Vision

Dragon Cavalry Army!!

At those three words, Shen Xiuhan's eyelids trembled slightly.

Countless clues rapidly linked together in his mind, and his heart suddenly cleared.

So that was it...

He finally understood why Tian Erhu's younger brother, Tian Ping'an, had been able to serve in the Dragon Cavalry Army, one of Great Qi's five armies.

He had most likely entered the ranks through the Wang Family's connections.

And now, judging from the implications in Xu Chuan and Xiang Yunting's words, they had likely taken notice of his talent in breaking into the Blood Tempering Realm on the sixteenth day and wanted to bring him into the Eastern Guard Escort Agency.

Then, using that as a springboard, the martial brothers could band together and join the Dragon Cavalry Army, striving for a future where they could win wives and honors for their families.

To others, that might have been a broad road to prosperity.

But to Shen Xiuhan...

That was not necessarily the case!

Because of Tian Ping'an.

Not only was this man at the late stage of Bright Force, he was also a centurion in the Dragon Cavalry Army. Having served for years, who knew what deeply intertwined connections he might have within its ranks.

He had killed Tian Erhu, then planned to head straight into the other man's territory—wouldn't that be walking into a trap?

In chaotic times, survival came first.

Though Tian Ping'an might not necessarily trace the matter back to him, Shen Xiuhan had no desire to take that risk.

Having made up his mind, he revealed nothing on his face. He merely adopted a thoughtful expression and slowly said:

"I'm deeply grateful for the care both senior brothers have shown me. A man ought to venture out into the world, but I am by nature undisciplined and cannot bear the iron laws of the army..."

That was a tactful refusal.

Xu Chuan and Xiang Yunting exchanged a glance, disappointment flashing through both their eyes.

But then Shen Xiuhan changed the subject:

"I still yearn more to join a martial sect and cultivate in bitter solitude."

"Speaking of which, some days ago, I happened to hear a wandering master in the streets mention a sect called Sea-Fishing Tower."

"I heard its methods reach the heavens, with great cultivators gathered within. It is truly fascinating... You two senior brothers have traveled far and wide. Have you ever heard of this faction?"

"Sea-Fishing Tower?"

Upon hearing this, both men frowned slightly and sank into thought.

The courtyard fell quiet for a moment.

After a while, Xiang Yunting slowly shook his head, confusion in his eyes.

"I've traveled far and wide on escort work these past few years. I've learned eight or nine parts out of ten about the sects and gangs throughout South Township Prefecture, as well as the various figures from both the underworld and the righteous path. Yet this Sea-Fishing Tower you speak of... I've never even heard of it."

Xu Chuan scratched his scalp as well.

"I haven't heard of it either. Junior Brother Shen, could that wandering Daoist have been making up a name off the top of his head to scam a drink?"

"Not necessarily made up."

Xiang Yunting shook his head, his expression turning serious.

"Great Qi has nine provinces and thirty-six prefectures—how vast and boundless is that land? South Township Prefecture is no more than a drop in the ocean on the map of Qi Kingdom. Sea-Fishing Tower may well be a force beyond Cangzhou, perhaps in some distant province, or even a holy land of martial arts in Great Qi's capital..."

Listening to Xiang Yunting, Shen Xiuhan raised his teacup and took a light sip, using it to conceal the flicker of doubt in his eyes.

They had never heard of it?

It was far away in another province?

That... did not seem right, did it?

By ordinary reasoning, since Sea-Fishing Tower could send a true disciple deep into Cloudwater Lake, it ought to have been a sect within Cangzhou, or at least not far from South Township Prefecture. How could it possibly be a force from another province?

Yet after that true disciple died in Cloudwater Lake, no one knew how long the corpse had been left there.

If not for the intelligence pointing it out, it might have remained hidden forever...

Could that person truly have come from another province, traveling from afar in search of opportunity only to die here?

Or perhaps... he had come with companions, only to be killed here in the end?

If you think this book is good, remember to add it to your bookshelf so you won't have trouble finding it next time.

Doubts piled up in Shen Xiuhan's heart, yet his face revealed nothing.

Fortunately, this successfully diverted the subject of having him enlist.

After his question, Xu Chuan and Xiang Yunting instead became interested. With great longing, they chatted about the Dragon Cavalry Army's arrival in Longcloud County, saying it would likely happen within the year.

They also mentioned that several years ago, a disciple from Mei Martial Hall had joined the Dragon Cavalry Army. They heard he had now made something of himself, and perhaps they could ask someone to pull some strings when the time came.

Shen Xiuhan listened quietly, occasionally refilling tea for his two senior brothers.

By evening, dusk gathered from all sides.

The alley was dim and silent, with the occasional bark of a dog drifting over from afar.

When Shen Xiuhan passed Chen An's home, his steps involuntarily halted.

An iron lock hung from the firewood gate, mottled with rust.

He peered inside through the fence.

The firewood, water jars, and scattered household belongings in the courtyard had all been cleared away neatly. It was the picture of a house emptied of people.

When he returned to his own courtyard, before he could ask anything, Madam Zheng, who had been busy in the kitchen, came out carrying hot water.

"Eldest son, Aunt Li's family moved away today."

"They left today?"

"Yes. I heard they rented a side room in a neighborhood near West Market. The rent alone costs three taels of silver a year!"

Land prices in Longcloud County varied greatly. The closer one got to the wealthy district in the north of the city, the more expensive they became.

The neighborhoods around the three great markets in the east, south, and west were naturally cheaper in rent and land prices due to their noisy surroundings.

But even so, it still cost three taels of silver a year.

For ordinary people, that truly was an enormous sum.

Shen Xiuhan had also considered moving into the inner city, but he did not intend to rent.

He wanted to buy.

There was no need to buy some grand estate with three courtyards or even two.

A small courtyard with several rooms that could shelter them from wind and rain would be enough.

If conditions allowed, it would be best if there were a small storefront facing the street out front.

Even if it were no bigger than a palm, it would be good enough for Madam Zheng to set up a stall and open a small shop selling hot soup and meals.

She had been born into the lower ranks. Even though she no longer needed to work at the cloth workshop these days, she was, in the end, a poor woman who could not sit idle.

During the day, she managed the household, washed clothes, and cooked. At night, she sat on a low stool endlessly weaving fishing nets and fish baskets, hoping to exchange them for money at East Market when spring came to help support the household.

Several times, she had woven nets by the bean-oil lamp deep into the night, straining her eyes until they were red.

Shen Xiuhan had tried to persuade her. She agreed with her mouth, yet the next day she still went her own way.

If they had such a little shop, his mother would have work to pass the time and would not torment herself like this.

So after dinner, Shen Xiuhan voiced his idea of purchasing a home in the inner city.

"Buy a home?!"

Madam Zheng's hand trembled as she wiped the table, and she stared at her son in disbelief.

"That's right."

Shen Xiuhan's expression was serious.

"Mother, the world is becoming more chaotic by the day. If we move into the inner city and settle down early, I will have no worries at my back and can practice martial arts in peace."

"But... but I've heard the old women in the neighborhood say that buying a home in the inner city is terribly expensive."

Madam Zheng gripped the rag tightly, concern in her voice.

"Even in an area near West Market, any house with a courtyard costs at least ten or twenty taels of silver. The money left at home... I'm afraid it is still far from enough."

"Mother, you needn't worry about the money. I'll think of a way."

Shen Xiuhan pulled Shen Momo, who was listening with wide eyes, into his arms. Pinching her little face, which had finally gained some flesh, he smiled and comforted her.

"In the next few days, I'll find some work and save up silver. When the time comes... I'll set up a storefront in front of the courtyard for you and open a small restaurant."

"What restaurant would we open..."

Madam Zheng's eyes grew hot as she repeatedly waved her hands. "Having a home is enough to put Mother at ease. When the time comes, save the money and find yourself a good match..."