Ten days later, a magnificent, massive city appeared before the group’s eyes.
A golden-yellow plaque, inscribed with dragons and phoenixes, hung on the towering city walls. It bore three majestic characters—Jingyuan City.
They had arrived at the Imperial Capital!
As the capital of the Xuanfeng Dynasty, Jingyuan City was a place every Confucian disciple yearned for.
They longed to pass the examinations and earn official titles, building a legacy for the dynasty within the capital.
However, there were also many who solely pursued fame and fortune.
After all, satisfying one’s selfish desires was human nature. Aside from the legendary Confucian Saint, no one dared to claim they were truly dedicated only to the common people, devoid of all desire.
Near the city gates, a group of soldiers clad in armor with swords hanging from their waists stood in wait, inspecting passing travelers.
But Qin Heng simply walked over and whispered something in their ears. The soldiers’ expressions immediately turned respectful, and they allowed the entire group to enter without hesitation.
Entering Jingyuan City, the bustling scenery of the capital immediately filled their vision.
“Is this the Imperial Capital? It’s so beautiful!”
As her gaze darted between the dazzling array of high-rise buildings and the various goods lining the streets, Qing Yan felt dizzy with excitement and couldn't help but exclaim.
Compared to this vast capital, Ning’an Village seemed practically minuscule.
Qin Heng stepped forward and asked Chen Ning, “Does Brother Chen have a place to stay in the capital? If not, we can arrange one for you.”
Chen Ning shook his head. “It’s fine. The monks of Mingji Temple already sent a letter ahead to help me contact an inn. I can stay there for the time being.”
“I see...”
Qin Heng seemed a bit disappointed. He glanced at Xia Qiuyu and said, “However, might I be so bold as to ask for Brother Chen’s address? It is thanks to Brother Chen that we were able to return to the capital alive. After I go back and settle things, I would like to bring the Young Lady to pay a formal visit and express our gratitude.”
“Sure, let’s meet again in a while then.”
Chen Ning nodded and had the accompanying old monk hand the inn’s address to Qin Heng.
Knowing that the people he saved understood how to repay a debt of gratitude made Chen Ning feel that his efforts along the way hadn't been in vain.
At a crossroads, the two groups parted ways for the time being.
The old monk from Mingji Temple took his leave, while Qing Yan followed Chen Ning to the pre-booked inn according to the address in the letter.
The inn was called Qingtan Residence, a rather quiet and elegant place.
It seemed Mingji Temple had indeed put in a lot of effort. Although this inn was near the bustling areas, it was situated in a relatively secluded alley.
The location was convenient yet not noisy, and the room size and layout were excellent.
After registering their names in the ledger, Chen Ning and Qing Yan quickly found their assigned room with their luggage.
The layout of the room was quite good.
It faced the sun, and the room was furnished with two large beds and some simple, practical utensils. More importantly, upon opening the window, this position offered a panoramic view of half the capital’s prosperity.
“Young Master, you should start studying. Leave the cleaning of the room to me.”
After arriving in such a bustling capital, Qing Yan seemed to have endless energy.
She opened the windows for ventilation and swept the floor, becoming busy in no time.
Chen Ning didn't rest, however. He stood to the side, smiling as he quietly watched her.
Feeling his gaze, Qing Yan suddenly felt a bit embarrassed and complained, “Young Master, why are you staring at me like that?”
Chen Ning laughed. “It’s nothing. I just wanted to see when you might accidentally reveal your fox tail so I can take the opportunity to see how it feels.”
Qing Yan instinctively reached behind her to cover herself, a blush creeping onto her cheeks. “To actually target such a private place... Young Master, you’re a pervert!”
“A tail is considered a private place?!”
Chen Ning felt he was being greatly wronged.
Pulling his thoughts back, he decided to begin his morning reading for the day.
“When joy, anger, sorrow, and pleasure have not yet arisen, it is called the state of Equilibrium. When they arise and each hits the proper mark, it is called the state of Harmony...”
【Ding! Detected host studying 《The Doctrine of the Mean》, obtained 10 Noble Qi】
As expected of being in the Imperial Capital; he could actually obtain this much Noble Qi just from morning reading.
Chen Ning was slightly pleasantly surprised. He immediately opened the system panel to check his gains from the journey.
【Chen Ning】
【Noble Qi: 312】
Including the system rewards from killing the bandits earlier, he had unknowingly accumulated over three hundred points of Noble Qi.
After a moment of thought, Chen Ning upgraded Golden Word, Jade Rule—which was currently only at the first layer—along with the simplest and most violent Mountain-Collapsing Punch to Great Perfection.
【Chen Ning】
【Noble Qi: 12】
【Mountain-Collapsing Punch (200/200) (Great Perfection)】
【Golden Word, Jade Rule, Layer 1 (200/200) (Great Perfection)】
【Mountain-Treading Step (50/200)】
【Demon-Suppressing Pagoda (0/2100)】
【Blue Lotus Fire Seal (0/200)】
The new Divine Ability obtained from killing the Azure-maned Lion Demon was the Blue Lotus Fire Seal.
This Divine Ability only required touching the enemy’s body for three seconds to plant a fire seal within them.
Then, with a single thought, he could ignite the fire seal, causing the person to instantly self-combust into ashes.
While the condition of touching for three seconds was difficult to achieve in direct combat, this Divine Ability could absolutely kill someone without leaving a trace.
“Sss, how sinister, but I like it.”
Chen Ning did a rough calculation of the time.
He had arrived in the capital a bit early; there was about a month left until the Metropolitan Examination.
During this month, besides reading to prepare for the exam, he could also take Qing Yan around the capital to have some fun and relax his mind.
Of course, he could also pick a few easy tasks from the Demon Suppression Division to earn some bounties.
After all, every inch of land in the capital was worth its weight in gold. If he didn't have a source of income, he would have to tighten his belt.
“But if I’m not mistaken, there should be a sum of money coming in very soon.”
Knock, knock, knock.
“Is Brother Chen there? I, Qin Heng, have brought the Young Lady to visit you both.”
Just then, a knock sounded at the door.
Speak of the devil...
“The door isn't locked, come in,” Chen Ning called out.
Hearing this, the door creaked open slowly.
The two people outside had both changed their attire.
Qin Heng wore a blue-and-black Flying Fish Suit with a gold-inlaid short blade hanging from his waist.
Xia Qiuyu wore a pale pink embroidered silk robe, her hair lightly held by a butterfly ribbon, and her bright eyes were as brilliant as the stars.
Though she was still quite small, this luxurious clothing and temperament were clearly not something an ordinary wealthy family’s young lady would possess.
Qin Heng cupped his fists toward Chen Ning and said apologetically, “Forgive me, Brother Chen. Because I was worried about leaking secrets, I didn't explain this to you on the road. In truth, my Young Lady’s identity is the Little Princess of the Xuanfeng Dynasty, the current Emperor’s only daughter.”
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