Chapter 27: I Won't Cause Trouble If Possible
Spurred by the Heavenly Maiden's words, Yeop Hyeon threw himself back into training within the Gyeok Ok Tower. It wasn't until two hours later that he finally emerged.
As he stepped out, the chubby boy Lu Ming came knocking on his cabin door. Ever since Yeop Hyeon had shaken the world in Yangjie City, Lu Ming had practically been worshipping him.
To Lu Ming, who had always admired sword cultivators, Yeop Hyeon was no less than a hero!
He visited so often that it bordered on annoying. Today, too, he slipped right into the room and set a basket of fruit on the table as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
"Hehehe. Big bro, Yeop Ryeong, try these. The apples are super sweet~"
Yeop Hyeon and his sister couldn't help but burst into laughter at the boy's innocent cheekiness.
At that moment, Lu Xiaoruan entered the cabin.
"Young master, I hope I'm not disturbing your rest."
"City Lord, not at all. Please, have a seat here."
Once Lu Xiaoruan sat down, Yeop Ryeong and Lu Ming tactfully moved aside and sat quietly.
"We'll reach the Imperial City in just half a day now. Do you know anyone there, young master?"
Yeop Hyeon shook his head. He truly knew no one in the Imperial City.
"It's a bit chaotic there. If it's alright with you, why not stay at our residence for a while? You can decide later whether to stay after enrolling in Cangmu Academy or head elsewhere."
After a moment's thought, Yeop Hyeon nodded.
"Then I'll gladly impose on you!"
The more good friends, the better. How could he refuse such kindness from Lu Xiaoruan?
Seeing Yeop Hyeon accept, a pleased expression crossed Lu Xiaoruan's face.
As the formidable city lord of Tianshan City, he sought to build ties with Yeop Hyeon because he highly valued the young man's potential.
A short while later, Lu Xiaoruan left the room with Lu Ming.
Now only Yeop Hyeon and Yeop Ryeong remained. She scooted right up beside him and asked,
"Bro, did you turn down that general position Princess Gu offered because of me? I asked Lu Ming earlier, and he said being a general is a huge deal. Why'd you stupidly say no?"
Yeop Hyeon stroked her head gently as he replied,
"What would happen to you if I became a soldier?"
"Bro, am I... holding you back?"
Yeop Hyeon shook his head.
"Don't say that. You're the most important person in my life. A general's rank means nothing compared to you. For your sake, I could do anything—or give up anything."
He grasped her hand tightly.
"Without you, even becoming a Sword Immortal would be meaningless. Got it?"
Tears suddenly welled up in Yeop Ryeong's eyes, and she buried herself in his embrace.
A moment later, exhausted, she fell asleep in his arms.
Gazing at her peaceful sleeping face, Yeop Hyeon's expression darkened. She was sleeping more and more these days. The Heavenly Fire Warm Jade from that strange girl had certainly reduced her chills, but her face was growing ever paler.
His heart ached for Yeop Ryeong, who said nothing to avoid worrying him.
After tucking her in properly, Yeop Hyeon headed up to the deck.
The sunset sky was draped in red like an overturned crimson cloth.
We'll reach the Imperial City soon!
"Young master!"
Lu Xiaoruan's voice called out. He approached Yeop Hyeon with a friendly demeanor.
"You look like you're itching to get to the Imperial City already!"
Yeop Hyeon nodded lightly.
"City Lord, could you tell me a bit about Cangmu Academy?"
"Cangmu Academy... It exists not just in Jiang Kingdom but in many countries, much like Chwiseonru. Everyone yearns to join because once you're in, your future is secured. Admission marks you as a genius, and upon graduation, various powers will come courting you."
Lu Xiaoruan gave a faint smile and continued,
"Graduate, and it's a smooth path ahead. You might even catch the imperial court's eye. For the poor, it's a shortcut to success. Even for imperial scions or sect disciples, a Cangmu Academy student carries a badge of assurance. Plus, you get to mingle with countless geniuses inside— what more could a martial artist want? In the Imperial City, connections are everything!"
Yeop Hyeon nodded, then suddenly thought of something.
"Is National Scholar An Ranxiu an alumna of Cangmu Academy?"
"No."
Yeop Hyeon looked puzzled.
"Why not?"
"The dean personally invited her, but for some reason, she refused."
"Refused? Why...?"
Lu Xiaoruan chuckled.
"Because there's no one there fit to teach her! Rather, they should be learning from her. Becoming a student wouldn't appeal."
"..."
"Though she's not officially affiliated, the dean honored her as an Honorary Academy Elder. So any Cangmu student who meets her must show respect. Her background seems far from ordinary, though that's none of our concern."
Yeop Hyeon nodded and asked,
"City Lord, I hear Cangmu Academy has the kingdom's best physicians?"
"Best might be a stretch, but their medical prowess is unmatched in Jiang Kingdom. Even the palace occasionally sends people to learn, and many imperial physicians are Cangmu graduates."
His words eased Yeop Hyeon's mind somewhat. Turning his gaze afar, he spotted a majestic city faintly outlined at the edge of the mountain range.
The Imperial City!
The heart of Jiang Kingdom's power and its most prosperous metropolis.
A place where countless youths gathered in pursuit of dreams.
As the cloud ship drew nearer, the Imperial City's silhouette sharpened.
Lu Xiaoruan, standing beside Yeop Hyeon, spoke up.
"Young master, the Imperial City is full of all sorts—handle things smoothly whenever possible. Otherwise, trouble might find you!"
"I won't cause trouble if possible!"
Lu Xiaoruan smiled.
"I'm not worried about you stirring things up. It's hard to tell nobles from commoners there. Even I, a city lord, tread carefully to avoid offending the highborn."
He turned to meet Yeop Hyeon's eyes.
"But once you're there, don't just hole up—make connections. That's how you'll find allies for the future."
Allies who'll stand by my side...
Knowing the value of good friends, Yeop Hyeon nodded in agreement.
As they conversed, the Imperial City loomed closer. Viewed from above, it wasn't as vast as imagined. Home to about a million souls, the ancient city bore the marks of time in spots.
Inside, it bustled wildly, the skies thick with cloud ships coming and going.
"Whoa, it's so crowded!"
Lu Xiaoruan smiled at Yeop Hyeon, who gaped at the spectacle.
"It'll be even more hectic once we're inside!"
Yeop Hyeon nodded, eyes alight with curiosity.
As they had a few thousand zhang left to go, the cloud ship began its slow descent. Below sprawled a massive river, docked with dozens of vessels stretching dozens of chi.
"Dear passengers, we'll arrive at the Imperial City shortly. Please prepare to disembark."
At the attendant's announcement, Yeop Hyeon returned to his cabin, hoisted the soundly sleeping Yeop Ryeong onto his back, and rejoined the deck.
Seeing him, Lu Xiaoruan smiled.
"Brother Yeop Hyeong, shall we head to our residence together first?"
"Yes, sounds good. Thank you for your thoughtfulness."
"No, thank you. Big bro!"
Lu Ming practically jumped for joy at the news of traveling together with a sword cultivator.
The cloud ship settled steadily, and a long gangway extended for passengers to disembark.
Finally stepping off, Yeop Hyeon followed Lu Xiaoruan and the others toward the city gates.
Watching his retreating figure, Han Hyang-mong muttered to herself,
"Cangmu Academy's in for a storm."
"Miss, why didn't you greet him?"
She shook her head at the old man's question.
"He already squandered a golden opportunity on his own. What face would I have to meet him now?"
Han Hyang-mong gazed into the Imperial City.
"I wonder if enrolling in Cangmu Academy would give me a chance too..."
Arriving at the gates, Yeop Hyeon stared up at the massive portal, overcome with emotion. He'd only just realized how tiny Qingcheng truly was. This single gate was ten times larger than Qingcheng's.
Compared to the Imperial City, Qingcheng barely qualified as a city.
Even after passing through, Yeop Hyeon marveled at its scale.
The road beneath his feet was at least twenty zhang wide. Grand and humble buildings lined it densely, yet it never felt cramped.
Once more, the city's prosperity stunned him. Horses and carriages streamed endlessly, and the streets teemed with so many people that conversations required shouting.
Yeop Ryeong, now awake, looked around in wide-eyed surprise.
"Bro, this place is way more chaotic than our Qingcheng!"
Yeop Hyeon chuckled and asked Lu Xiaoruan,
"City Lord, where's Cangmu Academy located?"
"Haha, no need to rush! Enrollment starts in ten days yet. Outsiders can't enter before then, so it'd be pointless now. How about we settle at the residence, rest a few days, then go?"
"Perfect."
Lu Xiaoruan led them to a grand, opulent mansion—fitting for Tianshan's city lord.
He even provided the siblings a private courtyard and three maids.
Yeop Hyeon was at a loss amid their lavish hospitality.
They'd barely arrived when Yeop Ryeong fell asleep again.
Unease gnawed at Yeop Hyeon once more.
Out of twelve hours in a day, she slept nearly nine. This was far from normal.
After watching her a moment, Yeop Hyeon entered the Gyeok Ok Tower.
Ten days ahead!
Cangmu Academy was the siblings' sole hope.
One worry lingered: Yeop Hyeon hadn't yet reached the Control Qi Realm, the bare minimum for admission.
He pulled a white jade plaque from his bosom—the gift from An Ranxiu. Though he wanted to rely on his own strength, if need be, he'd use it to enter Cangmu Academy.