The Azure Heaven Continent, outskirts of Fallen Star Mountains.
Two large black horses that had some pitch-black scales and dragon-like face were pulling a huge red carriage that was slowly moving towards the inner regions of the mountains. These were Dragon Horses only high nobilities of Pure Mist Country could afford. Although they are called Dragon, they didn't even have a shred of True Dragon bloodline in them, it was just based on their looks or perhaps someone wanted to just show off, so they named it as such.
The carriage was surrounded by twenty fully armed guards and dozens of mercenaries that they hired back in Fallen Star City.
The butler Guo Gang was himself driving the carriage with utter concentration so that he could avoid as many pitfalls as possible and make the journey smooth for the person inside the carriage. It was obvious that he cared a lot about the person in the carriage, to a ridiculous level!
Suddenly the carriage stopped and from it emerged a young maid. She had a young face, looking around twenty years old, beautiful complexion and a well-endowed figure. All the mercenaries were staring at her with shining eyes full of lust, although it made her slightly uncomfortable, she didn't care as they never will have the nerve to harass her, not unless they want their entire families to fallow them to the grave.
She looked towards the mercenaries and shouted, "Everyone please listen, it will take eight hours from here to reach the cave of the Flaming Python. It is already evening and we don't want to fight it in the night as many beasts will hunt during that time. So, our young miss suggests that we find a good place to stop and rest for tonight, and fight the beast tomorrow morning," stared at the mob and continued "You are all the best hunters from Fallen Star City, If you have knowledge of a good camping place around here please let me know, we will head there. Don't worry, for all those who perform merits, our Lin family never treats them unjustly, you will be rewarded handsomely."
A couple of them suggested places, some of them too small for the group or they would have to go out of the way to reach there.
"There is a lake three li north of here, it's on the way to the Flaming Python's cave. I believe it has enough space around for us to camp. We can even refill our water supplies" said the strongest of the mercenaries Lin family had hired, Zeng Cai. He was brutish looking bald man with a huge scar on his face. He always had a dangerous glint in his eyes. Nobody knew why he accepted this mission as he usually likes going solo. The Lin family had made inquiries but didn't find anything on him so they couldn't just reject him without reason that would have made the other mercenaries unhappy and not many would accept their missions again. But then again, since they found no problem, it would do them no good rejecting a peak low-level Qi condensation expert's help.
"That is a good option, please wait a minute, I will confirm with Young Miss," said the maid and went back into the carriage.
Inside the carriage was a large space. A large red curtain separated the space into two sections. On the other side of the curtain, a young maiden with flawless features was relaxing leaning against the pillows on a red bed. She wore a pure white battle outfit. She looked like a fairy from painting, not flaw whatsoever could be seen on her. Even the most heinous criminals would feel their hearts break if they make her sad.
"Miss, Patriarch was right, that Zeng Cai suggested a place for us to camp," said the maid.
"I heard, so they are finally taking action, hha," Lin Xue'er exhaled lightly, curling her lips upwards lightly. Her voice was like a melody from the heavens itself. Although no man was here to see it, it was the most perfect face with the absolute best expression. If an artist captured it, he might have been hailed as the genius artist for generations. Even the maids were entranced looking at her. "Yi, focus, let him know we will camp at the lake. They thought I have only brought Uncle Gong with me, they are in for a huge surprise."
"What can I do Miss, you are too beautiful," Yi said helplessly "Alright, I will do as you command."
With approval from Xue'er, the group started move towards the lake.
Inside the carriage.
"Miss, everything is going according to plan," Yi was reported.
Xue'er lied down relaxed and listened while another maid was massaging her shoulder, helping her relaxing her muscles.
"Yun, enough. Get some rest. We might have to fight tonight," said Xue'er to the maid who was massaging her.
Yi and Yun were the two maids that kept her company for as long as she remembers. They were more than just maids, they were like childhood friends who always kept her company.
"Miss, I have heard that Yang family Patriarch brought marriage proposal, they would help Lin family deal with Ma family and be our eternal allies in exchange for your hand in marriage to Young Master of Yang family, Yang Ping," Yun giggled causing Xue'er to stop smiling. Her face hardened, this was the third time some family has brought such a proposal. Some Young Master's lusted for her beauty, some just wanted to make strong connections. This had caused her no small amount of trouble. Until she found a reason to reject them all and spoke to her dad about it. Even now, there's always be some self-centered Young Masters trying to impress her.
Seeing Xue'er's expression changing, "Patriarch refused of course, there is no need for miss to worry. Hadn't Patriarch promised that he will only marry you to the one you like, even if he is a beggar or a prince as long as you like him, he will have no objections. Patriarch even said he can even abduct the man even if doesn't want to marry you, who could stop our Patriarch?" said Yan hastily.
"It's okay, I know. I just want to marry someone who truly loves me, whom I can proudly call My Man, not become some random Yong Master's plaything or a tool to further their political ambitions," said Xue'er while looking despondent.
Just when they were about to continue, the convoy suddenly stopped.
Surprised, "Yi, check what happened!"
"Yes, Miss," said Yi and left the carriage to check what's going on.
A few minutes later, Yi came back in a dazed stupor.
"Yi, what happened? Why did we stop? Why are you dazed?" Xue'er asked several questions while a frown appeared on her beautiful face.
"I saw the most perfect man in the entire world," said Yi still in daze.
"Yi! Snap out of it and tell us what happened?" Yun shouted this time. She couldn't understand what happened to her best friend to put her into such a stupor.
Yi snapped out and said in an urgency, "Miss, we have to help, there is a god-like, most handsome, …" she was about to continue when irritated Yun interrupted her, "Say, who do you want Miss to help, keep it short!"
"Yes, yes, we have to hurry and help. There is someone seriously injured in front of our carriage. The guards couldn't decide what to do so they stopped to check. Miss, we have to save him, he is really too handsome, we cannot let him die like this," Yi insisted.
"Okay, let's go and check this god-like handsome person," Xue'er smiled and said. She didn't know she would find the one she was fated to fall for here, on this deserted mountain road.