The item was actually a low-grade artifact that increased mental calmness and produced a refreshing aura—perfect for Shen Ning.
He bought it for one silver coin.
They continued to explore the market. From time to time, Shen Yue used his detection skill, scanning through stalls with an eye for value. Eventually, he came across an antique hairpin made of Longxue wood, a rare material with spiritual resilience. The carving was elegant and refined.
"Ten silver," the shopkeeper said firmly when asked about the price.
Shen Yue tried to negotiate, but the man shook his head. "No bargaining."
Feigning a search through his robes, Shen Yue secretly accessed his spatial storage and handed over ten silver coins. The shopkeeper accepted with a satisfied nod.
After walking a short distance, Shen Yue glanced at his clone.
"How's this gift?"
The clone smiled. "It's really pretty."
Shen Yue chuckled. "Hmm? You like it? Want to try it on? I think it'll look cute on you."
The clone looked a little embarrassed. "Thank you, Master, but I don't like wearing accessories."
Shen Yue just laughed quietly.
In his mind, he muttered, 'This shopkeeper will regret letting this go for only ten silver once he learns what it really is.'
They left the jewelry stalls behind and picked up two conical hats to hide their identities better. With hats on, they returned to the escort mission point.
A luxurious carriage stood parked under the moonlight. The horses were well-bred, their coats glossy and posture dignified. Shen Yue and his clone quietly stood nearby, waiting.
The manager from earlier noticed them and approached quickly, a bit more courteous than before.
"Greetings, young masters. May I know why you are here?"
Though surprised, he kept his tone respectful. Inwardly, he was stunned. The two in front of him looked nothing like ordinary travelers anymore—one was exceptionally handsome with a commanding presence, and the other was also well-built and dignified. Their blood qi now subtly leaked, carrying an oppressive aura. They had concealed their strength before. These were not normal people.
Shen Yue raised an eyebrow and replied calmly, "We've been here for two hours. Did you already forget us, Manager?"
The manager froze. Recognition dawned in his eyes, and shock quickly followed.
"Young masters... from before?" he said, voice trembling. He bowed hurriedly. "Apologies. The carriage will depart in five minutes."
Shen Yue nodded. "You may return to your duties."
The manager exhaled in relief. He had feared they might bear a grudge, but they seemed magnanimous. Clasping his hands again, he bowed and left quickly.
Inside the carriage, a young man with gentle features and a book in hand had overheard everything. His eyes rose from the pages and landed on Shen Yue and his clone for a moment. A spark of suspicion flashed through his gaze.
Raising his hand subtly, a shadow appeared beside him and knelt.
"Monitor those two after we reach the high-class area. If anything unusual happens, report it immediately."
"Yes, Master," the shadow replied and vanished.
Su Long narrowed his eyes. 'These two are not ordinary people. Why are they really here?'
Soon, the carriage departed, rolling past the gates of Fang Market and into the forest path. Shen Yue remembered Peng Lei's memories—this forest led to the high-class district, but a notorious bandit stronghold lay along the route: the Black Bear Gang. Though they rarely harmed travelers, they did demand payment.
Shen Yue didn't want trouble. He wasn't strong enough to face them directly. That's why he had chosen the escort mission—it offered protection and a legitimate excuse to reach the area without incident.
The night deepened. The moon now hung high, casting a silver glow over the trees.
But suddenly, several dark figures burst from the forest and surrounded the carriage. Their presence was cold, dangerous.
The head escort stepped forward, raising his voice.
"Show yourselves. We can negotiate."
A gruff voice replied from the shadows.
"This time... we heard Young Master Su is traveling. Why not stop and rest in our stronghold?"
Though spoken casually, the message was clear. They were here to capture Su Long.
Shen Yue's eyes narrowed. 'So this is their aim.'
Even the escort guard stiffened. This was no ordinary bandit. The voice belonged to their leader—he had seen him before.
Before he could act, the bandit leader shouted.
"Attack! Capture Young Master Su!"
Chaos exploded instantly. Screams, blood, the clash of weapons—half of the escort guards were cut down within moments.
Shen Yue's clone stepped in front of him, unsheathing his blade.
"Master, leave this to me."
Shen Yue blinked, slightly stunned. A thought echoed in his mind.
'Annoying. Is this fate?'