The Gordon Family is wealthy, and Miles Gordon is even a major client of Shenghetang. Why would he care about fifty taels of silver?

Ethan Scott is the same; the net profit from his shops each day is more than fifty taels.

Ethan Lane thought it over and gave up as well.

His father is the chief clerk at the county yamen. Although not as rich as the other two, they are still well-off.

If he has time to work as an escort, he'd rather spend it quietly cultivating.

As for Charles Brooks, although his family isn't wealthy, his parents did leave him some assets, so he isn't struggling to make ends meet.

Besides, traveling as a merchant can be dangerous, so after thinking it over, he declined.

Adam Harper spoke up directly: "Disciple is willing to make the trip."

Cultivation is cultivation no matter where you are, but he truly was short on silver.

The ten taels he got from George Mason, even with frugal living, were almost gone by now.

Even if his father were still alive, that little monthly allowance probably wouldn't be enough to support him.

Miles Gordon glanced at Adam Harper with a hint of disdain.

Going as an escort for fifty taels of silver—does this kind of person really deserve to compete with me?

James Thompson sent the other four out and smiled at Brian Brooks: "This disciple of mine is the most solidly grounded and the most formidable in actual combat among this group. He's just right for this trip."

Brian Brooks also knew James Thompson wouldn't lie, so he nodded and said, "One person is a bit too few—four would be best."

For most escort agencies, three or four people are enough for a job.

Those large groups of dozens escorting big shipments are mostly laborers moving goods.

The escorts only step in to fight off enemies at critical moments, not to carry cargo.

Hiring too many escorts is expensive; if the cost of the escort is higher than the goods, it's not worth it.

"Master, what do you think of Samuel Thompson? His foundation and strength are pretty good too."

Adam Harper recommended.

He knew Samuel Thompson was also short on money and would definitely be willing to go.

James Thompson thought for a moment and nodded: "Samuel Thompson is good. Call him in and ask if he wants to go."

James Thompson knew all the disciples in the martial arts school like the back of his hand.

Although Samuel Thompson was a bit lazy, his strength was actually above average.

After Adam Harper called Samuel Thompson over, he agreed immediately and looked at Adam Harper with gratitude.

To be called for such a good opportunity—he really is a true brother!

After that, James Thompson selected two more disciples whose families weren't well-off but who had solid foundations and strength.

The four, with Adam Harper as the lead, agreed to meet at the entrance of Shenghetang the next day.

After going home, Adam Harper practiced as usual until midnight before getting ready for bed.

Before sleeping, he checked his current attribute status.

In the past half month, he had opened up twenty more acupoints and one meridian.

His strength had grown steadily, but there hadn't been any major breakthroughs.

【Name: Adam Harper

Cultivation: Postnatal Meridian Opening Stage (120 acupoints opened, five meridians.)

Martial Arts Techniques: Postnatal Stage "Iron Elephant Skill" proficiency (70%), Postnatal Stage "Vajra Fist" proficiency 75%

Current Status: Vital energy and blood abundant】

""Iron Elephant Skill"" and ""Vajra Fist"" are almost at full proficiency. After that, I'll be able to break through.

But the problem is, where do I get the materials needed for the breakthrough? Am I supposed to sacrifice parts of my own body, or go kill someone?"

Adam Harper rubbed his head, feeling a bit of a headache.

Even if he wanted to become a killing maniac, it's not that easy to kill people and collect vital energy.

In Heishi County, the only martial artists are either in the martial arts school, part of a clan or gang, or in the yamen.

He almost got caught after killing William Clark; if he targets others, he'll end up being wanted and have nowhere to hide in Heishi County.

After thinking for a while, Adam Harper stopped dwelling on it. He was setting out tomorrow and needed to stay sharp.

This was actually Adam Harper's first time leaving Heishi County. In his memory, he had never left since childhood, always staying within the county town.

The next morning.

Adam Harper wasn't even up yet when Samuel Thompson came banging on his door.

"Why are you here so early? And why did you pack so much stuff?"

As soon as he opened the door, Adam Harper was startled.

Samuel Thompson was carrying luggage half as tall as a person, like he was moving house.

"We're going to be away for several days, so I have to be prepared! I even brought pots and pans.

Those escort agencies bring way more stuff than I do."

Adam Harper was speechless. "We're not an escort agency; we're just responsible for protecting the Shenghetang caravan. They're a big business—don't you think they'll have all that covered?"

"That's true."

Samuel Thompson scratched his head, put down most of his luggage, and only brought his weapons and a change of clothes with Adam Harper. On the way, he bought a few buns for breakfast at the street corner.

When Adam Harper and Samuel Thompson arrived, the other two disciples from the martial arts school were already there, and the Shenghetang caravan was gathering at the entrance.

There weren't too many people—about twenty or so Shenghetang staff and eight carriages.

As the chief manager of Shenghetang, Brian Brooks naturally wouldn't go in person; he had to stay in the county town to oversee things.

The leader was an old man in his seventies named Martin Brooks, who, in terms of seniority, was a distant uncle of Brian Brooks.

With so many priceless medicinal herbs, Brian Brooks certainly wouldn't feel at ease leaving everything to outsiders for protection—he had to have one of his own people in charge.