Stimulated by Cheonnyeo's words, Yeop Hyeon once again devoted himself to training inside the Gyeyoktap. Only after another shijin had passed did he finally step out of the Gyeyoktap.
When he emerged, the chubby boy Yuk Myeong came to visit his room. Ever since Yeop Hyeon had displayed his might in Yanggie Castle, Yuk Myeong had practically begun worshiping him.
To Yuk Myeong, who had always admired sword cultivators, Yeop Hyeon was no different from a hero.
He visited so often that it almost became a nuisance. That day as well, he walked in naturally and placed a basket of fruit on the table. "Hehehe. Big Brother, Yeop Ryeong, try some of this. The apples are really sweet."
The Yeop siblings burst into laughter at his carefree demeanor.
At that moment, Yuk Soyeon entered the room. "Young Master, I hope I am not disturbing your rest."
"City Lord, not at all. Please, have a seat."
As Yuk Soyeon sat down, Yeop Ryeong and Yuk Myeong tactfully moved aside and sat quietly.
"In half a day, we will arrive at the Imperial Castle. Young Master, do you have acquaintances there?"
Yeop Hyeon shook his head. He truly did not know anyone in the Imperial Castle.
"The Imperial Castle is somewhat complicated. If you do not mind, how about staying at our residence for the time being? After you enter Changmok Academy, you can decide whether to remain or leave."
After thinking briefly, Yeop Hyeon nodded. "Then I will trouble you for your hospitality."
The more good friends one had, the better. How could he refuse Yuk Soyeon's goodwill?
Seeing him accept, Yuk Soyeon's face brightened with delight.
As the powerful ruler of a city, Yuk Soyeon wished to build a relationship with Yeop Hyeon because he highly valued his potential.
Soon after, Yuk Soyeon left with Yuk Myeong.
Only Yeop Hyeon and Yeop Ryeong remained in the room. Yeop Ryeong quickly sat beside him and asked, "Oppa, was it because of me that you refused the Chamjang position the Ninth Princess offered? I asked Yuk Myeong earlier, and he said Chamjang is a very high rank. Why did you foolishly turn it down?"
Yeop Hyeon stroked her head. "If I became a soldier, what would happen to you?"
"Oppa, am I holding you back?"
He shook his head. "Don't say that. You are the most important person to me. Compared to you, a Chamjang position is nothing. For you, I can do anything, and I can give up anything."
He tightly held her hand. "If you were not here, even becoming a Sword Immortal would mean nothing. Do you understand?"
Yeop Ryeong burst into tears and buried herself in his arms.
After a while, she fell asleep in his embrace.
Looking at her sleeping peacefully, Yeop Hyeon's expression darkened. Yeop Ryeong was sleeping more and more each day. Although the Cheonhwananok (Heavenly Fire Warm Jade) she had obtained from the strange girl had greatly reduced the cold energy within her, her face was growing paler.
Yeop Hyeon felt deep sorrow for Yeop Ryeong, who endured everything silently so he would not worry.
After carefully tucking her in, he went up to the deck.
The setting sun dyed the sky red, as though a crimson cloth had been draped across it.
We are about to arrive at the Imperial Castle.
"Young Master!"
Yuk Soyeon approached him with a friendly smile. "It seems you are eager to arrive at the Imperial Castle."
Yeop Hyeon nodded lightly. "City Lord, could you tell me more about Changmok Academy?"
"Changmok Academy... It exists not only in Gang Nation but also in many other countries, like Chwiseonru. The reason everyone longs to enter Changmok Academy is because admission guarantees one's future. To be admitted means being recognized as a genius, and upon graduation, you will receive invitations from various factions."
Yuk Soyeon smiled faintly and continued, "Once you graduate, a smooth path lies ahead. You may even catch the attention of the royal family. For the poor, admission to Changmok Academy is the fastest road to success. For members of the royal family or prominent clans, being a student there is a form of assurance. Moreover, within the academy, you can easily build connections with countless geniuses. For a martial artist, what could be better? In the Imperial Castle, connections are everything."
Yeop Hyeon nodded, then suddenly asked, "Was National Scholar An Lansu also from Changmok Academy?"
"No."
Yeop Hyeon looked puzzled. "Why not?"
"The academy's head personally invited her, but for some reason, she declined."
"Declined? Why would she..."
Yuk Soyeon chuckled. "Because there was no one there capable of teaching her. Instead of being a student, she should have been the one teaching. Naturally, she had no interest."
"..."
"Although she is not from Changmok Academy, the head appointed her as an honorary master. If any academy student encounters her, they must show proper respect. I have heard her background is far from simple. Of course, that is not our concern."
Yeop Hyeon nodded and asked, "City Lord, I have heard that Changmok Academy has the finest physicians?"
"I cannot say they are the absolute best, but their medical standards are the highest in Gang Nation. Even the royal palace occasionally sends people to seek instruction, and many royal physicians are academy graduates."
Hearing this, Yeop Hyeon felt somewhat relieved. As he looked into the distance, he saw a magnificent city faintly visible at the end of the mountain range.
The Imperial Castle.
The center of power in Gang Nation and its most prosperous city.
A place where countless youths gathered in pursuit of their dreams.
As the Woonseon drew closer, the Imperial Castle became clearer.
Yuk Soyeon spoke again. "Young Master, the Imperial Castle is filled with all kinds of people. When handling matters, try to be tactful. Otherwise, trouble may arise."
"I will avoid causing trouble whenever possible."
Yuk Soyeon smiled. "I am not worried that you will cause trouble. In the Imperial Castle, it is difficult to distinguish the noble from the ordinary. Even I, as a City Lord, must be cautious not to offend someone of higher status."
He looked into Yeop Hyeon's eyes. "But once you arrive, do not remain idle. Make an effort to build connections. Only then will you find people who may stand on your side in the future."
People who will stand on my side...
Yeop Hyeon nodded, knowing the importance of good friends.
As they spoke, the Imperial Castle grew nearer. From above, it did not seem as large as he had imagined. With nearly a million residents, it bore traces of long history throughout.
Inside, it was extremely prosperous, and the sky above was filled with Woonseon arriving and departing.
"Wow, it's so crowded!"
Seeing Yeop Hyeon stare in awe, Yuk Soyeon smiled. "Once inside, it will be even more chaotic."
Yeop Hyeon nodded eagerly.
When only a few thousand zhang remained, the Woonseon began descending slowly. Beneath them flowed a massive river, where dozens of Woonseon were docked.
"Dear passengers, we will soon arrive at the Imperial Castle. Please prepare to disembark."
After hearing the announcement, Yeop Hyeon returned to his room, carried the sleeping Yeop Ryeong on his back, and went back to the deck.
Yuk Soyeon smiled. "Brother Yeop, shall we head to the residence together first?"
"Yes, thank you for your consideration."
"No, we should be thanking you, Big Brother!"
Yuk Myeong was overjoyed at the thought of Yeop Hyeon accompanying them. Being able to stay near a sword cultivator thrilled him.
Once the Woonseon docked steadily, a long bridge was lowered.
After disembarking, Yeop Hyeon followed Yuk Soyeon toward the city gate.
Watching his departing figure, Han Hyangmong muttered to herself, "A great storm will sweep through Changmok Academy."
"Miss, why did you not greet him?"
At the old man's question, Han Hyangmong shook her head. "I have already thrown away my own opportunity. With what face could I stand before him?"
She lifted her head and looked toward the Imperial Castle. "If I enroll in Changmok Academy as well, will I have another chance..."
Upon arriving at the city gate, Yeop Hyeon felt deeply moved as he looked at the massive gates. Only now did he realize how small Cheongseong had been. The gates of the Imperial Castle were ten times larger.
Compared to it, Cheongseong could hardly be called a city.
Even after passing through the gates, he was stunned by the sheer scale. The road beneath his feet was at least twenty zhang wide. Buildings of all sizes lined the streets without making them feel cramped.
The prosperity amazed him again. Horses and carriages moved constantly. There were so many people that one had to shout to be heard.
Yeop Ryeong, awakened by the noise, looked around in surprise. "Oppa, this place is much more complicated than Cheongseong!"
Smiling, Yeop Hyeon asked Yuk Soyeon, "City Lord, where is Changmok Academy?"
"Haha, no need to rush. Registration opens in ten days. Outsiders cannot enter before that, so going now would be meaningless. Why not rest at the residence for a few days first?"
"Very well."
They arrived at a grand and luxurious estate. For a City Lord like Yuk Soyeon, such a residence was only natural.
He gave the Yeop siblings a separate courtyard and assigned three maids to attend them.
Yeop Hyeon felt awkward at such hospitality.
Less than half a shijin after arriving, Yeop Ryeong fell asleep again.
Yeop Hyeon's heart grew uneasy once more.
Out of twelve shijin in a day, she slept nearly nine. That was not normal.
After watching her sleeping form for a while, he entered the Gyeyoktap again.
Ten days ahead.
Changmok Academy was their only hope.
One concern remained. His cultivation had not yet reached Eogigyeong (Energy Control Realm), the minimum requirement for entry.
He took out a white jade token from his robe. It had been given to him by An Lansu. Although he wished to resolve everything with his own strength, if necessary, he would use her jade token to enter Changmok Academy.