章 173: The Journey to Blue Wind Imperial City

Morning sunlight bathed the Phoenix Clan's valley as Raja, with steady determination, removed the bloodline curse that had plagued the clan for generations. Each member felt the oppressive weight lift, their once-dormant potential now unleashed. The air shimmered faintly with mystical energy, marking the end of Raja's monumental task.

As Raja climbed onto the Dragon's back, Lan Xueruo standing beside him, the Phoenix Clan gathered below to bid him farewell. The Dragon roared, a sound of triumph and freedom, as it ascended into the skies. The clan watched in awe, the mighty creature becoming a speck in the distance.

As silence returned to the valley, Feng Zu'er turned to his father, his youthful eyes filled with wonder.

"Father, do you think... Raja was sent by the Phoenix God?" he asked, his voice tinged with reverence.

Feng Baichuan rested a hand on his son's shoulder, his expression thoughtful. "I believe so. To accomplish such a feat... only someone blessed by the heavens could achieve this. Train hard, my son. One day, we may meet him again, and when that time comes, we must stand tall and repay the Phoenix God's kindness."

His words echoed through the clan, igniting a renewed sense of purpose among them.

Raja and Lan Xueruo soared through the clouds atop the Dragon, its swift wings slicing through the air. Below, the vast landscape of the Blue Wind Empire unfolded like a painting. Raja turned to Lan Xueruo.

"With the Snow Eagle's speed, how long will it take to reach Blue Wind Imperial City?" he asked.

Lan Xueruo considered for a moment before replying, "About ten days, give or take. If we maintain this pace, we'll be there before we know it."

They shared a glance, the unspoken bond of comradeship growing stronger with every mile.

After hours of travel, they landed in a small town nestled in the foothills. The town bustled with life, its cobbled streets lined with quaint shops and curious townsfolk. Lan Xueruo led Raja to a store, asking the shopkeeper for a Ten Thousand Mile Sound Transmission Talisman.

The shopkeeper shook his head apologetically. "I'm afraid we only have talismans with much shorter ranges, miss. Ten Thousand Mile ones are rare around these parts."

Lan Xueruo sighed but accepted the situation. The two then turned their attention to finding an inn for the night.

At the inn, the elderly innkeeper greeted them warmly, his gaze lingering curiously on Raja as he placed a purple profound coin on the counter. The innkeeper's eyes widened, his voice betraying his astonishment.

"A purple profound coin? My, my, you must be quite the wealthy traveler! We have only one room left—perfect for you and your... companion." He glanced between Raja and Lan Xueruo, a knowing smile on his face.

Lan Xueruo flushed slightly, but Raja, unfazed, simply nodded. "We'll take it."

The innkeeper led them to the room, a cozy but modest space with a single bed. "Ah, such a fine young couple! Rest well," he said with a wink before closing the door behind him.

Lan Xueruo shifted uncomfortably. "This... might be awkward."

Raja, ever calm, shrugged. "It's just one night. Don't worry, I'll meditate on the floor."

Before they settled in, Raja handed the innkeeper a generous tip, much to the man's delight. "Thank you, sir, thank you! Please, let us know if you need anything!" the innkeeper exclaimed, practically glowing from the unexpected kindness.

The room was small but clean, the faint scent of lavender lingering in the air. After the long day, both were visibly exhausted. However, Lan Xueruo's unease about sharing the space remained evident.

"You shouldn't sleep on the floor," she finally said. "It's too cold."

Raja shook his head firmly. "The floor is fine. Protecting a lady's dignity is the least a man can do."

Lan Xueruo stared at him, touched by his insistence. A soft laugh escaped her lips, breaking the tension. "You're so stubborn," she said, her smile warm.

Raja smiled faintly in return. "And you're kind. Now rest. We have a long journey ahead."

In that moment, the air between them seemed to lighten, mutual respect blossoming in the shared silence.

The ten days of travel passed swiftly, and soon the towering spires of Blue Wind Imperial City came into view. Raja marveled at the grandeur of the city, its sprawling streets leading to the majestic Blue Wind Profound Palace, a hub of power and prestige.

Lan Xueruo explained its significance. "The palace is divided into three levels: the Outer, Middle, and Inner Palaces. Entry to the Inner Palace is a dream for most practitioners—it guarantees not only status but wealth for their families."

Raja nodded thoughtfully, impressed by the structure's scale and influence.

As they approached the palace gates, Lan Xueruo took out a Sound Transmission Talisman, activating it to notify someone of their arrival.

Moments later, a familiar figure rushed toward them—Qin Wuyou, the newly appointed chief of New Moon Profound Palace. His expression was a mix of relief and worry as he addressed them.

"I've been looking for you everywhere since your disappearance!" Qin Wuyou exclaimed.

He went on to describe how Lan Xueruo's search for Raja led him to the Xiao Sect's Branch Sect, where he found chaos in their wake. The state of the sect had deeply concerned him, and he had traveled to Blue Wind Imperial City in hopes of finding them safe.

Raja observed the man's heightened concern, a faint suspicion forming. "You seem unusually worried for someone who only knows Lan Xueruo professionally," Raja remarked.

Qin Wuyou hesitated, his expression unreadable, before changing the subject.

When asked if he had informed Lan Xueruo's father about her disappearance, Qin Wuyou paled. "No... I wouldn't dare. You have no idea how terrifying her father can be."

Raja raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the mystery surrounding Lan Xueruo's family.

Qin Wuyou continued, "I also brought someone with me—someone who insisted on coming." He gestured toward a nearby corridor, where a familiar figure appeared.

Xia Yuanba burst into the room, tears streaming down his face as he rushed toward Raja. "Big brother!" he cried, wrapping Raja in a tight embrace.

Raja, momentarily taken aback, returned the hug, his expression softening. "Yuanba... I'm glad to see you."

As the reunion unfolded, Raja noticed another figure lingering in the shadows—Murong Ye. Though his presence wasn't explained, Raja made a mental note of the unexpected appearance, silently preparing for whatever it might signify.

With the Blue Wind Profound Palace looming large and old friends reuniting, Raja's journey seemed to only grow more intricate. Yet, as always, he remained poised, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.