I'm here in the martial arts world just to find love.

The Immortal Lord of Freedom, whose Taoist name is Xiaoyaozi, was originally named Chen. He was a member of the Taoist sect. According to the temple records, he was proficient in Taoist magic. Not only was his Taoist cultivation profound, but his internal strength was also comparable to that of a martial arts master of the time.

The abbot of Fengxue Temple commented that this person was an anomaly in the Taoist community. While ordinary Taoists cultivate internal alchemy, this person specializes in external alchemy.

Jiang Chao didn't know if this "external elixir" was the same as the one he understood.

However, those who can be listed in the Fengxue Temple's genealogy are all the most outstanding people of their time, which shows that this person is not simple.

Fortunately, I was not misled by the other party into releasing them; otherwise, the consequences would have been unimaginable.

"Let's go, this place is not safe to stay any longer, let's leave as soon as possible."

Seeing that Jiang Chao looked shaken, Qin Shaoling dared not ask any more questions and immediately followed Jiang Chao away from the place.

After the two left, the originally heavy stone door trembled again, and then a crack quietly appeared in the dome above the stone door.

……

Back on the ground, it was already dark.

The entire area was completely silent.

Only one tent revealed a sliver of light.

Jiang Chao and his companion lifted the tent flap and went inside. Su E and the others had already prepared dinner.

A pot of boiled fish, served with rice.

Before leaving, Jiang Yunyao and her group not only left behind this tent, but also left some simple cooking utensils for Jiang Chao and the others.

They were afraid that Jiang Chao would suffer from hunger and hardship.

Upon seeing Jiang Chao and Qin Shaoling return, the heroine Chu quickly stepped forward to inquire.

"Well? Have you found a way to enter the underground palace?"

Jiang Chao nodded. "I didn't find a way, but I still went in."

Jiang Chao briefly recounted his experiences, and after listening, everyone, including Qin Shaoling, was shocked.

"You mean, there's a black coffin there? And inside that coffin is sealed a person who has lived for nearly a thousand years?"

  

"The heroine from Chu exclaimed in surprise."

Jiang Chao nodded.

"That being even claimed to grant me the secret to immortality, saying he was the Carefree Immortal Lord. Hah, if there truly were a secret to immortality, how could no one know about it? It must be some evil heretic. Who am I, Jiang Chao? I will not be misled by him."

Su E said, "Young Master Jiang is right. The method of achieving immortality goes against the way of nature and should not be believed. All signs indicate that a great calamity is coming. Such evil and heretical sects are frequently appearing in the world. We must carefully distinguish them and not fall into their trap."

Another girl standing nearby suddenly spoke up:

"The Master did not speak of strange phenomena, physical prowess, disorder, or spirits. Mr. Su, Sister Chu, what you are saying is far too mystical."

"What impending catastrophe? What evil forces?"

Jiang Chao looked at her and smiled, "Miss Qin arrived late and doesn't know what happened here. If Miss Chu is free tonight, let her tell you."

Since Chu Ning resolved her issues with Jiang Chao, she no longer criticizes him on everything as before. With the departure of the woman in red, the heroine Chu is now in a great mood.

Upon hearing this, the lively girl nodded.

"Sister Yueyao, let's eat first. I'll tell you the story tonight."

The next day.

Jiang Chao and the others prepared to leave the Yunmeng Mountain area and head to the capital.

But before that, everyone had to see Lu Jing off at Huichun Hall.

The other party wants to return to Qingxi Town to inherit the mantle of Huichuntang.

When they came to Yunmeng to join in the fun, there were two men, two women, and a living dead.

When the group left Yunmeng Mountain again, they had become three men and three women.

After seeing Lu Jing off, the group returned to its original five-person formation.

It can only be said that life is unpredictable, and gatherings and separations are the norm.

The mindset of everyone on this trip is completely different now.

It was seven days later when Lu Jing was sent back to Qingxi Town.

Along the way, the group was no longer in a hurry to get there, but instead leisurely enjoyed the scenery.

On this day, the sky was clear and the sun shone brightly.

Jiang Chao and his group of five had already embarked on the broad road leading to the capital.

Five people, five horses, one horse for each person.

To Jiang Chao's surprise, Qin Yueyao, who looked delicate and frail, could actually ride a horse.

And judging from his appearance, his riding skills are quite good.

It was only after asking that I learned that the other person was at Baihe Academy, a branch of Langya Academy, where they not only had to study the Four Books and Five Classics, but also had to learn horsemanship and archery.

In Qin Yueyao's words, scholars should not only be able to use their pens to bring peace to the world, but also be able to use their martial skills to conquer the world.

Scholars should also have a martial spirit.

Only with a strong physique can one's thoughts flow freely and one's writing flow like a divine inspiration.

This idea sparked Jiang Chao's great interest in scholars, breaking down his preconceived notions.

If all scholars in the world were like this, then this trip to the capital might bring Jiang Chao many surprises.

The two horses that were originally used to pull the carriage were replaced with yellow horses that cost two hundred taels of silver each. Qin Shaoling himself rode a different kind of fine horse that was as famous as the yellow horse. It was not common in the martial arts world and was usually the exclusive vehicle of high-ranking officials and nobles.

It is said that when Qin Shaoling left Qingzhou City, he helped a caravan drive away a group of bandits, and this was the gift they gave him as a token of their gratitude.

Qin Shaoling didn't say the specifics, and Jiang Chao didn't ask for details either.

In short, this time, their travel speed was much faster than before.

In less than three days, the five of them had already reached the heart of Yunzhou.

Calculating the journey, it will take at most seven more days to leave Yunzhou and head to Yanzhou.

In the past, beyond Yanzhou to the north lay the fertile Central Plains, a land of plenty stretching for thousands of miles. The capital of the Great Liang Dynasty, Bianjing, and the emperor's palace were located there.

Misty city.

"drive!"

"Get out of the way! Everyone, get out of the way for my young master!"

"Riding a horse recklessly in the street, how dare you! Seize this man!"

"Let's see who dares to do that?!"

On the long street, chickens flew and dogs barked, creating utter chaos.

Jiang Chao and the others, who were sitting by the window on the second floor of the restaurant, looked at each other in bewilderment as they watched what was happening not far away.

Jiang Chao asked in bewilderment, "Isn't this Misty Rain City supposed to be a land of scholars? How come someone is riding a horse recklessly in the street?"

After traveling for several days, Jiang Chao and his companions passed through this city, which was known as the hometown of literati and a place of elegance. Jiang Chao suggested that they rest here for a few days and experience the so-called literati elegance.

Having seen plenty of rough-and-tumble江湖人 (jianghu people) with their uncouth and boorish air, Jiang Chao had never seen what a proper scholar looked like.

Who would have thought that the group would encounter such a scene as soon as they arrived in Misty Rain City.

"Perhaps he's some spoiled young master from a wealthy family..." Qin Shaoling frowned.

If this happened elsewhere, it wouldn't be a big deal. There are many people in the martial arts world, and it's not unusual for someone to ride a horse recklessly in the street.

But this is a misty, rainy city known as the hometown of Confucius, a place where scholars gather, so such behavior seems out of place.

All the onlookers saw was a young man dressed in fine clothes riding a horse in the street, accompanied by two servants. The servants were burly and strong, with fierce-looking faces.

The two servants who had shouted to clear the way earlier were the same two who ran with great speed and agility.

The one shouting was a group of yamen runners. The leader looked to be in his thirties, and was also burly, making his black robes bulge.

"Whoa—"

In the end, the young master who was riding his horse in the street did not injure anyone. Under the official's reprimand, he reined in his horse.

The young master looked at the officials blocking his way with displeasure, but did not speak immediately.

A burly man on the right strode forward, staring fearlessly at the constable. "What, Officer Wang, are you going to handle this officially?"

The head constable sneered, "Li San'er, don't think you can do whatever you want just because you've changed masters. This is Misty Rain City! It's the territory of the officials, not a place for a roughneck like you to run wild!"

The man called Li San also let out a cold laugh.

Do you know who this person behind me is?

Officer Wang looked up at the young man on horseback and immediately cupped his hands in greeting:

"May I ask your honorable name, sir?"

"Nangong Hao," Nangong Hao said calmly.

Upon hearing this, the constable's pupils contracted, and he hurriedly retreated to the side.

Ignoring Li San'er's sneers and mockery, he bowed and said:

"I was unaware of Prince Nangong's arrival; please forgive me."