The dragon horse gave a low whinny and carried Huang Tian at an unhurried pace along the narrow mountain path.
Fallen leaves carpeted the way, rustling beneath its hooves.
After about fifteen minutes, they emerged from the mountains onto a level highway. At last, Huang Tian heard carts, horses, and people talking ahead.
He looked up and saw a small merchant caravan of some twenty people with several carts. Rather than urge his horse forward to ask directions, he kept his distance and listened.
"Father, how much farther to the provincial capital?" asked a young girl on horseback. She wore a blue fighting outfit, and though her face was still youthful, she had a dashing air.
A middle-aged man in brocade estimated the distance. "Not far. About thirty li. We'll arrive before sunset."
"I've never been to the provincial capital. I wonder what it's like. I bet it's much livelier than our prefecture." Longing filled the blue-clad girl's face.
"I know you're curious. Why else would I have brought you along this time?" The man smiled. "The provincial capital really is vast and bustling. Once we cross that little hill ahead, you should be able to see a city wall as tall as a mountain."
So I've ended up near the provincial capital...
Huang Tian considered it. Since he was here, he might as well enter the city and visit the Martial Guard's Library Pavilion to examine its martial techniques, especially any secret arts involving the mind.
He had already read nearly all the martial techniques in Kunyun Prefecture's government offices, along with those of the five great sects. Now that he was near the provincial capital, it was the perfect chance to see what it held.
With that thought, he continued regulating his breath while the dragon horse followed