Fine rain fell without end, shrouding heaven and earth in mist.
Merchant ships came and went along the Great River in an unbroken stream.
A valiant young man and an effeminate youth, traveling together, sat aboard a pleasure boat, chatting and laughing as they admired the scenery.
The realm had only recently been pacified, and unrest persisted everywhere. Banditry and popular uprisings never ceased, to say nothing of the previous dynasty's rebels who roamed the forests and mountains, seizing territory and building strongholds. In the fewer than ten years since Liyang entered the passes, it had suppressed bandits every month and quelled rebellions every year.
Without solid skills, no one dared venture into the martial world. Many reckless youngsters had plunged headfirst into it, only to vanish without a trace, their fates unknown.
From their departure from the capital to their arrival in the Northern Guard Circuit, the valiant young man and the effeminate youth had encountered countless mountain bandits blocking roads and mounted brigands plundering travelers. Yet they remained safe and entirely unscathed. First, they were tough opponents with formidable martial skills, unafraid of outlaws at the fourth or fifth transformation of the Mortal Realm. Second, they bore the noble Liyang surnames Wanyan and Yelü, and wherever they went, local prefectural and commandery officials had to greet them respectfully and await their orders.
Even if they encountered a truly powerful expert, a single command would send cavalry charging and crossbow bolts flying in volleys, easily taking the opponent down.
"Your reputation is illustrious indeed, Brother Yelü. You've barely spent half a day in the Northern Guard Circuit's capital, and the great general's residence has already sent an invitation. I get to bask in your reflected glory." Clad in white and holding a folding fan, the effeminate youth possessed something