Chapter Thirteen: A City Never Before Seen — Linzi
The State of Yang fell in a single battle, and its territory was absorbed into the State of Qi. The two commanderies of Dingyao and Pingxi lost much of their significance as border regions.
The border armies of Dingyao and Pingxi were relocated en masse into the former Yang territory.
If Yang could not be fully subjugated within ten years, then these pacification commissioners would have no reason to exist.
Although both Jiang Chen and Chongxuan Sheng had reached the Tenglong Realm and could fly through the air with ease, for long-distance travel, horses bred with demon beast bloodlines were still more reliable.
Demon beasts were rare — a fully formed demon beast was equivalent to a Meridian-Opening Pill in value. Thus, these hybrid horses commanded astronomical prices. It was only because of Chongxuan Sheng's newfound influence that two could be requisitioned on short notice in Yang territory.
The two riders thundered past. Only after they had gone did a gleaming bald head emerge from the roadside woods.
He scratched his head with some difficulty. "Master said that monks should be compassionate. Don't argue with people face to face. If someone bullies you, just hit them with a stick from behind."
He sighed and tucked the tattered sack in his hands back under his arm.
Meanwhile, Jiang Chen and Chongxuan Sheng rode side by side, pushing on without rest. They crossed commanderies and prefectures at maximum speed, racing toward Linzi.
Setting aside the capital region, Linzi itself spanned a full three hundred and twenty li in circumference!
For comparison, the entire State of Zhuang encompassed only three thousand li. Its territory had expanded somewhat with growing national strength, but had never exceeded four thousand li.
There was a saying in the Eastern Region: "Until you reach a great city, you cannot know how tall a city can be. Until you stand beneath its walls, you cannot know how small you are."
Speaking of Linzi, one could not skip over the Zi River.
The Zi River was perhaps the only great river in the present world unconnected to the Chang River system.
Most of the world's great rivers and lakes shared countless threads of connection with the Chang River.
But the Zi River was a different matter entirely.
Many who lived in this city might not even know where its gates were located.
Linzi boasted one hundred and eight gates, named after concepts like "Benevolence, Righteousness, Propriety, Wisdom, and Faith," or "Strategy, Authority, Punishment, Education, and Reputation," or simply "Gathering" and "Passage," among others.
Standing beneath the walls of Linzi, one could not help but wonder: could such a majestic city truly be built by human hands alone?
Unless one was a transcendent being who flew to a great height and strained one's eyes to the limit, it was nearly impossible to take in the city's full panorama.
Even if the State of Qi were to suffer a complete military defeat one day, anyone who had seen Linzi with their own eyes would find it hard to believe that anyone could capture this mighty city in a frontal assault!
Chongxuan Sheng's status went without saying, and Jiang Chen held a noble title as well. They simply left their horses at a stable outside the city and entered without difficulty.
There was a phrase — "rubbing shoulders and jostling heels." Only upon arriving in Linzi did one truly understand how apt it was.
If not for their exceptional cultivation, the two men might have been separated in the crowd.
Once immersed in the sea of people, Jiang Chen's sword intent began to stir. Of the Three Swords — Heaven, Earth, and Man — the third was the vast human sea. How could one speak of perfection without experiencing such a density of human presence?
Jiang Chen savored the sensation as he followed Chongxuan Sheng forward.
But upon arriving in Linzi, they did not go straight to the Treasure Gathering Chamber of Commerce. Instead, Chongxuan Sheng first led Jiang Chen to a luxurious inn.
This inn was not a residence Chongxuan Sheng owned in Linzi, nor was it one of his business holdings.
The two men changed into appropriate clothing, washed away the dust of travel, and took their time enjoying some wine and food.
Merchants were different from other walks of life — what they sought was the bustle and energy of crowds.
Finding this cluster of buildings shaped like a treasure basin was no mystery to most Linzi residents. But entering this "treasure basin" was another matter entirely.
The one who came to receive them personally was Cheng Shiyi, Vice President of the Treasure Gathering Chamber of Commerce.
But as far as Chongxuan Sheng was concerned...
Moreover, he occupied his chair with an imposing sprawl that made it impossible to overlook him.
Across from him, a woman past her prime but still retaining her elegance took her seat just moments ago.
Fine lines at the corners of Cheng Shiyi's eyes could not hide her charm. Every gesture captivated the heart. As the Vice President of the illustrious Treasure Gathering Chamber of Commerce, she was naturally not one to be easily overwhelmed by Chongxuan Sheng's presence.
Jiang Chen wore a frost-white martial robe of fine quality today. His medium-length hair was simply tied back, giving him a clean and sharp appearance.
He sat quietly to the side, confidence hidden in his brow, spirited yet restrained, carrying an air of quiet authority.
Even if he had rarely been called handsome — and even if the woman praising him was so captivating — the word "handsome" had never before been directed at him. It was Chongxuan Sheng who made him look good by comparison. If he invited Lian Que along someday, he would surely look even more striking by another three degrees!
No matter who you are, no matter how beautiful you are. First answer Chongxuan Sheng's question, then I will speak with you.