Otherworld Advance Team
Chapter 1722 - 1715: Parting from Guyi

Chapter 1722: Chapter 1715: Parting from Guyi

The next day, just as everyone anticipated, Anxiang Zheng withdrew the government soldiers outside the inn and paid a visit himself. Unlike last time, he was much more humble and wouldn’t even dare look Luo’er in the eyes, seeming quite unsure of himself.

"Since the Saint entered Guyi, there’s been unrest in the city. As the governor, I’m indeed partly to blame. I had to dispatch soldiers to protect the Saint, leading to a misunderstanding. I ask for your forgiveness for my incompetence."

Facing Luo’er, Anxiang Zheng bowed and clasped his hands, speaking very humbly.

"The unrest in the city has many causes and cannot be entirely blamed on the Manor Lord. In fact, it’s a fault of inaction," Luo’er said calmly.

"No, no, it’s my incompetence, causing distress to the Saint," Anxiang Zheng replied.

"I have no intention of meddling in city affairs. Since the crisis is over, can we leave Guyi and continue northwards?" Luo’er asked.

"Certainly, certainly. I am unable to host you properly, which is my fault, causing the Saint to leave in alarm," Anxiang Zheng said respectfully.

"There’s no need for the Manor Lord to feel guilty," Luo’er said with a cryptic smile, speaking lightly, "Your moral integrity can ensure Guyi’s peace. However, going on like this won’t solve anything; when people perish, politics cease. The Manor Lord should consider a way forward."

Startled, Anxiang Zheng carefully asked, "I am obtuse; please enlighten me, Saint."

"I have already made my points. If there is nothing else, I intend to leave the city today. Please don’t obstruct us, Manor Lord," Luo’er said without his smile.

"I dare not," Anxiang Zheng said again, bowing.

After sending off Anxiang Zheng, Luo’er and his companions began packing, hitched the carriage, then boarded one by one, setting off for West Market under the gaze of many.

Throughout this process, Anxiang Zheng neither dispatched soldiers to obstruct them nor to escort them. Naturally, he dared not escort, otherwise, how would he explain at home?

The carriage attracted a lot of attention along the way, especially upon entering West Market, where crowds gathered endlessly. Beggars and slaves stared at the Saint’s carriage with yearning eyes, yet dared not approach, completely blocking the road ahead.

Food vendors smelled opportunity, and followed the carriage with their carts, hoping to make a big profit.

"Now the beggars have blocked the entire road," Hu Daoke and Cheng Ziang exchanged concerned looks and couldn’t help but complain.

"Just give them some food. What’s there to worry about?" Tangmo’s voice came from inside the carriage.

"Why not ask Xiao Fula to perform a miracle and scare them all away?" Hu Daoke started suggesting ideas.

"Material problems can only be resolved by material means, they are hungry, not brave," Cheng Ziang gave him a scolding look and said with annoyance.

"What should we do then, we can’t just indulge them forever, right?" Hu Daoke spread his hands and said.

"It’s simple," Baiyue said, jumping off the carriage, "The three of us will draw them away while Feng drives the carriage out of the city. We’ll regroup outside once we’re done here."

"Is that alright? We’re splitting up again. What if there’s danger?" Hu Daoke asked anxiously.

"Don’t worry, remember, there are plenty of people secretly guarding the Saint," Baiyue reassured him.

"Speaking of which, I sent Xiao Fula to notify Xing Hu this morning; that guy should be waiting outside the city," Cheng Ziang recalled.

"So the three of us," Hu Daoke still expressed concern.

"Why are you panicking? Don’t forget, I’m here," Cheng Ziang said confidently, patting his chest.

After some arrangements, the Advance Team split into two groups: one stayed behind to distract the people blocking the road, while the carriage continued towards the city outskirts as planned. Once the matters in the city were resolved, they would regroup outside.

As for safety, there was little concern for Luo’er, as the Emperor’s Sect was constantly watching over him to prevent any mishaps. Xing Hu from the Hongying Sect was also outside to assist; though he lacked much experience in the martial world, his skills were not insignificant, which Feng affirmed.

Regarding Cheng Ziang’s side, there was nothing to worry about. With Cheng Ziang involved, they typically wouldn’t encounter serious trouble. After all, dealing with Demigods was no joke, and Liseya was quite formidable.

After the division, the onlookers were immediately captivated by Cheng Ziang and the other two, clearing the path for the carriage to proceed.

The carriage proceeded smoothly to the West City Gate; the guards were as lax as ever. Seemingly following Anxiang Zheng’s order, the gate soldiers remained calm when the carriage arrived, neither intercepting nor offering assistance, completely ignoring its presence.

As the horse hooves clattered on the muddy road, Luo’er knew they had exited the city. Anxiang Zheng did not send anyone to intercept, appearing to adhere to the agreement made last night.

The carriage passed through the moat and arrived at the area outside the city market. The Guyi Government’s outskirts were generally larger than Hua State’s, yet more chaotic, hardly comparable to within the city walls.

Not far from the city market, Feng spotted a familiar figure standing by the road from a distance. Upon seeing the approaching carriage, the person became excited and hurriedly trudged through the mud to greet them.

"You’ve arrived." Feng spoke first upon meeting the person.

"Ah, it’s White Tiger. I’m waiting here as agreed. The Saint is inside the carriage, correct?" Xing Hu bowed and asked.

"Yes, the Saint cannot entertain guests," Feng nodded and responded lightly.

"Oh, I see," Xing Hu showed a hint of disappointment but quickly adjusted his demeanor, bowing towards the carriage, "I am about to return to the Sect and came to bid farewell. I wish the Saint a smooth journey without wind or rain."

"No need for such formality from the Young Lord." As he finished speaking, Luo’er opened the door and stepped out, smiling at him.

"I am merely here to say goodbye; there’s no need for the Saint to trouble himself." Facing Luo’er again, Xing Hu dared not look directly and nervously lowered his head.

"The Young Lord has assisted us quite a bit these past days; there’s no need to be so formal," Luo’er smiled and said.

"It was just a minor effort; the Saint praises excessively," Xing Hu replied with a somewhat flustered smile.

"I am but a traveler. Since the Young Lord intends to leave, I should not delay you further. I can only wish the Young Lord a safe journey and prosperous martial fortune," Luo’er continued.

"Thank you for your kind words, Saint." Xing Hu seemed a bit moved.

"The Young Lord has exceptional skills and a pure heart. I hope you remain this way in the coming days. Farewell, and may you continue to be youthful," Luo’er sincerely said.

"Yes, I understand; I will remember the Saint’s esteemed words," Xing Hu said, feeling a wave of emotion.

"Well then, farewell. From now, we shall tread our own path," Luo’er nodded and said.

"Farewell," Xing Hu said, finally mustering the courage to lift his head and look at Luo’er.

Ultimately, Xing Hu served as mere support, and since they reached the outskirts without trouble, his assistance was no longer needed.

The carriage left the city market outskirts and waited for a few hours on the main road until noon, when Cheng Ziang and the other two finally shook off the trailing crowd and caught up with the carriage.

Thus, the carriage continued northeast along the road. Situated in the plains region, the transportation environment here was excellent, with well-maintained roads unlike ancient relic-style paths.

Although they left Guyi Government, the Advance Team still dared not relax. They always remembered that Qi State was the domain of the Anxiang family. If they wished to detain the Advance Team, leaving the city would prove futile.

Hence the carriage spurred ahead, finally distancing from Guyi Government by seventy to eighty kilometers by dusk, allowing them to temporarily rest.

Approaching the Empire’s center, fields could be seen all along the way, with villages every five to ten kilometers, far different from the barren stretches outside Jufeng Pass.

The Advance Team planned to rest outside a village but, just as they stopped, they heard the thundering of hooves. A cavalry group, seemingly prepared, rushed towards them from the distance.

"Prepare for battle."

Despite roughly guessing the cavalry’s identity, Cheng Ziang issued the combat readiness command to be cautious.

This was a cavalry of about thirty people. They halted ten meters from the carriage, with a Knight leading them, who rode forward and bowed, saying, "I am Dongliang Hu, here to welcome the Saint’s distinguished arrival."