When Master Ji heard Li Yan's resolute words, his heart was greatly relieved. "Perhaps once I've fully recovered, I won't have to venture into that perilous region again. I only hope that this lad will swiftly push his cultivation to the very peak of the first Qi condensation stage. Then, when I break through to the fourth level, I might as well pay a visit to that spot marked on the map."
With that thought in mind, Master Ji stood up to return for a period of quiet recuperation. As he rose, he noticed that Li Yan appeared a bit hesitant, as if about to say more. Smiling, Master Ji asked, "Is there anything else you wish to say?"
Summoning his courage, Li Yan answered, "Teacher, I'd like to go into the city for a while."
At the sound of this request, Master Ji's previously amused expression fell into a momentary pause. Raising an eyebrow, he inquired, "What business do you have in the city?"
Li Yan hurriedly explained, "Teacher, please don't be offended. I only wish to go into town to deliver some silver to a fellow villager so that they can take it to my parents. And, if I may add, I'd also like to get some fresh air. I've been locked away in the valley practicing, and I find that my mind has grown unsettled—my progress seems to be stalling. I feel that a brief stroll outside might help restore my inner balance."
Master Ji fell silent as he considered the request. In his view, Li Yan was meant to devote all his time—twelve hours a day—to cultivation. Even that might seem insufficient to him. Yet Li Yan's words were earnest, and a direct refusal might only stir resentment in the young man—and harm his progress even more.
With a gentle smile to ease the obvious anxiety on Li Yan's face, Master Ji said, "Very well. You may go. However, I want you to take Chen An and Li Yin with you. They are familiar with the ins and outs of the city, and since you've always stayed here in the valley, you're not acquainted with many of the people and places there. With them accompanying you, handling affairs will be much easier."
Li Yan's worry deepened as he realized what was really meant by this arrangement. He understood all too well that this wasn't just for his benefit—it was a way to keep Chen An and Li Yin by his side at all times. If he were to attempt an escape once out in the city, these two would likely be ordered never to let him stray even an inch, making any plan to flee seem utterly naive.
Still, relieved at receiving permission to go, Li Yan bowed respectfully and said, "Thank you, Teacher."
"Now, pack your things. I'll go and inform Chen An and Li Yin. If anything comes up, just let them handle it," Master Ji replied before turning and leaving.
Standing for a moment in silence, Li Yan then moved over to his chest, retrieving the silver. In his heart, he mused, "I'll have to take one step at a time. If the opportunity arises, I'll take it—but I must first keep these funds safe. If I manage to escape later, I'll put them to use for my future; if not, I'll hand everything over to Li Shan or Li Yu as arranged by the villagers for my parents."
Outside at the mouth of the valley, he found Chen An and Li Yin already waiting, standing silently. Inside the valley, the stone door of Master Ji's residence was closed, and a black wooden plaque displaying "Military Strategist Mansion" hung on its door. Li Yan was well aware that if he tried to escape now, Master Ji would appear in an instant.
"Young master, shall we head into the city now?" Chen An asked.
Li Yan's thoughts were interrupted as he noticed Chen An giving him a sycophantic smile. Sighing inwardly at the pair—one smooth and cunning, the other meticulous—he thought that extricating himself from their constant scrutiny would be no small feat.
"Let's go!" he commanded, and he set off toward the square outside the valley's exit.
"Young master, shall we ride horses or proceed on foot?" Chen An called from behind.
Li Yan paused and turned his head. "Oh, we can ride? Then why did the teacher choose to walk?"
"Of course—it's simply his personal preference. The journey of roughly two li isn't too long to traverse by either method," Chen An replied.
"Very well, then—let's ride," Li Yan decided after a brief moment of deliberation.
"Understood, young master," both men responded with a respectful bow.
Standing in the square outside the valley, Li Yan looked back toward the valley's entrance where "Military Strategist Mansion" was inscribed on a large plaque. A surge of mixed emotion swept through him—a sense of returning to the mortal world. The square was the same as ever, with its twin stone dwellings and the usual soldiers on guard or resting, and even several city women who made their way into the valley daily. Yet it all felt like a completely different world. He could sense that the spiritual energy here was almost nonexistent; that refreshing vitality which once uplifted one's spirit had long since faded. Still, he liked the freedom permeating the air.
Before the stone houses, the soldiers observed Li Yan standing in the center of the square. Although he had met them two or three times before, there remained a mysterious aura about him that did not go unnoticed.
Meanwhile, Chen An and Li Yin had already led out three robust horses from the trees behind the stone houses. Each horse was in fine condition—a true favored mount among the soldiers.
Along the winding mountain path descending from the valley, with trees growing thickly on both sides in the midst of autumn—where dark greens and golds intertwined and sunlight broke through the towering canopies—the rhythmic clatter of hooves echoed through the forest. In that moment, Li Yan's mind drifted between the confines of the valley and the vast, open world beyond, though he remained uncertain if he would ever truly break free.
After a short while, they emerged from the forest path and took a right turn onto an official road.
Riding briskly toward the North Gate of Qing Mountain Pass, Li Yan found himself deliberately altering his pace—sometimes speeding up, sometimes slowing down—in hopes of putting a little distance between him and his companions. However, with the rudimentary riding skills he had learned in the village, no matter what he did, he couldn't break away. Chen An and Li Yin, clearly battle-hardened by military life, were ever in close pursuit.
Even though Li Yan had already entered the first stage of Qi condensation through his cultivation, he had not mastered any magical techniques. His martial skills were at best rough, simplistic moves learned in the village. Part of him even fantasized that directing his nascent spiritual energy might empower those crude techniques enough to fend off his guards. But it was daylight, and to engage in physical combat with two soldiers in full military dress would only draw further attention and complicate matters. Moreover, facing such formidable men—veterans of the battlefield—one-on-one was a daunting prospect, let alone contending with them simultaneously. victory, if it were possible at all, looked increasingly unlikely.
After a while, quietly observing his companions, Li Yan finally surrendered to his fate and abandoned any hope of escaping once he reached the city.
The stretch of roughly two li was covered in no time by horseback. Along the way, they encountered several passersby and merchant carts heading toward the city gate. Before long, the North City Gate loomed ahead, manned by two rows of soldiers who were busy inspecting the merchants and travelers entering and leaving the pass.
Though the three fine horses were not galloping at full tilt, their speed still caught the attention of the guards. Shortly thereafter, one of the sentries stepped forward, drawing his short sword and leaping ahead of the group. In an instant, several soldiers armed with spears formed up, aiming their cold, steely tips at the horses' necks and underbellies.
In that split second, Li Yan felt a piercing chill shoot through him. If his horse had moved just a bit faster, a spear could have easily found its mark—striking his horse's neck and, in the process, impaling him like a skewer. Just then, a firm hand reached out to snatch Li Yan's reins. With a sudden jolt, the horses' front hooves kicked up and, amid a chorus of startled neighs, all three horses reared back a few steps and came to a halt.
"Old Liu, you certainly have a fiery heart today—ha ha!" Chen An laughed heartily as he leaped off his horse. Only then did Li Yan notice that Li Yin was holding both his own reins and the reins of another horse to bring them to a stop.
"Ah—I thought it was someone else. So you're none other than 'Chief Chen' from the Military Strategist Mansion. Are you trying to barge through the city gate?" the guard sneered.
"Old Liu, I've been demoted—from a squad leader to a mere soldier in the strategist's mansion. I apologize; I'm only here to accompany Li for business. It appears that Li lost control of his horse a bit. Please forgive us, haha!" Chen An chimed in quickly.
"Li… which Li, exactly? Hm…" the guard hesitated.
At that moment, Li Yan had already dismounted, his face burning with embarrassment. His riding skills were, in his own mind, utterly shameful—he'd nearly caused a mishap at the gate. He set his reins down and raised his head to face the officer standing in the road, prepared to offer his apology. But when he saw the man's features, he was suddenly taken aback.
That officer turned out to be none other than Liu Chengyong, the very man Li Yan had first encountered when entering the city. Although Liu Chengyong recognized him, he still hesitated—a mere acquaintance from before.
"Here, this is Young Master Li's badge," Chen An said as he deftly handled his reins and tossed a badge over.
Liu Chengyong caught the badge and examined it. It was the emblem of the Deputy Sentry of Yushu—a rank several levels higher than what he was used to from a ninth-rank official. Startled, he quickly looked up at Li Yan, who wore an expression of sincere contrition.
Seeing Liu Chengyong's gaze, Li Yan immediately clasped his fists in salute and said, "Greetings, Captain Liu. I apologize for my poor riding—it was a mistake on my part, and I regret disturbing everyone. Please accept my apology."
"Who are you? You're that young man from Li Family Village in Daqing Mountain, aren't you?" the captain asked. As soon as the words left his mouth, Liu Chengyong realized his own error and quickly cupped his hands together in apology, saying, "I was hasty. Please forgive my recklessness. I beg for your pardon."
Li Yan was momentarily stunned, and he glanced furtively at Chen An and Li Yin. Li Yin stood with one hand still holding a horse's reins, his expression grave and silent. Chen An, looking both apologetic and composed, stepped forward and lowered his voice to explain, "Young Master, please forgive Captain Liu's slip of the tongue. You see, you currently hold the position of Deputy Sentry. However, that badge—what Captain Liu just handled—is actually yours. It was only entrusted to you when Master Ji organized our affairs. Since you rarely leave the valley, the badge remains under Master Ji's control for managing city matters. Captain Liu simply misspoke."
Li Yan's face brightened with sudden understanding. Though he knew little of his official duties and rank, he now realized that his position was higher than he'd imagined—even higher than that of the city guard captain. In truth, his rank could be two or three levels above. The official title granted to him by Marshal Hong, after all, was largely honorary—a token meant to acknowledge that he would eventually follow a different path. Master Ji himself had his own plans: even a modest position worth merely an eighth-rank might be upgraded should circumstances favor him. Of course, whether Li Yan would live long enough to enjoy that honor was another matter entirely.