Zhao Ya called Tan Dong and instructed him to go to his house after the shift ends, to inform Tang Zui'Er about his departure for a few days on a bodyguard mission, and to tell her not to worry and to stay home as much as possible after his departure.
Tan Dong naturally agreed.
After handling these miscellaneous tasks, Zhao Ya followed the escort vehicle on the road.
Upon leaving the city, the fields appeared desolate, the plants withered, presenting a bleak scene.
However, there were far fewer corpses along the way.
After a full day of travel, Zhao Ya and the others finally arrived at their first lodging spot over a hundred miles away from Wuxiang City by dusk.
It was an inn, modest in size, with conditions far from satisfactory.
But when venturing out, finding a safe place to sleep is quite a luxury, so no one had any other expectations.
Luo Qiang was quite familiar with the inn's shopkeeper, as this was a regular route for escorts, and it was essential to know which inns and eateries along the way were good and safe.
And once familiarized, changes would not be made lightly.
This inn was one of them.
"Even Chief Luo is personally out for a bodyguard mission during the New Year," the shopkeeper laughed.
"Alas, no choice. Who would willingly come out so far to face the cold wind? Your trade is better, protected from wind and rain."
"Chief Luo, please don't mock me. My small business is just to make ends meet, nowhere near as good as yours."
After exchanging a few pleasantries, a staff member brought up steaming hot dishes.
To be honest, the food was quite average, not even matching Tang Zui'Er's culinary skills.
Yet Zhao Ya ate with relish.
After all, in the dead of winter, a hot meal is a blessing.
After dinner, the staff had already arranged the rooms, and Luo Qiang organized the night guard duty, and the rest quickly retired to their rooms to rest.
Zhao Ya was assigned to the later shift along with Zhou Hua.
Speaking of this, it must be mentioned that a month and a half ago, Zhou Hua also achieved Great Success in Bone Refining, becoming a porter.
However, compared to Wei Yu and Zhao Ya, his breakthrough seemed unremarkable, attracting little attention.
As a result, Zhou Hua became increasingly silent, not speaking a word to anyone all day.
This personality rendered him more isolated.
So much so that no one wanted to partner with him for the simple task of guarding the silver.
In the end, it was Zhao Ya who volunteered, relieving the awkward situation at that time.
Zhao Ya awoke at midnight without needing any reminders.
When he arrived at the room storing the silver, Zhou Hua was already there.
"Zhao, you've worked hard!" Luo Feng smiled.
Zhao Ya waved it off, "Go get some sleep."
Luo Feng and another porter then left.
The room was very cold, and though Zhao Ya wasn't afraid of the cold, he still shut all doors and windows before sitting down in a chair.
Zhou Hua sat down on the ground in a corner.
Both were silent.
Zhou Hua remained quiet, and Zhao Ya naturally didn't engage with him, instead reflecting on his recent martial arts training experiences.
Time ticked by, and the room grew colder.
The wind howled outside, and when Zhao Ya checked the door, he saw it was snowing outside.
Feathery snowflakes quickly covered the ground in white.
In such blustering snow, Zhao Ya felt a bit bitter.
If this snow continues all night, they wouldn't be able to travel tomorrow.
Just then, Luo Qiang arrived.
His expression was also grim.
This sudden heavy snow completely disrupted his plans.
If they missed the escort deadline, it would be troublesome.
"Any developments?" Luo Qiang asked.
Zhao Ya shook his head, "All normal."
Luo Qiang surveyed around, confirming the seal on the darts box was intact, then stood by the window.
"Alas, I hope the snow stops, or we really won't be able to leave tomorrow."
"Yes, let's hope it stops," Zhao Ya echoed and then fell into a long silence.
"Luo, go ahead and get some rest. If the heavens choose snow, there's nothing we can do, worrying is pointless."
"Hmm! I'm leaving then."
Luo Qiang was just about to leave.
At that moment, a knocking sound came from the inn's front yard.
Zhao Ya was startled.
On a snowy night, who would be knocking?
Luo Qiang's face changed.
"You stay here and watch the silver, I'll check the front."
"Okay, be careful, Luo."
Luo Qiang quickly headed to the front yard.
Just then, the inn's shopkeeper was also awakened, and he accompanied Luo Qiang to the door.
"Who is it, knocking so late?"
A delicate female voice came from outside.
"Shopkeeper, I'm a traveler who lost her way, missed the lodging spot, and must trouble you late at night, please open the door for me."
A woman?
And a lone female traveler.
Both the shopkeeper and Luo Qiang were surprised.
But for safety's sake, the shopkeeper moved a stool and looked out through the small window above the door.
Indeed.
Amidst the snow outside stood a woman.
She wore a silver-white cloak, with a horse by her side.
After confirming there was no one else nearby, the shopkeeper cautiously opened the door.
The woman walked in, lifting the hood from her head.
In that instant, even the worldly-wise Luo Qiang was momentarily taken aback.
For this woman was exceedingly beautiful.
Especially her almond-shaped eyes, leaving one captivated.
The shopkeeper was also momentarily speechless but quickly regained his composure.
"Madam, would you like to stay for the night?"
"Yes! Any food available? Please prepare some for me."
"Also, my horse needs some care—feeding and brushing—you'll be paid well."
"Yes, yes, I'll see to it immediately," the shopkeeper agreed wholeheartedly.
The woman found a table to sit at and placed a long bundle on it.
Luo Qiang felt a jolt in his heart and instinctively glanced at the woman's hands.
Her fingers were slender, as white as jade, showing no signs of calluses.
Yet Luo Qiang dared not lower his guard; instead, he grew more cautious.
How could an ordinary woman dare journey alone on such a snowy night?
But with a steady mind, Luo Qiang only harbored suspicion and discreetly withdrew.
Upon returning to the rear courtyard, he said in a low voice, "Stay alert, let there be no slack. We'll set off at dawn."
Zhao Ya nodded, "Understood."
He had also overheard the conversation in front, aware of a lone woman seeking shelter.
It's no wonder Luo Qiang was so tense; it was indeed suspicious.
Especially remembering Luo Qiang's past advice, never to entangle with lone women when traveling Jianghu.
The more beautiful, the more true it was.
For such women, venturing alone, must possess extraordinary skills.
Zhao Ya also felt a heaviness in his heart.
With this occurrence, Luo Qiang naturally could not sleep soundly.
He, Zhao Ya, and Zhou Hua stayed guarded in the room all night.
But come morning, the snow not only hadn't stopped, it had gotten even heavier.