The roar was immense and majestic, as if the entire Jiangzhou City could hear it.
The horses were in a panic.
They all knelt down on the ground.
Li Guanyi flipped off his horse, and the Bronze Cauldron let out a fierce howl, seemingly sensing an incredibly strong divine aura.
A layer of cloud gas appeared before Li Guanyi, transforming into a vivid image.
The world before the young man rippled, the ripples spreading into water, separating the scenes between reality and illusion. The original mundane world before him rippled, and a being emerged from slumber. The first thing that appeared before him was a dragon-like horn, followed by tiger-like claws, flames surrounding it like subjects around a king.
It was a Qilin.
Li Guanyi saw this Qilin manifest before him.
With a dragon's head, tiger's claws, covered in scales, its four feet treading on fire, its gaze slowly fixed on him, motionless. Others could not glimpse this Qilin, only panicking. Li Guanyi was stunned; he seemed to perceive a glimmer of humanity from this divine beast, seeing the excitement in the depths of the Qilin's eyes. The Bronze Cauldron howled, and it seemed someone was speaking in Li Guanyi's heart.
The voice carried both sorrow and joy.
“It’s you, his child…”
“Wonderful, wonderful.”
The Qilin's voice softly echoed in Li Guanyi's heart:
“You have survived.”
“You are still alive!”
The emotions within this voice were too complex.
Soft yet filled with a sadness that made Li Guanyi want to weep.
Li Guanyi saw the massive Qilin approach him, wanting to gently touch him, yet cautious and at a loss.
In the next moment, he suddenly heard the sound of chains clanking, the Qilin's roar rising. Li Guanyi let out a muffled groan, and the scene before him vanished. Finally, he only glimpsed massive chains rising from all directions, binding the Qilin tightly in the form of the Four Spirits and Four Symbols. The Qilin roared, and ultimately, this scene shattered before Li Guanyi.
The chaotic and noisy sounds surged back into his ears, the Qilin's roar causing tremendous disorder.
It was needless to say that even the beasts were mostly sitting on the ground with weak legs, drenched in cold sweat.
The roar of a tiger could already chill one to the bone, let alone the wrath of a Qilin.
Li Guanyi raised his hand to press against his chest.
The nearby robust youth from the Western Regions looked at his donkey, sighed, and squatted down to pat the donkey's face:
“Donkey old brother?”
“Donkey brother? Hey, hey, hey, wake up, donkey brother.”
He was helpless, looking at Li Guanyi, and said, “My donkey brother has fallen. It seems I cannot travel with you all.”
“Your martial arts are quite good; at such a young age, I am not as skilled as you.”
Li Guanyi raised his head: “Tiele people?”
He spoke this sentence in the Tiele language.
His first opponent was the Third Prince of Tiele, so he understood some simple Tiele words.
The youth's Central Plains dialect was awkward, tinged with the flavor of the Tiele tribe.
A look of obvious astonishment appeared on the youth's face, and he soon laughed, saying, “Brother, you understand quite a lot.”
“Not only skilled in martial arts, but also kind-hearted, and you understand our Tiele language.”
“This is what the books of the Central Plains refer to as a gentleman, right?”
With a surge of strength, he lifted the donkey onto his shoulder, smiling, “It seems what the books say is indeed true.”
“I originally heard that the emperor of the Central Plains is a sage, but compared to the tribal leaders of the Western Regions, it’s not much different. The lords of the Western Regions wield whips to drive cattle and sheep, while the sage of the Central Plains wields edicts to drive the common people. The kings across the world are essentially the same.”
“Truly a sage; the lords of the Western Regions want the hides and meat of cattle and sheep, but they don’t expect the cattle and sheep to strip themselves and kneel to offer it.”
The youth carried the donkey and said:
“Donkey brother, you have carried me over three thousand miles. Now, let me carry you.”
“Young master of the Central Plains, you are a good person. May we meet again by fate.”
Li Guanyi nodded; he could see the extraordinary valor of the youth before him and asked, “Why would a swordsman like you leave Tiele?”
The youth grinned and patted the uniquely shaped curved blade at his waist, breaking into song.
His voice was desolate and ancient, yet powerful, keeping time with his steps, speaking in the Tiele language:
“Chiliechuan, beneath Yanshan, the sky is like a vast tent, covering the four fields.”
“The sky is vast, the wilderness is boundless, the wind blows the grass low, revealing cattle and sheep.”
“The rule of Tuyuhun in the Western Regions has ended. I came to the Central Plains, originally hoping to obtain the royal seal of the Tuyuhun king.”
“To allow our Tiele people to shed the identities of servants and serfs in the Western Regions.”
“But the royal seal probably fell into the hands of those big shots, so I had to come here, hoping to gain the help of the gentlemen of the Central Plains, so that the tribes of Tiele could have their own name in the Western Regions, hoping my clansmen can live well. If possible, I am willing to entrust my life.”
“When we meet again by fate, I will treat you to wine brewed from our sheep's milk, and we can become good friends.”
“At that time, I will toast you and tell you my name.”
This was the folk song of the Northwest, the Chilie Song.
The ancient and desolate youth, with a curved blade like that of the Third Prince of Tiele, carried the donkey and left freely and boldly under the astonished and amused gazes of the crowd.
Li Guanyi watched his retreating figure and softly said, “The Chilie Song, the Tiele tribe still exists in this era.”
“The Golden Curved Blade Cavalry of Tiele is known as the king of light cavalry on the grasslands.”
He suddenly recalled General Xue's words.
I truly hope to clash with the heroes of the world.
Li Guanyi shook his head, casting this thought aside, only feeling that there were too many heroes in this world. Jiangzhou City gathered the great powers of the world, and outstanding figures from various nations would converge here. Tuyuhun had fallen, and the Dangxiang people had established a defense outside the Chen Kingdom; naturally, the Tiele tribe also hoped to gain the support of the Chen Kingdom.
Li Guanyi felt this was only natural; the Chen Kingdom would surely support him.
The people of the Central Plains always hoped for chaos in the Western Regions.
As for the royal seal, Li Guanyi had no intention of bringing it out.
This represented legitimate royal authority within the thirty-six tribes of the Western Regions; bringing it out would only invite disaster.
Xue Daoyong approached him and asked, “Guanyi, is everything alright?”
Li Guanyi nodded, pretending not to know, and inquired, “What was that sound just now...”
Xue Daoyong replied, “It was the Qilin.”
Li Guanyi asked, “The Chen Kingdom actually has a Qilin?”
Xue Daoyong spoke softly, “Yes, that was once the guardian beast of the Chen Kingdom. It is said that over two hundred years ago, when the founding emperor rose to establish the Chen Kingdom, five hundred armored guards charged into his residence, and it was this Qilin that used a breath of Qilin fire to incinerate the five hundred armored guards, allowing the founding emperor to survive. However, this Qilin was known by another name over ten years ago.”
The old man paused and said:
“The mount of Marshal Taiping.”
!!!!
A wave of intense ripples surged in Li Guanyi's heart.
Indeed!
The truth about his parents and the existence of his father's mount exploded layers of emotional waves within Li Guanyi.
He wished he could rush to that Qilin immediately.
The old man continued, “Back then, Marshal Taiping was a handsome figure, clad in black armor, draped in a red cloak, wearing a dark gold mask, riding the Qilin.”
“Leading an army of three hundred thousand, pacifying the southwest, striking against the absolute domain, he was one of the top ten divine generals in the world.”
“His grace was unparalleled.”
“When Marshal Taiping married, the Qilin walked on water.”
“It is said that this divine beast is intelligent, entrusting its life and death to Marshal Taiping, and there are legends…”
When Xue Daoyong spoke of this legend, he couldn’t help but laugh, saying, “The Fire Qilin has a violent temperament.”
“Even Marshal Taiping himself could easily be kicked over by that Qilin if he wasn’t careful.”
“But it is said that the Qilin was very good to Marshal Taiping's child. When that child was young, he often saw the Qilin carrying him across the water, and it would even shrink in size to play with the child.”
“Unfortunately, that child also… Eventually, it was heard that the Qilin went mad with rage, and many court officials perished beneath the Qilin fire.”
The young man clenched his fist, suppressing his emotions, and softly said:
“Qilin, I have yet to see a Qilin. Where is this divine beast, Elder Xue?”
The old man replied, “After Marshal Taiping's untimely death, the Qilin remained in the palace.”
“Since it is within the palace, heavily guarded, not just anyone can enter to see it.”
“Speaking of which, Guanyi, if you wish to see the Qilin, unless it is on the day of the grand ceremony, there is still a way.”
Li Guanyi smiled and asked, “What way?”
“I have always wanted to see a divine beast like the Qilin from legends.”
Xue Daoyong casually said, “Aren’t you appointed as a seventh-rank martial officer among the seventy-two attendants by imperial decree? Martial officers from outside the city must also receive assignments when entering the capital. If you can receive the assignment of the Jinwu Guard, you can enter the palace and guard the Qilin Pavilion, which also requires the Jinwu Guard for protection.”
“However, positions in the Jinwu Guard are mostly held by the offspring of martial families.”
“Although there is a selection process, over the years, it has gradually become a gilded position for those noble families.”
“If you wish to go, I, as a relative of the Xue family, consider you one of my own. You are qualified to participate in the selection for the Jinwu Guard, but if so, it will inevitably conflict with those martial family offspring who want to serve in the Jinwu Guard. Currently, the sage emperor has ordered that those martial family offspring have suppressed their hostility towards you.”
“If you proceed, they will surely take action.”
Li Guanyi softly asked, “If I want to become a member of the Jinwu Guard, will it cause trouble for you, Elder Xue?”
Xue Daoyong burst into laughter, “Hahaha, trouble?”
“If those martial family offspring's fathers want to cause trouble, let them come and fight with this old man!”
“Let’s see who can outfight whom!”
“Since you have this idea, I will register you. Indeed, those martial family offspring won’t let us off, and we won’t let them off either. With such a mindset and dominance, that is what makes you a Qilin child of my Xue family.”
“Rest assured, if anything happens, this old man will cover for you.”
Li Guanyi calmed his emotions and quietly thanked him.
He and the Xue family's entourage arrived at a residence in the capital.
This was the Xue family's courtyard in the capital, worth tens of thousands of coins. The population of Jiangzhou City was vast, and housing prices were exorbitant. Many officials could only rent houses to live in. The Xue family had immense wealth and did not need to reside in the accommodations prepared by the court. Li Guanyi was also assigned a separate courtyard, moving his belongings inside. The young man caressed his blade, contemplating his future goals.
The Qilin, he must get close to the Qilin.
However, the palace was heavily guarded, filled with experts. He needed to disguise himself to go in. After calculating, he realized he had to participate in that assignment. What he previously thought was a troublesome imperial decree had now become an opportunity.
The Jinwu Guard, huh…
Li Guanyi murmured softly, his qi breathing long and steady.
In addition, he also needed to meet Master Zhu and the old man of fate.
Li Guanyi instinctively looked towards the corner of the wall, smiling to himself, wondering which would appear first: the white-haired head of the old man of fate or a certain silver-haired girl. Shaking his head, he spoke to the Xue family's steward, took his long blade, and stepped out. The steward said, “Young master, if you are going out, please return early.”
“I received a visit request this morning; the second son of the Ying Kingdom's duke is coming to visit the old man tonight.”
The Duke of Ying Kingdom?
Is it the second son who wrote the letter?
Li Guanyi felt a surge of joy in his heart, nodded, and said, “I’ll go out for a bit and return quickly.”
He stepped out, oriented himself, and rode off. Master Zhu had told him that he would be residing in a temple in the eastern part of the city. If he wanted to find him, he could go there. Li Guanyi galloped away; the horse could not go too fast. Along the way, he admired the scenery of Jiangzhou City. Upon reaching the eastern part of the city, Li Guanyi dismounted and walked slowly.
Not far from the temple, he caught a strong scent of medicinal herbs.
Inside the temple, many Apothecaries were treating the common people.
Most Daoists were skilled in medicine and would treat nearby residents free of charge. Li Guanyi tied his horse outside the temple, identified himself, and soon a young Daoist came out, saying, “The ritual master is currently devising the formation for the grand ceremony and does not have time to receive you. Young master may enjoy the scenery in the temple.”
Li Guanyi nodded and thanked him.
The young Daoist hesitated for a moment and added, “You should be careful, especially of the monks.”
“They came before and had some unpleasant encounters with my senior brothers.”
Li Guanyi asked, “Monks?”
The young Daoist replied defiantly, “Yes, they always say this place originally belonged to their Buddhist sect and want us to give way to them. Because during the grand ceremony, the emperor decreed that non-monastics cannot act against monks and Daoists; to do so is disrespectful, so the constables cannot do anything to them.”
“Young master, you need not mind them; just enjoy the scenery here.”
Li Guanyi thanked him and wandered about, calming his mind.
A conflict between Buddhism and Daoism?
He had heard that over a decade ago, the regent swept through many temples. That was more than ten years ago, and the current emperor had begun to revere Buddhism and Daoism again.
How many auspicious signs had been offered from various places?
So the monks planned to return and seize territory?
Li Guanyi felt that the Chen Kingdom appeared flourishing, yet in reality, problems arose one after another.
Literature and martial arts, nobility, in-laws, the royal family, and now there were monks and Daoists.
He cast these thoughts aside, exhaled, and cleared his mind, feeling his spirit relax significantly. While admiring the scenery, he suddenly felt the Qingluan Bird appear on his shoulder. This Qingluan Bird seemed to sense something, filled with joy, circling around Li Guanyi, flapping its wings and chirping, as if wanting to find someone. Li Guanyi instinctively stepped forward.
The Qingluan Bird suddenly accelerated, and Li Guanyi quickened his pace, turning around a pavilion.
He saw an elderly man with white hair and closed eyes, fortune-telling, in front of him stood a young man and a young woman.
The young woman was beautiful and gentle, graceful and poised.
The young man, however, was different. He stood with his hands behind his back, a jade belt at his waist, and his brocade robe was embroidered with large peonies in golden thread, exuding natural nobility.
His eyes were like phoenixes, with eyebrows slanting into his temples, a red mark in the center of his brow, full of spirit.
A phoenix soared on his shoulder.
The red phoenix met Li Guanyi's Qingluan Bird, and they seemed delighted, emitting clear calls to each other.
The Qingluan and the phoenix harmonized, moving through the air.
Li Guanyi instinctively looked over, and the young man seemed to be waiting for the fortune-teller to speak. At that moment, the young man also seemed to sense something, and their eyes met, seemingly only seeing each other.
The young man was stunned, smiling slightly and nodding.
Changsun Wugou asked, “What’s wrong, Erlang?”
The young man replied, “I was just thinking of looking over there.”
The red dragon also soared up, chasing after the phoenix.
Li Guanyi pondered for a moment and stepped forward. The old Daoist furrowed his brow, arranging the fortune-telling. He was the oldest Daoist in this temple, born blind, now seventy years old, with no special skills, relying on fortune-telling to earn a little money. Today, however, he found it difficult to decipher; the fate of the person before him was exceedingly complex, and he could not calculate it clearly.
But when Li Guanyi approached, the fortune-teller's counting sticks fell to the ground, suddenly revealing the answer.
The old Daoist sighed in relief and politely said, “The young master’s fate has been calculated.”
“Oh, may I ask what it is?”
“It is a very noble fate.”
The old man, blind, rubbed the counting sticks. In the spring sun, with the Qingluan and phoenix harmonizing, the old man placed his hands on his knees, unaware that two young men stood before him, one full of spirit, the other calm as a mountain. The blind elder gently placed two counting sticks on the table and pushed them towards the two young men.
Li Guanyi stood shoulder to shoulder with the young man.
The spring light was just right, the emperor of the Chen Kingdom was still preparing for the grand ceremony, the emperor of the Central Plains was angry and unwilling, while the Turkic king watched the Central Plains with hawk-like eyes.
The various kings vied for supremacy over the world, like a dragon contesting for power.
Inside the temple.
The blind fortune-teller, who had been blind for seventy years, answered:
“Dragon and phoenix in harmony.”
“Under the heavens, a bright future.”
(End of Chapter)