" Imperial Capital ".
Fang Han stared at those two words, remained silent for a moment, and then slowly spoke, his voice carrying an undisguised sigh:
"This is the Imperial Capital..."
When he was in Qingyang Prefecture, he already felt that the Prefecture City was magnificent and extraordinary, but now, standing in front of the Imperial Capital, he realized what a truly great city was.
Compared to the Imperial Capital, Qingyang Prefecture City is like a low hill compared to a towering mountain.
Luo Yuntian also lifted the curtain on the other side of the carriage, gazing at the colossal city that stretched between heaven and earth. His usually calm eyes were now filled with undisguised shock.
He came from a middle-class background and had seen many large cities, but the scale of the Imperial Capital still shocked him.
The Azure Profound Sect Deacon turned around and, seeing the expressions on the two faces, a smile appeared on his weathered face:
"When I first came to the Imperial Capital with the sect leader, I was just like the two True Disciple, so astonished by the scale of the Imperial Capital that I was speechless for a long time."
He paused, gently shook the reins, and the White Tiger continued forward.
" The Imperial Capital is the heart of the Great Chu Dynasty, a gathering place for the world's best talents. It certainly deserves such an atmosphere."
The White Tiger walked along the official road toward the city gate, and as it got closer, the details of the city wall became clearer and clearer.
On the wall, each boulder was polished to an extremely smooth finish, and the gaps were filled with some kind of dark metal, making it look exceptionally sturdy.
On the city wall, every few feet there was a crenellation, where armored soldiers stood holding spears, their sharp eyes scanning the pedestrians below.
As the crowd approached the city gate, Fang Han noticed that a very high proportion of the pedestrians entering and leaving the city were martial artists.
There were burly men carrying broadswords, young men in tight-fitting clothes with long swords at their waists, elderly men in Daoist robes holding whisks, and women wearing light armor with solemn expressions.
Many people even ride on monsters.
A fiery red horse, its snorts snorting, carried an old man in a red robe as it slowly passed through the city gate.
A blue wolf, the size of a calf, carried a Black-Clad Youth on its back. The youth's expression was indifferent, his gaze sweeping over the surrounding pedestrians with a hint of arrogance.
There was also a huge carriage pulled by two armored rhinoceroses. The carriage was made entirely of metal and gleamed with a cold luster in the sunlight as it slowly passed through the city gate.
The White Tiger is still considered large among these demonic creatures, but it is no longer unique.
The passersby glanced at it casually before looking away, not giving it a second look.
Fang Han and Luo Yuntian exchanged a glance, both seeing the same sentiment in each other's eyes.
In Qingyang Prefecture, and even in the surrounding counties, the White Tiger mount is an extremely eye-catching sight.
But once it reached the Imperial Capital, it was nothing more than a rather rare monster.
The White Tiger slowly passed through the city gate along with the crowd.
The armored soldiers guarding the city gate merely glanced at the carriages and waved them through without asking a single question.
Clearly, the Imperial Capital sees a great many martial artists and demons coming and going every day, and the city's guards are already used to it.
As we passed through the city gate, the light suddenly shone brightly.
The streets of the Imperial Capital were astonishingly wide.
The road surface, paved with bluestone slabs, was as smooth as a mirror, large enough to allow ten carriages to pass side by side without feeling crowded.
The streets are lined with buildings.
Three-, four-, and even five-story buildings are everywhere, with vermilion railings, green tiles, flying eaves, brackets, carved beams, and painted rafters.
Shops of all kinds lined the streets, their signs hanging high. Some sold weapons, some sold Danyao, some sold spiritual materials, as well as restaurants, teahouses, silk shops, and jewelry stores...
The sounds of hawking, laughter, bargaining, and carriages mingled together, creating a bustling symphony of the marketplace.
Fang Han looked out the car window at both sides of the street, his gaze sweeping over the various shops.
In his eyes, Qingyang Prefecture City was already quite prosperous, but compared to the Imperial Capital, the difference was astonishing.
The decorations of the shops on both sides of the street alone are comparable to the most upscale shops in Qingyang Prefecture City.
Moreover, what caught his attention most was the density of the strong individuals.
With the Nether Guide still running, he could clearly sense that among the pedestrians on both sides of the street, there were many powerful martial artists.
After only a short while, he sensed the aura of at least a dozen First Grade martial artists.
These auras, whether deep and calm, sharp and piercing, cold and gloomy, or fiery and intense, each possess unique characteristics, but without exception, they are all powerful enough to dominate a prefecture.
But here, it seems perfectly ordinary.
"In just this short time, I have sensed the aura of more than a dozen First Grade martial artists. First Grade martial artists are so common in the Imperial Capital."
Fang Han said in a low voice.
Hearing Fang Han's words, Luo Yuntian's voice carried a hint of emotion:
"As expected of the Imperial Capital, the heart of the Great Chu Dynasty, it is indeed a gathering place for powerful figures."
The Azure Profound Sect Deacon controlled the White Tiger, walking slowly along the main street at a moderate pace, allowing the two to carefully observe the magnificent city.
Fang Han and Luo Yuntian sat in the carriage, looking out the window at the bustling city filled with prosperity and the aura of powerful figures.
On both sides of the street, street performers brandished knives and spears in an open space, drawing cheers from the crowd.
Vendors carrying loads on shoulder poles hawked steaming hot Steamed Bun and pastries along the street, their aroma filling the air.
There were elegantly dressed young men riding tall horses, followed by a retinue of Servant, swaggering through the city.
There were also lone warriors wearing tattered cloaks, heads down, hurrying along, disappearing into the depths of the alleyways.
A myriad of human experiences unfold in this magnificent city.
Fang Han gazed at all this, a strange feeling welled up within him.
Everything in Qingyang Prefecture seemed to become distant at this moment.
After strolling around for more than two hours, the sun gradually began to set.
The Azure Profound Sect Deacon parked the White Tiger in front of a five-story restaurant.
Above the restaurant's entrance hangs a black signboard with gold lettering—" Moonwatch Tower )—the calligraphy is vigorous and demonstrates exceptional skill.
Several carriages were parked in front of the gate, and two waiters were greeting the guests.
"Would you two True Disciple like to have a meal before reporting for duty?"
The Deacon turned around and asked.
Those who have been invited to participate in the Martial Arts Tournament Martial Arts Tournament and wish to do so can register at the Royal Annex with their invitation letter.
There, participants and their companions will be provided with accommodation.
"Let's savor the delicacies of the Imperial Capital first, then we'll go report for duty."
Fang Han and Luo Yuntian exchanged a glance and nodded.
The three of them dismounted from the White Tiger and asked the waiter to lead White Tiger to the backyard to settle it. They also slipped the waiter a small piece of silver as a tip. The waiter immediately beamed and eagerly led the three of them into the first floor of the restaurant.
The interior of the restaurant's first floor was exquisitely decorated, with polished marble floors and several landscape paintings hanging on the walls.
The tables and chairs were all made of fine mahogany, and exquisite porcelain tea sets were placed on the tables.
Several tables of guests were already in the lobby, chatting quietly, and the atmosphere wasn't too noisy.
The three of them found a seat by the window, ordered several signature dishes, and a pot of good wine.
Before long, all the dishes were served.
Fang Han picked up his chopsticks, took a bite, and nodded slightly.
The chef at the restaurant was indeed very skilled; the dishes were excellent in color, aroma, and taste, and the ingredients were of high quality.
The three of them ate slowly, exchanging a few words now and then, and it was quite pleasant.
The meal cost more than four hundred taels of silver.
Fang Han paid the bill, not feeling particularly distressed.
With his current wealth, a few hundred taels of silver is nothing more than a drop in the ocean.
After finishing their meal, the three left the restaurant and boarded the White Tiger again.
The Azure Profound Sect Deacon had been to the Imperial Capital before and knew the location of the Royal Annex. He drove the tiger along the main street.
After passing through several streets and about half an hour later, the White Tiger stopped in front of a vast and imposing complex of buildings.
The main gate was painted vermilion, with neatly arranged door studs, and above it hung a huge plaque with four large characters written on it.
" Royal Annex ".
Four armored soldiers stood on each side of the gate, their auras deep and composed, all possessing Middle Third Grade.
There were already many young martial artists at the gate, some arriving by car and others on foot. After showing some kind of letter, they were respectfully led inside.
Fang Han and Luo Yuntian leaped off the White Tiger, each taking out their gold-embossed invitations, and walked towards the door.
A middle-aged man who appeared to be in charge stepped forward, his gaze sweeping over the invitations in the two men's hands, and a smile immediately spread across his face:
"Young masters, are you here to participate in the Martial Arts Tournament?"
"Exactly."
Fang Han handed over the invitation.
The manager took the invitation, carefully examined the gold foil on the cover and the text inside, and after confirming that everything was correct, returned the invitation with both hands, his smile becoming even more respectful.
"Please follow me, gentlemen."
He led Fang Han and the other two to the stable to house the White Tiger demon, and then through the main gate into the courtyard.
The villa features pavilions, towers, bridges, and flowing water, creating a serene and elegant atmosphere that seems like a completely different world from the hustle and bustle outside.
After passing through a Corridor, we arrived at a hall.
The interior furnishings were simple yet elegant, with a burner of Sandalwood Incense burning on the table, its smoke curling upwards.
A middle-aged man dressed in a gray-blue robe was sitting behind a desk. When he saw the steward leading people in, he put down the book in his hand and looked up.
The steward stepped forward and whispered a few words, at which point the middle-aged man's gaze fell on Fang Han and Luo Yuntian, and he nodded slightly.
"Gentlemen, please present your invitations for verification and registration."
Fang Han and Luo Yuntian each handed over an invitation.
The middle-aged man took it, opened it, glanced at the contents, and then wrote a few lines on a roll of names.
He raised his head, his gaze first falling on Fang Han:
" Fang Han, the number one on the Qingyang Prefecture Prodigy Ranking."
His voice was steady and businesslike, but a subtle scrutiny flashed in his eyes.
Being ranked first on the Prodigy Ranking in a prefecture, even if it's not Central Thirty-Six Prefectures but just an ordinary prefecture, still means that this person possesses the strength to be among the top three hundred on the Prodigy Ranking.
Among the geniuses of various counties, he is already considered to have first-class talent.
He then looked at Luo Yuntian:
"Sixth on the Qingyang Prefecture Prodigy Ranking, Young Master Luo Yuntian."
Luo Yuntian nodded slightly.
After the middle-aged man finished recording, he put down his pen, took out three jade tokens from under the table, and handed them to Fang Han, Luo Yuntian, and the Azure Profound Sect Deacon, respectively.
"These are your travel passes for your stay at the separate residence. Please keep them safe."
He paused, his gaze lingering on Fang Han for a moment longer, his voice carrying a hint of explanation:
"During the Martial Arts Tournament, the Royal Annex will provide free room and board for the top talents from each prefecture. However, the accommodations will vary depending on your ranking on the Prodigy Ranking."
"As the number one on the Qingyang Prefecture Prodigy Ranking, Young Master Fang, we have arranged a private courtyard with Cultivation Ground for you."
He then looked at Luo Yuntian:
"As the sixth-ranked prodigy on the Qingyang Prefecture Prodigy Ranking, Young Master Luo has been assigned a suite with the Reception Hall."
Finally, he looked at the Azure Profound Sect Deacon:
"Accompanying personnel will be provided with standard single rooms."
Fang Han took the jade pendant; it felt warm and smooth to the touch, and slightly heavy.
The separate courtyard with its Cultivation Ground is quite convenient for cultivation.
Luo Yuntian accepted the jade token, his expression calm, showing no displeasure.
Knowing Fang Han's strength, he wasn't jealous of Fang Han's treatment at all.
The Azure Profound Sect Deacon accepted the jade token, expressed his gratitude, and showed no dissatisfaction.
He was just an accompanying Deacon, and being able to have a free single room to stay in this expensive Imperial Capital was already considered a good treatment.
The middle-aged man summoned three Servant and gave them instructions:
"Take the three of you to your lodgings."
The three Servant responded and bowed to lead the way.
Fang Han and his two companions followed the Servant along the Corridor into the depths of the villa.