The plan to travel south was abandoned due to Xu Xian’s change of heart, and the group turned back before even making it out of Pingzhou.

Although some were puzzled by the seemingly inexplicable decision made by Young Master Xu, given that their wages remained intact and they had avoided any real trouble, most people were quite content.

Even the few who were displeased merely grumbled, “Do rich folk just enjoy stirring things up?”

Ye Wen knew the full story, so he said nothing and made no complaint, simply walking back with the rest of the company.

The return journey was much faster than the trip south. Since they hadn't gone very far, most people were eager to get back quickly—some to reunite with their families sooner, others to collect their pay and find new work before the year-end approached.

Upon returning to Linshan County, Ye Wen intended to leave the group to properly investigate which brothel had taken Ya Ya’s indenture contract. However, Linshan County was under strict martial law. Seeing the constables patrolling the streets, he knew this was no time to pursue such a sensitive matter.

“Forget it. Ya Ya is safe at my mountain gate for now,” he decided, calmly staying with the group as they departed Linshan County.

It was Xu Xian who suddenly spoke up: “I thought Brother Ye might leave us here.”

Ye Wen looked up in surprise, then noticed the smile on Xu Xian’s face and understood that the Young Master must know the details of that incident.

But only he, Liu Qingfeng, and True Man Liu knew about what happened that day. Ye Wen hadn't mentioned it to anyone, and True Man Liu was hardly the type to spread gossip.

That left only one possibility…

“You were there that day?”

Ye Wen’s expression soured at the thought, especially considering Xu Xian’s proficiency in Qinggong (lightness skill). Before Ye Wen’s internal energy reached a certain level, anyone with slightly better Qinggong could easily slip past his notice. If Xu Xian had been secretly trailing him, Ye Wen realized he probably wouldn't have detected him.

Xu Xian merely smiled without answering, though the triumphant look on his face was impossible to conceal. Perhaps he never intended to hide it; he was clearly very pleased with himself for having followed the two of them undetected by both Liu Qingfeng and Ye Wen, silently observing the entire episode.

Especially after learning martial arts and gradually developing an interest in the Jianghu (martial world), he had been eager to gauge his own skill level.

Following Ye Wen that day and closely watching his execution of moves, Xu Xian was certain that he wouldn't fare well if he were to actually fight Ye Wen.

It wasn’t that Ye Wen’s skill was vastly superior, but the ruthless decisiveness of Ye Wen’s attack had left too deep an impression. As a scholar renowned for his literary achievements, he absolutely could not bring himself to take a life without blinking. Therefore, in a real confrontation, he would inevitably have reservations, making it impossible to gain the upper hand against Ye Wen.

However, he still had reason to be proud: at least both Ye Wen and Liu Qingfeng failed to notice his presence. His Qinggong, it seemed, was still worthy of praise.

Watching the smug Xu Xian, Ye Wen felt a strong urge to deliver a punch. Yet, for this scholar to face him so casually after witnessing murder suggested his mental fortitude was exceptionally tough.

“Perhaps he is naturally suited to roaming the Jianghu?”

Thinking this, Ye Wen turned his thoughts inward. Xu Xian had seen him kill, so his composure in the face of it was perhaps not so strange. It was himself that was odd; despite having slain so many—albeit wicked men—he felt no discomfort whatsoever.

“It seems I’m the one most fit for the martial world.”

Lost in such musings, the group soon returned to Shushan County. After bidding farewell to the escorts, Xu Xian, with the dramatic air of a hero setting off on a one-way journey, rushed toward his family estate with his page in tow.

Chief Escort Yue, after assigning a few men to escort Xu Xian, finally breathed a sigh of relief. Though he didn't know why Young Master Xu had suddenly changed his mind, it appeared the young master had lost interest in the southern expedition. Regardless, Yue Shan Escort Agency had narrowly survived this potential disaster.

Even though they hadn't completed the entire journey, Xu Xian readily agreed to settle payment according to the original terms, so Yue Hang wasn't worried about suffering a loss due to the excessive expenses.

Watching Xu Xian depart, Yue Hang turned and invited Ye Wen and Liu Qingfeng into the agency to rest. Although they hadn’t required the two men’s intervention this time, they had still been troubled, so a gesture of gratitude was necessary.

A feast was prepared. After three rounds of drinks, Yue Hang profusely thanked the pair, making Ye Wen feel quite awkward. He nearly blurted out, “I didn’t exert much effort this time; the one hundred taels Chief Yue offered is too much, I feel undeserving. I shall decline the remaining eighty.”

But he immediately remembered that his earnings weren't just for himself; people were waiting back on the mountain to live better lives with the money, and now there was an extra young girl to care for—future expenses could only increase. He forced himself to stay silent, though his sense of propriety was strained.

What kind of man was Yue Hang? Having traveled widely, he had seen every situation. He grasped Ye Wen’s intention the moment the words were about to leave his mouth. Yet, he had offered such a high price precisely to curry favor with Ye Wen and his sect, so there was no way he would withhold the remaining eighty taels.

Thus, without waiting for Ye Wen to speak, he immediately said, “This time, Sect Leader Ye has given generous assistance; I, Yue Hang, am deeply grateful. However, I have one audacious request, which I hope Sect Leader Ye will grant.”

Seeing this, Ye Wen knew Yue Hang was intentionally providing him an out so he could comfortably accept the eighty taels. Ye Wen smiled and replied, “Chief Yue need only speak. If it is within my power, I shall certainly agree.”

Yue Hang nodded, turned to a servant-like figure nearby, and instructed, “Go fetch Ning’er.”

Liu Qingfeng, who had been seated quietly, immediately understood Yue Hang’s intention, stroked his few wisps of beard, and smiled without speaking.

Even Ye Wen felt a jolt, vaguely guessing what was coming: “Is he going to make me his son-in-law, or hand his child over to me as a disciple? Should I agree or not?”

In truth, either scenario would be an excellent opportunity for Ye Wen, immensely beneficial for strengthening the Shushan Sect. Whether it was a marriage alliance or having the Yue family child join Shushan, it would effectively tie the Yue Shan Escort Agency and the Shushan Sect together.

Based on their current standing, the Shushan Sect could not yet compare to the Yue Shan Escort Agency. Even if Ye Wen’s skill was comparable to Yue Hang’s, the disparity in reputation and number of disciples was vast.

With the current prestige of the Yue Shan Escort Agency, if Yue Hang sent his child to study under them or marry into the sect, Shushan’s reputation would instantly rise a level. Furthermore, any faction planning mischief against Shushan would have to seriously consider whether they could afford to provoke the well-regarded Yue Hang.

In any case, this matter held nothing but benefit for Ye Wen. The only vexing point was if it involved marriage, would he be willing to sacrifice his own lifelong happiness?

Fortunately, Yue Hang did not leave Ye Wen wrestling with this for long. Soon, led by the servant, a boy of about thirteen or fourteen, handsome and possessing a fine build, was brought in.

“Greetings, Father. Greetings, Uncles and Elders.” The child was clearly well-educated, immediately paying respects to all the seniors present upon entering, winning instant favor from everyone due to his handsome appearance.

Liu Qingfeng even peered intently for quite a while before pursing his lips, seemingly finding it a little regrettable.

As soon as his son entered, Yue Hang began observing the assembled company. Seeing True Man Liu showing subtle interest, he felt a twinge of regret.

Although he held high hopes for Ye Wen’s future, having his son join the Tiger Mountain Sect might offer more immediate benefits to his own escort agency. However, he had heard Liu Qingfeng had no intention of taking disciples, which was why he hadn't proposed this earlier. He hadn't expected True Man Liu to seem so pleased with his son, hinting at a willingness to make an exception.

But since he had already made his intention known, it would be awkward to backtrack now. Fortunately, Ye Wen was also skilled in internal arts, suggesting his sect possessed cultivation methods for internal energy, and given Ye Wen’s youth and skill, his future achievements might rival True Man Liu’s. Thus, Yue Hang hardened his resolve and decided to proceed with his original plan.

“This is my son, Yue Ning, eleven years old. He has learned some rudimentary martial arts from me. However, these past years, I have been busy with the agency’s affairs and have neglected his training, so his progress has stalled. I am deeply ashamed.”

“Now, having met Sect Leader Ye, I find you to be a worthy mentor. Today, I hope Sect Leader Ye will accept my son as a disciple and welcome him into your lineage, so he may benefit from your teachings.”

Ye Wen looked at the boy standing before him. At only eleven, he already possessed a considerable height, likely due to practicing external arts with his father, and his physique was sturdy, making him look closer to thirteen or fourteen. Furthermore, though his large eyes weren't darting around, they revealed a sharp intelligence. A child like this, Ye Wen thought, many would readily accept as a disciple; now that he was offered voluntarily, there was no reason for Ye Wen to refuse.

Moreover, maintaining a good relationship with the Yue Shan Escort Agency would greatly aid his Shushan Sect. After all, the sect’s development couldn't proceed in isolation; it needed connections with surrounding powers.

Currently, he saw no need to form ties with the powers on Shushan; those sects were potential future rivals. As for the Yue Shan Escort Agency…

“In terms of power structure or any other aspect, there is no conflict; in fact, the two houses can unite for mutual development. So, this disciple must be accepted.”

After a brief consideration, Ye Wen spoke, “Since Chief Yue has put it this way, I, Ye Wen, have no reason to refuse.”