Chapter 3

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The journey went by uneventfully.

There were no sudden bandit attacks, mysterious encounters with old men or pretty young ladies encountering trouble by the roadside. The Yunqin empire, at this stage, was still a place of law and order.

Xu Zhenyan enjoyed the road-trip more than he expected. In the modern world, it was difficult to see this sort of undisturbed countryside. The ancient world's population density was extremely low, to the point where one could travel for days without seeing a single person. That was especially the case for them, leaving Central Province behind, heading for the remote Eastern Forest Province.

Rather than cultivating, he spent most of his time in meditation, thinking about what the future held.

At its core, the novel, 'Immortal Devil Transformation', wasn't about battling a bad guy or sect, but rather the results of people trying to change the world.

The present tension in Yuqin, as well as the upcoming political instability, could both be attributed to the departed Principal Zhang. As a reincarnator, he naturally held different opinions about how a country should be run.

What the man wanted was for there to be a regulatory body keeping the emperor's power in check. That organization was exactly his Green Luan Academy, which he was the principal of.

While the late emperor shared his opinion, his son, Changsun Jinse, didn't. After his father's passing, the new emperor took measures to reduce Green Luan Academy's influence. This involved things like resource and budget cuts, as well as setting up rivaling Academies like Thunder and Immortal Academy.

However, his actions weren't restricted to above-the-board methods. The man also instigated a violent rebellion among Green Luan Academy lecturers while trying to kill off their best disciples. Lin Xi, as the Academy's most promising student and a 'Divine General', suffered multiple assassination attempts, ordered by Changsun Jinse.

He, along with some of his cronies, were also responsible for Principal Zhang's disappearance.

The reincarnator's martial prowess was second to none, which is why the new emperor lured him into the ancient Immortal ruins behind the Heaven Ascension Mountain Range. Like those who went before him, the undisputed number one cultivator was swallowed by those ancient ruins, never to be seen again.

This was already nearly twenty years ago.

Xu Zhenyan was rather indifferent to these matters. He never met Principal Zhang and couldn't care less about the Yunqin empire, so why would he try to save them?

However, he would certainly pay a visit to the Heaven Ascension Mountain Range. The clues Principal Zhang left behind regarding the Immortal Transformation Technique needed to be erased. If Lin Xi found them, he'd definitely pull the same stunt he did in the novel, cutting off all hopes of him, Xu Zhenyan, breaking past this world's boundaries.

While watching the endless wilderness pass them by, the handsome youth carefully planned his future. Rather than cultivating, this was the best use of his time, at least until he mastered the [Immortal Transformation Technique].

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Like students feeling the school-day dragged on forever, Xu Zhenyan felt the same about their journey. The first week went by rather quickly, but the second and third were torturous.

However, no matter how uncomfortable those last few periods, the bell would eventually ring, signaling that the school-day was over.

When Xu Zhenyan's convoy crested that final hill, Deereast City stretched out before them, occupying the lowlands. The sight of it, cast in late-afternoon sun, somewhat soothed the restlessness in his heart.

They followed the well-kept road, winding downwards. At the outskirts, they took a left, heading toward the Xu estate. It wasn't in Deereast City, but past the outskirts.

The eastern border, where Xu Tianwang served in the past, was only a few days from here. Along with his Judicial Supervisor post, the property was a reward for exemplary military service.

It was only through sheer force of will that the youth stopped himself from leaping out the carriage and running into the forest. He felt he'd returned to his childhood, staring at his presents, sitting underneath the tree the day before Christmas.

After the longest two hours of his life, he finally heard the words he was waiting for.

"We're here, young master."

When he heard Uncle Shin's voice, Xu Zhenyan opened his eyes, exiting meditation. It was the only way for him to preserve his sanity during the journey's last leg.

The carriage came to a halt in front of an opulent countryside manor. Pushing aside the curtains, he gave the assembled servants a once-over. A round man, with a face like an oily dumpling, stood at the front, respectfully clasping his hands behind his back.

'I don't have the patience for a meet-and-greet right now.'

Getting out of the carriage, the boy immediately addressed Lee Shin.

"I only have a month left, so I can waste any more time. I'm heading off immediately."

When the bodyguard heard his young master's words, he frowned.

"I don't understand what you mean, third young master."

Xu Zhenyan shook his head.

"If I wanted to live comfortably in the Xu manor, I would've remained in Central Province. I'll be spending the next month in the forest—you won't be accompanying me either."

The bodyguard's eyebrows twitched, but he didn't immediately refuse. If a tiger coddled its cubs, they'd lose all ferocity—it was the same for someone like Xu Tianwang and his children.

However, this was too out of character for his young master. He could still somewhat believe wanting to leave Central Province, but this sudden desire to survive alone in the woods was strange.

Xu Zhenyan observed the minute changes in the man's expression.

"I'll return once a week so you can confirm my safety. Other than that, I won't allow any contact. If anyone interferes with my cultivation, I'll complain to my father. Is that clear?"

When he finished his sentence, he turned to face the gathered staff. He'd spoken loud enough for the lot could hear.

They all nodded immediately, like chickens pecking rice. None of them would dare go against Xu Zhenyan's orders. The only exception was Lee Shin, who looked displeased

The youth turned to look at the bodyguard.

"I didn't get a confirmation from you, surnamed Lee."

His gaze, directed at the man, was uncompromising.

The bodyguard felt a burst of dissatisfaction inside his chest. This youth, who always acted respectful in front of him, dared to address him like this?

When he didn't reply immediately, Xu Zhenyan's eyes narrowed.

"Whether you give a verbal agreement or not is irrelevant. As long as you don't go against my wishes."

After saying that, he turned and walked over to housekeeper Bo, leaving the silently stewing man behind him.

"I want a map of the surroundings."

The round-faced man nodded, complying immediately. Even though this young master was only thirteen, he was still a member of the Xu family. If he, housekeeper Bo, had ten times the guts, he still wouldn't dare be insubordinate.

"Please wait a moment, young master."

He turned and faced a grizzled, bearded man, standing in the back.

"Woodsman Chen, fetch a copy immediately!"

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After his preparations were finished, Xu Zhenyan slung his knapsack over his shoulder. Aside from some necessities—a change of clothes, a few tools, some preserved rations— he didn't bring anything else with him.

"Remember what I said."

Before departing, he gave the bodyguard one last look. The man remained mostly silent during the last ten minutes.

Seeing that his young master was serious, he spoke.

"Third young master, I just don't see the need for such secrecy. Surely, you could at least tell me where your going?"

Xu Zhenyan swallowed a sigh. This type of servant, having gotten used to being high-and-mighty, was really troublesome.

"What secrecy? If you were about to break through, would you want someone persistently staring over your shoulder?"

His tone was impatient. Not for the first time, the boy wished he'd left this fellow at home.

Lee Shin sighed.

"As your bodyguard, it's my duty to keep you safe. How will I do that if I don't even know where you went?"

The youth gave a dissatisfied huff.

"You're telling me that a State Knight like yourself won't be able to track me down if I go missing? What nonsense."

After saying that, he looked at the servants who hadn't dispersed yet.

"I'll have to trouble you all to keep an eye on this guard for me. If he's ever absent from the manor, then I want to know about it."

The servants' expressions turned uncomfortable. As an accomplished cultivator, Lee Shin was undoubtedly their superior. Having to spy on him put them in a difficult position.

Xu Zhenyan addressed their concerns.

"I assure you, he is not acting under my father's orders. If his honorable self was present, he'd certainly respect my wishes. Am I lying, surnamed Lee?"

Toward the end, he turned and looked at the bodyguard.

The man's expression changed, but he didn't reply immediately. Xu Zhenyan was right—if he constantly kept an eye on the boy, his cultivation would suffer.

Being under stress was helpful for a martial artist's progress, which was presumably his young master's intent. Consequently, Xu Tianweng would certainly be pleased if he knew his son's plans.

The man nodded resignedly.

"All right, young master, I'll leave you to your own devices. However, I must insist you return every five days."

Xu Zhenyan's lips curled into a small smile. Five days were more than enough, so he didn't mind agreeing. As long as he was left alone, he was happy.

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