Chapter 4: 第四章:抵达北赫城

The next day.

The three of them continued their journey toward Beihe City, the capital of the Northern Realm.

The border they were currently crossing belonged to the Northern Realm. In this world, besides the Northern Realm, there were three other nations standing in a tripod of power: the Xuanyue Kingdom, the Nuo Kingdom, and the Gouling Kingdom. The relations between the four nations were very subtle. Among them, Xuanyue and the Northern Realm led the others in military strength. Of the four, the Nuo Kingdom was the weakest, simply because its Emperor neglected state affairs, leading to low economic and political capabilities, and an even more pathetic military level. In contrast, the princes of Nuo were constantly fighting among themselves, filled with endless conspiracies.

Aside from the four great empires, there were a few small nations in the vicinity, but they were not worth fearing.

The current monarch of the Northern Realm was named Bei Jiqi. Rumor had it that he loved his people like his own children and enjoyed deep support from the populace.

After traveling for a day and a night, the three arrived in the Northern Realm.

Inside the Northern Realm.

Mo Lian and the other two walked along the streets. Pedestrians on both sides stared at them and whispered incessantly. The three did not care about the gaze of the world and continued walking on their own. All three appeared somewhat dusty from their journey, and since none of them were wearing formal attire, they went to a cloth shop and each bought a set of clothes to change into.

Mo Lian was still dressed entirely in white. To avoid unnecessary trouble, a white veil covered her face. A Soul Flute was tucked at her waist. Had she not been only ten years old, she would have likely attracted trouble long ago. Qi Shuang was dressed in black, and Jiu Chou was in green. Two women and one man—white clothing, looking solitary and otherworldly; black clothing, looking extraordinary and outstanding; and green clothing, solemn and humorless. They were incomparably handsome, outshining everyone around them.

Beihe City.

The group checked into an inn named Yingfu.

It was still early when Mo Lian called for Jiu Chou.

"I need to acquire a courtyard. It must be large enough and far from the bustling districts—the quieter, the better!"

Mo Lian looked at Jiu Chou. It had been two days, and she had become increasingly resolute. She only wondered if she was smart enough.

"Understood, Master. This subordinate will handle it well." How could Jiu Chou not understand what Mo Lian was thinking? Since she had been given an opportunity, she had to seize it.

"Mhm. Do you need Qi Shuang to accompany you?" Mo Lian admitted she was testing her intentionally.

"This subordinate can handle it alone; no assistance is needed." Jiu Chou left seriously. Since the day they set out together, Jiu Chou had become increasingly silent and calm. There is always one moment of sorrow that causes instant growth. Mo Lian was quite satisfied with this version of Jiu Chou; to survive in this world, one could not be too driven by emotion. Strength was the key.

Mo Lian planned to build a courtyard to develop some forces; it was easier to get things done with more people. Of course, regarding people, she believed Qi Shuang would not disappoint her. Furthermore, the silver Qi Shuang had brought was not much. Although Mo Lian herself didn't care, silver was ultimately necessary. Moreover, if one wanted to develop a faction, the thing most lacking was silver; one didn't need to worry about talent. In this world, there were plenty of people with explosive potential. The key was the silver...

Checking the time, Mo Lian went to a private room on the second floor and found that Qi Shuang was already there, with some food on the table.

"Lian'er." Qi Shuang had seen her the moment she appeared.

"Mhm." Mo Lian nodded in acknowledgment and sat across from Qi Shuang.

"Let's eat."

Qi Shuang picked up his chopsticks, as did Mo Lian. Both carried an air of nobility in their every movement, eating with composure. No one spoke during the entire process. It was hard to imagine two children around ten years old possessing such an aura. Had they been in the main hall on the first floor, they would surely have attracted greed and gossip from others.

A moment later.

Mo Lian put down her chopsticks, wiped her mouth, and looked at Qi Shuang, who had already set his down.

"Full?" Qi Shuang asked upon seeing her stop.

"Mhm." Her words were concise, yet not cold. "Master wants me to go to the Imperial Palace to find the current Emperor."

"Is it dangerous?" Hearing Mo Lian's words, Qi Shuang asked worriedly, but then he felt relieved. He knew how much Master doted on Lian'er; how could there be danger? Concern leads to confusion! "I will go with you."

"No need, I can do it myself. Besides, I need to build some influence." Mo Lian refused directly; Qi Shuang had his own tasks.

"Very well, stay safe. I will arrange the matters for you." Qi Shuang knew that once Mo Lian made a decision, others could not easily change it. Moreover, since there was no danger, he felt at ease. As for the tasks Mo Lian needed him to do, he would execute them well.

"Mhm. Try to find orphans, and keep all their ages under ten."

"I understand. Wait for my news."

After Qi Shuang left, Mo Lian also returned to her room. She still had a few things to prepare.

She intended to scout the Imperial Palace at night to determine the number of guards and the geographical layout. Although she wouldn't be in danger, her consistent habits and principle of calm conduct forced her to act with caution.

Once everything was prepared, she began to cultivate her internal energy, waiting for the arrival of night.

***

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