In the royal city of Dingguo, at the gates of Baiyuan City.
"Of course, Gu Province has ten nations, while Cang Province has only three. In terms of national strength, Dingguo is definitely the stronger one."
Behind the gates lay a courtyard, and inside that courtyard, aside from Tang Ruowei and Bai Qiuran, there were already a few other people present. As a former princess of a nation, the palace felt like home to Tang Ruowei; even in a foreign land, she could swiftly locate the palace of this country.
After glancing around to orient herself, she stepped forward, with Bai Qiuran silently following like a shadow.
"Uh, he is…"
"Oh, it seems he is from the Divine Martial Army."
Tang Ruowei observed and noticed most of these individuals were martial artists at the Qi Refinement stage. However, besides her, there were several who had reached the Foundation Establishment stage, including a spirited sister clad in armor with her long black hair tied up in a high ponytail, as well as two others standing together further away.
These practitioners could change their physique, leading to an elevated appearance among them. Within the Divine Martial Army, apart from their banners, they had few magical treasures; instead, they wielded powerful weapons surpassing those of mortals. The disciples of the Divine Martial Army inclined their combat style towards that of earthly generals, proficient with blade and spear, excelling in close-combat.
As the stream of people continued, Bai Qiuran and Tang Ruowei entered the largest city in Dingguo and Cang Province. Tang Ruowei was taken aback, astonished by how skillfully this person feigned youth. The spirited sister raised a token and smiled back after answering. Reflecting on their first meeting, Bai Qiuran had initially given off the impression of a serious hero, but as Tang Ruowei got to know him, he grew increasingly open and casual in speech.
"Yes, sister, I’ve come out for experience with my senior sister. My talents are lacking; my master said I can only come out to see the world by following her."
"Is this your junior brother?" Bai Qiuran said. Most of the individuals present were martial artists at the Qi Refinement stage, but several had reached the Foundation Establishment stage, like that sister in armor with her hair tied high, and the two standing together further away. The practitioners could transform their bodies, so their looks were quite remarkable.
"This city is actually larger than our Shangxuan's imperial capital."
"Then master, shall we head to the palace now?"
"Uh, he is…"
Behind the gate was a courtyard, and within that courtyard, aside from Tang Ruowei and Bai Qiuran, there were other individuals present. The internal rank structure and management of this sect all utilized the military system from years past; their primary focus was on military law and formations. Their cultivation techniques and skills shared the same bold and vigorous style inherent to their sect. Zuo Yanfei smiled.
As she gazed at the architecture of Dingguo’s distinct style, Tang Ruowei sighed. The imperial edict issued personally by the emperor would certainly not allow just anyone to join in. At the entrance, there were examinations; one had to pass through these checks to gain entry. Noticing the strange expression on Tang Ruowei's face, Zuo Yanfei mused for a moment, seemingly misunderstanding something, and smiled at Tang Ruowei, saying, "It seems this Bai junior brother is very important to Miss Tang…"
"I don't know."
"Oh, is that so?"
"Sister, my name is Zuo Yanfei. What is yours?"
"Of course, Gu Province has ten nations, while Cang Province has only three. In terms of national strength, Dingguo is definitely the stronger one." Seeing Bai Qiuran like this, Tang Ruowei muttered, "Then let's head to the palace now."
"First-Class Soldier of the Divine Martial Army, Zuo Yanfei." Bai Qiuran said while walking, "Ah, by the way, Ruowei, from now on, your training begins officially. After this, my master will not be assisting you. You will rely on yourself."
"Hmm?" Seeing this, Tang Ruowei muttered, "Then let's head to the palace now." When Tang Ruowei entered, several practitioners also noticed her; the others averted their gazes, no longer paying her mind, but the spirited sister approached her.
"Then master, shall we head to the palace now?" Zuo Yanfei smiled, then looked at Bai Qiuran, standing behind Tang Ruowei. This combat style led the common people near the Divine Martial Army's headquarters to call them divine generals.
"This city is indeed larger than our Shangxuan's imperial capital."
"First-Class Soldier of the Divine Martial Army, Zuo Yanfei." Tang Ruowei inquired.
"Yes, I am a disciple of the Qingming Sword Sect, Tang Ruowei. May I ask this sister's name…?"
Arriving before the palace gate, after asking a few passersby, Tang Ruowei successfully found the place to apply to pursue the rewards for catching the prince's killer. Zuo Yanfei smiled lightly.
"The emperor's personal reward decree cannot allow just any third-rate folks to participate; at the application entrance, there will be checks, and one must pass these to gain entry."
"Um, is this your junior brother?" Zuo Yanfei asked again, glancing between Tang Ruowei and Bai Qiuran.
Bai Qiuran, with an expressionless face, replied, "This is indeed your junior brother?"
"This one is named Bai, and you can call me 'Little Bai,' sister Zuo."
Tang Ruowei sighed deeply, feeling the weight of various emotions. It seemed neither of them would speak more, so she remained silent for a moment. Upon noticing the bizarre expression on Tang Ruowei's face, Zuo Yanfei seemed to misunderstand, and smiled at her.
"It seems this Bai junior brother holds significant importance for you, Miss Tang."
"Is this your junior brother?"
"Yes, I am indeed a disciple of the Qingming Sword Sect, Tang Ruowei."
"It appears, junior brother Bai is important to you, huh…?"
"Definitely not what you think, sister Zuo." Tang Ruowei proclaimed earnestly, her expression complex. As the Divine Martial Army approached, Bai Qiuran turned his head and revealed a bright, naive smile as Tang Ruowei hesitated, still processing.
The Divine Martial Army's combat style earned them the title of divine generals from the common folks nearby. Thus, Tang Ruowei once again focused her attention and prepared for the challenges that lay ahead as they headed toward the palace, ready to embrace her new experience.