After walking for two hours, Kai felt a sinking sense of despair as he scanned his surroundings. The unfamiliar streets stretched out before him, bustling with activity and chaos.
"Okay, this is harder than I thought," he muttered, rubbing his sore feet. "No GPS here. I should have listened to Jie Yan and waited for the carriage preparations."
He trudged forward, the aroma of roasted meats and spiced wines wafting from a nearby tavern catching his attention. Curiosity tugged at him. After a moment's hesitation, he pushed open the heavy wooden door. The cozy warmth and lively chatter immediately enveloped him.
Inside, in a corner booth, he spotted two young men roughly his age engaged in animated conversation over mugs of frothy ale. They were well dressed, one in a striking green outfit and the other in a cool blue ensemble.
"Yifong, drink up. Let's enjoy the food and wine here before we set out," the handsome young man in green urged, his eyes sparkling with excitement.
"Donghua, you know I don't really drink," Yifong replied, his tone calm but playful. "One of us has to stay alert for the journey."
Yifong furrowed his brows thoughtfully. "Why are we leaving so early anyway? School doesn't start for another two weeks. Even if we arrive now, we'd still have a whole week before classes."
"Feijing is the capital of the state. It's a city that embodies dreams and desires," Donghua replied passionately, leaning forward. "From the finest tailors and jewelers to master craftsmen from across the nation, anything you're looking for is here. The streets are filled with gourmet restaurants, bustling shops, and endless events. We have to explore it all before school begins."
Kai overheard that these two were heading to the same city as him. Steeling his nerves, he approached their table and cleared his throat to get their attention.
"Hello, young masters. May I join you?" Kai asked, a mixture of hope and nervousness in his tone.
They turned to look at him, surprised.
"My name is Xing Li, son of the Thor clan. I overheard your conversation and would like to travel with you both to Feijing."
Donghua's eyes widened, recognition dawning. "Son of the Thor clan? Xing Li?" He leaned back, studying him with a mix of curiosity and suspicion.
"I don't think I've seen you before," Donghua said cautiously.
"You probably haven't, since I don't go out much. I'm the third son," Kai replied casually.
Suddenly, Donghua's eyes widened further. "The hidden son?" he exclaimed, drawing the attention of nearby patrons.
"Quiet down, Donghua," Yifong hissed, glancing around.
Kai chuckled softly, a playful grin on his face. "Haha, young master, I am indeed the hidden son."
"Wow, you don't fit the rumor at all. I thought the third son of the Thor Clan was supposed to be a beauty, so stunning that you'd have to hide yourself."
Kai's smile faltered slightly. In truth, he had taken precautions before leaving. Jie Yan had been ordered by him to buy makeup and fake beards, knowing how much his appearance could attract unwanted attention. Having been a canvas for Hua Xia many times, Kai had picked up a few tricks from Yulube. His current face now bore a carefully crafted fake beard that looked natural, with dark spots and freckles for added realism.
"No, I was just too ugly, that's why I had to hide," Kai replied with a grin, playing along.
Donghua nodded politely. "Sit, young master Xing Li. I apologize for my rudeness. I don't want any trouble with the Thor Clan."
"No need to apologize. I'm traveling alone and would be glad to go with you both. Is that alright?" Kai asked, hopeful.
"The more, the merrier. But I warn you, the ride to Feijing will not be very comfortable. Still, as long as Young Master Xing Li is okay with it," Donghua replied.
They ate and drank until they were full, then boarded a carriage bound for Feijing.
Later, Kai woke up in the middle of the night and quietly observed Yifong and Donghua sleeping beside him in the carriage.
He mused silently to himself.
Yifong, who would later become a master swordsman fighting alongside the protagonist against Rong Yue's army, and Donghua, who would go on to become one of the region's top doctors, knowledgeable, skilled, and driven by a deep desire to serve his people, both would prove to be formidable allies.