Everyone turned around and was shocked by the enormous size of the person.
This man looked extremely wealthy; he didn't seem like someone fleeing a disaster at all, but rather like someone on a trip with his servants and guards.
"I am Wu Xingwang, a merchant from Dingshan City," Wu Xingwang stepped forward and introduced himself.
From the moment they appeared on the banks of the Lingbei River, his sharp eyes immediately spotted Yun Mo, the tall, imposing, and distinguished leader.
Yun Mo glanced at him indifferently, "You say you know a route south?"
“Indeed.” The young man was not old, but his aura was quite intimidating. After calming himself down, Wu Xingwang respectfully asked, “Young master, would you mind having a word with me in private?”
Wu Xingwang's humble posture must mean he has something to ask for.
With the Yun family's secret guards and several well-educated young men from Lin family village accompanying him, Yun Mo felt there was nothing to hide. He glanced at the cliffs upstream.
Having spent many years in the business world, Wu Xingwang guessed what he was thinking. He smiled and explained, "Young master, you may not know this, but the upper reaches of the Lingbei River are all cliffs and steep slopes, while the lower reaches have a rapid current. Every spring, the river swells dramatically, and it doesn't recede until May or June. If you wait, you'll probably waste a lot of time."
"Where is that southward route you mentioned?"
Upon hearing this, Wu Xingwang's spirits lifted. Things were going in the direction he wanted. He jiggled his fat and said with a smile, "We can detour through Luochu City and continue south via Dingshan City. It will only take an extra ten or eight days, and it won't delay things much."
Yun Mo glanced at Lin Yinan subconsciously. Lin Yinan nodded slightly, agreeing that it would take a few more days to take a safer route.
Wu Xingwang followed his gaze and looked at a person dressed entirely in black with a cloth wrapped around their head. Judging from their figure, they could tell that it was a woman.
"What are your requirements?" Yun Mo withdrew his gaze, not believing that Wu Xingwang would reveal this route so easily.
Wu Xingwang cupped his hands and said sincerely, "After the King of Luochu City abandoned the city and fled, Luochu City became a city without a master. The city was in complete chaos and disorder, and it was also home to a large number of vicious people. Burning, killing and looting were commonplace. I have family members and a few servants who are only average in skill. I am afraid that if I go in, I will not be able to come out again. I hope that you can come with me, young master."
Everyone immediately understood; they wanted them to be free bodyguards.
"What kind of reward will you give us?" Yun Mo asked seriously.
They were running out of food, and everyone was worried about the dwindling supply.
Wu Xingwang was obviously very fat; it would be a waste not to take some benefits from his body.
From a business perspective, since Wu Xingwang wants their protection, it's not unreasonable to offer some compensation, right?
Upon hearing this, Wu Xingwang's fat face contorted in pain, and he clutched his chest, crying out in anguish, "Young master, I have revealed such important information to you. In return, you should give me a ride on my way."
Yun Mo had a half-smile on his face and beckoned to Yun Qi behind him, "Yun Qi, bring out the map, let's take a look at the road from here to Luo Chu City ourselves."
Yun Qi stepped forward and took out a map from his pocket.
Wu Xingwang was taken aback when he saw this. He could tell that they were not ordinary people, but he did not expect that they even had a map.
He hurriedly said, "Young master, I am willing to offer five hundred catties of grain as a reward."
Right now, gold and silver are not as valuable as grain.
"Five hundred catties?" Yun Mo scoffed. One catty wasn't even enough for each of his men, let alone the Lin family villagers. This Wu fellow was indeed cunning.
Seeing that he was not satisfied, Wu Xingwang quickly held up one finger and gritted his teeth, saying, "A thousand catties! How about that!"
Yun Er, who was behind him, couldn't help but roll his eyes. He took a small step, and in a flash, the cold sword in his hand was placed against Wu Xingwang's neck.
Yun Er's narrow, almond-shaped eyes twitched slightly upwards as he spoke flippantly, "Boss Wu, how much do you think your life is worth right now?"
Seeing their master being taken hostage, Wu Xingwang's servants and guards drew their swords and stepped forward.
"master!"
For a moment, the atmosphere became tense.
Lin Yiheng and Lin Yuanzhi gripped their sword hilts tightly with some tension, while Yun Mo and the others remained calm and composed, completely disregarding the guards.
In a short while, Wu Xingwang raised his hands in surrender, a fierce glint flashing in his lowered eyes, and said with trembling fat on his face, "Five thousand catties! This is the limit I can raise."
Dingshan City was his territory, and Wu Xingwang was in charge. He wanted to see how they, a mere few people, could transport so much grain out of Dingshan City.
Yun Mo gave Yun Er a wink.
Yun Er sheathed his sword, then patted Wu Xingwang's chest as if he wasn't the one who had just held the sword to Wu Xingwang's neck. He smiled brightly and said, "I apologize for startling you, Mr. Wu. You are a truly straightforward person."
"Where are Mr. Wu's family members?"
Now that the deal was settled, Yun Mo decided not to waste any more time.
Wu Xingwang, though angry, dared not vent his anger. He flicked his sleeve and said, "They are hiding in a cave on the hillside. Please follow me."
Following behind Wu Xingwang, just in case, Yun Mo secretly sent Yun Qi back and sent Yun Yi with two hundred guards.
Wu Xingwang originally intended to take his family across the river to Dingshan City, but the river rose more than ten days earlier this year. Seeing that the first wave of refugees had already rushed up, he panicked and led his men up the mountain.
Having traveled this river for many years, he naturally knew this cave.
Lin Yinan followed along as they climbed the hillside and couldn't help but admire Wu Xingwang's skill in choosing a location. This secluded cave was easy to defend and difficult to attack, allowing a clear view of the movements below.
As they approached the cave, the guards who remained behind came out vigilantly with their swords drawn. Upon recognizing Wu Xingwang, they quickly sheathed their weapons.
"Master, you're back."
Hearing the commotion inside the cave, a young man ran out. "Father, what's the situation?"
Yun Mo glanced at the refugees gathering at the foot of the mountain. "Pack up, we'll go down the mountain right away."
"Shall we set off now?" Wu Xingwang asked.
"Our team is still resting at the back. Let's go down the mountain and meet up with them first."
Wu Xingwang quickly gave the order, and soon his servants carried several people out of the cave.
"This is to protect our injured guards."
Yun Er's eyes lit up, and he said with a bright smile, "What a coincidence, we have a doctor in our team, but..."
Wu Xingwang hurriedly said, "The consultation fee is negotiable. If you can cure them, I will give you another thousand catties of grain."
Although he was a businessman, he was not a heartless person. Besides, Ah Shan had repeatedly led people to protect them, which was why he was injured.
Yun Er showered him with compliments, "Boss Wu is truly a benevolent master!"
Then, a lot of supplies were carried out of the cave, including food, supplies, and two pretty little girls.
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