Chapter 634: The Road to Shangjing

Yunxiang had never been a girl of many words.

Yet whenever she spoke, her words were always so serene. It was as if the passage of years had never touched her, as if everything she did sprang only from her true heart. That serenity brought comfort to everyone around her.

The sun traced its path from east to west, gradually stretching the shadows of the courtyard trees.

Amid their leisurely, winding conversation, the evening sun finally began to set.

When the Mister in the green shirt stood up to say his goodbyes, their parting was as swift and sudden as a fleeting glimpse.

Yunxiang saw him out of the courtyard.

They walked together all the way to the entrance of the alley.

"Stay safe, Mister."

Chen Changsheng looked at her and smiled, nodding. "Stay safe."

Yunxiang pursed her lips into a smile, still looking very much like a young girl.

The Mister in the green shirt walked into the crowd.

As his figure faded from view, the stirrings in Yunxiang's heart gradually settled into a quiet calm.

She was already very satisfied.

At the very least, the Mister had not forgotten her, and he still remembered everything she had said.

Zhishu hadn't seen her young lady in the courtyard, so she went out to look for her.

She found her at the entrance of the alley.

Zhishu paused, immediately understanding.

Mister Chen had likely left.

"Miss."

Zhishu stepped forward and gently took her young lady's arm.

Yunxiang pressed her hand over Zhishu's and let out a soft sigh. "I'm fine."

The setting sun seemed almost blinding.

The sight before her eyes blurred.

Yunxiang pulled herself together and murmured, "Let's go."

The young lady and her maid walked back into the alley. In the blink of an eye, Chuanfeng Alley seemed to grow a little emptier.

The bond between the two of them was as mild as still water.

It was like a lake that had long gone without a breeze, unable to stir up even the slightest ripple.

But there was no denying that the water in the lake would always be there.

It would never run dry.

.

.

Walking along the road, Chen Changsheng carefully tucked the candied fruit into his sleeve.

To him, it was a treat he couldn't bear to eat.

He still hadn't finished the batch Miss Yun had given him last time.

It wasn't out of forgetfulness or indifference. Jokes aside, he was simply afraid that once he finished them, he wouldn't have the nerve to reach out and ask for more.

Miss Yun was a very important person.

At least, that was what Chen Changsheng believed.

This was a bond that could not be unraveled, and one he could not bear to cast aside.

Chen Changsheng found Mo Yuan at the gates of Qingshan City.

Mo Yuan was reclining against a tree, quietly waiting for the Mister.

Upon seeing the Mister arrive, he immediately stood up.

"Mister, are we going anywhere else?"

Chen Changsheng looked into the distance, his gaze landing on a mountain. Deep within it lay a Daoist temple and a grand hall, from which the faint chime of a bell could be heard, but his focus was not on the temple.

"Let's save the reunions for next time. We'll skip it for now," Chen Changsheng said.

Mo Yuan followed his gaze and asked, "Are they friends you made later on?"

"Yes."

"I see..."

With those plain words, the two walked out of Qingshan City.

They stepped onto Changguan Pass, a road written into the annals of history, and set out on the long highway that stretched all the way to Shangjing.

The weather was fickle. A thick bank of clouds drifted over, blotting out the sun.

Before long, heavy rain began to fall.

The rain brought a hint of coolness, but unfortunately, the downpour didn't last long. Once that fleeting chill faded, the air turned stiflingly humid.

It was the sort of oppressive discomfort that left one breathless.

The sweltering summer heat had also begun to rise with the season.

They passed through many places on the journey from Qingshan City to Shangjing.

Mo Yuan was a glutton who had to taste every novelty they encountered; his hands were always full of something to eat.

Eating some taro, he asked, "Mister, what exactly are we going to Shangjing to do?"

"To borrow an Imperial Decree," Chen Changsheng said.

"An Imperial Decree?"

Mo Yuan paused in confusion and asked, "Just for that?"

Chen Changsheng nodded. "That's right."

"It can't just be that. If that was all, why would you go so far out of your way to make the trip?"

"It truly is just for that."

Chen Changsheng looked at him and said, "This Chen is powerless to do anything else right now."

Without Magical Power, absolutely nothing could be done.

Divine Abilities were useless, and edicts were out of the question. Only his divine sense remained, which was hardly enough to contend with heaven and earth.

Mo Yuan thought for a moment before saying, "Speaking of which, didn't that Yan kid become the emperor?"

"He did."

"Then it's no trouble at all."

Mo Yuan said, "He'll certainly be happy to do you a favor. And if he isn't, we'll beat him until he is."

Chen Changsheng laughed helplessly. "You're acting like a thug in the Desolate Sea. Where is the reason in that? Besides, do you think the Human Sovereign is someone you can just bully at will?"

"Don't I have you, Mister?" Mo Yuan laughed.

He knew these things better than anyone.

With the Mister backing him up, he feared no karma between heaven and earth. But if the Mister weren't around, he would never dare to act so brazenly.

The Human Sovereign was ordained by the mandate of heaven, after all—not someone anyone could just trample on.

As they headed further north, the rains grew scarce.

On the road, the two heard talk of the Investiture of Immortals Assembly in the local teahouses and taverns.

The closer they got to the Capital City, the more people were discussing it.

They rested at a tea stall out in the wilderness. The weather was sweltering, and a sip of cold tea brought a great deal of comfort.

Mo Yuan said, "People have been talking about this Investiture of Immortals Assembly the whole way here. It seems to be quite the spectacle."

He clicked his tongue and said, "But come to think of it, does that Yan kid actually believe in all this? Has he forgotten the fate of his father?"

Chen Changsheng said, "Perhaps he isn't doing it for immortality."

"Do you know something, Mister?"

"This Chen has lost all his Magical Power, so how could I know? It's simply that I had some dealings with Yan Ruchu in the past and have a decent grasp of his character. I don't believe he is holding this Investiture of Immortals Assembly merely in pursuit of eternal life."

"Is that so..." Mo Yuan pondered for a moment. "Then what is it for..."

"Won't we find out once we get there?"

As they chatted, they saw a man from a table behind them get up and walk over.

"You two gentlemen."

Chen Changsheng and Mo Yuan looked up.

They saw that the person approaching had a saber at his waist. Although he wore the attire of a martial artist, his features were exceptionally refined. With red lips and white teeth, he looked more like a pampered young nobleman.

"Is there something we can help you with?" Chen Changsheng asked.

"I am Fu Hongmei. I was previously an instructor at the Qingping Prefecture Military Camp. I just overheard you two mentioning the Investiture of Immortals Assembly and wondered if you were heading to Shangjing. If it is convenient, might I travel alongside you?"

Mo Yuan glanced at him and asked, "Travel with us? Why?"

Fu Hongmei smiled helplessly. "I've run into quite a few bandits and thugs along the road. They block my path simply because they see I'm alone, and it's terribly bothersome. I figured having a few more people around would make it easier to look out for each other. Of course, if it's inconvenient, I won't impose."

Mo Yuan blinked, then immediately said, "You'll have to ask my Mister."

"I haven't caught your name," Fu Hongmei said.

Chen Changsheng returned the courtesy. "My surname is Chen. I have no great abilities—lacking in both literary talent and martial prowess."

"Mister Chen jests," Fu Hongmei smiled.

Chen Changsheng said, "It's good to have someone to look out for. Let us travel together, then."

Fu Hongmei smiled. "Thank you both!"