Scouting Ahead and Heaven Dou Royal Academy

Scouting Ahead and Heaven Dou Royal Academy

It had to be said that Salas was indeed highly capable to have become a Platinum Bishop.

In barely over ten minutes, a geomantic map and a dossier marking every power within Heaven Dou City had been placed before the master and disciple. Not only that, portraits of several key figures had been compiled and brought over as well.

Moreover, the city map containing the intelligence had clearly just been completed. Salas, who had lived in Heaven Dou City all his life, had no need for such a thing.

Broad Hill and Han Li examined them closely. Aside from the intelligence they had requested earlier, Salas had proactively added a great deal more, allowing them to directly match the information to the portraits. It was exceedingly detailed.

"Good work."

Even though Broad Hill disliked the man's character, he had to admit that his ability to get things done was truly first-rate.

"You flatter me, Your Excellency. I have also passed along your instructions. If any further intelligence comes in, I will notify you immediately."

Salas bowed respectfully, though he could not suppress the curve of his lips. He did not care about Broad Hill's attitude toward him. As long as there was work that needed doing, that was enough.

Having obtained what they needed, the master and disciple had no interest in wasting words with Salas. They once again declined his invitation to lunch and headed toward their rooms.

"Xiao Li, why not have Rosa Go accompany you out for a walk?"

Broad Hill took the initiative to suggest it. His appearance was too distinctive, and he did not particularly enjoy strolling through the streets. Yet Han Li was always cooping himself up in his room. What kind of habit was that? Children ought to go out and see more of the world.

Han Li paused for a moment, then nodded. "All right. I'll look through the intelligence first, then go find Master Luo."

He had never intended to waste the entire day here. He had only just gotten the materials and had yet to memorize them. Otherwise, he would have gone out long ago.

During their journey, they had passed through quite a few cities and stopped to rest, but most of the time, they had come and gone in a hurry.

Now that they had arrived in Heaven Dou City, he would have gone sightseeing even without Broad Hill mentioning it. After all, this was the imperial capital of the Heaven Dou Empire. He had not expected Broad Hill to bring it up first, so naturally, he had no reason to refuse.

By the time Han Li had roughly gone through and memorized the intelligence and map, it was already noon.

He simply had lunch delivered to his room. After resting for a while longer, he called Master Luo and headed into the city together.

In terms of prosperity alone, Heaven Dou City surpassed Spirit City by quite a bit. Its atmosphere, however, fell somewhat short. After all, most of the people here were not soul masters, and the social hierarchy was sharply defined. It made Han Li feel as if he had returned to Notting City.

Naturally, the two had changed clothes before heading out. Their previous attire bore Spirit Hall insignias to varying degrees, and they were specially made ones at that. Although relations between the Heaven Dou Empire and Spirit Hall were not especially tense, parading through Heaven Dou's imperial capital in such clothes was clearly inappropriate.

Along the way, perhaps because they were dressed rather luxuriously and Rosa Go followed behind Han Li the entire time in the obvious role of a guard, most people instinctively stepped aside when they saw them approaching and did not dare meet their eyes. Meanwhile, some equally well-dressed people smiled and nodded at them, whether they knew them or not.

They must think I'm a noble, Han Li thought silently.

Then he realized that he actually was a Heaven Dou noble. There was even a certificate of nobility issued by Heaven Dou still stored in his wristband, though he had never taken it seriously.

After all, what use was a noble without a Fief? At most, it could intimidate people in small places, and he had no intention of developing in that direction anyway.

As for nobles being required to answer the Heaven Dou Empire's summons, he cared even less. If Xue Ye truly dared to forcibly summon him, Broad Hill would probably charge straight into the imperial palace and teach him what "the power of fists" meant.

After casually strolling through the streets and buying some snacks, Han Li led Rosa Go toward several places that interested him. He needed to scout them out first.

Rosa Go had not seen the map and had no idea what the young master intended to do, but he understood very clearly that his responsibility was protection. Thus, he did not interfere and merely followed silently behind him.

When they passed an imposing pavilion bearing the sign of Moonlight Pavilion, Han Li stopped, but did not rashly approach.

From afar, he could see many young noblemen and noblewomen entering together, while ornate carriages filled the surrounding area. The faint music drifting out from the pavilion also proved that this was likely the noble etiquette establishment founded by Tang Yuehua.

Seeing the number of guards around Moonlight Pavilion, which nearly rivaled that of an entire commercial street, Han Li shook his head without saying anything and continued toward the residential district nearby.

Afterward, he casually passed by the residences bearing the signs of Dugu Manor and Ye Residence. Using his feelers to sense the servants' conversations, he confirmed that neither master was home, then returned to the main street without lingering.

"Master Luo, please find a carriage. I'd like to visit Heaven Dou Royal Academy," Han Li said, turning toward him.

"Young Master, we do not have proof of Heaven Dou nobility. If we wish to enter Heaven Dou Royal Academy, we'll first need to return to Spirit Hall and ask Bishop Salas for help," Rosa Go replied after a slight pause.

"No, there's no need to go through so much trouble. I am a Heaven Dou noble."

Han Li smiled faintly, and a gold-trimmed viscount's certificate appeared in his hand.

Rosa Go froze for a moment, then nodded. He said nothing further and headed toward the carriages by the roadside.

Before long, the two left the city in a carriage and headed toward Heaven Dou Royal Academy.

Half an hour later, the carriage stopped at the foot of a mountain.

"My lords, carriages are not permitted on the road ahead. I can only take you this far."

The driver pointed at the academy gate, visible at a glance, and spoke over his shoulder.

"Mm, then stop here. Oh, we'll be returning to Heaven Dou City later, so please wait here for us. This is the carriage fee."

Han Li stepped down first and flicked a Gold Soul Coin into the driver's hand.

"Certainly, rest assured. I'll definitely wait until you come out."

The driver clutched the Gold Soul Coin tightly and bowed again and again. He had struck it rich. This one trip alone was worth three months of his usual income. Naturally, he was more than willing to wait. Perhaps if this young lord was pleased, he might even receive another reward.

Han Li paid no attention to the driver's attitude. He knew the man was probably making up all sorts of stories about him in his mind, but he was paying for a service, so he did not care.

After walking for only a few minutes, he and Rosa Go arrived at the academy gate, where the guards stopped them.

As he handed over his proof of nobility, he said, "Hello, I'd like to tour your academy first and enroll when the next term begins in the latter half of the year."

After carefully examining his certificate, the guard respectfully returned it. Though Han Li was merely a viscount from some small place he had never heard of, he was still a noble and not someone the guard could afford to provoke.

The guard offered a pass with both hands and explained, "Quite a few young noblemen are like you, my lord, and enjoy visiting before they begin their studies. This is your temporary pass. Once inside, simply show it, and someone will guide you through several public facilities."

As he spoke, he glanced at Rosa Go standing behind Han Li and continued, "However, this pass permits only you to enter. Please rest assured, the academy will guarantee your safety. You will need to return the pass when you leave. Would that be acceptable?"

"All right, no problem."

Han Li first nodded to the guard, then turned to Rosa Go. "Go back and wait for me in the carriage. I'll go in and take a look around."

Rosa Go had originally wanted to remind Han Li that this was not very safe, but when he saw him wave the proof of nobility, he swallowed his words. After nodding, he bowed and withdrew toward the carriage.

Han Li put away his proof of nobility, looked at the guard, and smiled. "All right, may I go in now?"

"Of course. This way, please."

The guard ushered him inside.

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