The road is vague

Chapter 291 Prosperous and Flourishing Age
the next day.

Li Mo, as a traveler, followed Wang Feng to participate in the monthly review.

Young talents from all over the Great Qian Dynasty emerged one after another, displaying the pride of a prosperous era, and ascended the high platform under the spotlight to receive comments from three chief examiners and nine deputy examiners.

The three examiners asked questions on topics such as current government reforms, tax laws, the rivalry between Qianlong and Lu, the political landscape of China, and the unification of the mountains and seas.

These talented young people then spoke freely and eloquently, expressing their opinions.

"The current situation in the Central Plains is a struggle for hegemony between Qian and Lu. I believe that the core of this struggle, besides the national strength of the two countries, lies in the interference of surrounding regional powers. The countries surrounding Qian are relatively peaceful, while Lu is surrounded by many small countries, bordering the four Gobi countries, the seven kingdoms, the four kingdoms of Lingdong, the Tianyuan Highlands, and the Southern Barbarian lands. The Great Qian should focus its attention further east of Lu, actively support the seven kingdoms, create a rift between the seven kingdoms and Lu, and then gradually make its move..."

"well said!"

The young talent's suggestion was met with enthusiastic applause from the audience, and even Li Mo, who was in the crowd, couldn't help but applaud frequently.

The renowned examiners and deputy examiners on the stage all nodded in agreement.

"Superior!"

The Yuancheng Celebrity Monthly Appraisal event lasted a full day, commenting on over a hundred outstanding young people before finally ending at 3:45 PM.

Students who receive high praise from renowned examiners will be recommended by these scholars and have the opportunity to become assistant ministers in the Six Ministries.

Wang Feng found Li Mo.

"So, what do you think of the demeanor of the students of Daqian?"

"Full of vigor and vitality, thriving and prosperous."

Wang Feng smiled smugly after receiving Li Mo's affirmation.

"Tonight there's a beast fight at the Tiger and Leopard Chamber, a storytelling and acrobatic show at the Grand Brothel, and a theatrical performance at the Qingyan Hall. Where to go?"

"Qingyan Auditorium."

Wang Feng immediately summoned his servants and arranged for his private wooden ox and flowing horse.

After arriving at the nearest teleportation pavilion, the two were transported to another corner of Yuan City, a hundred miles away, in just a short time, and entered a brightly lit building.

Led by a lavishly dressed waiter, the two arrived at a private room.

This place offers a great view overlooking the theater.

"It's a rare moment of peace and quiet. I haven't been here in a long time. Your sister-in-law will be here soon too."

Wang Feng leaned back in his seat with a satisfied smile, enjoying the fragrant fruit in the private room.

After hearing this, Li Mo nodded and leaned back in his seat, just like Wang Feng.

"By the way, where is your father?"

Wang Feng shook his head.

"This involves court secrets. I naturally wouldn't say much if others asked, but it's a different story if you ask. My family has served as officials in the Ministry of Works for generations. My father went to the southern barbarian lands a few months ago. He may be old, but he's still young at heart and always wanted to advance further."

Li Mo nodded and said no more.

Wang Feng sighed.

"Now, not to mention outside, even the country is not peaceful. You know Touqi, right? They actually declared war on a secret organization called Canglong. Just last month, there were two assassination attempts in Yuancheng, both carried out by the Touqi organization. You'd better be careful."

This reminded Li Mo of the amusing incident from yesterday.

"Yesterday on my way to your house, a coachman from a carriage shop said that the Holy Emperor killed a cultivator from the Tianyuan region named Old Man Heavenly Thunder two hundred years ago. Yuancheng is really something else, they even know about this kind of thing. Is it true?"

"That's the good thing about Yuancheng. It's right under the emperor's nose, even the grooms can brag."

Wang Feng didn't take it seriously.

"That's all ancient history, but the story is true. Back then, the Shangjing Auction House was openly robbed by the Heavenly Thunder Elder, who angered the Holy Lord and was eventually slapped to death. Unfortunately, the ancient demon blood that was auctioned disappeared without a trace. I heard from a rumor that... it's related to the Hidden Dragon Organization. It seems they're preparing to make some kind of secret weapon. All those secret organizations are like that."

Ancient demonic blood, the Hidden Dragon Organization.

Li Mo suddenly thought of something.

Could it be for making a golem?
According to the "Great Zhou Dream Interpretation", to create an Asura Demon Statue, one needs the blood of a true Asura Demon. The higher the level of the demon blood, the greater the potential of the statue.

If that's the case, who knows what kind of power that golem will possess once it's completed, given that it's been able to operate a plan for two hundred years by a powerful, secretive multinational organization.

after awhile.

The Wang family steward brought Ye Xuan with him.

"sister in law!"

"Junior Brother Li, it's been a long time!"

Ye Xuan has long since lost the demeanor of the submissive junior sister in the supervisory hall. She now resembles a noblewoman, with every smile and gesture exuding the charm of a mature lady.

It seems she's been doing quite well these past few years.

As the three chatted and reminisced, the performance on stage began.

While talking with Wang Feng and Ye Xuan, Li Mo looked at the performance on the stage.

This play tells the story of the prosperous and peaceful Daqian Kingdom.

In this performance, the Great Qian Kingdom is the center of the world. Under the leadership of the Holy Lord Qian Yuan, the people unite as one to defeat the Lu Kingdom. The Great Qian Kingdom unifies the Central Plains. All things are the most intelligent, and the Daoist tradition learns from each other's strengths and makes up for its weaknesses, educating all people. The mountains and seas are eternal. The entire performance lasted for an hour and a half.

As the performance ended, a large number of flower petals fell from the sky, scattering amidst the dazzling lights, making everyone feel as if they had stepped into another world.

"it is good!"

Ye Xuan was completely absorbed in the moment, clapping and cheering frequently, and even summoned her servants to give them silver as a reward.

The silver coins fell into the iron plate, making a "clinking" sound.

Similar sounds echoed throughout the theater.

As expected of Yuancheng, it is truly a scene of prosperity and peace, with singing and dancing.

Although Li Mo was amazed by the exaggerated performance in the theater, he was never able to fully immerse himself in it.

He came from a small border town in Muzhou and had served in Bai'an City for many years. He knew the hardships of the common people and that countless people were just trying to survive. This was in stark contrast to the peaceful and prosperous Yuancheng, with its iron will and lofty ideals.

The silver tips given by any one person here would be enough to leave the former bandits of the Eighteen Mountains speechless.

However, this is only Jingzhou Yuancheng, which only represents the core prosperous area of ​​the Great Qian Kingdom and cannot represent the entire Great Qian Kingdom.

"Master, Madam, Master Li, this way."

Led by the steward, the three boarded the spirit bird carriage and flew towards the palace.

"Li Mo, I'll take you to the Tiger and Leopard Room again tomorrow to broaden your horizons!"

"it is good!"

As Li Mo responded, he lifted the curtain of the spirit bird carriage to overlook the night view of Yuan City and noticed groups of cultivators flying by.

"Inspector of the Heavenly Mandate Bureau?"

"This is Yuancheng, right under the feet of the Holy Monarch. Even the daily patrol envoys are led by Golden Core cultivators to ensure the city is safe and secure."

The next night.

Li Mo followed Wang Feng to the Tiger and Leopard Arena. The Tiger and Leopard Arena was a huge arena, large enough to accommodate more than 100,000 spectators at the same time.

The crowd looked down from their elevated position, surveying the performance within the barrier.

When Li Mo saw a dignified Golden Core cultivator openly performing the killing of various demonic beasts in the Tiger and Leopard Chamber, enjoying the praise of countless spectators, and seeing various seemingly powerful mountain spirits and water monsters fighting each other offstage, he couldn't help but feel somewhat lost in reality.

Wang Feng held the ticket and looked at Li Mo with a smile.

"Since you're already here, why not play a couple of rounds? You've been cultivating in seclusion on the mountain for so many years, you must have a better eye than me."

Upon hearing this, Li Mo shook his head and smiled slightly, took out ten taels of silver, and called over the vendor.

"I bet on Unicorn Tiger to win."

"okay!"

After Li Mo took the ticket, a sigh came from inside his sleeve from the old man.

"The Mountain and Sea Realm has become like this, filled with contradictory and unfamiliar feelings. It is both declining and glorious. I am starting to believe what you said. Perhaps the immortal roots are no longer here."

Li Mo hadn't expected that the old man, who had been silent for two days, would utter such a sentiment.

Even Li Mo himself seemed to have gained a deeper understanding of the Dao of the most intelligent of all beings here.

As the battle between the two monsters began, people held their tickets, shouting themselves hoarse with passion and excitement. Even Wang Feng joined in.

Li Mo was momentarily bewildered by the scene before him.

These mountain spirits and water monsters, which were feared by the common people, became objects of amusement and play for them here. The people living in Yuancheng never felt worried or afraid.

Countless people are going crazy for it, throwing themselves into the battle between the monsters below the stage.

It was truly a passionate night.

Just as Li Mo followed Wang Feng back to the mansion in the spirit bird carriage, a communication talisman descended from the sky; it was none other than the communication talisman of the sect leader, Sima Fu.

"Li Mo, come with me to the palace at Chenshi (7-9 AM) tomorrow."

After sending a message talisman, Li Mo smiled and looked at Wang Feng.

"I've been quite a bother these past two days, and I've certainly broadened my horizons. It truly lives up to its reputation as the largest city in the Central Plains. However, I'll be leaving after I finish my business tomorrow."

"What kind of relationship do we have? There's no need for formalities. You can stay at my residence anytime you come to Yuancheng!"

Wang Feng said with a smile that he wanted to befriend Li Mo.

Having spent many years in officialdom and with the guidance of his family, Wang Feng knew that Li Mo had a bright future. With the Jingzhao Order in his possession, it was only a matter of time before Li Mo entered the capital to serve as an official.

the next day.

Li Mo followed Sima Fu into the Golden Palace.

The Holy Emperor of Qian Yuan usually resides deep within the Six Doors and does not participate excessively in secular affairs. The Three Departments and Six Ministries, as well as the Central Cabinet, generally handle state affairs independently. The Holy Emperor only formally attends court when major events occur.

Li Mo, dressed in the official robes of a sixth-rank centurion, was positioned at the very end of the main hall.

Hearing the resounding echo from the court, he was momentarily stunned.

Although many of the high-ranking officials here are ordinary people, they enjoy various longevity rewards from the court because their lives are related to the safety of the country. Many of them have lived for two or three cycles of sixty years and can be described as wise and experienced in old age.

After the morning court session ends.

As the crowd dispersed, an old man walked over with a smile.

"Lord Zhong, how have you been?"

"Your humble servant Li Mo greets Lord Zhong!"

As the head of the Lingmu Sect, Sima Fu held a second-rank official position and was granted the authority to command troops, making his status no less than that of the Director of the Road Pass.

"Hehe, Her Highness the Princess is already waiting in the side hall. Please follow me."

"Yes."

Li Mo already knew about Sima Fu's plan.

The new Rainbow Bird has officially become the sacred bird of Qingming Mountain. The purpose of doing so is naturally to maintain contact with this princess.

along the way.

The Fate Master kept glancing at Li Mo, his gaze sending chills down Li Mo's spine.

"It's really good."

After muttering something, the other person grinned at Li Mo, revealing a set of white teeth, and gestured to Li Mo.

"Go in, Her Highness the Princess has been waiting for a long time."

"Yes."

Sima Fu also stopped in front of the door, revealing a mysterious smile that left Li Mo puzzled.

When Li Mo entered the small side hall alone and saw the woman sitting dignifiedly on the high seat, he was stunned. His mind went blank.

He stared in disbelief at the woman with bright eyes and white teeth, fair skin and flawless features, and stunning beauty. She held a high position and had a dignified demeanor, yet she possessed an indescribable charm.

This person is none other than Ye Yimeng!
Li Mo gasped and immediately realized what was happening.

"Li Mo, a true disciple of the Lingmu Sect, pays respects to Your Highness the Princess."

Li Yimeng looked down at him with a charming smile.

"As expected of Senior Brother Li, you are truly blessed. In this degenerate age, you have actually managed to bring together a pair of phoenix descendants. It seems that the revival of our sect is just around the corner. Senior Brother, you have made great contributions this time. I wonder what reward you would like?"

Although Li Mo was shocked by the fact that Ye Yineng was an imperial princess, he quickly realized that the so-called Ye Yineng was probably just an alias.

"I... desire the formula for the Yin De Pill."

Li Yimeng revealed an expression of "I knew it."

"Senior Brother Li, won't you reconsider? There are countless treasures in the palace. The Yin Virtue Pill is nothing special here. For example..."

"My mind is made up."

Li Yi dreamt of this, and said no more.

She waved her hand, signaling the person beside her to fetch the Yin De Dan formula, and then got up and walked down from the platform, approaching Li Mo with a half-smile as she looked directly at him.

"Senior Brother Li, now that you know my true identity, how do you feel? Do you prefer the mysterious Ye Yimeng, or this noble princess before you?"

Li Mo could vaguely sense that at least two divine senses were locking onto him, and if he made any sudden movement, he would surely meet with misfortune.

I don't know if this princess was deliberately teasing me.

"Ahem, I... well..."

Before Li Mo could answer, Li Yineng chuckled and turned to leave the side hall, leaving Li Mo stunned for a moment before letting out a slight sigh of relief.

After a while.

Li Mo accepted the old man's prescription, thanked him, and left.

(End of this chapter)