Behind this grand door lay the private quarters of the City Lord, yet even so, its sheer expanse surprised Yan Xiaobao.
The accompanying city guards were left outside the East Splendor Gate to rest at the military camp for the next few days.
Bu Huang, Rong Ming, Rong Xing, and Yan Xiaobao proceeded together, reaching one corner of the City Lord’s Attic building. Along the way, Yan Xiaobao was placed on the ground and instructed to remain behind, lest his presence disrupt the magical creatures within the stables. He obediently complied, taking in the breathtaking surroundings that made him feel as though he had traveled back in ti.
"This style has been around for thousands of years in this world," Lan Feng murmured, his voice carrying a quiet introspection, only speaking now that they were truly alone. "Its popularity in your world is likely due to so expert visiting this plane and bringing back designs or concepts."
"You can travel between worlds?" Yan Xiaobao asked in shock, his voice filled with utter astonishnt.
"Yes," Lan Feng replied casually, as though it were common knowledge. "If you’re strong enough, you can carve your own road between planes. Because of this, you’ll find countless styles and cultures on various planes. Everyone borrows ideas from elsewhere."
Yan Xiaobao nodded thoughtfully, realizing that every part of Earth had distinct designs and styles depending on where one traveled.
"When you beco an expert, your lifespan increases. The stronger you grow, the longer you can live. If you reach the level of God, and that is your desire, you can achieve immortality," Lan Feng continued. "But imagine living eternally in a single place. It’s hardly enjoyable. After a few millennia, you’d have morized every pebble in your yard. So most experts eventually venture to other planes."
Yan Xiaobao furrowed his brow. "Didn’t you say earlier there were only four Gods and four Divine Beasts? How can there be others?" he asked skeptically.
"I’ve only t four Gods," Lan Feng clarified. "And while I’ve lived on this plane, there have indeed been only four deities here. However, the world consists of countless planes, and Gods can create planes if they wish to. This particular plane is considered very young, comparable in age to the one you co from." This revelation shocked Yan Xiaobao, who had thought millions of years held no youth, but before he could comnt, Lan Feng continued. "Obviously, with so many planes, there are bound to be nurous experts. I don’t even know how many Gods exist or where they reside. If I were to travel outside this plane, even as a Saint, I would be considered weak."
Overwheld by this wealth of information, Yan Xiaobao involuntarily took a sip of water.
"Don’t stress too much," Lan Feng sighed, noticing Bu Huang and the Rong twins approaching, and quickly withdrew into the Qi Acupoint. "When you reach God’s rank, we will retrieve your girlfriend’s soul so the two of you can tour as many planes as you wish." His voice grew quieter as he retreated into the Dantian, eventually fading into silence.
The Rong twins, now significantly taller and far more mature than when they’d first t, laughed without reservation as they playfully dragged the younger Yan Xiaobao, proudly showing him their favorite spot in the gardens.
They spent considerable ti exploring before finally arriving at Rong Liang’s main residence and eagerly entering the dining room, where an extravagant feast awaited the three young guests.
Lord Rong Liang stood waiting for them and greeted the children warmly before departing to another room with Bubu to address pressing matters that required consultation.
Yan Xiaobao looked over the table, taking in the nurous dishes he’d never encountered before—so shellfish, others mysterious ats. There were salads and sauces, vegetables and stews, various kinds of soups and breads. It was the grandest banquet Yan Xiaobao had ever seen.
"Don’t be too nervous about tomorrow," Rong Ming remarked as he eyed a chicken leg on his plate.
"Your cultivation level is high enough to pass the academy’s entrance exams, and we’ll accompany you to ensure everything is fair," he added with a reassuring smile before tearing half the at off the bone and chewing contentedly.
"I just hope Mr. Wang isn’t officiating the tests," Rong Xing remarked calmly, prompting a puzzled look from Yan Xiaobao. "He dislikes common folk," she explained. "Sotis, he even cheats during exams to make sure they don’t gain admission."
"But don’t worry!" Rong Ming promised mid-gulp through his food. "When it’s your turn, we’ll make sure there’s no foul play." Rong Xing nodded firmly in agreent.
"Once you’re accepted, we’ll stick close from the start," Rong Ming continued. "We’ll ensure you attend the right classes on ti. No one would dare bully you while you’re with us," he said, grinning broadly before swiftly picking up a root vegetable that resembled soil and handing it to Yan Xiaobao. "Try this—it’s delicious!" he said with his mouth full.
The three spent the remainder of the evening at the table, but try as they might, they couldn’t finish everything. By the ti the outside sky turned completely dark, Rong Xing led Yan Xiaobao to a small two-story house near the City Lord’s residential complex, complete with its own private courtyard.
"Stay here tonight," she said with a smile, clapping her hands to illuminate crystals inside and outside the building. "We’ll co get you tomorrow," she added, hoping Yan Xiaobao wouldn’t miss it, before turning away to head back to her own ho.
Though Yan Xiaobao tried to sleep, anxiety about the next day made his attempts futile. The academy entrance exams were incredibly important to him; passing ant accessing resources critical for swift advancent in student rankings. But should anyone at the academy discover Lan Feng’s presence, things would take a dire turn.
"Bubu is a five-star King Ranking Expert, while Rong Liang is ranked nine stars. Both of them know you’re hiding sothing, but so far, they’ve been remarkably considerate. Don’t expect such understanding from others," Lan Feng warned, and Yan Xiaobao nodded in solemn agreent.
"If we notice anyone else unlocking the Upper Dantian, we’ll have to stop," Lan Feng continued. The two quietly planned potential escape routes throughout the night as a precaution against exposure. Before they realized it, the sunrise painted the sky in warm, beautiful hues.
If he were still in the village, Yan Xiaobao would’ve been on the hillside tending to goats by now. Despite only two days passing since he completed his chores there, it felt like an entirely different world.
Moving through Liluo City felt like wandering in a dream. While everything appeared familiar, it also held an air of strangeness. He had seen chickens before, eliciting a sense of familiarity—but upon closer inspection, he would notice the horn atop its head and the shrunken tail behind. Even the most familiar things concealed elents of mystery.
Yan Xiaobao spent the peaceful morning listening to tranquil sounds and enjoying the serenity. He had anticipated the city would be bustling with noise, but the grand city lord’s residence was far enough from the commotion that no sound reached its grounds.
Initially, the only sound Yan Xiaobao heard was that of guards chatting idly as one shift handed over to another. But as the estate gradually woke up, servants rushed back and forth to ensure everyone’s breakfast and essentials were prepared for another busy morning.
Before long, scholars darted around, fetching scrolls and manuscripts as their teachers prepared for a busy day in their offices. Gradually, the entire mansion burst into life and activity, just like any other day.
A servant ca to Yan Xiaobao’s courtyard to invite him to join the Rong family for breakfast. Yan Xiaobao accepted swiftly, only to discover Rongrong and Bubu already there upon entering the dining hall.
The young, white-haired boy quickly raised his hands and bowed gently to the two adult n, who nodded slightly in return before resuming their conversation.
The Rong twins and Yan Xiaobao enjoyed a hearty breakfast featuring fruits and yogurt, ats and breads, milk, and freshly squeezed juices. The sheer volu of food prepared for every al always left Yan Xiaobao in awe.
...
Updat𝒆d fr𝒐m freew𝒆bnov𝒆l.c(o)m
User Comments
0 comments from readers