This group consisted of several dozen people.
Just as they were stepping out the door, a man in a green robe, who looked like a young scholar, stepped forward and blocked their path.
He asked in a soft voice, "Where are you all headed?"
"Brother Gao!" The others lit up when they saw him, their expressions full of joy. In an instant, they surrounded him, making him the center of attention.
He was very young, yet the moment he arrived, everyone naturally treated him as their pillar, gathering tightly around him.
At the back of the group, Yun Jin couldn't help feeling curious. She leaned toward someone and asked in a low voice, "Who's that scholar in green at the front? Everyone seems to trust him a lot."
The person glanced at Yun Jin and replied quietly, "You don't know him?"
Yun Jin shook her head. "This is the first time I've seen him. Is he famous?"
The man lowered his voice. "That's the former top scorer of the imperial examination, Gao Jingxuan. When he won the title, even Preceptor Qin personally awarded him the red flower of first place and sighed, 'If not for the burden of his spiritual root, he could have safeguarded the Canglan Kingdom for another thousand years.'"
Yun Jin narrowed her eyes slightly.
That was high praise indeed.
Qin Ping had protected the Canglan Kingdom for a thousand years. For him to say this meant that Gao Jingxuan was capable of becoming his successor and continuing to protect the Kingdom for another thousand years.
Qin Ping was one of the most powerful cultivators in the Imperial realm. Such an evaluation revealed the depth of his approval toward Gao Jingxuan.
Yun Jin grew even more intrigued. "Why say his spiritual root holds him back? Is his aptitude really that poor?"
The man let out a long sigh, genuinely feeling it was a pity. "He has the lowest-tier five-element root. After decades of cultivation, he only barely entered the Foundation Establishment stage. Advancing further is nearly impossible."
Five-element root?
Yun Jin's gaze flickered.
She looked at Gao Jingxuan's back, then on a whim activated her Insight Eye skill. The Insight Eye could read a person's Luck, and to some extent, glimpse their future potential.
The moment the skill activated, a flash of light struck Yun Jin's eyes. This man, still only in the Foundation Establishment stage, possessed golden Luck, and within the gold, she could faintly see traces of purple.
Purple Qi rising from the east—this was the strongest form of Luck.
If all his Luck had turned purple, it would be the most perfect kind.
But just beneath purple was gold.
Gao Jingxuan's Luck was pure gold with a hint of purple. That was already extremely rare and powerful.
Even Yun Jin was startled.
Just a random glance, and she'd stumbled upon someone with one-in-a-million Luck. She stared at Gao Jingxuan's back, her expression deepening with thought.
In this world, perhaps only her Insight Eye could see through someone's full Luck.
And Luck wasn't just for show—it represented one's potential and future accomplishments. If someone's Luck was suppressed too long and couldn't flourish, even someone like Gao Jingxuan, born with golden Luck, might gradually lose it and become indistinguishable from the masses.
Yun Jin even suspected that Gao Jingxuan's original Luck may have had more than just a trace of purple. Had he lived a thousand years earlier, with access to proper Mystic Codex techniques, he might have already become a powerful cultivator in his own right.
But in this era, where five-element roots were considered trash, and without a true Mystic Codex to cultivate, his potential had been steadily declining.
Now this gold-tinged-purple Luck was likely already the result of suppression and attrition.
However, if he encountered a worthy teacher and began cultivating the proper method, that dormant Luck might gradually return, and he could once again ascend the path of greatness that was rightfully his.
With these thoughts in mind, Yun Jin studied Gao Jingxuan with a thoughtful gaze.
This man… was quite interesting.
And for now, she could continue observing.
More than talent, Yun Jin valued character. If his conduct proved decent enough, she might even consider taking him as a disciple, making him a junior to Ye Cheng.
After all…
Her Mystic Codex also needed someone to pass it on.
Now with the thought of taking in a disciple forming in her heart, Yun Jin began silently observing Gao Jingxuan. His cultivation was indeed low. Just as that man had said, he was only in the early stages of Foundation Establishment.
And yet…
Those around him, many of whom had higher cultivation, all clearly respected his leadership.
"Brother Gao, we've decided to head for the capital. If those people refuse to release the Preceptor, we'll dash ourselves against the city walls. If enough of us die, surely the Demon-Slaying Alliance will take notice," someone declared.
"That's right. We've already cast aside thoughts of survival. So long as we can rescue the Grandmaster, we're willing to die!"
The group burst into a flurry of passionate voices, clearly overwhelmed by righteous fury.
"The enemies of Preceptor Qin are strong, and the Wushuang Sect's leader will likely hesitate. Only we can save the Preceptor!" another person added.
Gao Jingxuan's brow furrowed deeply. He said slowly, "Words like that should not be spoken. The Wushuang Sect already sacrificed themselves once a thousand years ago for the sake of this world. That was an act of immense virtue. Now, are you suggesting they do it again? Such thoughts are not fitting for a proper person."
Hearing this, the speaker flushed with embarrassment and said weakly, "I didn't mean it that way, it's just that everyone says the Sect Master of Wushuang Sect, she…"
Gao Jingxuan cut him off, "What others say doesn't matter. That Lady Yun of Wushuang Sect never owed the Preceptor anything, nor has she received any kindness from the Canglan Kingdom. What right do you have to demand anything of her? This is a matter for the Canglan Kingdom. It should be handled by us alone."
His words carried great weight, and everyone quickly nodded in agreement.
"Brother Gao, how about you take the lead and guide us to the capital? We may be weak, but we still have our lives to offer."
Gao Jingxuan responded, "Have you all forgotten what Lady Feng said? She warned the citizens not to enter the capital. The city now allows entry but no exit. Clearly, something is wrong."
"Are we really going to do nothing, then?"
"I cannot accept that!"
"Preceptor Qin showed me great kindness. I must go!"
The crowd's emotions were surging again, clearly difficult to contain.
After a moment of thought, Gao Jingxuan finally said, "Very well. I will take the lead. Those willing to follow, come with me."
Everyone cheered with excitement. They pushed Gao Jingxuan forward to take command and lead the group in their mission to rescue Qin Ping.
Yun Jin watched Gao Jingxuan with growing interest. She blended into the crowd and quietly followed along.
This Gao Jingxuan truly had strong influence.
Whenever problems arose, he was the one to make the decisions.
Whenever disputes flared within the group, it was also him they turned to for judgment.
And Gao Jingxuan would always resolve the matter clearly with just a few words, leaving both sides satisfied.
Yun Jin made a quiet judgment in her heart.
This man was born to lead.
No wonder Qin Ping had said that Gao Jingxuan could inherit his mantle.
To protect a nation, one had to win the people's trust. Without that, it was impossible.
With the same goal in their hearts, the group endured wind and rain together as they made their way toward the capital.
Yun Jin also noticed something else.
Gao Jingxuan deliberately chose rugged mountain paths.
He claimed it was the faster route.
While it was faster, it was also much harder.
Many naturally began to fall behind.
Gao Jingxuan had arranged for people to drive flying horses and send those who lagged behind back to the city.
Midway through the journey, some people began to waver and wanted to turn back. Those who voiced their hesitation were dragged before Gao Jingxuan by angry members of the group.
Yun Jin joined the crowd, curious to see how Gao Jingxuan would handle this.
The young scholar gave a calm glance at the flushed faces of those dragged forward and said, "Let them go."
"Sir Gao, won't that demoralize the group?" someone objected.
Gao Jingxuan sighed. "Heading to the capital is nearly certain death. It's human nature to fear death. Forcing people to abandon that instinct is unreasonable."
He looked around and continued, "We are now just a day's journey from the capital. Let me say this again. I will go to rescue the Preceptor. That is my personal choice. But my personal choice cannot be forced upon others."
He spoke evenly. "Every life is equally precious. I am willing to risk mine to rescue the Preceptor. That is my decision. If someone else is unwilling, there is no fault in that. A life is still a life. And risking your life doesn't make you noble. Perhaps I only do it because I have nothing tying me down."
He added gently, "Even if this had not happened, I would have asked everyone this question eventually. Are you truly ready to die on this trip to the capital? Those who wish to leave now, please believe me—you are not cowards. You simply have something more important to live for. By walking this far with me, you've already proven your sincerity toward the Preceptor. From here onward, you do not need to accompany me."
The implication was clear—this journey was never about making it to the end. It was about honoring Qin Ping.
Now that their respect had been expressed, that was enough.
From here on, he would walk the path of death alone.
Gao Jingxuan's sudden announcement left everyone stunned.
They'd traveled a full day, and now he was asking them all to turn back?
Those who had wanted to flee earlier looked even more ashamed.
One of them even said, "Sir Gao, I was wrong. I want to follow you to the capital."
Gao Jingxuan sighed. Did they think he was just using reverse psychology?
He spoke up, "Those with wives, parents, or children at home, step forward."
The crowd hesitated, but eventually nearly half of them stepped out.
Gao Jingxuan cupped his hands toward them. "Walking this half of the road shows your sincerity to the Grandmaster. Not walking the next half is your duty to your family. Please, leave."
Yun Jin raised a brow.
This Gao Jingxuan really was something. He had clearly wanted to stop them from going to the capital. But he knew that trying to persuade them earlier wouldn't have worked. So he brought them along anyway. He took the hardest road, using it to naturally weed out those unfit for the journey.
Then, once everyone was physically and mentally exhausted, he stepped in to persuade again.
Before, no one would have listened.
But now, many could.
Then he gave them a reason no one could argue with. If you have loved ones, leave the team.
With cooler heads, the persuasion became much easier.
But even then, the group hesitated, reluctant to leave.
Gao Jingxuan stood firm. "Please, leave."
His expression was calm, but his tone left no room for refusal.
Others joined in. "You have family. Don't come with us to die. Please, leave."
With no other option, the group quietly left, tears in their eyes. Among them were the same ones who had tried to flee earlier.
Gao Jingxuan then said, "Those under thirty, step forward."
A few more moved out.
Yun Jin didn't. She had changed her appearance, and no one could guess her real age. Besides, a cultivator's age couldn't be judged by looks alone.
"You're still young, with much of the world yet to see. Taking this risk now is unwise. Please, leave." Gao Jingxuan gestured for them to go.
They left with red-rimmed eyes.
"Those over a hundred, leave."
"You are a city magistrate, responsible for many lives. Leave."
"Your legs are weak. You won't keep up. Leave."
"You…"
Gao Jingxuan found reasons one by one, persuading people to go.
Eventually, only five or six remained.
He frowned slightly, as if running out of reasons.
With fewer people, he immediately noticed the unfamiliar face of Yun Jin and said, "This young lady looks unfamiliar."
Yun Jin blinked. "I'm just an ordinary citizen, moved by your righteous cause."
Gao Jingxuan said, "You appear frail. It's best you return."
Yun Jin knew he was just trying to dissuade them all. She raised an eyebrow and replied, "Have I lagged behind? Slowed the team down? You calling me frail is slander I cannot accept."
Gao Jingxuan furrowed his brow again, about to speak.
One of the remaining few chuckled, "Brother Gao, no need to say more. We have no family, no friends, and owe great debts to the Preceptor. There's no way we're turning back."
Another added, "You try to talk us down, but never once considered leaving yourself. That's hardly fair."
Gao Jingxuan sighed. He had tried to keep a cool head. He knew Feng Linglong had warned them for a reason. But Qin Ping was his mentor. To stand by and do nothing while his master was sent to die… he couldn't accept that.
He had only wanted to go alone, hoping for a sliver of hope.
But now…
Seeing the determination in the eyes of those who remained, Gao Jingxuan could only nod. "Then let's continue."
The flying horses arrived soon after, carrying the others back to the city.
Gao Jingxuan and the remaining five pressed forward.
Along the way, Gao Jingxuan couldn't help but pay a bit more attention to Yun Jin.
Not for any specific reason.
But simply because… she was too unfamiliar.
The others were all acquaintances—classmates, beneficiaries of the Preceptor.
But this woman?
Why was she taking such a great risk to travel to the capital with them?