The contest at the Yue Mountain Escort Agency dragged on for a full day. However, Yue Hang, the Chief Escort, only sat watching from the sidelines until noon, disappearing completely afterward.

Even Ye Wen was gone, having been invited by Yue Hang to dine privately behind the agency and discuss the upcoming journey.

“Does Young Hero Ye have any suggestions?” Although the route and most of the arrangements for this escort mission had long been finalized, Yue Hang still deliberately asked, wanting to show respect to Ye Wen.

Ye Wen took a sip from his teacup. It had been a full six months since he had tasted anything decent; he had subsisted on water while in the mountains. This cup of hot tea was the first ‘beverage’ he’d had since his transmigration. Thus, even though he had never cultivated a habit of drinking tea, the warmth flowing down his throat brought him immense comfort.

Swallowing the tea, Ye Wen smiled and replied, “Chief Escort Yue is too polite. Since I am here to earn my commission, I naturally follow Chief Escort Yue’s direction. Moreover, I am not familiar with the specifics, so I shouldn't offer any rash advice.”

Yue Hang nodded, seemingly satisfied with Ye Wen’s answer.

Truthfully, he had been worried that Ye Wen, confident in his superior martial arts, might put forth some reckless suggestions. If that happened, Yue Hang would be in a real bind. Agreeing might disrupt all existing plans. Refusing, however, risked offending this young master whose martial prowess had inexplicably soared—Yue Hang had quietly investigated the events from six months prior and knew Ye Wen’s former skill level hadn't been this high. Such rapid progress suggested a major fortuitous encounter.

Therefore, the ideal outcome was simple: Yue Hang pays a handsome sum, Ye Wen accepts it contentedly, and then assists by providing necessary support during the escort of Young Master Xu southward, without interfering in other matters. This scenario was optimal for both the Yue Mountain Escort Agency and Yue Hang personally.

“Then, what commission amount does Young Hero Ye feel would be satisfactory?”

Ye Wen pondered the question briefly. While he had grasped the cost of living in this world, he knew nothing about the escort industry’s standard rates, nor the typical commission for such a journey. Consequently, he couldn’t judge what amount would be appropriate for himself.

He opted for a slightly passive approach to negotiation: “Whatever Chief Escort Yue deems suitable is fine with me.” Ye Wen reasoned that Yue Hang didn't seem like a stingy person and was unlikely to deliberately undervalue his fee.

As expected, Yue Hang quickly named a figure: “If this endeavor proceeds smoothly, I will pay Young Hero 100 taels of silver. Do you find this acceptable?”

“One hundred taels?” Though Ye Wen’s face remained outwardly calm, his heart jumped. He hadn't expected Yue Hang to be so generous, offering 100 taels right off the bat. If he truly earned this amount, neither he nor Ning Ruxue would need to worry about silver for quite some time.

Yet, Ye Wen's placid reaction caused Yue Hang to misunderstand. He frowned slightly and asked, “Does the Young Hero feel this is insufficient?”

Yue Hang knew that the total remuneration for accepting this entire escort mission was only 500 taels of silver. He would never have offered such a price unless he recognized Ye Wen as a young master proficient in internal arts with boundless future potential, making this an investment in future alliance.

Furthermore, after securing the 500 taels, he would need to allocate portions for his subordinates’ shares, and set aside funds to recruit other capable martial artists. While those recruits certainly wouldn’t command such high pay, Yue Hang planned to hire several, and the cumulative cost would still be significant.

Thus, 100 taels was genuinely the limit of what he could afford to offer. If Ye Wen found it too little, Yue Hang would likely incur a loss on this transaction.

Even taking a loss, he would have to see the mission through, as it concerned the reputation of the Yue Mountain Escort Agency and their future standing in the profession. So, even at a loss, he had to grit his teeth and ensure the safe delivery of the escort goods.

But turning a profitable venture into a loss merely to foster a relationship with a young man was a step he couldn't easily take, and his subordinates might not agree, potentially stirring up other complications.

Fortunately, Ye Wen did not let his worry linger. He quickly responded with a smile, “No, 100 taels is more than enough. However, for Chief Escort Yue to offer such a generous commission, are you perhaps hoping I will remain at the Yue Mountain Escort Agency and dedicate my service to you?”

“Hahaha, Young Hero Ye jokes too much. Though my martial skill is mediocre, I possess a decent eye for people. I know the Young Hero’s future is immeasurable; how could my humble Yue Mountain Escort Agency possibly hold you?” Yue Hang stroked his sparse beard, chuckling. “Though, if the Young Hero were interested, I would certainly welcome it.”

If Ye Wen were genuinely interested in joining his agency, it would be a tremendous stroke of luck for the Yue Mountain Escort Agency. However, the probability was extremely low. Yue Hang inferred that Ye Wen was currently experiencing hardship—he knew Ye Wen’s sect had fallen, and his need to earn money by escorting suggested his current circumstances were precarious.

Seeing that Yue Hang held the desire but knew he couldn't truly keep him, Ye Wen didn't press the topic. Instead, he deftly steered the conversation away with a lighthearted remark, effectively closing that line of discussion.

Still, having settled the most crucial matters—the remuneration and payment method—this meeting was far from just idle tea drinking.

What satisfied Ye Wen even more was that almost immediately after they agreed, Yue Hang clapped his hands, summoned a servant, and ordered 20 taels in silver notes to be brought forth, which he handed directly to Ye Wen. “Consider these 20 taels as your deposit, Young Hero. The remainder will be given upon the successful completion of this mission.”

Ye Wen nodded, tucking the 20 taels into his robes. Now, truly possessing sufficient silver on hand gave him considerable self-assurance. He would no longer need to cautiously calculate his remaining funds when dining out.

Just as Ye Wen secured the notes, a stable boy from the agency rushed in and announced to Yue Hang, “Chief Escort, True Man Liu of the Tiger Mountain Sect has arrived with his disciples.”

“Where? Hurry and escort me to meet them!”

Upon hearing that the respected True Man Liu, whom he had invited, had arrived, Yue Hang immediately stood up, urging the boy to lead the way. After all, True Man Liu was his greatest reliance for ensuring the success of this escort mission, even with the inclusion of the young master Ye Wen.

While Ye Wen was also a master of internal arts, True Man Liu was an established expert who had cultivated for decades. Yue Hang doubted Ye Wen could surpass him.

Moreover, True Man Liu had brought disciples, who were likely skilled in their own right. This added another layer of security to their journey south.

Of course, Yue Hang wouldn't simply ignore or slight Ye Wen, whom he had just spent significant effort to befriend. As he rose, he smiled at Ye Wen, “Perhaps Young Hero Ye would care to accompany me? True Man Liu is, after all, a respected elder in the martial world.”

His words were carefully crafted. Inviting Ye Wen showed he wasn't being treated as an outsider. The reason for greeting True Man Liu was presented merely as respect for an elder, not because of superior background or status—this preempted any potential resentment from Ye Wen (Why should I have to greet him at the door if we are both hired for protection? Why is he considered superior?).

Indeed, upon hearing Yue Hang’s words, Ye Wen showed no displeasure. He stood and replied, “Very well,” then proceeded with Yue Hang toward the front courtyard.

Arriving in the courtyard, the crowd was noticeably smaller than in the morning, though some people still stood in a loose circle watching the ongoing spar in the center.

Because the crowd had thinned, the circle was not tight and layered as it had been earlier; rather, people stood scattered, barely forming a recognizable ring.

As Ye Wen entered with Yue Hang, he saw an old Daoist with slightly graying hair observing the match with keen interest—this must be True Man Liu.

Behind the old Daoist stood a middle-aged Daoist and a younger one, perhaps twenty-five or twenty-six. Both were clearly the elder’s apprentices. In contrast to their master’s seeming enthusiasm, the two disciples appeared decidedly bored by the contest. The middle-aged one was better behaved, remaining quietly behind his master.

The younger disciple, however, seemed utterly dismissive of the ongoing fight, constantly scanning his surroundings. As Yue Hang and Ye Wen entered the courtyard, the young Daoist spotted them immediately and whispered something to his master.

Then, the old Daoist turned his head, glanced over, and immediately turned back to greet Yue Hang with a booming laugh: “Haha, Chief Escort Yue, this old man encountered some trivial matters on the road and arrived late. Please forgive me, Chief Escort.”

How could Yue Hang possibly blame him? He was counting on True Man Liu to solve his problems. He immediately stepped forward with a smile: “It is a blessing that True Man Liu has come. A few days’ delay is nothing.”

After exchanging warm pleasantries, Yue Hang personally led True Man Liu toward the rear courtyard, saying, “The meal has been prepared.” During this, True Man Liu introduced the two younger Daoists behind him: “These are my two unworthy disciples. I brought them along this time to gain some worldly experience.”

The middle-aged disciple spoke first: “I am Liu Mo, and this is my junior apprentice, Zhao Heng. We greet Chief Escort Yue.” He bowed respectfully with his junior brother, his demeanor composed—neither subservient nor impolite—truly displaying the bearing of a disciple from a prominent sect.

Yue Hang immediately returned the bow: “You are too kind.” Since they were invited as aid, and he was the one needing their help, he certainly had no right to act superior.

After introductions were made, sensing that the young man beside Yue Hang had remained silent and uncertain of his origins, True Man Liu scrutinized Ye Wen for a moment before asking, “And who is this Young Hero…?”

P.S.: Folks, any votes? This new book needs all the support it can get~