Audience, Part 1

The interior of the metal sedan chair is quite spacious.

A soft couch, a small table, a chamber pot, a food box, bags of water, and so on.

There were even a few books and picture books to pass the time.

There are windows on both sides that can be opened and closed freely. There are candlesticks and small lanterns on the table that can be lit with flint.

There was even a small wardrobe in the corner. When Zhang Rongfang opened it, he saw several sets of brocade robes that could be changed inside.

This sedan chair had essentially become a small, mobile room.

Although the four Walker outside were moving very fast, the bumps were minimal. They only had to be careful not to spill the food in places where they needed to tilt.

It can be said that the sedan chair had everything one could need for clothing, food, shelter, and transportation; it was extremely well-equipped.

Sitting in the sedan chair, he suddenly felt his body sway slightly, so he opened the window and looked out.

He opened the left-hand window, and as soon as he opened it, a cool breeze rushed in.

Zhang Rongfang then realized that the sedan chair was speeding through a misty Woodland.

The four Walker were all using their movement techniques to run steadily. The ground beneath their feet was not flat, but soft ground full of tree roots, weeds and mud.

Four people stepped on it and it had no effect whatsoever.

A roar! A large tiger with piercing eyes and a white forehead suddenly pounced on a sika deer from the side, about to lower its head and devour it.

Whoosh! Suddenly, a black sedan chair brushed past it, creating a whirlwind.

The tiger looked up to give chase, but the moment it saw the four Walker, it whimpered a few times, lowered its body, and stopped in its tracks.

Before long, after passing through the Woodland, the sedan chair gradually tilted and began to climb the hill.

At first, Zhang Rongfang was interested in looking at the scenery outside, but later he got a little tired of it.

Once the initial novelty wears off, it becomes just another ordinary experience.

He simply lay down on the soft couch and settled down to rest.

I don't know how long I slept, but I'm still half asleep.

The outside temperature gradually dropped.

Zhang Rongfang woke up from his sleep and looked out the window.

The sky was just beginning to lighten; it seemed to be the early hours of the morning.

He opened the window.

A biting cold wind swept in from outside.

Outside the window was a vast expanse of white clouds.

He was high up in the mountains, and the sedan chair was speeding along a cliff path halfway up the mountain.

To the left of the sedan chair was a mountain wall, and to the right was a sheer cliff.

"Lord Zhang is awake? This is Dragon House Mountain, we're already outside the territory of Citong." Zhou Yan's voice drifted from behind.

"Looks like I slept for a long time," Zhang Rongfang said with a sigh.

"It's alright, it'll only take three hours," Zhou Yan replied.

"That's alright," Zhang Rongfang replied, unsure of what to talk about next.

"Lord Zhang comes from the Great Dao Sect, so you must have heard of the Snow Rainbow Pavilion before, right?" He didn't speak, but Zhou Yan continued.

"Of course I've heard of it."

"Lord Zhang, would you be interested in coming to my Snow Rainbow Pavilion to choose a suitable partner? The two people who were with Lord Zhang in Citong have already been dismissed and investigated by me. With your current status, you can certainly enter the pavilion and choose a suitable partner yourself," Zhou Yan suggested.

He clearly also knew that Zhang Rongfang had been hiding in Citong, Worship God at the two Snow Rainbow Pavilion.

"It's not necessary for now. After all, I am not knowledgeable enough or capable enough to choose a partner," Zhang Rongfang declined.

"Actually, Lord Zhang, there's no need to worry. The Snow Rainbow Pavilion isn't a monolithic entity. Where there are people, there is the martial Jianghu. The Snow Rainbow Pavilion is divided into several factions. Although I'm not aligned with your sect, I'm neutral," Zhou Yan explained, seemingly noticing his concerns.

"Is that so?" Zhang Rongfang's heart stirred slightly. "Speaking of which, I also have some doubts about General Zhou's position. I wonder if the general could clear up my doubts?"

"Please speak, my lord. If I know the answer, I will do my best to reply," Zhou Yan smiled.

"Then thank you very much, General Zhou." Zhang Rongfang sorted out the questions he wanted to ask.

"I've always been wondering what exactly is used to categorize people within the Snow Rainbow Pavilion. For example, if a general holds the rank of 'Fierce General,' what other ranks and levels are there within the Snow Rainbow Pavilion?"

"It's actually quite simple," Zhou Yan said with a smile. " Within the Snow Rainbow Pavilion, the other positions are not very significant. The most important ones are the two most crucial groups: the Fierce General and the Divine General."

He paused for a moment, then continued, "Fierce General who reaches the required strength and is willing to join the Snow Rainbow Pavilion and remain loyal to the military can become Fierce General. It's a very large group. The strong among them are terrifyingly powerful, while the weak are just average. The number is generally around thirty, and no one is allowed to join without a vacancy."

"And the Divine General is what ordinary people know as the Guardian Divine General. The Fierce General is appointed by His Majesty, but the Divine General is different."

He didn't elaborate on what the difference was.

"I see," Zhang Rongfang, understanding dawning on him. He looked out the window at the scenery receding into the distance.

He couldn't help but recall some accounts about Ling Emperor.

Ling Emperor specifically sent someone to bring him to an audience, which shows that he must have some ulterior motive.

On the surface, he's just an ordinary Daozi. He's just a bit quick-witted and knows how to make some money.

To ordinary people, his status was noble. But to the Ling Emperor, it was just that.

So besides that, there must be other things he values. Could it be talent? Zhang Rongfang sat in the sedan chair, constantly simulating the scenario he was about to face.

He needs to be well prepared in case he says or does something wrong.

There was nothing to say for a moment.

For the next few days, Zhang Rongfang ate and slept, waking up to practice his Civilian Skill, and occasionally chatting with Zhou Yan.

Despite not resting for several days and nights, Zhou Yan maintained a good condition throughout.

It is clear that this person is no ordinary expert.

Even a grandmaster, Worship God Grandmaster, Zhang Rongfang could figure out the limits.

But when facing Zhou Yan, he was clearly like a mountain wall, only able to see what was in front of him, unable to see how high or how big the mountain was.

Five days passed in the blink of an eye.

The black sedan did not proceed in the direction Zhang Rongfang had initially gone, but instead took a different route.

Noon on the fifth day.

The black sedan chair entered the outer city of Great Capital.

Indeed, without stopping, they entered directly from another direction of Great Capital.

Similarly, the black sedan chair did not follow the usual route.

Instead, they entered the city through a special road used by the imperial troops stationed there.

After entering Great Capital, there were no caravans in sight along the roadside. Only military cavalry and messengers passed by from time to time.

*** Great Capital ·Imperial City.

The entire imperial city is divided into an inner city and an outer city.

The outer city was where ordinary people and high-ranking officials lived. Many Noble and Imperial Clan built their Mansion here.

The inner city, on the other hand, was the residence and activity center for the core Imperial Clan.

Further inside is the inner palace.

Ling Emperor and his empress and concubines lived here. They also held court and discussed state affairs here.

The black sedan chair traveled unimpeded through the outer city, entered the inner city via a special passageway, and went straight into the inner palace.

After entering the palace complex surrounded by White Jade railings, the black sedan chair gradually slowed down.

From time to time, you can see children and men and women dressed in golden yellow clothes taking a walk outside the window.

Structures resembling gardens, Martial Arts Field, opera stages, Music Tower, and food streets have begun to appear on both sides of the road.

"This is a private recreation area within the palace grounds. If you have time, Lord Zhang, you can stop by and take a look. Eating, drinking, and having fun are all Hua Qian. Just choose a spot and go in," Zhou Yan's voice sounded from behind.

"No Hua Qian required? That means everyone who can get here is extraordinary." Zhang Rongfang had already changed his robes and was sitting upright on the soft couch.

"Generally, it's mainly His Majesty and the direct descendants of the Imperial Clan, as well as some important officials who come and go from the palace," Zhou Yan replied. "In addition, when riding in a black sedan chair, one does not need to bow to anyone. Lord Zhang need not worry about offending any dignitaries."

"I see." Zhang Rongfang looked out the window. The more the Ling Emperor treated him with such courtesy, the more uncertain he felt.

The fact that one can meet a distinguished person without bowing indicates that the sedan chair is of a very high rank.

He felt that he was not yet worthy of such treatment.

Therefore, "After crossing the Jade Belt River, you will Word Dao Palace. After entering the palace, someone will guide you to bathe and change clothes, and then you will wait for His Majesty's summons."

"Don't be impatient, sir. Rest assured, this is a good thing."

Seemingly sensing Zhang Rongfang's nervousness, Zhou Yan smiled and offered a reassuring remark.

"Thank you, General Zhou," Zhang Rongfang replied.

The two were speechless for a moment.

Soon, after another ten minutes or so, the sedan chair finally stopped in front of a strangely shaped palace.

The palace was over thirty meters high and its width was imperceptible, with high walls on both sides blocking the view.

The main entrance to the entire palace is shaped like a huge Pill Furnace.

The entrance to the palace is located in the center of the four legs of the Pill Furnace.

At this time, palace maids dressed in white skirts and black belts, as well as eunuchs dressed in white robes and black hats, were already waiting at the door.

The Great Ling Imperial Court values white as beauty, a custom that continues from the Ling Sect before the founding of the nation.

Therefore, people often appeared in white clothes and white skirts within the palace.

Zhang Rongfang slowly stepped out of the sedan chair.

The sun shines brightly overhead, amidst blue skies and white clouds.

The White Stone pavement underfoot is so exquisitely carved with delicate landscape and flower paintings.

This stone appears to be White Jade, but it feels unusually hard when stepped on, and I have no idea what it is actually made of.

Zhang Rongfang took a deep breath and smelled an extremely strong fragrance.

It's not the smell of blood and flesh, but the incense that permeates the air and is everywhere on the ground.

The incense was so strong that it masked all other smells, making him feel slightly uncomfortable for a moment.

"This must be Zhang Ying, Lord Zhang His Majesty wishes to summon? I am Lin Zhao, Imperial Guard. Please, sir, enter the Word Dao Palace."

At this moment, a burly and robust man, no less imposing than Zhang Rongfang, approached and bowed.

The man was clad in full Silver White Armor, with even his face and head covered by a heavy metal mask. He stood three meters in front of Zhang Rongfang.

He wore Silver White Metal Mask, similar to the Golden Wing Tower, with only slits for his eyes visible; the rest was entirely white. There wasn't even a place for him to breathe, let alone his mouth or nose.

"Then I'll have to trouble Guard Lin." Zhang Rongfang cupped his hands in greeting.

Then he turned around, looked at Zhou Yan, and cupped his hands in greeting.

"Thank you for protecting me all the way, General Zhou."

"You're too kind," Zhou Yan returned the greeting. "Farewell, until we meet again."

"Until we meet again."

Turning around, Zhang Rongfang followed Lin Zhao up the palace steps.

Next came the process of entering the palace, bathing, and changing clothes.

The whole process took no more than half an hour, after which he went straight to the Esteem Virtue Hall to be summoned.