Outside Yongcheng's southern gate, a broad official road paved with green bricks stretched into the distance. Great trees thick enough for an adult to encircle with both arms had been planted along both sides, birds wheeled overhead, and the grass and trees gave off a fragrant scent.
At the center of the official road stood two carriages, more than a dozen fine black horses, and another dozen or so brightly dressed people waiting beside them.
Xiang Yang left the city at the appointed time and met the southern inspection party led by Tang Feng, the Yongcheng Prefect.
There were not many people in total. Aside from Tang Feng himself, there were two beautiful women, both quite young and exceptionally lovely. They were likely his wives, concubines, or personal maids.
There were also four civil officials responsible for recording information from the various regions visited during this southern inspection. Though they did not have the strength to truss a chicken, they were refined and scholarly, true men of letters. Judging by their appearances, they seemed somewhat frustrated in their ambitions.
Then there were twelve highly skilled guards, all considered Postnatal experts. Each wore fitted warrior garb, with sharp swords or sabers hanging at his waist. They looked valiant and extraordinary, clearly disciples of famous orthodox sects, utterly unlike the rough rabble of the martial world.
Their auras were not weak, and their bodies brimmed with blood and vitality. Their brows and eyes carried swordlike sharpness, showing that they had endured countless battles and possessed abundant practical experience.
Tang Feng's party also saw Xiang Yang, the true mainstay assigned to protect Tang Feng on this journey. Beyond their admiration and surprise, they felt considerably more relieved and at ease.
The shadow of a tree, the name of a man—Xiang Yang's youth and