The dragon horse gave a low whicker, carrying Huang Tian at a leisurely pace along the narrow mountain trail.
Fallen leaves carpeted the ground, rustling beneath its hooves over the golden expanse.
After riding for about a quarter of an hour, they emerged from the mountains. As they turned onto a flat official road, the sounds of carriages, horses, and human chatter finally drifted from up ahead.
Huang Tian looked up and saw a small caravan of about twenty people and several wagons. Instead of urging his horse forward to ask for directions, he kept his distance and listened to their conversation.
"Father, how much longer until we reach the provincial city?" a young girl asked. She was on horseback, clad in neat blue martial attire. Though her features were youthful, she carried a distinct, spirited vigor.
A middle-aged man in brocade robes estimated and replied, "Not much further, about thirty li. We should arrive before sundown."
"I've never been to the provincial city. I wonder what it's like. I'm sure it's far more bustling than our commandery," the blue-clad girl said with longing.
"I knew you were curious, which is why I made a point of bringing you along this time." The middle-aged man in brocade smiled. "The provincial city is indeed vast and prosperous. Once we cross that hill up ahead, you'll be able to see a city wall as tall as a mountain."
*To think I've ended up near the provincial city...*
Huang Tian mused inwardly. Since he had arrived here, he might as well enter the city and visit the pavilion at the Provincial Martial Restraint Guard to look through their martial techniques, especially in search of some mental secret arts.
He had read through nearly all the martial techniques in the yamens of Kunyun Commandery City, along with those of the Five Great Sects. Having arrived near the provincial city now, it was the perfect opportunity to go inside and browse.
With that thought in mind, he continued regulating his breath while the dragon horse followed unhurriedly behind the caravan.
After trailing them for a stretch, several burly guards in the caravan noticed him and his magnificent mount. Glances shifted among them, and one rode up beside the middle-aged man in brocade to whisper a few words.
The man listened and looked back. Seeing that Huang Tian was young, with clean, handsome features and no resemblance to a brigand, he waved a hand. "He is merely traveling the same road. Pay it no mind."
The party pressed onward, ascending a low hill. Standing atop the slope and looking far into the distance, one could see a colossal, towering black city wall stretching beyond sight along the horizon, exuding an immense sense of solemnity and crushing weight.
"Is that the provincial city? It's so magnificent and vast..." the blue-clad girl marvelled.
The middle-aged man in brocade smiled. "Every time I see the provincial city from afar, I'm just as awed as you."
With that, he shouted, "We're almost there! Pick up the pace!"
The party roused their spirits and advanced.
After traveling another stretch, the man looked back and saw the youth still following calmly ten-odd zhang behind the carriages. Hesitating a moment, he reined in his horse and called out, "Young brother, are you lost? Where are you headed?"
Huang Tian replied, "I'm going to the provincial city."
The man said, "We are also heading to the provincial city. Why not travel together?"
Huang Tian considered it, then patted the dragon horse's head gently. It quickened its pace to draw alongside the caravan. The moment it drew near, several horses nearby let out low whickers, seemingly intimidated, while the dragon horse gave two smug neighs.
The middle-aged man in brocade glanced at the dragon horse in surprise, then cupped his hands amiably. "This humble one is surnamed Liu, acting as the leader of this caravan. Might I ask your esteemed surname, young brother?"
"Surnamed Huang."
The man probed, "Are you a native of the provincial city, young brother, or from another commandery or county? Traveling alone on horseback to the provincial city isn't quite safe."
Huang Tian smiled. "I come from Kunyun. As for safety, perhaps my luck hasn't been bad—I haven't run into many bandits."
The man nodded slightly. After chatting for a few more pleasantries, he rode back to the head of the caravan. The blue-clad girl guided her horse beside him. "Father?"
The man lowered his voice: "Nothing to worry about. He isn't a bad person, but seeing how composed he is, he certainly has martial skill."
Hearing this, the blue-clad girl glanced back at Huang Tian—saber at his waist, valiant appearance, extraordinary bearing. Her mind immediately felt at ease. Someone of such looks and air could not possibly be a highwayman.
What was more, their caravan had nothing worth robbing; they were not escorting treasures, only some ordinary medicinal herbs.
Still, they were strangers after all. Though she found the youth handsome, she felt too shy to strike up a conversation. She continued riding beside her father, only stealing a glance or two back occasionally.
While the caravan made its way toward the provincial city, the city itself was shaken by news of Huang Tian and Xiahou Yang's battle along the river.
Inside the stately provincial yamen, within an elegant chamber, Provincial Governor Ning Heyuan of Qin Province wore a grave expression. "You are saying that two Grandmasters clashed above the Raging Dragon River, and they weren't Rank Three martial artists, but very likely Rank One?!"
The subordinate reporting before him said, "Indeed. The two of them traversed the sky, fighting as they flew. Many people along the river saw it. That level of might could never belong to a Rank Three martial artist, and even Rank Two likely wouldn't suffice."
Ning Heyuan paced the room with his hands clasped behind his back, bewildered. "In all of Qin Province, there are only ten Rank One martial artists in total, and several of them have rushed off to Yong Province to vie for the divine armament. How could two Rank One Grandmasters suddenly appear and fight to the death? By the way, did anyone clearly see what the two looked like?"
The subordinate replied, "The one in purple robes has never been seen before. The other looked young, appearing only seventeen or eighteen, resembling that person from Kunyun Commandery."
"Kunyun?" Ning Heyuan paused, then realized, "Huang Tian?!"
"It is him," the subordinate replied.
"Right, right, among those in Qin Province with Rank One combat prowess, he counts as one." Ning Heyuan understood, but then exclaimed in shock, "Wait, you said he was flying?"
Wasn't Huang Tian only at Rank Four? How could he fly continuously?
The subordinate hesitated. "Yes, the two were clashing high in the air."
Ning Heyuan was stunned. "Could he have broken through to Rank Three? Or did someone mistake his identity, and it wasn't Huang Tian?"
The subordinate thought for a moment and said, "There shouldn't be any mistake. Over a dozen people recognized him."
In fact, far more than a dozen had recognized him; it was just that the others had not sent Feixin messages to report it.
Ning Heyuan drew in a soft breath. "So fast! So fast!"
The subordinate knew what he was marveling at, for he felt the exact same sentiment in his heart—Huang Tian's speed of breakthrough was simply too terrifyingly fast!
"When he was at Rank Four, he could slay Xiahou Yin. Now that he has entered Rank Three, his strength among Rank Ones is likely near the very pinnacle!"
Ning Heyuan's brows furrowed tightly. "With such strength, who could be fighting him?"
If it were Ning Heyuan himself, he would never dare fight Huang Tian. If Huang Tian were still Rank Four, he might test his hand, but now that he was Rank Three... better forget it.
"Describe that person's attire, weapon, and appearance in detail once more."
"Yes."
The subordinate recounted everything again.
Ning Heyuan listened as he paced in thought. "Purple robes, a dark red saber, ordinary appearance, and able to fight Huang Tian without falling behind..."
At a certain moment, a name surfaced in his mind.
"Xiahou Yang!"
He blurted out, and in his excitement, his true qi surged forth, rattling the tables and chairs in the chamber. The subordinate jumped in fright.
"It must be Xiahou Yang!" Ning Heyuan said with a heavy heart. "Xiahou Yin died at Huang Tian's hands, so he must have secretly slipped into our Great Gan from the State of Lan to seek vengeance."
He stood frozen in thought for a long while, then slammed his right fist into his left palm, making up his mind. "I must go lend a hand!"
If he hadn't known, so be it, but knowing Huang Tian was currently locked in battle with Xiahou Yang, he felt it was best to assist. First, slaying Demonic Cult villains and maintaining peace in the region was his official duty; second, it would earn him Huang Tian's goodwill.
If he could provide timely assistance to Huang Tian and work with him to wound or even capture and kill Xiahou Yang, not only would he receive imperial rewards, but he would also gain Huang Tian's friendship. Why wouldn't he do it?
The only concern was whether the two of them working together could defeat Xiahou Yang...
"Send someone to notify Brother Yan and ask him to join me in providing reinforcement!" Ning Heyuan said swiftly.
Brother Yan was Yan Zhong, the Rank One Divine General of the Qin Province Black Armor Army!
The subordinate nodded and was just about to leave when a clerk suddenly sprinted to the door, holding up a letter and frantically presenting it to Ning Heyuan.
Ning Heyuan unfolded it, his expression shifting drastically. "What? The battle has ended? Someone saw Huang Tian sever Xiahou Yang's arm with a single blade strike, then pursue him for miles into the mountains dozens of li outside the provincial city?"
"Huang Tian is actually this formidable, that even Xiahou Yang was no match for him?!"
Ning Heyuan had heard rumors about Xiahou Yang testing his blade against Rank One Grandmasters in the State of Lan, so he had a general estimate of his combat power—definitely among the very strongest beneath the Celestial Being realm!
Yet even so, he had had an arm severed by Huang Tian!
"With an arm severed and having been overtaken, Xiahou Yang is undoubtedly dead!"
Ning Heyuan sighed repeatedly. "What a pity! What a pity!"
Pity about what?
Naturally, pity that Xiahou Yang had been defeated too quickly!
If only he had held out until Ning Heyuan arrived to join forces with Huang Tian and kill Xiahou Yang—how marvelous that would have been. Now, that opportunity was gone!
"Wait, since Huang Tian has reached the vicinity of the provincial city, will he enter the city?"
Ning Heyuan pondered for a moment and ordered, "Dispatch men to scout in all directions and see whether Assistant Commissioner Huang has come to the provincial city."
"Yes!"
The subordinates hurriedly withdrew to direct the bailiffs to leave the city and scout along the official roads.
Meanwhile, Ning Heyuan sat in his chamber, unable to calm himself for a long time, having lost all desire to handle official business.
After a good while, hurried footsteps sounded.
Ning Heyuan looked up toward the door as the previous subordinate rushed in. "Assistant Commissioner Huang has arrived! This subordinate and the others spotted Assistant Commissioner Huang more than ten li outside the eastern city gate. He was traveling alongside a small caravan. This subordinate dared not disturb him rashly and came back first to report to you, Your Excellency."
"He truly came! This official will go welcome him in person." Ning Heyuan rose abruptly. "In addition, inform all the yamens, especially the Martial Restraint Guard, to dispatch men outside the city to welcome him!"
Huang Tian belonged to the Martial Restraint Guard. Although he did not hail from the Provincial Martial Restraint Guard, but rather the commandery branch below, he was still one of their own. Furthermore, his strength was so immense that it already surpassed the Qin Province Martial Restraint Guard Commander who had gone to Yong Province to offer support!
Perhaps before long, he would be promoted to Commander. Facing Huang Tian, who might become their superior in the future, the Martial Restraint Guard couldn't possibly fail to send people to welcome him.
"Yes!" The subordinate hurried off to carry out the orders.
In less than a quarter of an hour, every major yamen in the entire provincial city was abuzz. Everyone learned that Huang Tian, who had risen like a miracle, was about to arrive at the provincial city.
The heads of the various yamens, especially the Vice Commanders and Assistant Commissioners of the Provincial Martial Restraint Guard, rallied their spirits and wore solemn expressions as they followed Ning Heyuan out of the city to welcome him.
*Clop, clop...*
Hooves trod upon the flat road. The middle-aged man in brocade looked up. Under the golden glow of the setting sun, the beast-like city wall came into view. "We're almost there, only two or three li left."
Everyone subconsciously quickened their pace. Seeing the provincial city draw near, the blue-clad girl beside the man could finally no longer contain her curiosity. She slowed her horse and came alongside Huang Tian.
"Young Hero... Huang, what brings you to the provincial city? Sightseeing?" she asked curiously.
Huang Tian replied, "You could say that."
The blue-clad girl didn't know what "you could say that" was supposed to mean. She gave a faint smile and shifted her gaze to the bundle at the side of his saddle. "What is this?"
"Game."
"Game you hunted on your way to the provincial city?"
"That's right."
"..."
The two chatted casually. After walking roughly two li, the man in brocade saw his daughter chatting more and more enthusiastically and didn't know whether to laugh or cry.
It was not that he thought it bad for his daughter to draw closer to the youth. The youth clearly came from a good background and possessed an extraordinary bearing; forging a good bond was a fine thing. But they were about to reach the provincial city and part ways; he didn't want her pestering him and causing annoyance.
Shaking his head, he reined his horse over, cupped his hands to Huang Tian, and said, "Once we enter the city, we will part ways with you, young brother. May all your endeavors go smoothly."
Huang Tian responded politely, wishing them prosperous business as well.
Suddenly, a commotion arose from ahead.
Immediately following was the thunderous rumble of hooves, sounding like hundreds of fine steeds galloping together.
"What is going on? Could some prominent figure be leaving the city? Or are the constables and strongmen from the city riding out to apprehend someone?"
His expression shifted, and he hastily directed, "Pull to the side! Move to the side of the road, don't block the way!"
By now, the guards and carters in the caravan had also noticed the commotion ahead. They hastily steered the wagons to one side, clearing the main road.
*Rumble!*
Dust rose as the middle-aged man and the others looked up. Ahead, over a hundred armored cavalrymen escorted a host of imposing officials from various yamens, riding toward them.
"Hiss... That is the Rank Three Divine Constable from the Six Doors, a Grandmaster-level figure! I once caught a glimpse of him from afar."
Along both sides of the official road, martial artists bearing sabers and swords cried out in shock.
"The one in the center seems to be Provincial Governor Ning?"
"The ones beside him wearing purple official robes must be the Vice Commanders and Assistant Commissioners of the Martial Restraint Guard!"
"The one next to Provincial Governor Ning is Divine General Yan Zhong?"
"Why have so many towering figures come out today? It looks like they're welcoming someone!"
"Could an illustrious figure from the Imperial Capital have arrived?"
"Even if an imperial prince or princess arrived, there would be no need for them to come out in person to welcome them, right?"
The passersby murmured in fervent discussion. The middle-aged man in brocade and his group were equally astonished; they had never imagined witnessing so many prominent figures on an excursion upon arriving at the provincial city.
"Young Brother Huang, don't go over there!" The man in brocade noticed that Huang Tian had not moved to the side, but was riding directly forward, and hastily called out to stop him.
Yet in the very next moment, a scene unfolded that left him utterly dumbfounded.
The hundred-plus armored soldiers and the officials of Grandmaster rank and above from the various yamens saw Huang Tian standing in the middle of the road. One after another, they dismounted and bowed together in unison, their voices ringing out as one:
"We respectfully welcome Assistant Commissioner Huang to the provincial city!!"
Chapter 129