I alone am the Honoured One!

Chapter 498  Another Sect Mission [2]

The rolling hills stretched out before them, and in the distance, the shadow of the Ginmeng Mountains loomed.

Soon, Zhao Tian and Li Xueyan got down from the carriage and looked at the number of caravans stationed near the gate to be set out.

A line of caravans stretched along the road, their wooden frames groaning under the weight of goods piled high atop them.

Oxen and horses, sturdy and resilient, were tethered to the caravans, snorting softly as they awaited the long journey ahead.

The caravans are also protected by guards and mercenaries who are appointed by the merchants to guard the caravans on their way.

Looking at the caravans, Zhao Tian frowned slightly "With such protection, do you think the bandits will attack the caravans?"

Li Xueyan gave a nod "Hmm, since the bandits' activities have increased in the past few days... it seems like they have increased protection."

Zhao Tian glanced back at the caravans, his gaze lingering on the heavily armed guards, then back to Li Xueyan. "You think we should join them, then?" Li Xueyan met his gaze and nodded once more. "Yeah. We took on the mission to deal with the bandits, and this caravan's a prime target."

"Even if they don't attack, it's best to stay close and be prepared. Better to be there and not needed than be needed and too far away." They made their way towards one of the caravans.

It was a large one, with wooden panels reinforced with metal, and a tarp covered the goods inside.

Standing near the front, directing his men as they prepared to depart, was a middle-aged man with graying hair and a rugged, sun-beaten face. Looking at the young people walking toward him, the man was surprised, but then looking at the disciple tokens, he smiled.

"Well, now, what do we have here? Two disciples from the Jade Eclipse Sect. What brings you to a humble caravan like mine?"

Even outside the Sect, the jade Eclipse Sect disciples are well treated and respected.

Li Xueyan gave a nod and spoke "We've accepted a mission to eliminate the bandits that have been targeting these caravans and nearby villages. We were wondering if we could accompany you on your journey."

The man's smile widened, and he let out a hearty laugh. "Free protection from the Jade Eclipse Sect? How could I say no to that? If you're here to take care of the bandits, then my caravan is in good hands." Zhao Tian glanced at Li Xueyan, who gave a small nod and both of them climbed into the back of the caravan.

Inside, the caravan was packed with crates of supplies, leaving just enough room for them to settle down near the rear. The caravan master gave a loud shout, and the sound of whips cracked through the air as the oxen and horses began to pull the heavy loads forward.

Slowly, the caravan started to move, and the long line of wagons and carts followed behind. As they began their journey, the rhythmic creak of the caravan's wheels on the road mixed with the low murmur of voices from the guards and mercenaries riding alongside.

The caravan inched forward, the distant Ginmeng Mountains ever so slightly growing larger on the horizon.

Li Xueyan leaned back against one of the crates, her arms crossed over his chest as she kept a watchful eye on the road ahead. "It's better if they do attack," she said quietly. "It'll give us a chance to deal with them directly."

*thud* Suddenly, the caravan hit a small bump in the road.

The entire wagon jostled violently, causing Zhao Tian to instinctively reach for the side of the cart for balance.

"Ah!" At the same moment, Li Xueyan, who had been sitting near the edge, was thrown forward, her body lurching toward him.

Zhao Tian reacted swiftly, his hand moving to catch her before she could fall.

His hand gripped her arm, pulling her closer to him.

Li Xueyan landed awkwardly against his chest, her soft body pressed up against his.

For a brief moment, her face was so close to his that she could feel the warmth of his breath on her skin.

Her blue eyes widened in surprise, and for a heartbeat, neither of them moved.

Zhao Tian's hands remained on her arms, his hold firm but not rough as if he were unsure whether to let her go or keep her close.

Li Xueyan, her heart pounding in her chest, felt an unfamiliar heat rise in her cheeks as she realized how close they were.

"S-sorry…" she whispered, her voice barely audible.

"It's fine," Zhao Tian muttered with a dry smile, but he didn't let go of her just yet.

Li Xueyan, still leaning against him, felt her heart racing in a way she hadn't expected. Nôv(el)B\\jnn

She could feel the strong muscles of his chest beneath her hands, and without fully realizing it, she had unconsciously placed her hands against him for support.

Her fingers, soft and delicate, grazed against the fabric of his robe.

There was something soothing in the solidness of his presence, something that made her hesitate to pull away.

"I didn't mean to fall…" Li Xueyan added softly, her voice slightly breathless, as she glanced up at him.

Her cheeks flushed a soft pink, and Zhao Tian's grip on her arms loosened slightly, but he still kept her close.

Li Xueyan shook her head slowly, still not pulling away from his embrace.

Instead, she allowed herself a moment longer in his arms, the feeling of being close to him, of being held by him, sent an unexpected warmth through her.

She hesitated for just a second, then leaned a little closer, resting her forehead lightly against his chest.

Zhao Tian was quite surprised as she was clearly making moves on him and their relationship was progressing quickly that he expected.

It's not like he hates this...

His hands slowly moved from her arms to her back, gently holding her in place. Li Xueyan could feel the steady rise and fall of his chest as he breathed, the warmth of his body seeping into hers.

Her fingers, still resting on his chest, twitched slightly, and without thinking, she gave a soft squeeze.

Time passed as the caravan continued its steady march forward, the sun climbing higher into the sky. The rolling hills soon gave way to dense forests, the road narrowing as they passed between towering trees.

--------------------------------------------------