To the Capital

The carriage slowly rattled over the dirt path and thumped as they rolled onto the stone road. It thumped and bumped along the long route. Dragging the wheels across the smooth cobblestone, the horses dragging it began to slow down.

Immediately, Fang leaped out of the carriage. Startled at the sudden movement from the normally lethargic man, Tang Junxin flew back in shock. Following his benefactor, he exited the carriage as swift as possible.

"What happened?" he asked as they began to walk along the path.

Fang simply smiled. Shaking his head, he continued his walk.

Tang Junxin frowned and rushed after him. Concealing his aura and drawing the ice deep within his core, he walked forward with a purposeful stride.

The two men walked down the street calmly. Fang smiled and enjoyed the air as he took in the lively atmosphere of the city.

"Master... why have we decided to walk?" Tang Junxin questioned.

Fang smiled.

"Traveling on the carriage has hindered my cultivation," he replied cryptically.

Tang Junxin frowned. Looking at Fang carefully, he looked for any details that would let him realize what style of cultivation Fang followed. Scanning his body all over, he could find no presence on his body whatsoever. It was as if he was just a normal person. There was no aura emanating from his body as if an endless void that was sealed within him, sucking in all the aura and concealing the presence of Qi. Frowning he stared deeply, attempting to comprehend the mysterious secrets that his master kept locked inside him.

Fang felt this intrusion as a shiver up his spine. Smiling, he turned around.

"Tang Junxin. If you want to know the answer, you must look past the problem and look at the solution instead," he spoke.

His companion stopped in his tracks, a sheepish look in his face. He smiled awkwardly as he met Fang's encouraging gaze.

'Look past the problem? What does he mean?' Tang thought.

Unbeknownst to him, Fang was chuckling to himself. This was really time-consuming but worth it. After all, the boy had a system and was a protagonist. He would definitely figure it out eventually. This would most likely help him later on in life and hopefully help him become a better emperor. Although he wouldn't have a system, his life would still be an extraordinary one.

While Tang Junxin mulled over the problem presented to him, Fang began to cultivate slowly. Indeed that carriage hindered him. He was not a bold personality and traveling in such a flashy manner would never suit him. Walking on the streets would be a much better way of doing so and it would give him time to find out exactly how this country was organized.

[20 minutes later]

The duo arrived at the main halls of the palace. Tang Junxin was still absorbed in thought, while Fang bore a slight smile on his face.

Seeing them, the guards frowned. This was unexpected. Drawing their weapons secretly, they blew the horn to alert the visitors. A deep resonant sound blew through the air, startling Tang Junxin out of his reverie.

'Yes, yes! My imperial father-in-law had requested me to attend his banquet. I am his son and I have brought a good friend and teacher along. Please let us in!" he replied to their indirect inquisition.

The guards nodded. Making a signal, they communicated the directions.

'I hope the rookie doesn't mess this up again...' the head guard thought as he made the signs.

Suddenly, a bolt of energy flew in front of the duo as a tall, burly man shot down in front of them.

'INTRUDERS SHALL BE PUNISHED!" he roared as he rushed towards them.

The two men appeared surprised as the head guard spit blood in annoyance and shame. It had happened again. There was no saving these visitors now...

There was a tremendous boom and a body went flying in the air.