Qingyang Town's Lin Family

Early the next morning, just as dawn broke and Lin City began to stir, Lin Ke'er and the others had already finished their preparations in the front courtyard of the Lin Clan.

Thus, by the time Lin Langtian arrived, the five of them were fully equipped and ready to set out.

"Brother Langtian, you're here. We're all ready and just waiting for your command to leave."

Lin Ke'er looked at the handsome young man approaching with her azure eyes and smiled sweetly.

Beside her, Lin Chen and the other four also looked at Lin Langtian expectantly. Their destination was the Imperial Capital, the capital of the Great Yan Empire. Even as members of the Lin Clan, they could not help but feel greatly excited.

"Heh, since you're all ready, let's get on the road." Looking at the five burdens before him, Lin Langtian sighed inwardly, though he said with a light laugh.

"Alright, Brother Langtian. These are the Black Scale Horses the clan prepared for us. With them, we should reach the Imperial Capital in less than ten days."

Lin Chen led over an extraordinary steed covered from head to toe in black scales and handed its reins to Lin Langtian.

Taking the Black Scale Horse's reins, Lin Langtian patted its head. As though it sensed its master's formidable aura, the originally unruly steed became exceptionally docile.

Black Scale Horses were fine steeds specially bred by the Lin Clan. Their bodies were covered in black scales resembling fish scales, and they could travel thousands of li in a day, making them excellent for journeys.

However, as a Form Creation Realm expert, he could now use Essence Energy Manifestation. If he transformed his Yuan Power into a giant eagle, he could even fly.

Yet this method consumed too much Yuan Power, and with Lin Ke'er and the other five younger members of the clan beside him, these Black Scale Horses made for quite suitable transportation.

"Since everything is ready, let us depart." Lin Langtian leaped onto the Black Scale Horse, cracked his whip, and sent it galloping out of Lin City.

"Yes." Lin Chen and the others nodded, mounted their respective Black Scale Horses, and quickly followed after Lin Langtian.

The Imperial City was the most prestigious city in the Great Yan Dynasty. Setting aside those elusive Super Sects, at least on the surface, the Imperial Clan was the widely acknowledged ruler of the Great Yan Dynasty.

Naturally, the Imperial City was also the grandest and most imposing existence within the dynasty!

The Imperial City was located east of Great Yan Prefecture, directly facing Lin City from afar. Although Lin City was said to be comparable in size to the Imperial City, it was still somewhat inferior.

After all, no matter what, the Lin Clan still maintained a measure of caution toward the rulers of the Great Yan Dynasty. Only a wise clan could truly endure through the ages.

However, whether it was the Imperial Clan, the Lin Clan, the other three of the Four Great Clans, or the major sects that held considerable influence within the Great Yan Dynasty, all harbored immense goodwill toward the soon-to-arrive Ling Qingzhu.

They knew that throughout the vast Eastern Xuan Region, countries such as the Great Yan Empire were as numerous as the sands of the sea. Only those Super Sects were the true rulers.

As a disciple of a Super Sect, Ling Qingzhu was like a noble princess of the imperial family visiting the countryside—far beyond reach, yet deserving of the utmost deference.

Although Lin City was not far from the Imperial City, and would normally take only two or three days to reach, a group of young people traveling together naturally could not simply spend their days rushing along in boredom.

Thus, after sightseeing all along the way, more than half a month had passed by the time Lin Langtian's group arrived at the Imperial City.

Fortunately, the welcoming ceremony the Imperial Clan had prepared for Ling Qingzhu was still a month away. Otherwise, they would have been late.

The enormous Imperial City stood quietly upon the plains. Under the evening darkness, it resembled a ferocious beast from ancient times, emanating a heart-palpitating aura.

The city walls were immensely tall and majestic, stretching all the way to the horizon without an end in sight. This alone showed just how terrifyingly vast the Imperial City was.

When Lin Langtian and the others were still some distance from the Imperial City, they dismounted from their Black Scale Horses, took hold of the reins, and slowly walked toward the city.

Riding horses was strictly forbidden within the Imperial City. This was an edict of the Imperial Clan, and even members of the Lin Clan such as Lin Langtian and the others could not openly violate it.

Otherwise, it would be a provocation against the Imperial Clan.

Though they were still some distance from the Imperial City, the roads extending in all directions were already filled with people. The place was exceedingly lively, its bustle no less than that of Lin City.

"As expected of the Imperial Capital. It truly is prosperous."

Lin Ke'er and the others could not help but sigh as they gazed at the magnificent city.

"Heh, no matter what, this is the Imperial Clan's direct territory. Naturally, it must display the bearing of the imperial family." Lin Langtian looked into the distance, then smiled faintly.

With that, Lin Langtian walked at an unhurried pace toward the Imperial City.

Seeing this, Lin Ke'er and the others hurriedly followed close behind.

Although the city gates were extremely wide, the massive flow of people still made the entrance unbearably crowded.

However, when Lin Chen took out a Golden Token bearing the character "Lin," the guards' expressions froze. They immediately let them pass with great respect.

Lin—the Lin Clan, one of the Four Great Clans of the Great Yan Empire. Even the Imperial Clan had to treat them with seriousness.

As mere city guards, they naturally could not afford to offend such important figures.

Thus, in only a short while, Lin Langtian's group entered the enormous city without any trouble.

Magnificent. Grand.

Upon entering the city, Lin Langtian glanced around. When he saw the endless array of buildings stretching beyond sight, even he raised his brows slightly. Such a vast city was practically a small kingdom unto itself.

This also showed why the Imperial Clan deserved to be called the foremost force in the Great Yan Empire.

This imperial capital fully displayed the Imperial Clan's foundations.

Standing amid the bustling crowds on the noisy streets, Lin Langtian did not linger in admiration for long before pushing his way into the stream of people.

Naturally, the Lin Family had its own foothold in the imperial capital. As one of the Four Great Clans, it possessed such foundations.

After passing through several streets, Lin Langtian looked at the two large words "Lin Mansion" above the entrance and motioned for Lin Chen to knock.

Before long, a Middle-aged Man in yellow robes emerged. His irritated expression at being disturbed immediately turned into a fawning smile upon seeing Lin Langtian.

"So it is the Law Enforcement Elder. We received word days ago that you would be gracing us with your presence. We have finally been awaiting your arrival."

Hearing this, Lin Langtian nodded slightly. He had spent several consecutive days traveling, and now that he had reached his destination, the first thing he needed was to rest and recover.

Next, he would inquire about Ling Qingzhu and the Imperial Auction...

Meanwhile, elsewhere.

Just as Lin Langtian arrived at the Imperial Capital, in Yan City of Tiandu Prefecture, ten thousand li away from Great Yan Prefecture.

Qingyang Town, Lin Family.

Outside the Lin Family's gates, a gray-robed old man, covered in dust from travel, looked at the passing members of the Lin Family branch and said with a soft laugh.

"Old friend, good fortune is coming to your Lin Family of Qingyang Town..."