The persona Cao Jinxing had devised for "Xia Yiming" was a distant relative of the Huang family, modestly wealthy, possessed of exceptional skills, young and accomplished... whatever made life comfortable.
Along the way, he stayed in the finest rooms and rode a fine horse, arriving in Hangzhou at an unhurried pace.
Hangzhou enjoyed a reputation as "paradise on earth," with beautiful scenery and splendid views.
Dressed in a blue-green robe, Cao Jinxing led his horse through the city, drawing considerable attention with his striking face.
However, with word of the "Holy Duke's Treasure" spreading recently, Hangzhou's popularity had reached new heights. Jianghu people searching for the treasure were everywhere, and young masters from prominent families and rising Jianghu talents were a common sight. One more Cao Jinxing hardly mattered.
Upon arriving in Hangzhou, Cao Jinxing planned to visit the former site of Longxiang Palace first. It was in the center of the prefectural capital, not far away. Once he had seen it, he would head down to Chun'an County and visit Bangyuan Cave and Yan Village.
He led his horse along the broad street, listening to vendors hawking their wares on either side. People bustled back and forth, filling the street with the atmosphere of everyday life.
Suddenly, loud shouts came from the other end of the street:
"Catch him!"
"That brat opened the mechanism!"
"Don't let him get away!"
The voices carried Sichuan accents and drew closer and closer.
Accompanied by ordinary people's screams and cries of pain, a large group came charging recklessly down the street.
Every roadside stall was sent flying, scattering pastries and snacks across the ground.
The stallholders cried out in anguish, but could only watch their food being trampled and crushed. Furious at these lawless Jianghu people, they dared not speak.
Cao Jinxing looked