Qinghe Prefecture’s city of Qinghe had a permanent population of over ten million, an immense number that was hard to imagine. Though the city streets were wide, the snow horse could only plod forward at a leisurely pace. From the city gates to Longshan Pavilion, a distance of over eighty li, took nearly an hour, and by then, night had fully fallen.
“We’ve finally arrived,” Dongbo Xueying said, gazing at the towering structure of Longshan Pavilion before him.
Before Longshan Pavilion, massive crystal lamps burned brightly, illuminating the area. This pavilion was far grander than the one in Yishui County—its vast courtyard walls alone likely spanned one or two li in circumference.
Groups of guards patrolled the perimeter.
“Dismount,” commanded two imposing guards clad in black armor stationed at the main entrance. Their presence was formidable—clearly at least Star-Level warriors.
Dongbo Xueying dismounted and, with a flick of his hand, produced a black-iron token. “The city should have been informed of my arrival.”
One of the armored guards approached with a smile. “Are you Dongbo Xueying from Yishui?”
“That’s me,” Dongbo confirmed with a nod.
“We’ve already received word of your arrival. Hand over your horse, and you may proceed inside. Someone will guide you to your quarters,” the guard offered, reaching for the reins.
“Appreciated,” Dongbo said, handing over the horse, then strode through the grand entrance of Longshan Pavilion.
Inside the vast compound, trees flourished, and flowers bloomed in vibrant colors. Lamps of fire crystal dotted the landscape, casting a warm glow over the entire pavilion despite the darkness of night.
“Master Dongbo, please follow me,” a maid greeted him. “All visiting guests are housed in the Jiahui Garden to the east. A private courtyard has already been prepared especially for you. It’s best you remain within Jiahui Garden—other areas may be restricted. Tomorrow morning, someone will come to escort you to meet the Pavilion Master.”
“Understood,” Dongbo nodded.
The stone-paved paths of Longshan Pavilion were surrounded by exotic flowers and lush greenery. Even the walls bore faint traces of magical arrays.
After a short walk, they arrived at the gate of a garden.
“This is Jiahui Garden,” the maid announced, leading the way. “Your private courtyard is inside.”
“This place has quite a few courtyards,” Dongbo remarked with a smile, glancing around. There were likely dozens, arranged in two rows, facing each other.
“Qinghe Prefecture often assigns many tasks, and many experts from different regions come here. Today is actually a lighter day—Jiahui Garden is only half full. Usually, even this entire garden can’t accommodate all the guests,” the maid explained with a smile. “This is where you’ll be staying tonight.” She pushed open the courtyard gate.
Just then, the door of the courtyard directly opposite creaked open.
Dongbo turned his head.
The door of the opposite courtyard opened, and a maid stepped out carrying a tray of food. Behind her, a young woman in a green robe was about to close the door. She caught sight of Dongbo across the way and immediately realized this black-robed youth was the one moving into the courtyard opposite hers.
“A sorceress,” Dongbo noted, sensing the unmistakable aura of magic around her. In truth, it was the presence of arcane power. There was also a faint chill in the air around her—one Dongbo was very familiar with, as both his mother and younger brother specialized in frost-based magic. Clearly, this woman was also a master of such arts.
“But her aura feels even stronger than Bai Yuanzhi’s,” Dongbo thought, surprised.
He was astonished not only by her beauty but also by her youth.
His younger brother was, in Dongbo’s eyes, the most handsome man he had ever seen. Yet this young woman in the green robe was, without question, the most beautiful woman he had ever laid eyes on. Her beauty was like a frost lotus blooming atop a snowy peak—an utterly unique aura. Even Yishui had its share of beauties, and You Yue was among the top ten in Dongbo’s estimation.
But this young sorceress in green made Dongbo instantly certain she was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen—because of her aura, her presence.
“Wizards are known for their wisdom—the stronger they are, the more knowledgeable. And yet she looks so young, yet her power seems even greater than Bai Yuanzhi’s,” Dongbo mused, intrigued.
What he didn’t know was that, at that very moment, the young sorceress in green was also faintly sensing something unusual about this youth before her. Years of studying the natural world had made Dongbo’s presence even more refined and natural. It was precisely this quiet, unassuming aura that left the young sorceress secretly astonished: “Even though he’s clearly not a wizard, his mind is cultivated to such an extent?”
Wizards placed immense importance on the mind and soul.
…
They exchanged only a brief glance, each offering a polite nod and smile.
“Creak,” the young sorceress closed her courtyard door.
Dongbo entered his own courtyard.
“Master Dongbo, I’ll bring your meal shortly. I won’t disturb you further,” the maid said, then departed.
…
The next morning, shortly after Dongbo had finished breakfast, a maid from Longshan Pavilion came to summon him. Today, the details of the mission would be announced.
Inside a quiet hall.
Dongbo entered the hall and immediately spotted a tall, white-haired elder seated within. The elder gave him a slight nod upon seeing him.
“Please take any seat, Master Dongbo. Once everyone has arrived, the Pavilion Master will come shortly,” the maid explained.
As Dongbo sat down and took a sip of tea, someone else entered the hall—the same young sorceress in green from the previous night. Her gaze swept the room and landed on the white-haired elder and Dongbo. She was slightly surprised—what a coincidence! They had been neighbors last night, and now they met again today. She gave them a slight nod and took her seat.
“Is that Master Jing Qiu?” the white-haired elder’s eyes lit up. “What a surprise to meet you here! I am Tang Xiong.”
Dongbo was a little surprised.
He had studied the list of notable figures in Qinghe Prefecture provided by Longshan Pavilion beforehand.
Tang Xiong was nothing special—an elderly Silver Moon Knight over 160 years old. At his age, there was little hope of advancing to the Title-Level.
But Jing Qiu—now that was a name of great renown.
She was a prodigy of Qinghe Prefecture, a shining star among its talents. Yu Jing Qiu had come from a common family, studied at Changfeng Academy, and at the age of twenty, had already become a Star-Level sorceress. She was retained as a teacher at the academy and, by twenty-three, had advanced to the Silver Moon Level. According to the records, she should now be twenty-five years old.
At twenty-five, already a seasoned Silver Moon Grand Sorceress—her talent was truly astounding. A Transcendent Grand Sorceress of Changfeng Academy had even taken her as a direct disciple. With such youth and power, she had a very high chance of reaching the Title-Level.
“So that’s her,” Dongbo realized.
“Hahahaha!” Suddenly, two more figures entered from outside.
One was a cold, gloomy youth, and the other, an elder with black hair.
The gloomy youth was dressed in fine robes that subtly altered the surrounding aura—clearly a powerful alchemical armor.
“Jing Qiu, I didn’t expect to see you here,” the gloomy youth said excitedly. “Ha! I just randomly picked a mission for my training, and I ended up meeting you. What a coincidence! We must be destined to meet.”
Jing Qiu’s brows slightly furrowed. “Indeed, quite a coincidence.”
The gloomy youth scanned the room and noticed the white-haired elder, then the younger black-robed youth beside him. His eyes flickered with displeasure. He glanced at the tall elder and said casually, “Move over.”
The elder, Tang Xiong, obediently stepped aside, not daring to provoke him. “This is Lord Bai Rong?”
Bai Rong?
Dongbo now recognized the gloomy youth—Si Borong!
One of the most prominent young figures of the Si Clan in Qinghe Prefecture. At over fifty years old, Si Borong was a Silver Moon Knight. With a typical lifespan nearing two hundred, he still maintained a youthful appearance. His youth meant he still had a good chance of advancing to the Title-Level in the future, which was why he held such a high status within the Si Clan.
The Si Clan wielded immense power in Qinghe Prefecture—able to declare anyone guilty at will. Even a Silver Moon Knight like Tang Xiong had to show deference, as the Si Clan could easily fabricate charges to imprison someone. Only those who reached the Title-Level could command power sufficient to rival the Si Clan on equal footing.
Si Borong sat down beside the sorceress, quite close. “Jing Qiu, why do you always avoid me? You’re really breaking my heart.”
Clang!
Jing Qiu stood up and moved away. But the hall was not large, and after a moment’s thought, she walked over to Dongbo’s side and sat down, leaving one seat between them.
“Jing Qiu,” Si Borong followed her, and suddenly, he glanced at Dongbo beside her, clearly annoyed by his presence. He frowned coldly. “Move.”
Dongbo calmly took another sip of tea, ignoring him completely.
Si Borong’s expression darkened.
“Hmph!” he snorted angrily.
“Hahaha! Everyone’s here now?” a cheerful voice called from outside, as a bald, red-robed elder entered the hall.
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