A mere petty thief is not worth mentioning.

Clearly, this band of bandits had underestimated the strength and numbers of the Situ family's guards.

In less than the time it takes half an incense stick to burn, the bandits were struck down one after another by the guards' blades.

A few of the Situ family guards were injured, but fortunately, there were no casualties.

After simply bandaging his wounds, Cang Sheng returned to the carriage.

The previous battle had split the webbing between his thumb and forefinger, leaving his right hand wrapped in gauze.

Setting his longsword to his left side, Cang Sheng pulled an unfinished sandalwood branch wreath from his clothes to continue weaving, using the task to calm his somewhat unsettled mind.

A delicate, oval-shaped face peeked out from the carriage.

Situ Qingyi asked with concern, "Cang Sheng, are you alright? Were you hurt?"

"I'm fine. A few petty thieves are nothing to worry about."

Relieved, a joyful smile touched the corners of Situ Qingyi's lips.

After a brief reorganization, the merchant caravan moved forward once again.

"Brother Yi Feng, did you see my sword strike just now? Wasn't it pretty good?" Cang Sheng showed off.

Yi Feng nodded and praised, "To have such cultivation at your age is indeed quite impressive."

Cang Sheng revealed a radiant smile.

But soon after, his smile gradually faded, replaced by a look of sorrow.

"Sigh, I'm only at the Sixth Stage of the Martial Master Realm right now. I'm still a hundred thousand miles away from the Martial Spirit Realm."

"I'm afraid I'll never reach the Martial Spirit Realm in this lifetime. I'll never be as glorious and unparalleled as that big shot in Hua City, nor will I be able to see the vast rivers and mountains like you!"

Yi Feng comforted him, "Cang Sheng, you are still young. Reaching the Martial Spirit Realm is only a matter of time. When that day comes, you will definitely surpass that big shot in Hua City, overlook the mountains and seas, and fulfill your life's ambition."

Cang Sheng grinned and said, "Thank you, Brother Yi Feng. But you don't need to console me. I actually know that it's impossible for me to cultivate to the Martial Spirit Realm in this life. It's just a beautiful fantasy. After all..."

At this point, he glanced at the back of the carriage, seemingly afraid that the people inside would hear, and lowered his voice, "I will die when I turn thirty."

Hearing this, Yi Feng felt a sudden, inexplicable pang of sorrow.

He subconsciously raised his hand and gently patted the back of Cang Sheng's head, as if comforting a child.

Yi Feng looked at the distant mountain ranges, his gaze profound and distant, as a scene slowly surfaced in his mind.

It was a starry sky.

A man stood proudly at the pinnacle of the void, staring down a ferocious alien creature opposite him.

This man's surname was also Cang. His facial features were somewhat similar to Cang Sheng's, but with an added domineering aura accumulated over years of experience.

The man roared angrily at the alien, "Don't even think about laying a finger on us, and certainly don't think about ruining the Master's grand plan! Otherwise, I will turn you all to ash!"

The man's aura was like a rainbow. With a raise of his hand, he seemed to wield the weight of ten thousand thunderbolts, capable of destroying anything in his path.

Afterward, he engaged in a fierce battle with the alien for hundreds of rounds. They fought until the starry sky shattered and the void twisted. Everywhere they passed was reduced to flying ash.

Finally, the man used the power of the Great Dao to lock down the alien, at last gaining the upper hand.

The massive alien struggled desperately, still fighting like a cornered beast.

The man exerted all his strength to seal the alien. The massive consumption of energy, combined with the shocking wounds on his body, caused him to momentarily lose focus.

Right then, the alien seized the opportunity.

A nearly imperceptible beam of red light shot out from the center of the alien's brow.

Caught off guard, the red light sank into the man's body.

A piercing pain caused the man's entire body to tremble violently, yet he still maintained a death grip on the alien.

The alien's face contorted fiercely as it let out an extremely bizarre laugh.

"Hahaha! You have been struck by my race's curse! This curse will follow your bloodline for generations. As soon as your descendants turn thirty, they will inevitably die!"

The alien warned, "I advise you to let me go. I am the only one who can lift this curse!"

The man bit the root of his tongue, forcing out a drop of lifeblood.

In the next moment, the man's aura climbed steadily. Completely unmoved, his eyes shone with absolute determination as he clenched his fist tightly, intending to crush this sinister and vicious alien into powder!

Seeing this, the alien roared, "Do you want to see your descendants suffer the torment of this curse for all generations?!"

"Hmph, a dying struggle!"

The man gave a rebellious smile and then clenched his fist with force.

With a sizzling sound, the alien was crushed inch by inch, finally turning into flying ash that scattered across the starry sky.

Afterward, the man carried his longsword on his back and joined another battlefield without hesitation, his back looking solitary, brave, and tall!

Yi Feng pulled his thoughts back from his memories and glanced at Cang Sheng beside him.

His eyes were filled with affection. He patted Cang Sheng's shoulder again and said firmly, "Believe me, you can definitely do it. Just work hard, and anything is possible."

"Thank you, Brother Yi Feng. I will work hard."

Cang Sheng glanced at his Brother Yi Feng and saw expectation and approval in his eyes.

He knew that Brother Yi Feng's words and actions were from the bottom of his heart, and Cang Sheng felt a warmth in his chest.

Since his parents died, it had been a long time since Cang Sheng had felt this kind of elder-like care.

Although he was still somewhat confused as to why Brother Yi Feng remained so calm after learning he would die at thirty.

But none of that mattered anymore.

Brother Yi Feng was right. As long as he worked hard, there was hope for everything.

Cang Sheng's mood brightened considerably.

He quickly finished weaving the sandalwood branch wreath. The faint fragrance of sandalwood made him feel even more at ease.

"Third Miss, I wove a sandalwood wreath for you. See if you like it."

Cang Sheng said in a low voice, his tone betraying his lack of confidence.

Situ Qingyi lifted the curtain, taking the sandalwood wreath with a look of joy, and said a soft "thank you" that was as quiet as a mosquito's hum.

Hearing Situ Qingyi's thanks, Cang Sheng's little heart thumped wildly.

Afterward, he took the reins from Yi Feng's hands.

"Brother Yi Feng, thank you. I'll drive the horses now. You take a good rest."

Yi Feng smiled and nodded.

Inside the carriage cabin.

Situ Qingyi held the sandalwood wreath, carefully examining and stroking it.

The texture and fragrance of the branches made her feel comfortable, and the smile on her face was undisguised, bright and moving like the rising morning sun.

She placed the sandalwood wreath on her head; the size was just right.

She couldn't help but feel that Cang Sheng was very thoughtful.

Not only did he remember that she liked sandalwood, but he also wove the wreath to the perfect size.

Situ Qingyi knew that Cang Sheng had picked these sandalwood branches when he stopped the carriage earlier.

She had seen everything, including the wound on the webbing of Cang Sheng's right hand.

Feeling this affection, a smile unconsciously appeared on Situ Qingyi's face.

Before long, the caravan arrived at Hua City.

Along the way, the long streets were bustling with people.

Tall buildings stood row upon row; the city was thriving, noisy, and prosperous.

The caravan stopped when it reached a luxurious manor.

A massive wooden plaque hung above the gates of the luxurious manor, carved with three gilded characters: "Situ Manor."

Everyone dismounted and began taking inventory of the goods, preparing to carry them into the manor one by one.

Yi Feng also stepped down from the carriage and waited quietly to the side.

Cang Sheng attentively fetched a wooden stool for the Third Miss and helped Situ Qingyi down from the carriage.

The two exchanged a reluctant parting glance.

Before stepping through the manor gates, Situ Qingyi, clad in a yellow dress, stuck her tongue out at Cang Sheng in an incredibly playful and adorable manner.

Cang Sheng, on the other hand, scratched his head with a bewildered expression.

Seeing the Third Miss wearing the sandalwood branch circlet he had gifted her, his heart blossomed with joy.

He simply stood there in a daze, watching Situ Qingyi enter the estate until her silhouette completely disappeared from sight.