The moon hung low over the city of Anxi, casting long shadows over the silent streets. The city had not yet awakened, but within the Qiao residence, the air was heavy with urgency. Liu Bei, Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and Zhao Ming packed their belongings with quiet efficiency, their movements guided by a shared understanding—this was their last night in Anxi.


    A soft knock on the door broke the silence. Qiao Xian entered, followed closely by his father, Qiao Ren. They carried bundles wrapped in cloth—supplies for the journey ahead.


    “You must leave before dawn,” Qiao Ren whispered, glancing toward the courtyard as if expecting spies to be lurking. “The city is still dangerous for you.”


    Zhao Ming stepped forward, his voice calm despite the weight of the moment. “We appreciate your kindness, Elder Qiao. Without you, we might not have made it this far.”


    Qiao Xian’s eyes flickered with concern as he turned to Zhao Ming. “Will you be safe out there? Sun Yichen and Zhao Liang will not let you go so easily.”


    Zhao Ming gave him a reassuring smile, though deep down, unease coiled in his chest. “We will manage.”


    Outside the residence, a handful of townspeople had gathered in secret. Their eyes reflected gratitude and sorrow. One elderly man stepped forward. “You defended us when no one else would. We won’t forget that.”


    Liu Bei bowed deeply. “It was our duty.”


    From the shadows, Sun Yichen and Zhao Liang observed the scene. Sun Yichen smirked, his voice laced with disdain. “Let them flee. Soon, they will be nothing more than wandering vagrants.”


    Zhao Liang, his arm still bandaged from their last encounter, scowled. “They won’t escape for long.”


    <hr>


    The first rays of sunlight barely touched the horizon as the group rode northward, keeping to lesser-known paths. The journey was silent at first, each man lost in his thoughts.


    After a while, Zhang Fei grumbled, “So, where are we going? Are we just going to wander like beggars?”


    Liu Bei sighed. “We must be cautious. If we head to the provincial capital, we may find allies.”


    Guan Yu stroked his beard thoughtfully. “But we must also consider the risks. The Sun family’s influence may extend beyond Anxi.”


    Zhao Ming, who had remained quiet, finally spoke. “We should head north. Away from the corrupt officials and towards lands where warlords are still establishing their power.”


    Liu Bei considered this, his expression solemn. “Youbeiping could be an option. The local governor there is rumored to be fair.”


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    Zhao Ming clenched his hands around the reins of his horse. Though he had made his choice to leave Anxi, a sense of foreboding settled over him. Their troubles were far from over.


    <hr>


    Night fell as they made camp near a riverbank, the sound of rushing water offering a momentary sense of peace. But peace was short-lived.


    A sudden whistle of an arrow cut through the air. Before anyone could react, a volley of arrows rained down upon them.


    “Ambush!” Zhang Fei roared, grabbing his spear.


    Dark figures emerged from the trees—mercenaries clad in black, their faces obscured by cloth masks. Steel clashed against steel as the battle erupted.


    Guan Yu swung his glaive, cutting down two attackers with ease. Liu Bei held his own, parrying strikes with his twin swords. Zhang Fei fought like a raging bull, his spear a whirlwind of death.


    Zhao Ming, however, took a different approach. He observed their enemies carefully, noting their disciplined formations. These were no ordinary bandits. He sidestepped an incoming strike and countered with a precise thrust, striking a vital point. The mercenary fell instantly.


    One of the assailants lunged at Zhao Ming, their blades clashing in a flurry of sparks. Zhao Ming deflected a strike aimed at his throat and delivered a powerful kick, sending his attacker stumbling backward. As the man regained his footing, his cloak shifted, revealing a golden sun emblem embroidered on his sleeve.


    Zhao Ming’s eyes narrowed. The Sun family.


    A cold determination settled over him. If Sun Yichen thought he could eliminate them so easily, he was gravely mistaken.


    <hr>


    Exhausted and wounded, they found shelter in a small village nestled in the mountains. The villagers were wary at first but relented after hearing their story.


    As they tended to their wounds, Liu Bei sat beside Zhao Ming. “We need to decide our next move.”


    Guan Yu nodded. “The provincial capital may provide us with resources, but it is also dangerous.”


    Zhang Fei crossed his arms. “I don’t like hiding like a rat, but we need a place to regroup.”


    Zhao Ming remained silent, lost in thought. He traced the memory of the golden sun emblem in his mind. The Sun family’s influence reached farther than he had anticipated.


    “I believe the best course of action is to move north,” Zhao Ming finally said. “We avoid the major cities and stay off the main roads. The Sun family will not stop until we are dead.”


    Liu Bei exhaled deeply. “North, then. But where will we end up?”


    Before Zhao Ming could respond, a sudden ding echoed in his mind. A system notification appeared before him.


    <blockquote>


    [Because of your involvement, Liu Bei was removed from Anxi earlier than the original timeline.]


    A set of choices appeared before him:


    <ol>


    <li>Follow Liu Bei and become his advisor.</li>


    <li>Tell Liu Bei to go north and roam around.</li>


    <li>Separate from Liu Bei without informing him.</li>


    </ol>


    [A reward will be given accordingly.]


    </blockquote>


    Zhao Ming hesitated. His decision here could shape his future. He closed his eyes briefly, weighing his options.


    Finally, he chose the second option.


    <hr>


    Zhao Ming turned to Liu Bei. “You should go north. Youbeiping is your best chance to stay low and find allies.”


    Liu Bei studied him carefully. “And what about you?”


    “I need to forge my own path,” Zhao Ming said. “The world is changing. Corruption is rampant, and warlords are growing stronger. I need to understand the chaos before deciding where I stand.”


    Guan Yu looked at him with respect. “You are wise beyond your years.”


    Zhang Fei huffed. “Hah! Just don’t go dying on us.”


    Liu Bei stepped forward and clasped Zhao Ming’s shoulder. “If fate allows, our paths will cross again.”


    That night, as the fire crackled in the dimly lit room, Zhao Ming lay awake, staring at the ceiling. The road ahead was uncertain, but he had made his choice.


    Tomorrow, he would walk alone into the unknown.