Chương 63: Xianyang
The magistrate stumbles back, his hand covering the red mark on his cheek. "I'm sorry, master. It won't happen again, I swear."
Dao Feng glares at him, eyes cold. "See that you don't."
Li Wei watches, his expression unreadable. He glances around, noting the reactions of the villagers and guards. The second hand embarrassment in their eyes is clear. Lin Yue stands to the side, arms crossed, her face showing disdain.
The village begins to settle, the urgent chaos replaced by a more methodical cleanup. Guards drag the bodies of the fallen bandits outside the walls, piling them up for disposal. Blood stains the dirt paths, a grim reminder of the battle.
As the sun begins to set, the village starts to calm. The immediate danger has passed, but the memory of the attack lingers. Li Wei, Dao Feng, and Lin Yue regroup, their presence a reminder of the power and protection they offer.
The magistrate remains at a distance, watching them with a mix of fear and respect.
Dao Feng looks around, assessing the scene. "Prepare the horses. We are leaving tomorrow," he says to the magistrate. The magistrate nods, bowing slightly before hurrying off to carry out the order.
Li Wei, feeling the fatigue of the day, heads back to the house. The aftermath of the battle does not concern him. Dao Feng's instructions are clear, and there is nothing left to discuss. They need to prepare to leave.
Entering the house, Li Wei moves through the quiet corridors, the dim light casting long shadows. He reaches his quarters, the familiar surroundings providing a small comfort. He undresses, folding his clothes neatly before lying down on the mat.
His mind briefly flickers over the events of the day—the surprise attack, the defence, the bloodshed.
Closing his eyes, Li Wei allows the exhaustion to take over. His breathing steadies, and he begins to drift off. The house is silent, the outside world a distant hum. Sleep comes gradually, the day's tension easing from his body.
The night passes without incident. When dawn breaks, the village is a different place. The urgency of the previous day has given way to a focused calm. Villagers move with purpose, repairing and reinforcing the defences, cleaning up the remnants of the battle.
Outside, Dao Feng supervises the preparations for departure. The horses are saddled and ready, supplies packed efficiently. Lin Yue checks her belongings, ensuring everything is in order.
Li Wei wakes to the soft light of morning filtering through the windows. He stretches, feeling the stiffness in his muscles. Dressing quickly, he gathers his few possessions and steps outside. The air is crisp, the scent of fresh earth mingling with the lingering traces of the previous day's chaos.
He joins Dao Feng and Lin Yue, who are already mounted and waiting. The villagers watch from a distance, their expressions a mix of respect and relief. The magistrate stands nearby, his head bowed slightly.
"Ready?" Dao Feng asks, his eyes scanning the horizon.
Li Wei nods, mounting his horse with ease. Lin Yue follows suit, her gaze distant but focused.
With a final glance at the village, the trio sets off. The road ahead stretches out, filled with unknown challenges and opportunities. Li Wei feels a sense of anticipation building within him. The events of the past day are already fading, replaced by the promise of what lies ahead.
The journey is long and monotonous, spanning several days. The landscape changes little, and the hours blend together in a haze of dusty roads and sparse scenery. Li Wei, Dao Feng, and Lin Yue ride in silence, each lost in their thoughts. The rhythm of the horses' hooves on the ground becomes a steady, almost hypnotic backdrop to their travel.
Finally, the monotony breaks. The sprawling city of Xianyang comes into view, a welcome sight after days of tedious travel. As they approach, the city's grandeur becomes apparent. Tall, imposing walls encircle the city, built from sturdy stone and standing as a testament to its strength and history. Guards patrol the parapets, their silhouettes sharp against the morning sky.
Beyond the walls, rooftops of various heights and styles create a complex mosaic. Some buildings are low and modest, while others rise several stories, their tiled roofs gleaming in the sunlight. The main gate looms ahead, open but heavily guarded. The gate itself is a massive structure of reinforced wood, bound with iron, showing both strength and craftsmanship.
Inside the gate, the main street stretches out, wide and bustling with activity. Market stalls line the sides, merchants shouting their wares, creating a vibrant, noisy atmosphere. The smells of street food, spices, and livestock mix in the air, an assault on the senses after the relative quiet of the countryside.
People of all kinds move through the streets—merchants, craftsmen, soldiers, and citizens. Their attire varies from simple robes to intricate garments, reflecting the city's diversity and wealth. Carts and rickshaws weave through the crowd, adding to the constant motion.
In the distance, the city's heart reveals itself: a cluster of grand buildings, their architecture more elaborate and refined. These are the administrative and noble quarters, where the city's power resides. Tall spires and intricate carvings adorn these structures, indicating their importance.
The air buzzes with the energy of a thriving metropolis. Conversations blend into a continuous murmur, occasionally pierced by a shout or laughter. Children dart between the adults, their games adding a touch of liveliness to the scene.
Li Wei observes everything keenly as they move through the gate and into the city.
Dao Feng leads the way, his expression unreadable but his posture relaxed. Lin Yue follows.
They continue down the main street, blending into the flow of the city's life.
The journey through Xianyang's gates fills Li Wei with a sense of doubt. Taking control of such a vast city with just three people, even as cultivators, seems daunting when faced with thousands of mortals.
Dao Feng speaks, breaking the silence. "Right, let's check that no other sect has a presence here, listen out for any chatter, try to get any information. Remember, we're only allowed to leave if a Foundation Establishment cultivator shows up. Otherwise, we have no excuse but to complete the sect mission."
Li Wei remains quiet, his mind racing with logistics and potential strategies. The crowd thickens as they approach the heart of the city, the noise level rising with each step. The sights and sounds of the bustling metropolis swirl around them, but Li Wei stays focused on Dao Feng's words.
They weave through the crowd. The grand buildings of the administrative and noble quarters loom ahead, their intricate details more apparent as they draw near. The air is thick with the energy of the city, every corner brimming with life and activity.
Li Wei glances at Dao Feng, who scans the surroundings with a keen eye. Lin Yue follows closely, her expression focused. Dao Feng's composed demeanour offers some reassurance.
Li Wei navigates through the bustling streets of Xianyang, his ears tuned to the chatter of the crowd. He moves with purpose, slipping in and out of groups, hoping to catch any mention of another sect. The market area is crowded, filled with merchants and buyers engaged in animated conversations.
He pauses near a stall selling fresh produce. Two women are haggling over the price of vegetables.
"These carrots are too expensive! Lower the price, and I'll take more."
The merchant shakes his head. "Prices have gone up. Take it or leave it."
Li Wei moves on, his attention shifting to a group of men discussing the quality of their livestock.
"Lost two sheep last night. Wolves are getting bolder."
Another man nods. "Fence needs repairing. Can't afford more losses."
He drifts further into the market, stopping near a fabric stall where a tailor and a customer are deep in negotiation.
"This silk is of the finest quality. Perfect for your daughter's wedding dress."
The customer examines the fabric. "It's lovely, but too costly. Do you have anything more affordable?"
The tailor shakes his head. "You won't find better quality for a lower price."
Li Wei continues, blending into the crowd, listening intently. Near a spice merchant, he hears two women discussing household matters.
"My son started working at the mill. He says it's hard work, but the pay is decent."
The other woman nods. "Good for him. Jobs are scarce these days."
Li Wei has heard nothing of significance, no mention of another sect. The conversations are mundane, revolving around daily life and market transactions.
He passes a group of children playing a game, their laughter a stark contrast to his growing anxiety. Near a food stall, two men discuss the latest crops.
"The harvest looks promising this year. We might finally turn a profit."
"Let's hope so. Last year's drought hit everyone hard."
Li Wei moves on, his patience wearing thin. He approaches a busy tea house, hoping for a change in fortune. Inside, the air is filled with the murmur of voices. He listens as a group of merchants discuss trade routes.
"Heard they're opening a new route to the south. Might be worth looking into."
"Yes, but the risks are high. Bandits have been active in that area."
Still, there is no mention of another sect. Li Wei exits the tea house, his mind racing. If another sect had revealed themselves, it would surely be big news. The lack of information is both a relief and a concern.
He continues his search, stopping by a cart where an old man sells herbs. Two villagers discuss the recent weather.
"Rain's been good for the crops. We might have a bumper harvest."
"Yes, but too much rain and we'll have floods."
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