I transmigrated to a chaotic world and became the sole player.

The镖师 (bodyguards/escorts) of Changfeng镖局 (Changfeng Escort Agency) were disciplined. When they fetched water and rested, they did not disturb the refugees. They brought their own dry food, and soon smoke rose from their cooking fires, and the aroma of meat filled the air, making the children among the refugees swallow their saliva, but they were all held tightly by the adults.

The镖头 (bodyguard/escort) Li Feng and Master Zhao chatted amiably. Li Feng appeared aloof, but was actually quite straightforward. He frankly admitted that the world was in turmoil, with demons and evil spirits appearing everywhere, and bandits rampant. Their escort mission was far from easy. Master Zhao, in turn, lamented the suffering of the displaced people and the hardships of the world.

Lu Zhao did not participate in the conversation. He sat on a large rock not far away, seemingly resting with his eyes closed, but in reality, the [Refining Spirit Technique] was quietly operating, and his senses were like an invisible spider web, enveloping the entire escort team.

He "heard" the bodyguards' hushed conversation, mostly about their experiences on the journey and their amazement at the valley's environment—"This place is so peaceful, much more comfortable than outside." "Yes, Chief Bodyguard, I think this valley has something special; the spiritual energy is stronger than outside."...

He also "saw" the female bodyguard named Liu Qingqing. After settling the mules and horses, she strolled around seemingly casually, but her gaze repeatedly swept over the broken soul-summoning bell at her waist, her eyes filled with scrutiny and a hint of barely perceptible vigilance.

This woman has very keen senses! Lu Zhao thought to himself with a chill.

Sure enough, not long after, Liu Qingqing came over to Lu Zhao with a bowl of hot water and a smile.

"Young man, you don't look like an ordinary refugee. Are you a guard of 'Wang Anju'?" Liu Qingqing handed the bowl of water to Lu Zhao, her tone friendly and natural.

Lu Zhao opened his eyes, took the bowl of water, thanked him, and calmly replied, "Master Liu is joking. I was just lucky to escape here with Master Zhao and everyone else. I can't say I was a bodyguard."

Liu Qingqing sat down beside him, her gaze sweeping over the wood-chopping knife at his side and the somewhat incongruous bell at his waist. She smiled and said, "Young man, you're too modest. Judging from your composed demeanor and sharp eyes, you must have practiced martial arts. In this desolate wilderness, without some skill, one cannot protect the peace of this place." She then casually pointed to the summoning bell, "This bell has a unique design, unlike ordinary objects. Where did you obtain it, young man?"

"She's here!" Lu Zhao's mind raced. This woman had indeed come for the bell. He remained outwardly calm and sighed, "To be honest, Escort Liu, a few nights ago, some evil sorcerers used demons to attack the camp. This bell was a trophy obtained from one of those sorcerers. I kept it because of its unusual material, but I don't know what it is."

He half-truthfully attributed the origin of the bell to a dead sorcerer, thus explaining its origin and subtly demonstrating his own strength—he was no ordinary refugee capable of killing a sorcerer who commanded evil spirits.

A look of "I knew it" flashed in Liu Qingqing's eyes. Her smile faded slightly, and she asked seriously, "Young man, do you know what this is?"

Lu Zhao shook his head: "Please enlighten me, Master Liu."

"This item is called the 'Soul-Summoning Bell,' a magical artifact commonly used by evil cultivators to attract and control wandering spirits, and even to create evil objects," Liu Qingqing said seriously. "The bell is made of Yin Iron and contains Yin Sha runes. Although you killed that sorcerer, this item has been immersed in Yin Sha energy for many years, which is harmful to the wearer's mind. Prolonged contact may unknowingly lead to the erosion of Yin energy, and may even attract the attention of other evil spirits."

Upon hearing this, Lu Zhao's heart skipped a beat. He had only known it was a soul-summoning bell from the panel, but he was unaware of this hidden danger. No wonder the panel displayed "Damaged, effectiveness greatly reduced"; if it had been intact, the negative effects would likely have been even greater. He quickly untied the bell from his waist and asked, "Thank you for the reminder, Escort Master Liu! What should we do with this? Destroy it?"

Seeing his willingness to comply, Liu Qingqing's expression softened, and she nodded, saying, "It's best to destroy it. You can calcify it with a strong fire, or soak it in pure yang substances (such as strong liquor or rooster blood) to purify it, and then bury it deep underground. However..." She paused, glanced at Lu Zhao, and continued, "I see that you seem to possess extraordinary abilities, with spiritual power far exceeding that of ordinary people; otherwise, you would find it difficult to resist the yin energy of this thing. If you are interested, my escort agency has a rudimentary 'exorcism talisman technique' that can be used to draw 'purification talismans' to deal with such evil spirits. Although it's not profound, it's still practical."

Lu Zhao's heart skipped a beat! Exorcism talismans? Purification talismans? Isn't this exactly the knowledge he desperately needs right now? Not only can it deal with the Soul-Summoning Bell, but if he obtains materials similar to Soul Cores in the future, he might also be able to use talismans to assist in purification, making it even more efficient!

However, he remained calm on the surface, cupping his hands and saying, "I appreciate Master Liu's kindness. However, such skills must be very precious, and I have nothing of value to offer, so I dare not ask for them."

Liu Qingqing smiled, her words carrying a deeper meaning: "No matter how precious a skill is, it only has value when someone uses it. The world is becoming increasingly chaotic; the more skills you have, the more opportunities you have to survive. I think you have potential, young brother. If fate allows, you can come to Changfeng Escort Agency in 'Qingmu Town' to the south to find me. As for the reward…" She glanced at the valley, "This place is quite beautiful and spiritual. If you can tell us about the nearby mountain paths, whether there are any dangerous demonic lairs, etc., that would be enough."

Instead of insisting on an immediate exchange, she extended an invitation for the future and made a seemingly simple request, demonstrating goodwill while leaving room for maneuver.

Lu Zhao understood that this was a signal from the other party to make friends, while also trying to obtain information from him. After a moment's thought, he nodded and said, "Master Liu is a man of few words, which I admire. I do know some things about the nearby paths and dangers, so I will inform you."

At that moment, Lu Zhao recounted what he had explored within several miles of the valley, including where there might be beast lairs and where the terrain was treacherous, selectively mentioning what he could, while omitting the abandoned border town and the Soul-Eating Puppet, among other extraordinary things.

Liu Qingqing listened attentively, nodding occasionally; clearly, this information was very helpful for their route planning.

After the conversation, Liu Qingqing got up to say goodbye and went back to discuss things quietly with Li Feng.

Lu Zhao looked at the summoning bell in his hand, then at Liu Qingqing's retreating figure, pondering in his heart. Changfeng Escort Agency seemed to be a legitimate force he could contact. Qingmu Town… perhaps his next destination after leaving the valley and venturing into a wider world.

Before that, however, he needs to deal with the immediate threats and further enhance his strength. Does that evil sorcerer's "accomplice" truly exist? And how many secrets does this seemingly peaceful valley conceal?

He clenched his fist, feeling the growing power within him.

No matter what lies ahead, he now has the confidence to keep going.