Gao Xuan tried it on; it was custom-made to fit his body, and the tanned snake skin has elasticity. Wearing it felt somewhat akin to a superhero's tight suit.

A body of dark red scales, which looks quite cool.

Although Gao Xuan felt it wasn't really necessary, he still praised Ye Jinxiu's thoughtful gesture with enthusiasm.

The Fire Cloud Snake Skin Clothing, Ye Jinxiu also had a set, and it was the ultra-tight kind. When she put it on, every curve was visible. It was even more enticing than being bare.

Out of scientific spirit, Gao Xuan personally tested Ye Jinxiu's combat prowess. Wearing this suit, her fighting ability actually became worse... It didn't take many rounds before she was defeated, lying across the bed helplessly.

After the New Year, the Ye Family's trade caravan set out.

The journey to Mingjing was ten thousand miles away, and with winter's cold weather, the road was arduous. The Ye Family loaded more than ten large carts full of goods, heading towards the Central Plains.

Generally speaking, the Ye Family caravan would not depart from the Southwest Territory. The caravan was unfamiliar with the road conditions and did not have connections; the farther they went, the faster they died.

The Daqian Dynasty's laws were in the cities. Once in the countryside, the wealthy local gentry controlled the law. In such places, outsiders couldn't expect to reason; only a bigger fist was effective.

There was an implicit rule among trade caravans: business could only be conducted in designated areas.

There were plenty of smart people who would make money by reselling; many people fought over the opportunity. And there was a threshold of martial strength in this. Without power, you were not qualified to earn this money.

Ten days later, the Ye Family caravan left the Southwest Territory.

Once in unfamiliar territory, not only were the road conditions unknown, everything else was also a complete mystery.

The Ye Family caravan hired two car drivers from a large carriage office, paying a hefty fee. With these two leading the way, at least they wouldn't take a wrong turn.

The Elder Housekeeper Ye was even more worried, and they encountered many troubles along the way, fortunately, none were major issues. Although the caravan had Gao Xuan and Ye Jinxiu, he understood that these two weren't invincible.

While traveling in a foreign land, the most important thing was to be cautious and avoid trouble.

When the caravan came out of Qin Mountain City, they still ran into big trouble.

Beyond Qin Mountain City lay the sprawling Qin Mountain Range, a region notorious for its numerous mountain bandits and robbers.

Qin Mountain wasn't very cold in winter, and it basically didn't snow. Some trees on the mountains remained green.

The elder housekeeper also knew this area was not peaceful, so he went out of his way to arrange a joint departure with two other caravans, even paying them a sum of money.

One was called Anlong, and the other was Wanfu, both well-known trading firms within the Qin Mountain region.

The three caravans traveled several dozen miles into Qin Mountain before the two caravans in front came to a stop.

This was a mountain hollow, with dense trees on either side, not exactly the kind of place that looked promising.

The Elder Housekeeper didn't understand, so he went over to ask Shopkeeper Wan from Wanfu: "Shopkeeper Wan, what's happening?"

Wan Jiahe was a sly middle-aged man. He stroked his beard and gave the elder housekeeper a weird smile: "Brother Ye, we've encountered bandits. We have to stop."

The elder housekeeper sensed something was wrong: "Where are the bandits?"

Wan Jiahe pointed to the woods beside them: "They're coming."

Just then, the sound of chaotic drums erupted, and over a hundred people jumped out from the woods. These people were in tatters, disheveled, yet each carried various weapons.

This group looked somewhat ridiculous, but some even wielded crossbows.

The leading few were clad in half-armor, with weapons that gleamed coldly, clearly indicating trouble.

The elder housekeeper was stunned: "Shopkeeper Wan, we three are together. Now that you've encountered bandits, will you just ignore us?"

Wan Jiahe shook his head: "We only agreed to travel with you, but we never said we'd help you fight bandits."

He suggested, "How about this: if you fork over five thousand taels of silver, we'll help fight the bandits."

Elder Housekeeper Ye was furious; these people were truly vile. However, far from home, he didn't dare lose his temper with them.

At this moment, the leading bandit shouted, "If you know what's good for you, lay down your fortune, and we'll spare your life."

The curtain of a central large cart opened, and Ye Jinxiu, dressed in a raven sword robe, lightly leaped out from the cart, glancing at the bandits before asking the elder housekeeper, "Elder Shui, what's happening?"

The elder housekeeper, full of helplessness, said, "Shopkeeper Wan plans to stand idly by..."

Shopkeeper Wan cast a distant glance at Ye Jinxiu and his eyes lit up; what a beautiful woman. But he didn't dare to be too presumptuous, raising his voice, "Miss, we only agreed to travel together but not to help in dealing with bandits. That's another matter altogether..."

Ye Jinxiu sneered, understanding the implications: they intended to conspire with the bandits and treat them as a meal to be devoured.

Several bandit leaders also fixed their sights on Ye Jinxiu and loudly ordered, "Watch closely, don't harm the woman..."

Shopkeeper Wan was still persuading, "Miss, life is ultimately more important. If you come up with more money, naturally we won't stand by and do nothing!"

Before Ye Jinxiu could respond, Gao Xuan, from within the cart, impatiently remarked, "A nest of snakes and rats, all deserve death."

His tone was calm, and his voice wasn't loud, but once he spoke, everyone present heard his words crystal clear, no matter the distance.

Shopkeeper Wan's expression changed instantly: "An expert!"

The bandit leaders also sensed something was amiss and were about to order arrows to be shot when a chillingly bright blade light suddenly swept out from the large cart.

In an instant, everyone felt a flash before their eyes.

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