Chapter 23: This Time It's Really Paying Off

"There's a situation!"

Chen Shicheng's spirit jolted, and he hurried to the bend, hiding behind a tree to observe the situation.

On the narrow road ahead, three wagonloads packed with crates were jammed together; the mules pulling them looked uneasy, pawing the ground anxiously and kicking up clouds of dust, while three coachman‑disguised NPCs kept trying to soothe them.

Around the wagons, a circle of soldiers stood in two rows, doing their utmost to fend off the assault of dozens of wild monsters, and a man behind them brandished a spear, loudly calming everyone's nerves.

The wild monsters surrounding them were not unfamiliar to Chen Shicheng; they were Soulless Mountain Bandits.

Besides them, there were some humanoid wild monsters riding horses that he had never seen before; out of curiosity, he used the Eye of Bai Ze to scan their data.

【Lv. 4 Horse Bandit, Strength 6, Qi 6, Divine 0.5, Skills: Charge, Trample, Plunder.】

They were wild monsters of the same level as Chen Shicheng, seemingly an upgraded version of the Soulless Mountain Bandits, yet their stats were pitifully weak compared to his.

He didn't even need to act himself; La Tiao could easily take care of those guys.

But to maximize profit, he didn't act directly; instead, he stepped out from behind the tree and shouted loudly at the NPC who seemed to be the team leader, "Brother, need a hand?"

"Yes, young hero, you arrived just in time. If you can get us out, we'll repay you handsomely afterward!"

As the NPC team leader's words finished, a system prompt appeared on the panel.

【Task Discovered: Rescue the Convoy】

【Task Description: Three wagons that set out from Iron‑Forging Town to transport iron ingots were suddenly surrounded by wild monsters drawn by an unknown cause, the convoy is in dire peril. The team leader asks you for help and promises a reward afterward.】

【Task Reward: Unknown】

See, maximizing profit is that simple.

Saving these people lets you ask for directions; taking the task gives an unknown reward; killing monsters yields experience, and after success you also earn Merit Points for rescuing them.

Such a one‑shot four‑bird deal only requires a heads‑up beforehand—pure profit! "La Tiao, go, leave the final blow to me!" Chen Shicheng patted his chest and said softly.

Squeak!

Accompanied by a ferret's cry, a black silhouette burst out from his chest, spawning after‑images that rushed into the horse bandits.

Don't underestimate La Tiao, a tiny purple ferret who can't even mobilize a trace of true Qi, but Level 7 is Level 7, instantly overwhelming the Level 4 horse bandits.

In just one glance, its sharp little claws left streaks of blood on the bandit, even severed the horse's neck, and then it darted straight toward the next bandit.

Chen Shicheng followed behind, wielding a tree trunk as thick as an arm, and casually unleashed a blade‑like strike at the bandit crushed beneath the horse.

As for why he could use a wooden staff to produce a blade‑like strike, it can only be said that the broken‑limit Basic Sword Technique is absurdly overpowered.

At the Perfect level, the Basic Sword Technique at most lets Chen Shicheng reach the Subtle realm, handling blades as deftly as a pen.

But once he broke through that tier, the sword technique surged to the stage where everything under heaven could become a blade; not to mention a wooden staff, even a mop could be freely used for blade‑like strikes.

The power is somewhat reduced compared to a real blade, but as long as it's not a master duel, it's sufficient against these wild monsters.

"Everyone, add your strength and cut these bastards down!"

"Understood!"

With Chen Shicheng's arrival, the soldiers' morale rose noticeably, their strength increased a few points, and they instantly felled several Soulless Mountain Bandits.

Regarding their monster‑snatching, Chen Shicheng merely glanced and stopped caring; after all, these 1‑ to 2‑level small wild monsters suffer heavy experience decay, so whether they are snatched or not makes no difference.

Soon, through their joint effort, the wild monsters encircling the convoy were swiftly cleared. The soldiers survived by the skin of their teeth, collapsing on the spot to gulp fresh air, while Chen Shicheng happily inspected his gains.

There weren't many Lv. 4 horse bandits—only 17—but because they were his own level, the experience didn't decay, so his experience pool reached exactly fifty.

【Experience: 50/100】

But that's not the big deal; the most pleasing part is this Merit Points haul.

Rescuing the Li family elder and the little girl grants 20 Merit Points; this time they saved 14 people, so aren't they about to hit the jackpot! 【Rescued 11 soldiers, 3 coachmen, Stealing Heaven Pendant effect triggered, extract this Merit Points 140? (Remaining uses 3/3)】

Extract!

【Merit Points: 254】

"I finally am not only rich in money, but also prosperous in character!!!!"

"Thank you, young hero, for stepping in to save us. I have nothing to repay you; I hope you won't disdain this modest tribute."

Just as Chen Shicheng was still marveling at his dual virtue and talent, the team leader, dragging his weary body, came over and handed him a pitch‑black ore with both hands.

"No disdain, no disdain; whether costly or cheap, it's the thought that counts. I'll take it."

Taking the ore from the team leader, Chen Shicheng immediately used the Eye of Bai Ze to check its attributes.

【Mystic Iron】

【Description: A rare precious ore that can be extracted with a minuscule chance from large veins, added to weapons to increase sharpness and toughness.】

Nice fellow.

I thought the task reward would just be some silver coins, but there was a little surprise.

Seeing Chen Shicheng accept his treasured Mystic Iron and looking quite satisfied, the team leader exhaled and asked, "From what I see, young hero, you're heading toward Iron‑Forging Town, aren't you?"

"That's right, I'm heading there. If I just follow this road, will I get there?" Chen Shicheng stored the Mystic Iron in his inventory and pointed toward the road's direction.

"Yes, after another ten‑plus li you'll see the town." The team leader, hesitating slightly, added, "May I trouble you with one more favor?"

"Hmm?"

Chen Shicheng raised his head in surprise, not expecting this squad leader to be so impressive, even giving him two Tasks back‑to‑back, "Speak, if I can help I will certainly help."

"Monsters on the road have suddenly increased; I want to write a letter to warn others. Could you deliver this letter to the town guard?"

【Task Discovered: Deliver Letter】

【Task Description: The team leader wishes to send news of a sudden surge of wild monsters on the road to Huangchi County back to Iron‑Forging Town, requesting your assistance.】

【Task Reward: Increased favor with Iron‑Forging Town guard】

The reward for this task is somewhat unsatisfactory.

But since it's on the way, Chen Shicheng didn't refuse, nodding his agreement.

Soon, the team leader handed him a finished letter and also gave him an identification sash, stating that the guard will treat him well upon seeing the sash.

Chen Shicheng didn't expect the NPC to have anything nice to offer; after securing the two items, he continued on his way amid the soldiers' words of thanks.

(End of chapter)