I'm in Yellow Maple Valley, and I have one equipment slot!

Zhou Yuan left Li Huayuan's residence with his mind made up, but he did not immediately return to his stone house to pack his belongings and leave the camp.

Instead, he turned and walked towards another area of ​​the Yellow Maple Valley cultivators' residence.

Not long after, he found Han Li.

Inside Han Li's equally simple stone house, Zhou Yuan set up a soundproof barrier.

He briefly explained the mission Li Huayuan had entrusted to him: to go to the capital to protect the Qin family.

"Senior brother is so lucky!"

Han Li couldn't hide his envy after hearing this.

At this time, being able to obtain a reasonable and relatively safe reason to leave the perilous front-line camp is an opportunity that most front-line cultivators dream of.

Seeing the barely concealed eagerness on Han Li's face and a hint of worry about his uncertain future, Zhou Yuan smiled.

He reached out and patted his shoulder, comforting him, "Hehe, junior brother, there's no need to be in such a hurry. My trip to the capital isn't just for leisure."

Once I've made some arrangements and established myself there, I'll try to find an opportunity to "rescue" you from the front lines. I estimate it should take at least half a month, maybe a month, to get to the point where I have some leads. I'll let you know when that's done."

Upon hearing this, Han Li's spirits lifted.

He knew that Zhou Yuan was not one to speak carelessly; since he dared to say such a thing, he must have a plan.

During this period, the two teamed up to carry out hunting missions many times. Although Han Li still cautiously concealed most of his strength, their cooperation became more and more tacit.

Zhou Yuan's formidable strength and calm judgment during the battle reassured Han Li, and Zhou Yuan was also fair in dividing the spoils of war.

This greatly increased Han Li's trust and goodwill towards him. Although their relationship couldn't be described as a life-or-death bond, they were allies who could entrust each other with their lives and whose interests were closely intertwined.

"Alright! Then I'll await your good news, Senior Brother! Be careful!"

Han Li solemnly cupped his hands in greeting.

"Don't worry." Zhou Yuan nodded, said no more, and turned to leave.

Back in his stone house, Zhou Yuan moved swiftly.

He didn't have much stuff here to begin with; he quickly packed up some infrequently used materials and other miscellaneous items into several storage bags.

In less than the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, the stone house was completely empty, and even the simple warning barrier he had set up earlier was removed.

Upon arriving at the main entrance on the west side of the camp, Zhou Yuan showed the Foundation Establishment cultivator on duty the token given to him by Li Huayuan, which carried the unique aura of a Core Formation cultivator.

The guards checked the document and confirmed that it was a pass personally issued by Elder Li Huayuan of Huangfeng Valley. Their attitude immediately became much more respectful, and they waved their hands to open a gap in the defensive array.

"Senior Brother Zhou, have a safe journey!"

The monk on duty said politely.

Zhou Yuan nodded slightly, steered the Divine Wind Boat, transformed into a stream of light, passed through the great formation, and quickly disappeared into the vast wilderness.

The area behind Jingu Plain is not entirely unregulated.

To prevent cultivators from using the guise of missions to desert, the allied forces also arranged for law enforcement cultivator squads to patrol a certain area in the rear.

About a hundred miles away from the camp, Zhou Yuan encountered two such patrol teams.

However, when he showed Li Huayuan's token again, the patrolling cultivators only asked a few routine questions about his whereabouts before politely letting him pass. The influence of a Core Formation cultivator was still very useful within the seven sects of Yue Kingdom.

There were no further obstacles along the way.

Zhou Yuan steered the Divine Wind Boat to its maximum speed, speeding towards the heart of the Yue Kingdom. Several days later, he finally escaped the oppressive atmosphere of the front lines and entered the relatively peaceful and tranquil central region of the Yue Kingdom.

His destination was clear—the capital of the Yue Kingdom, Yuejing!

……

Yuejing, as the capital of a country, is grand in scale and magnificent in appearance.

The entire city was strictly divided into four distinct areas.

The northern district, where the imperial city is located, is resplendent in gold and heavily guarded, and is the core of imperial power and the court.

In contrast, the southern district was filled with government offices and residences of all sizes, making it the center of the Yue Kingdom's bureaucratic system.

Xicheng District has the largest area, with low and densely packed houses and narrow streets. It is inhabited mostly by ordinary people such as peddlers, craftsmen, and laborers, and is noisy and full of life.

Dongcheng District, on the other hand, is a gathering place for wealthy merchants and prominent families.

The streets here are wide and clean, the houses are lined up one after another, with high walls and deep courtyards, creating an extraordinary atmosphere.

Located in the southeast corner of Dongcheng District, adjacent to a bustling main street, the "Qin Residence" is a prominent and wealthy family with a vast area, pavilions and towers nestled among the buildings, and two majestic stone lions standing in front of the gate.

On this day, a young man dressed in white brocade robes, with a jade pendant hanging from his waist, who looked to be in his early twenties, with a dignified appearance and a composed demeanor, slowly walked to the imposing vermilion gate of the Qin residence.

A burly gatekeeper dressed in a blue servant's uniform stood at the entrance, leaning against the doorframe with a bored expression, his arrogant gaze sweeping over the passersby on the street.

Zhou Yuan walked straight up to him and said in a calm tone, "I'm looking for your family head."

The gatekeeper sized Zhou Yuan up and down, noticing that while his clothes weren't extravagant, they were decent enough. He seemed young and didn't appear to be any high-ranking official or nobleman, nor did he have an invitation or attendants. His face immediately showed his usual impatience and arrogance, and he drawled:

The gatekeeper sized Zhou Yuan up and down, noticing that while his clothes weren't extravagant, they were decent enough. He seemed young and didn't appear to be any high-ranking official or nobleman, nor did he have an invitation or attendants. His face immediately showed his usual impatience and arrogance, and he drawled:

"Does our master see just anyone? Which household are you from? Do you have a visiting card...?"

Before he could finish speaking, he suddenly met Zhou Yuan's raised eyes.

Those were calm, unwavering eyes, but in that instant of eye contact, the gatekeeper felt as if a glint of light flashed in the other's eyes.

An indescribable, immense pressure and a sense of unease stemming from the difference in their levels of life instantly seized his mind!

He seemed to see some kind of monstrous beast, or as if an invisible force was choking him. The words he was about to say were stuck in his throat, his face turned deathly pale, cold sweat instantly broke out on his forehead, and his legs went weak, almost causing him to collapse.

Zhou Yuan had merely used a low-level "Heavenly Eye Technique" in the cultivation world, which was used to observe spiritual energy and subtly intimidate mortals.

Even so, for ordinary people with no cultivation, the effect is as if ghosts or gods are present.

"Yes, yes, yes! I was blind! Immortal... Young Master, please wait a moment! I'll go inform him right away! I'll go right away!"

The gatekeeper, no longer daring to be arrogant, bowed and scraped as he ran inside the gate.

Zhou Yuan showed no intention of waiting at the door. He strode in with his hands behind his back and walked directly into the open gate of the Qin residence with a composed demeanor.

It felt like coming home.

The mansion is exquisitely laid out, with artificial hills and flowing water, and winding corridors.

With a slight release of his divine sense, Zhou Yuan locked onto the most stable and centrally located hall in the mansion.

He strolled along, and although servants and maids cast curious or suspicious glances his way, no one stepped forward to stop him.

Before long, Zhou Yuan arrived outside a spacious, bright, and elegantly furnished hall.

Inside the hall, a middle-aged man, around fifty years old, with a refined appearance, elegant clothes, and shrewd eyes, walked out quickly, accompanied by a woman around forty years old who still retained her charm, with a look of surprise and solemnity.

This person is none other than Qin Yan, the current head of the Qin family!

Qin Yan's gaze fell on Zhou Yuan, who stood with his hands behind his back outside the hall. Seeing that he was so young yet possessed an extraordinary air, Qin Yan's suspicions deepened. He cupped his hands and asked, "Young brother, may I ask what brings you to see me, Qin Yan?"

His tone was polite enough, but it carried the scrutiny befitting a head of the household.

Zhou Yuan didn't waste any words. He directly took out the letter that Li Huayuan had given him from his pocket, handed it over, and got straight to the point:

"My elders ordered me to come and seek refuge with the Qin family head, and to stay at his residence temporarily."

Qin Yan was taken aback upon hearing this, and then took the envelope.

The envelope was simple and unadorned, with a line of strong, vigorous handwriting that read "To my nephew Qin Yan".

Upon seeing the familiar handwriting and address, Qin Yan's expression changed slightly. He quickly opened the envelope, took out the letter inside, and read it carefully.

The letter was short, but after Qin Yan finished reading it, his face was full of surprise and realization, even showing a hint of barely perceptible excitement and respect.

He looked up at Zhou Yuan again, his attitude completely changed, and tentatively asked, "You... are you Zhou Yuan, Young Master Zhou?"

"Yes, that's right." Zhou Yuan nodded.

"I see! Young Master Zhou, please follow me!"

Qin Yan dared not be negligent.

He quickly stepped aside to lead the way, respectfully inviting Zhou Yuan into the mansion, and led him directly to a simple but well-soundproof secret room located deep within the inner courtyard.

The door to the secret chamber closed, and Qin Yan bowed deeply to Zhou Yuan, his tone filled with awe: "Young Master Zhou, since Uncle Huayuan sent you here, you must be... a powerful immortal master, right? This junior, Qin Yan, was blind to your greatness and was quite negligent just now. I hope the immortal master will forgive me!"

Although he was a top-ranking noble among mortals, he was also well aware of the status and methods of cultivators.

Especially in such turbulent times, what does the protection of a celestial master mean?

"No need for such formalities, Patriarch Qin."

Zhou Yuan waved his hand and cut straight to the point, "I've come on my master's orders and will be staying in Kyoto for a while. During this time, arrange a suitable identity for me to keep me out of the public eye. I will ensure the safety of your Qin family during this turmoil."

He values ​​efficiency in his work.

I don't want to get involved in too many unnecessary formalities and social interactions with these ordinary people.

Qin Yan was overjoyed upon hearing this and nodded repeatedly:

"Rest assured, Master Zhou! This is easy! To the outside world, I will declare you to be a highly respected elder in the family!!"

Zhou Yuan frowned slightly: "That's not necessary. I'm still young, so it wouldn't be appropriate for me to pretend to be an elder. We can just call each other brothers and say that we are distant relatives from the clan who have come to seek refuge."

Qin Yan hesitated slightly, but seeing Zhou Yuan's resolute attitude, he readily agreed: "Yes, yes, Immortal Master, you have thought things through very well. Then let's do as you say. You are one of my cousins, named Qin Yuan, who has just returned from out of town."

With the plan finalized, Qin Yan immediately took action. He quickly summoned the main stewards and nephews of the household and solemnly announced: This newcomer, "Qin Yuan," is a highly respected relative of the family, technically Qin Yan's cousin, and will henceforth reside permanently in the household.

This announcement caused quite a stir within the Qin family.

The young masters and ladies of the Qin family stared wide-eyed in astonishment at this "uncle" who had suddenly appeared and was about the same age as them or even younger.

This means that from now on, whenever they see this "Qin Yuan" in the mansion, they will have to bow respectfully and address him as "Uncle" or "Father-in-law"!

Although they couldn't help but feel some unease and dissatisfaction, the family head Qin Yan's attitude was resolute and he had considerable prestige, so no one dared to openly question him.

Zhou Yuan (alias Qin Yuan) quietly integrated into the Qin family of Yuejing and began his "protection" mission in Kyoto.

This also provided a temporary foothold for his upcoming plans.