"Is this the great capital of Haojing?"
On the guest boat, it was a middle-aged advanced scholar in plain clothes, wrapped up like a rice dumpling, who spoke up.
Zhang Jian glanced at him, seeing his heart fluttering, and immediately smiled faintly.
This was an advanced scholar from a humble background named Zhan Xiong.
However, once one becomes an advanced scholar, no matter how poor, they can distance themselves from poverty. It's just that compared to other advanced scholars from wealthy families, they are a bit behind. Unlike Zhang Jian and Shi Lun, who were dressed in fur coats and could wear inner-lined cloaks to ward off the cold wind.
Looking around, Zhang Jian observed that the pier outside Haojing City was even more bustling than the Immortal Crossing pier, with people coming and going, and shoulders rubbing against each other.
At this moment, Zhang Jian also extended an invitation, "Do any of you gentlemen have a place to stay? If not, why not join us? I happen to have found a small courtyard in Haojing, and we can all stay together. When there's leisure time, we can study together and explore the majestic sights of the capital!"
Upon hearing this, many advanced scholars politely declined Zhang Jian's good intentions. As scholars, most of them had their own pride and were well-prepared.
Before entering the capital, they had already contacted classmates within the city or obtained invitations from official families to stay with them.
In the capital, those official families actually welcomed young advanced scholars to stay with them. If lucky, they might even be chosen as sons-in-law by these families.
Shi Lun also declined Zhang Jian's offer, as the Shi Family had already arranged a place for him in the capital.
After a while, only Zhang Jian and his servant remained on the pier.
Seeing this, Zhang Jian sighed. Along the journey, he had observed these scholars, some pretending to be poor, some shrewd, some who liked to be ostentatious, and others who were cunning like foxes. But in the end, they all revealed their true nature, unwilling to easily submit to others.
The master and servant duo then followed the land and water dock, passing through the market and entering the foot of Haojing City.
In front of them, Haojing lay like a giant dragon sprawled across the earth, its walls thick and mighty, exuding a grand and majestic Dragon and Tiger Qi.
Zhang Jian locked his magical power within his own flesh, purely presenting himself as a Body Forging Martial Artist.
The late stage of Divination is equivalent to the peak of the Celestial Human Realm.
The next step would be the legendary Immortal Demon Realm.
This is equivalent to a cultivator at the Golden Core Realm.
Cultivators in the Golden Core Realm have a lifespan of over eight hundred, approaching a thousand.
When a martial artist reaches the Immortal Demon Realm, although there is some consumption of spirit, energy, and essence, they too can live for hundreds of years in the mortal world, which is indeed worthy of being called a terrestrial immortal demon.
However, in the world, after reaching the Immortal Demon Realm, Body Forging Martial Artists almost have no path forward.
...
As Zhang Jian entered Haojing, the request for assistance from the Southern Governor Cai Hengxing had already reached the current Emperor's desk early on.
The current Emperor was not inexperienced in military affairs but was a sharp-minded young Emperor, favored by the late Emperor from a young age, having been groomed in the position of Crown Prince for several years, possessing a calculating mind.
Sitting in front of the imperial desk at this moment, although he furrowed his brows, there was no change in his expression, remaining calm and composed.
"Since this involves the heretical Xuan Du Sect, have the State Preceptor send someone to handle it. As for the army, let Old General Yang of Changming County act as the Grand General of Rebellion Suppression to replace Cai Hengxing. Didn't Marquis Dingnan mention General Wei Yuan of Fengyang County as a veteran with years of border service? Let him act as a deputy general!"
"Your Majesty is wise!"
Upon hearing this, several of the Nine Ministers nodded in agreement, and then the Grand Commandant Wang Yuan added, "Just that, Your Majesty, these two old generals are veterans of many battles, but their energy is not as it was. Perhaps it would be better to send some young generals to gain experience as a complement!"
The Emperor opened his eyes and asked in a lowered voice.
"Does the Grand Commandant have any suitable candidates to recommend?"
"Your Majesty has been actively forming a new army, promoting young generals trained from noble families this time, why not send a few over to gain experience?"
"Very well, then deploy Songyu, Zhao Qingshan, Zhao Man... um, and add Guard Deputy General Qi Yuanwu!"
Hearing the Emperor's final mention of Qi Yuanwu, the eyes of several ministers in the hall flickered subtly, clearly understanding that the Emperor intended to promote this Guard General Qi Yuanwu.
Since gaining the favor of Princess Qingfeng, Qi Yuanwu had been rising swiftly in his career.
They also knew that the last time the Emperor refused the pleading of Princess Qingfeng, this time promoting Guard General Qi Yuanwu was probably to make amends to the Eldest Princess.
So there were no objections!
...
After entering the capital, Zhang Jian first found a place to stay, then went to meet his uncle, Qi Yuanwu.
Qi Yuanwu was not surprised by Zhang Jian's arrival.
Zhang Jian came just as he returned from duty, clad in armor.
"Ah Yu, I received a letter from your father, and Yuxian also sent a few letters mentioning your deeds in Fengyang County. To be honest, your uncle is also surprised that you managed to overcome Yu Tongguang and Yu You, but you'd better not let these actions reach the Emperor's ears, or it might affect your future!"
Qi Yuanwu's angular face was full of caution.
Zhang Jian put on a look of being taught.
In reality, he was not foolish; he wouldn't flaunt his secrets all around.
Otherwise, wouldn't it leave an impression on the Emperor as someone with rebellious tendencies, born a rebel?
He should now be a 'loyal minister' and 'meritorious official'!
"You all got lucky this time arriving in Haojing ahead of schedule. Now, most of Jixian County and Shanyang County have already gone into martial law..."
Zhang Jian's eyes wavered.
He had already heard about the reinforcements to the Southern Provinces being almost entirely taken down by Xuan Du Sect on the canal.
To be honest, he was greatly astonished upon hearing about this incident.
This matter has caused an upheaval.
The impact is enormous.
Furthermore, Zhang Jian had recently been gathering information about Jixian County. After a round of purging, Jixian County had cleared out many Xuan Du Sect agents in advance and had not yet deteriorated.
Zhang Jian actually wanted to ask Qi Yuanwu about the court's attitude towards the Southern Provinces, to see if there was any opportunity for the Zhang Family.
During wartime, for ordinary people, it is a great disaster, but for noble families, it is not necessarily so. With enough luck, they might achieve what would normally take decades.
Unfortunately, Zhang Jian could not get more information from Qi Yuanwu.
Later, Qi Yuanwu invited Zhang Jian to dine at the residence.
At that moment, guests arrived outside the mansion.
Zhang Jian vaguely heard something about a Princess's Mansion official coming to invite someone, which gave him a strange feeling, but he wisely chose not to stay and eat, finding an excuse to leave at once.
Just before leaving, Zhang Jian glanced at Qi Yuanwu and advised.
"Uncle, you've been a bit drained lately, you should restrain yourself in some matters!"
Upon hearing this, Qi Yuanwu's old face clearly reddened.
Zhang Jian didn't give his uncle the chance to flare up, quickly leaving the scene.
Just after leaving, Zhang Jian noticed that another large group entered the mansion, led by a few eunuchs with gentle features.
"Eunuchs?"
Zhang Jian's eyes flickered.
Various thoughts crossed his mind, knowing that something major might be happening at Qi Yuanwu's residence that day, but he didn't go back to ask. He knew that if there were major news, Qi Yuanwu would send someone to inform him soon.
After leaving the Qi Mansion not long, Zhang Jian suddenly paused, stopping abruptly in front of a large residence.