Chapter 68: Departure for the Imperial Capital
More than ten days had passed since the shockwave that had shaken the land. During this time, Gu Xiaopang, diligently focused on his cultivation, finally brought the spiritual powers of all the other elements to the stage where his spiritual energy was beginning to take on the form of a dragon. Under the patient guidance of Master Wuying, his manipulation of spatial power, which had once been awkward and clumsy, became more and more skillful. He made significant progress in the common offensive and defensive techniques of the spatial element as well.
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“Master, do you think I’m spreading myself too thin, practicing so many different cultivation systems at once? Will I end up biting off more than I can chew?”
“Dividing your energy among so many areas will certainly slow your progress. Yet, it’s also a good thing; every step you take will lay a more solid foundation. The power of the five elements can serve as your outward display in battle, while the powers of wind, lightning, and space are best kept in reserve as trump cards to catch your opponents off guard...”
“Hmm, Master, you’re absolutely right. I understand now.”
“Your journey to the imperial capital will hardly be smooth, I imagine.”
“Compared to this remote corner of Nanyan Prefecture, the imperial capital is truly a gathering place of hidden dragons and crouching tigers. Whether it’s the royal court of the Purple Gold Kingdom itself, the Four Great Clans, the other royal courts—friend or foe—the great merchant guilds, or the elite disciples from every sect and school who come here to train...”
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After a lengthy discussion with Old Qin, Gu Xiaopang felt a mix of anxiety and irrepressible excitement burning deep within him, like a fire blazing to life.
Another bright morning dawned. In the grand courtyard of the Prefect’s residence, no fewer than a hundred figures had gathered.
The twelve city lords of Nanyan Prefecture, their most outstanding young talents, and the heads of all the great clans were present—a scene bustling with life and energy.
When Gu Xiaopang’s group arrived with Cang Aotian, he immediately sensed a hostile spiritual intent directed straight at him. He shrugged it off, pretending not to notice. He didn’t even need to look to know it could only be that old fox, Xuan Yuan Leng, who he had thoroughly offended.
With a provocative glance in return, Gu Xiaopang saw Xuan Yuan Leng, standing among the leaders of the various clans, grit his teeth so hard his jaw visibly twitched. With a dark scowl, he turned his head away, feigning indifference as he began conversing with the other clan chiefs.
“Gentlemen, the grand triennial court celebration is upon us, and the ranking of all the prefectures will soon be reshuffled!”
“The outcome is tied not only to my own interests, but also to those of every city and every clan represented here today.”
“Therefore, for this year’s contest, I hope our Nanyan Prefecture can break free from our humiliating position near the bottom. Let us raise our heads high and build momentum for even greater achievements in the future...”
“I’ll be brief. The distribution of benefits will proceed as we agreed before.”
“For this grand event, I will personally lead the delegation. During the celebration, I expect each of you to give your utmost to defend the hard-won position of Nanyan Prefecture...”
“Prefect, did you say you’ll be leading the team yourself?”
“Yes!”
“But if the prefects of East and West Lake Prefectures, and the others, see you there...”
“No matter. At worst, those old dogs will mock me for a few more days. But this time, I’ll make sure to win back all the dignity we’ve lost—and give them a taste of their own medicine!”
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Gu Xiaopang hadn’t realized how dire Nanyan Prefecture’s situation had become. In previous years, Prefect Song Wujie had been too ashamed to personally lead the team. It seemed this time Song Wujie was truly staking his entire reputation and making a do-or-die effort!
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“All disciples participating in the celebration, board the Gale Cranes outside the courtyard!”
“Let’s move out!”
At the command, a force of more than forty people mounted several massive Gale Cranes. Led by Song Wujie, they soared into the sky, riding the wind toward their destiny.
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