In this chaotic world of martial arts, I'll become a god by adding skill points!

Chapter 97 Departure

The next day, a table of food and wine was set out in the Zhao family's hall.

In the afternoon, the group will set off for Wanshan Forest and then seek out Piaomiao Peak to become disciples.

County Magistrate Zhao specially ordered a feast to be prepared for the group's farewell.

"Young Master Wang, after you join Misty Peak, I'll have to trouble you to take good care of my two sons." County Magistrate Zhao smiled, raised a cup of wine, and looked at Wang Anping.

Upon hearing this, Lin Yunshu, who was sitting to the side, curled her lip, unconvinced.

On the contrary, Zhao Qingyue looked expectant; she had already developed some affection for Wang Anping.

I felt more excited about the days ahead when we would all join the Misty Peak.

"I'll help with anything within my ability," Wang Anping said, raising his glass but not making any overly definitive statements.

"That's enough. When you get to Misty Peak, you two must listen to Young Master Wang and never offend anyone. It's not home there; no one will protect you."

As Zhao Zhongkun spoke, he looked at the two people beside him.

Zhao Qingyue smiled and agreed, "Yes, Father."

"Understood." Lin Yunshu was unhappy, but she didn't show it.

During the banquet, Zhao Zhongkun gave many earnest instructions, mostly about his experience in dealing with people when traveling.

And the speculations and rumors surrounding the selection process at Misty Peak. Zhao Qingyue listened attentively, nodding occasionally.

Although Lin Yunshu pretended to listen, her gaze occasionally drifted to Wang Anping, who was eating quietly, and there was always a hint of melancholy deep in her eyes.

After several rounds of drinks and several dishes, it was almost time to eat.

Zhao Zhongkun took out a heavy brocade pouch from his bosom and handed it to Wang Anping with both hands: "Young Master Wang, this journey has been long and has cost a lot."

"This small amount of travel money is nothing but a token of my appreciation. Please accept it, sir, so it will make your journey easier."

Wang Anping sensed something and immediately knew that it contained a yellow and white substance.

And it was quite heavy, at least ten taels of gold.

He frowned slightly and declined, saying, "County Commandant Zhao is too kind. I have my own preparations. This is unnecessary."

"Young Master Wang, please do not refuse!"

Zhao Zhongkun was adamant and pushed the brocade pouch forward a little further: "Your willingness to travel with my daughter and nephew is already a huge favor to me."

If you do not accept this small token of my appreciation, it would be an insult to me.

Furthermore, it's always convenient to have extra money on hand when traveling.

Even if you don't use it yourself, it can be used in case Qingyue and the others are short of something.

Having said all that, further refusal would seem pretentious. Wang Anping hesitated for a moment, then reached out and took the brocade pouch; it was indeed quite heavy.

"In that case, thank you very much, County Magistrate Zhao."

He wasn't a greedy person, but if someone insisted on giving him money, he couldn't do anything about it.

Seeing that Wang Anping accepted it, Zhao Zhongkun's smile widened.

Lin Yunshu saw this, but felt even worse inside.

Uncle-in-law is far too fond of Wang Anping and far too willing to invest in him!

The group finally arrived outside the mansion gate and prepared to depart.

When Wang Anping saw the team outside the door, even with his calm demeanor, his eyes twitched slightly.

There were three carriages parked outside the gate, one of which was more ornately decorated and was obviously for Zhao Qingyue to ride in.

The other two carts were piled high with boxes and bundles, bulging and full, their size alone indicating a rich load.

In addition, there were five or six burly servants who were specifically responsible for looking after and carrying the luggage.

There were more than ten guards in tight-fitting clothes around him, carrying knives and swords, each of them full of energy and spirit, at least skilled in Ming Jin (a type of martial arts).

The leader, a middle-aged man, exuded a calm and composed aura, clearly possessing the cultivation of internal energy.

This doesn't look like three young people going to learn a skill from a master.

It's more like a young master or young lady from a wealthy family going on a long journey, accompanied by a small caravan and a guard.

Wang Anping shook his head inwardly.

As a scion of a prominent family, even if she is just the daughter of a county magistrate, her pomp and circumstance are extraordinary.

He was used to traveling alone and traveling light, so he couldn't help but feel a bit burdened by this scene.

However, he didn't say much. Everyone has their own ambitions. Perhaps in Zhao Zhongkun's view, this would better ensure his daughter's safety and comfort.

Zhao Qingyue seemed a little embarrassed, her pretty face slightly flushed as she glanced at Wang Anping and whispered, "Father—you've prepared a bit too much."

Zhao Zhongkun laughed heartily: "Not much, not much. It's always good to be prepared when you're traveling."

He then pointed to an elderly man in the group, dressed in a simple gray robe, with gray hair and a gaunt face, and introduced him: "Young Master Wang, this is the old steward of the manor, Zhao Fu."

In his youth, he had the opportunity to visit the depths of the Wanshan Forest and saw the misty peaks shrouded in clouds from afar.

Although I was unable to climb the mountain, I still remember some of the general direction and route.

This time, Uncle Fu will guide you; it's better than wandering around aimlessly like headless flies.

Zhao Fu stepped forward and bowed respectfully to Wang Anping, his voice hoarse but clear: "This old servant Zhao Fu greets Young Master Wang."

I will do my utmost to guide you this time.

His eyes were clear and his steps were steady. Although there was no fluctuation of internal energy, he had a calm and composed demeanor.

Wang Anping returned the greeting with clasped hands: "Thank you for your trouble, Uncle Fu."

Lin Yunshu had already mounted a magnificent white horse, with a long sword at her waist.

With his handsome appearance and fine clothes, he did indeed have the air of a young master from a noble family.

He glanced at Wang Anping, then looked at his own large and imposing entourage, and a sense of superiority rose within him once more.

What's the use of being handsome or having good talent?

When going out, one should ultimately judge a book by its cover and its pomp and circumstance.

He cleared his throat and said loudly, "Uncle, don't worry. With Uncle Fu leading the way and me here, we will definitely reach Misty Peak safely!"

Zhao Zhongkun nodded, and then gave Zhao Qingyue and Lin Yunshu a few more words of advice.

Watching this rather impressive procession slowly set off, leaving the prefectural gate and heading towards the outskirts of Gushui County.

Wheels rumble, horseshoes clatter.

Wang Anping rode his green horse in the middle of the procession, parallel to Zhao Qingyue's carriage.

Zhao Qingyue would occasionally lift the carriage curtain and whisper a few words to him, mostly about the scenery along the way or her imagination of Piaomiao Peak.

Lin Yunshu rode his horse alongside the other side of the carriage, trying to join the conversation or share some anecdotes he had heard about the martial arts world.

However, she often felt somewhat awkward due to Wang Anping's indifferent response or Zhao Qingyue's greater interest in Wang Anping's words.

At the very front of the procession, the old steward Zhao Fu sat on the front shaft of a carriage loaded with luggage, squinting as he carefully discerned the road, occasionally raising his hand to indicate the direction.

More than ten guards were scattered around the group, vigilantly observing their surroundings.

The official road gradually narrowed, and the forests on both sides became denser.

The outline of the ancient city wall of Gushui County slowly disappeared behind us, replaced by lush, rolling mountains and increasingly quiet roads.

The real journey has begun.

Wang Anping gazed calmly at the winding path that led deep into the mountains.

What exactly is the scenery like at Misty Peak?

The group continued onward until nightfall, when they finally left the territory of Gushui County.

The group found a reasonably good open space to set up camp, and surprisingly, there was someone in the group specifically assigned to cook.

Wang Anping shook his head slightly upon seeing this, but did not say anything more.

What others do is their business and has nothing to do with him.

He himself can enjoy it too, so why not!