As Nangong Zhan led the Li and Zhang families toward the commandery city, the Azure Cloud Ridge army also began their retreat.

Li Xuancang felt a surge of excitement at the thought of soon reuniting with family he hadn't seen in years; his emotions were hard to calm.

Nangong Zhan drove the carriage, carrying Father Li, Mother Li, and the entire family of his eldest sister Li Xiu, racing along under the escort of the Qingyang County Yamen guards.

Three days later, just as they left the borders of Qingyang County and entered the mountain path leading to the commandery city, they encountered an unexpected situation.