Chapter 35 - Jing City

During the restoration period that followed the Crimson Era, a vast network of roads was proposed to connect the major cities of the grand continent. The leaders overseeing this restoration effort believed that two essential elements were required to foster friendly relations among nations: the unanimous agreement to open borders and the commitment of all nations to contribute to the construction of these connecting roads. While early years of the restoration effort saw intense debates on many matters, the representatives were quick to reach a unanimous decision on these two fundamental changes. Initially, these road networks served to transport materials and goods to aid in the restoration of the war-torn regions. As the rebuilding phase drew to a close, the roads evolved into essential tools for trade and commerce.

One such road runs between New Hope City and the Qi capital. The first major landmark along this road is the Viridian Valley. Despite its name implying a single expansive valley, the Viridian Valley is, in fact, a collection of hundreds of valleys of varying sizes. There are no records of this valley range prior to the Crimson Era. It was only discovered during the restoration period's road construction efforts. Initially, people paid little attention to the unusual series of narrow ruptures that cut through the hills and mountains. However, as the years passed and peace settled in the grand continent, the once-barren gashes and ruptures became lush and fertile.

Gradually, citizens from various regions of the grand continent began to settle in the areas surrounding these valleys. The first settlers regarded the valleys as a single entity, naming them after the abundant green plants and herbs found there. By the middle of the second century of peace, one settlement located to the south of these valleys had grown so significantly that it rivaled major cities and capitals in terms of population. With easy access to essential raw resources like ores, minerals, lumber, and herbs, the city became a haven for craftsmen and artisans. Towards the end of the second century of peace, in 188 PE, the grand government bestowed an official name upon the city.

A horse-drawn carriage carrying the emblem of the Academy travels down a bustling stone-lined street. Although the street was crowded with people hustling to and fro, the carriages are able to make consistent progress towards their destination. The evening sun had just set, leaving a pink glow above the horizon. Around this time, residents would hustle as they make their way towards their dinner destination. The residents of this particular city, however, seem to be in a hustle for different reasons. 

"Mist- uh... Instructor Sun?" Yuyu calls out to Sun as she points her finger at the pedestrians weaving around their carriage. "What are they holding?"

Sun follows the direction of the little girl's finger with his gaze, eventually focusing on a cluster of pedestrians clad in matching white robes with green patterns adorning their collars and sleeves. He raises an eyebrow as he fixates on the rectangular metallic containers strapped to their backs. These containers exhibit five rows of meticulously punched holes, approximately the size of a thumbnail, encircling the entire container. Some of these openings are sealed with wooden pegs. Although the containers appear identical, Sun notices that each one bears a distinct arrangement of wooden pegs.

Sun turns to Yuyu, her expectant expression renders him momentarily speechless. He then casts a glance in Dan's direction. His eyes, while sharp, seem to be desperate for assistance. Dan, realizing that the man his father regards as "the pinnacle of the martial world" is probably a novice in every other aspect, can't help but chuckle. He stretches his neck to peer out the window and into the crowd. 

"That's a special transporter for freshly harvested herbs." Dan explains. "Father has one of those in the back room, though I never see him use it. See those holes? Each row is one storage unit. The holes allow for airflow. You can also control the airflow by blocking off the holes with those brown pegs. Herbs tend to stay fresh longer if they're transported with the appropriate airflow."

Yuyu nods, taking mental notes, as she listens to Dan's explanation of the odd container. 

"They're members of the Alchemist Association." An unexpected voice chimes in. "My family supports them finan-"

Wei pauses upon realizing that the entire cast of students is looking at him with raised brows.

"Who asked?" The short-haired boy takes the opportunity to jab back at Wei for insulting his sect earlier.

"Y-yo-you!" Wei stammers uncharacteristically in response. "What's your problem, second-rate trash? I'm just telling Yuyu who they are."

"Go on then." The short-haired boy continues his taunts. "You were just telling Yuyu about how your esteemed Zhou family supports the Alchemist Association financially. Anything else we should know about the great Zhou family?"

Wei, visibly angered, trembles as he struggles to find his words. All the students try to smother their laughter, enjoying the rare sight of the young Zhou prince finally getting a taste of his own medicine. All except for Yuyu.

"Thank you, Wei." Yuyu's voice pulls everyone out of the enjoyable spectacle. They turn their heads to look at the little girl. "Wei said 'Yuyu', not 'nobody'. Wei should call Dan 'Dan' too."

The students turn their heads back to Wei. Although Yuyu didn't intend to tease him, her words could be interpreted as a junior teaching a senior simple etiquette. The students couldn't help but feel an intense urge to laugh at the sight of Wei getting flustered over an innocent request. 

"That's a good idea, Wei." The short-haired boy takes another golden opportunity to get even with Wei. "Why don't you try calling Dan by his name? Here, I'll teach you. Dah-An."

"Students. Let's leave it at that." Sun intervenes, not wanting the teasing go too far. He turns towards Wei and smiles. "It's nice, isn't it?"

Sun's question leaves the students puzzled. Even Wei isn't entirely sure what his instructor meant. What is 'it'? Before anyone can dwell on it for too long, their carriage comes to a sudden stop. The door swings open, revealing a well-dressed man in a deep bow.

"Esteemed Instructor and students of the Academy! Welcome to the Jing City Resting Crane Tree! It is an honor to have such esteemed guests at our branch. The rest of thePlease allow this humble attendant to assist you in any and all matters during your stay."

Although Sun and Yuyu sat closest to the door, Dan took the initiative to step off the carriage first. He turns back, extending his hands towards Yuyu and helping her down. The other students exit one by one, leaving Wei and Sun in the carriage. 

"Well? How is it?" Sun asks the boy again.

"Instructor…" Wei pauses, realizing that he hadn't cared to remember the instructor's name. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"You will." Sun smiles at the boy before exiting the carriage.

He looks just like you, my friend.