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墨書 Inktalez
Chapter 265
Xianyang is the capital of the Qin State, located on the western side of the Nine Continents Mainland for countless years. This ancient city has existed since Ancient Times, and throughout the entire Nine Continents World, Xianyang is one of the most renowned cities, with very few cities able to compare.
If there are any that can, they would likely be the capitals of the other eight great empires, such as Handan of Zhao, Xianyang of Wei Kingdom, Chang'an of Han Kingdom, and Bianjing of Song Kingdom. These are all ancient famous cities, rich in depth and connotation that ordinary cities cannot match.
It has been said that those who have never been to Xianyang can never truly claim to have visited the Qin State. Although this statement may be somewhat exaggerated, it clearly illustrates Xianyang's status in the Qin State, undoubtedly occupying the position of the largest city in Qin State.
In terms of culture, politics, and even military affairs, Xianyang is considered the central city of Qin State. The royal family and various central institutions are all established within Xianyang. Just the standing army guarding Xianyang reaches a staggering 300,000 troops. Coupled with the military garrisons surrounding Xianyang, it can be said that Xianyang is truly impregnable. Even if a large army were to break through the four major passes, facing such a fortified Xianyang would only result in a retreat for them.
The cavalry moves swiftly, and the Blood Knights ride well-bred steeds that are faster than ordinary cavalry. In just a few days, Sun Zhe and his companions arrived outside Xianyang City. As they rode closer to the towering city that pierced the clouds, even Sun Zhe couldn't help but feel a sense of humility.
"Do you feel a slight sensation? Honestly, I have served in the military for over ten years and have entered and exited Xianyang countless times. Yet every time I look up at this massive city, that feeling never fades away. You seem to be visiting Xianyang for the first time?"
At some point, Bai Lin had ridden up beside Sun Zhe and sighed softly. A hint of admiration emerged from his thick eyebrows. After spending several days together with Sun Zhe, their relationship had grown much closer; although they were not completely open with each other, they were certainly better than strangers.
"I actually had an opportunity to come to Xianyang once before, but then... sigh, there's no need to dwell on past events. Yes, this is indeed my first time in Xianyang." In a daze, Sun Zhe seemed to return to that stormy afternoon; had it not been for that unexpected incident, he might have already entered government service by now and perhaps even benefited many people over these years.
As he gazed at the massive city before him, Sun Zhe felt increasingly oppressed as if an indescribable force was suppressing everything around him. He couldn't help but turn his gaze toward Bai Lin and asked in a serious tone,
"Why does Xianyang possess such might? It feels as if what stands before us is not an ancient city but a living beast."
Upon hearing this, Bai Lin was taken aback and looked at Sun Zhe with surprise.
"Sun Zhe's Divine Consciousness is surprisingly strong!"
Though he thought this in his heart, he did not voice it aloud. He turned his gaze back to Xianyang City and slowly spoke,
"This relates to the origins of Xianyang City. According to legend, this ancient city was not built by human hands but appeared out of thin air on this land. On the day it emerged, ancient ferocious beasts within a radius of thousands of miles collapsed into dust while countless Beast Souls were absorbed into Xianyang City, transforming into the soul of the city itself. This bestowed unparalleled might upon Xianyang City. Since then, no ferocious beasts have appeared within thousands of miles around Xianyang City; even wild animals rarely venture near."
"Haha, I heard this from others in the military; whether it's true or not remains unknown. However, there are many secrets within Xianyang City that you can explore slowly if you're interested later on. But some things are better left unknown for now. Alright, let's go; perhaps Your Majesty is already waiting for us at the residence."
Bai Lin smiled slightly and urged his horse forward.
Looking at Bai Lin's figure, Sun Zhe's gaze flickered slightly. He understood Bai Lin's meaning; Xianyang was the capital of the Qin State and surely concealed the greatest secret power of the Qin State. These matters were not something he, Sun Zhe, was qualified to know. If he lacked the corresponding strength, knowing more would only increase the risk to his life. Bai Lin was kindly reminding him.
"Go!"
With a flick of the black whip, a clear sound rang out, and the horse neighed as it immediately galloped forward. The more than a hundred cavalrymen following Sun Zhe also urged their horses to charge ahead, leaving behind a trail of black shadows and flying dust.
"Stop! Who dares to gallop before the city gate? Do you not know whose feet you are under?"
Just as Sun Zhe and his group approached the city gate, a captain in armor stepped forward and coldly reprimanded them. Behind him stood a squad of Great Qin soldiers armed with fine iron spears. If one looked closely, they would also notice glinting arrows aimed at Sun Zhe and his group from between the battlements of the city wall.
Although there were many people coming and going before the city gate, nearly a thousand City Guards had their sights set on them. If Sun Zhe's group showed even a hint of hostility, they would likely be met with an unhesitating rain of black arrows. This was the capital of Great Qin, the most heavily guarded place in the Great Qin Empire.
In addition to these visible forces, Sun Zhe sensed dozens of powerful Divine Consciousnesses locking onto him, some even far stronger than his own Divine Consciousness. Clearly, they were all above Emperor Level experts; however, he could not discern their exact realms.
"I am Blood Cavalry Captain Bai Lin under Wuan Jun's command, returning from a mission on His Majesty's orders. You all better step aside quickly!"
Bai Lin's expression was serious as he stepped forward and shouted. As he spoke, a blood-red token appeared in his right hand. The token was palm-sized, glowing with a blood-red light, emanating a strange wave from its center.
Seeing this blood-colored token, the guards' expressions changed slightly. Wuan Jun Bai Qi's name was like that of a deity in the Qin State and held an existence akin to Mount Tai among the military. Upon hearing Blood Cavalry Captain's name, the captain immediately bowed and knelt down.
"Subordinate greets you, my lord. Since you possess Wuan Jun's travel token, we naturally dare not obstruct you. Please enter!"
The captain spoke solemnly and seriously. As soon as he finished speaking, he waved his right hand, and dozens of City Guards immediately cleared a path for Bai Lin and his group to enter the city. However, his expression remained extremely serious throughout, giving off an air of official business that made Sun Zhe look at him with newfound respect.
Moments later, Sun Zhe and Bai Lin successfully entered Xianyang City. However, the grandeur of Xianyang exceeded Sun Zhe's expectations. According to Bai Lin's estimation, it would take at least two hours to reach Wuan Jun's residence, and this was because they were using the closest city gate to Wuan Jun's residence.
Walking along the streets of Xianyang, Sun Zhe felt as if he were not on a street at all; at least this street was wider than any official road he had ever seen. The roads were bustling with traffic; wealthy merchants and beautiful women were everywhere to be seen. High-ranking officials were as common as fish crossing a river; the prosperous scene left Sun Zhe feeling dazzled by it all. A strong atmosphere of luxury permeated throughout Xianyang City.
Sun Zhe felt that even if there were life-and-death battles occurring outside the city, one would hardly sense it within Xianyang City. The atmosphere here was simply too extravagant; it resembled a paradise on earth. No wonder so many people were eager to enter Xianyang City.
Fortunately, with the distinct banners of Blood Knights visible, pedestrians on the street quickly made way for this team of Blood Knights. After all, within Qin State, aside from members of the royal family, no one dared to block Wuan Jun's direct military forces; otherwise, given how crowded the streets were, no one knew how long it would take to reach Wuan Jun's residence.
As Sun Zhe marveled at this scene, they finally arrived before an opulent residence. Two fierce stone lions stood guard on either side of the entrance, exuding an awe-inspiring aura that lingered above the estate. The plaque at the front door prominently bore the two characters "Wuan" in bold black script—this was indeed the residence of Great Qin’s war god Wuan Jun Bai Qi and also famously known as the lair of the Killing God on the continent.
"You take the brothers to the main camp, and I will take Brother Sun to meet Your Majesty. I will return on my own later... Brother Sun, let's go!"
Bai Lin handed the reins of his horse to one of his aides and, after giving a few instructions, led Sun Zhe toward Wuan Jun's residence. Sun Zhe said nothing and simply followed behind him, as he still did not understand why Wuan Jun had summoned him.
"This must be Young Master Sun. I am Bai Guang, the steward of the outer courtyard of Bai Residence. The master has already instructed you to come with me!"
As soon as Sun Zhe and Bai Lin stepped onto the steps of Bai Residence, an elderly man in his fifties walked out from within the residence. He approached Sun Zhe directly, displaying a friendly smile before speaking.
"Thank you for your trouble, Steward." Although surprised that a steward would know his name, Sun Zhe quickly composed himself, clasped his hands in salute, and politely addressed the old steward.
Having come from a scholarly background, Sun Zhe performed this etiquette very well. The old steward nodded slightly and led the two of them into the residence.
As they passed through the gate, Sun Zhe's Divine Consciousness swept lightly over the area and was shocked to discover that the four guards stationed outside Bai Residence were all Fifth Stage domain experts!
Using domain experts as guards was beyond mere luxury!
(To be continued.)
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