Lord Shenxiu
Chapter 254: Consulting the I Ching (Seeking Monthly Votes)

Chapter 254: Chapter 254: Consulting the I Ching (Seeking Monthly Votes)

The Second Yan Han Empire, with Changluo as its capital, was also located in Jade State.

This Jade State, formerly known as Yu State, was once an important point of immigration for the Yan Han First Empire. After the collapse of the first empire, the remaining people of Yan Han in Yu State were invigorated to rise from the ruins and founded the Second Yan Han Empire.

To demonstrate a distinction from the previous dynasty, they renamed Yu State as Jade State and established their capital in Changluo.

Similarly, the mountain gate of the Supreme Dragon and Tiger Sect, located on Dragon Tiger Mountain, was also within this state, revealing a relationship with the imperial court so close that they might as well be wearing the same pants.

As the core territory of the Second Yan Han Empire, it’s natural that Jade State was exceptionally prosperous. People thronged the streets, and caravans converged. Ever since Zhong Shenxiu had entered this state, all he had seen were enchanting city views.

Almost every hundred miles he could see a large city; places like Luo State and Fufeng, which were desolate and remote, could not even compare.

As he was pondering, Sima Shu’s telepathic message reached his ears, "Having reached this place, we’re safe... Even if the Yellow Spring Demon Sect had eight times their courage, they wouldn’t dare to challenge the government authority here..."

"I see a posthouse below, perhaps we could rest there for a while."

Lan Ying’er said suddenly, her eyes flashing with a divine light.

"Mm, it would be good to have a break from journeying under the open sky," said Sima Shu, nodding in agreement.

Zhong Shenxiu, not understanding, listened as Han Meizi explained, "Junior brother, you may not know that we have to go through Changluo to reach Dragon Tiger Mountain where our sect is... Changluo is the imperial capital, and even a Primordial Pill Old Monster wouldn’t dare to fly across it blatantly. One must take a detour."

"Outside of Changluo, there are eight defensive cities, arranged according to the Bagua, each named as follows: Heaven and Earth, Land Map, Divine Mountain, Daze, Hengshui, Fu Huo, Sunshine, and Thunderclap..."

"The city we will soon reach is the city of Daze!"

As his words fell, a vast expanse of misty waves appeared in front of Zhong Shenxiu.

A sense of weightiness suddenly descended upon him.

Though he could still resist it, seeing Sima Shu and the others descending their flight, Zhong Shenxiu naturally wouldn’t go his own way.

"These eight defensive cities have the responsibility of protecting the Imperial City, and cultivators are not allowed to fly nearby... Of course, if you are a Primordial Spirit Ancestor or a Dharma Body Expert, then you can do as you wish," explained Sima Shu with a smile as they proceeded on foot.

The wisps of mist disbanded, revealing one of the large cities.

It seemed as if all the smoky clouds from the Imperial City had gathered here. The city walls towered into the clouds with various enchantments shimmering on their surfaces.

Most intriguing was that it seemed to have been built over a great marsh, with the entire city floating on water. But when Zhong Shenxiu stepped onto it, he realized that what seemed like a glittering water surface was actually solid ground.

"It’s quite bizarre, isn’t it? This City of Misty Waters is one of the eight scenic wonders of Changluo. It is known for ’vast waves of mist, reflecting twin cities.’"

Sima Shu said with a smile, standing to the side.

"This is just one defensive city, and it’s so splendid; it’s hard to imagine the splendor of Changluo..." Zhong Shenxiu observed the reflection on the water—an enormous city—casting a mutual glow with the city above, and he couldn’t help but express his sincere admiration.

"There’s no time to visit now given the urgency of our mission, but there will always be another chance," Sima Shu consoled, and the group didn’t enter the city, instead finding a roadside posthouse.

According to the Second Yan Han Empire’s regulations, posthouses were established every fifty miles along the official roads. Each posthouse was managed by a Posthouse Governor and a number of clerks to provide lodging, change horses, and to convey urgent documents for traveling officials.

These types of transportation infrastructure were not originally intended for the common people.

Fortunately, all those present held official ranks.

Zhong Shenxiu’s Eighth-Rank Law Enforcement Officer status turned out to be the youngest of them all.

When he saw Lan Ying’er casually pull out the official seal of a Golden Que Doctor, he knew he had underestimated the close relationship between the Supreme Dragon and Tiger Sect and the court.

"It makes sense... To cultivate the Dragon-subduing and Tiger-suppressing Divine Seal, one must possess a hint of official air... But most ordinary disciples of the Supreme Dragon and Tiger Sect don’t hold government positions. Does that mean they don’t practice cultivation?"

"The court must certainly offer a batch of nominal positions, maybe even blank appointment letters, for the Supreme Dragon and Tiger Sect to fill out as they please... As for Lan Ying’er? It can only be said that she truly is favored. Others strive for a lifetime and yet don’t achieve the high rank she gets with ease..."

"It’s just a pity... I didn’t get the chance to properly visit Daze City."

Being close to the Emperor’s feet, the Posthouse Governor was unlike any other; over fifty years old, seeing a group of Daoist Officials didn’t surprise him much. He’d likely entertained princes and the Prince before and simply ordered accommodations for food and lodging without any urgency.

Thanks to his status, Zhong Shenxiu also got a room and was able to properly wash away the noise and discomfort of recent days spent exposed to the elements.

By evening, he had changed into a lake-blue long shirt, casually tied up his hair, and wearing the burlap shoes that had been delivered, strolled leisurely out of the posthouse.

Although it was still outside Daze City, there was no real danger, hence numerous towns were nearby, especially around the posthouse where there was a market.

At this time, there happened to be an evening market.

"Ancient times had strict curfews, barring emergencies like sickness or childbirth, one was not allowed out, but that was within the city. The rules didn’t apply outside..."

"Moreover... in the territory of the Second Yan Han Empire, there’s a natural confidence that no one would dare cause trouble in the dark..."

Zhong Shenxiu stepped on the rural path’s green stone slabs and entered the market, finding it quite lively.

There were various hawkers, carrying or displaying a myriad of goods for sale, gathering special products from the north and south, which was quite an eye-opener for him.

After all, even as the previous Su Daoshi, a side branch of a county’s prominent family, he’d never been to Jade State at the Emperor’s feet in his whole life.

The crowds converged, forming several large rings, and there were even performances of juggling and other tricks.

Even more surprising, Zhong Shenxiu sensed several complex mana fluctuations; there were Loose Cultivators mimicking those performers doing acrobatics to earn some coins.

It was unclear if they were truly enjoying the wandering life or simply short on cash.

Amused, Zhong Shenxiu watched a few acts, then surveyed the roadside stalls, not finding any notable bargains.

He didn’t mind, taking the outing as a chance to walk and unwind.

"If I could find treasures just by casually browsing stalls, how incredible would my luck have to be?"

"Besides, at the Emperor’s feet, what great people aren’t around? It wouldn’t be my turn."

As Zhong Shenxiu was lost in his thoughts, suddenly a voice reached his ears, "Sir, would you like to have your fortune told?"

He looked in the direction of the sound and saw at the street corner a fortune-telling stall; the stall owner was an old man with a long beard, exuding the air of a sage, quite presentable, with a white banner behind him inscribed with the boldly written ink characters "Iron-Mouthed Prognosticator."

At the moment, a pair of cloudy eyes were looking at him expectantly.

"Why not... let’s have my fortune told."

Zhong Shenxiu laughed heartily and sat down, tossing out a few White Emperor Coins.

The old man’s eyes lit up as he hurriedly accepted the coins, replying with a smile, "What would you like to inquire about, sir? I’m skilled at face reading and bone feeling, but not so much at fortune-telling by letters."

"Not to hide it from you, I am a Cultivator, so let’s hear about my future prospects," Zhong Shenxiu said with a smile.

Hearing that this young sir was a Cultivator, the old man didn’t show any surprise; he stroked his beard and said, "Very well, let’s take a look at your future prospects!"

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