Both the boy and the girl follow Jih Jin towards the door of the carriage.
"Knock.. knock."
Jiu Jin knocks at the door of the carriage.
Both the boy and girl want to know who the master of Jiu Jin is. Both the boy and the girl are strong but they are unable to see through the strength of Jiu Jin and also the other guards who are escorting the carriage are not weak, they are almost as strong as the two of them.
After a second the door opens. From inside the door in front of the boy and the girl a man with a striking and elegant appearance comes out. He has long, flowing black hair that cascades past his shoulders, framing his handsome and refined face. His features are sharp and symmetrical, with a straight nose, defined jawline, and slightly arched brows. His expression is calm, collected, and slightly stern, giving him an aura of authority and mystery.
He is dressed in traditional, ornate robes, primarily in white with intricate black and dark designs embroidered on them. The robe has decorative patterns and symbols, suggesting a noble status. The layered clothing beneath is black with elegant detailing, adding to his dignified and regal presence.
Both of them are stunned by his appearance.
Yilu Lok smiled at them and cupped his fist and said.
"My name is Yan Dan, how may I address you?"
Both of them recovers from their stunned expression and looks at Yilu Lok and the man cupped his hands and said.
"How rude of me I haven't even introduced myself. My name is Qing Ming and I am an inner disciple of the Qingcheng sect."
Qing Ming is a handsome young man with a refined and elegant appearance. He has a fair, smooth complexion with sharp yet gentle facial features. His eyes are large, almond shaped.
His hair is long, straight, and black with a subtle sheen, tied loosely behind. He is dressed in flowing traditional robes, primarily in white with teal and turquoise accents. The robe is decorated with subtle swirling patterns, giving an air of sophistication. He holds a folded fan in his hand.
Then the girl next to him introduces herself.
"My name is Mu Dieyin. I am an inner disciple of the Emei sect."
Mu Dieyin is a beautiful young woman with a bright and graceful appearance, radiating energy and elegance.
Her face is soft and youthful, with delicate features. She has a warm, cheerful expression. Her eyes are large, expressive, and golden-brown in color, with a sparkle that conveys curiosity and vitality.
Her hair is long, flowing, and a deep brown shade. It cascades freely past her shoulders, swaying in the wind, with part of it styled and adorned with a small, elegant golden hairpin.
She wears a traditional robe in a vivid teal-blue color, accented with golden-yellow trims. Her robe is decorated with ornamental knots and golden clasps at the shoulders, highlighting her elegance and possibly her sect affiliation.
"Please forgive sister Mu Dieyin's behavior . She is a little shy around strangers."
Yilu Lok smiles and says.
"I understand I heard what you said brother Qing and sister Mu you are welcome to travel with us please come inside."
Both Qing Ming and Mu Dieyin enters the carriage. Jiu Jin returns to his horse and the journey continues.
***
Inside the carriage Qing Ming and Mu Dieyin are sitting at the other side of Yilu Lok.
"Brother Yan, can I ask you a question?"
Qjng Ming breaks the silence and asks.
"Yes brother Qing, feel free to ask anything."
Yilu Lok smiles and replies.
"Can I ask which martial family you belong to? Considering how strong your escorts are, your family must be very famous."
Qing Ming wants to probe the identity of Yilu Lok. Understanding what Qing Ming is trying to do Yilu Lok smiles and says.
"Brother Qing, you misunderstood. I don't belong to a martial family."
Qing Ming raises his left eyebrow and asks.
"But brother Yan, your escorts are very skillful, not to mention the head escort. He is definitely a skilled master."
"You are right about the escorts but I am really not from a martial family."
Qing Ming wanted to ask something before he could say anything, Yilu Lok continued.
"I hail from a large merchant group from Yunnan. A few months ago a desire to travel the central plains arose inside me so I asked my parents."
Both Qing Ming and Mu Dieyin listen to Yilu Lok quietly.
"My parents love me very much so when I asked they agreed and he used a large amount of money on my escorts to ensure my safety."
"Brother Yan, you have very loving parents."
Mu Dieyin says.
"Sister Mu is right. I am very thankful to the heavens for giving me parents like them."
Yilu Lok looks at both of them and says.
"Sometimes I really feel that they are more than what I deserve."
Qing Ming and Mu Dieyin do not say anything. Yilu Lok asks.
"Brother Qing, sister Mu, can I ask why you are travelling to the Tang sect?"
Qing Ming and Mu Dieyin look at each other. Yilu Lok also looks at them and says.
"If you don't want to tell me, it's allright."
"It's not that brother Yan."
Qing Ming hurriedly replies. Then Mu Doeyin continues.
"Yes, brother Yan, we are going to the Tang clan to meet young master Tang."
"Young master Tang."
"After that we are also not sure, we will discuss it after meeting young master Tang."
Yilu Lok nods in understanding. After Qing Ming, Mu Dieyin chatted with each other.
***
At noon the carriage stops in front of a massive gate which has a plaque with Tang on it. The outside of the city is like a fortress born of legend. Its immense, charcoal-gray walls, forged from massive stone blocks, stretch for miles, punctuated by imposing watchtowers at regular intervals. At the heart of each of the four main gates, enormous red lacquered doors stand sealed, guarded by stone lions whose fierce gaze seems to warn all who approach. In front of the gate two guards are stationed.
Jiu Jin gets down from his horse and walks towards one of the guards.
The guard looks at Jiu Jin and says.
"State your Identity and purpose."
Jiu Jin takes a letter from his pocket and hands it to the guard.
The guard reads the letter and all colour vanishes from his face. He looks back and says in a loud voice.
"Open the door and let the carriage in."
After a few seconds the massive door at the main gate slowly opens.
"Please."
The guard respectfully gestures to them to pass.
Jiu Jin sits on his horse and the carriage enters the city.
Beyond the gates, the city proper is a breathtaking tapestry of traditional Chinese architecture. Grand, multi-story buildings with sweeping, upturned roofs tiled in deep jade and crimson are the most common sight.
The main thoroughfares are wide and paved with polished stone, lined with bustling merchant stalls and tea houses where the latest gossip on the martial arts world is exchanged.
After entering the gates Qing Ming and Mu Dieyin leaves the carriage and looks at Yilu Lok and says.
"Brother Yan, we are very thankful for the ride. If there is a chance, let's meet again."
Yilu Lok smiles.
"Brother Qing, sister Mu don't mention it. I also have a great time in your company."
After exchanging a few sentences with Yilu Lok both Qing Ming and Mu Dieyin parted ways with him.
The carriage started to move and soon reached an inn.
The name of the inn is Azure Crane Pavilion.
Unlike the bustling inns lining the main avenues, this one is a secluded, elegant structure perched on a high ridge overlooking the city's central gardens. Its name is derived from the intricate carvings of flying cranes that adorn its sweeping, azure-tiled roofs.
Yilu Lok and the guards enter the inn. The inside of the inn is a little different from other inns. The Pavilion is not for the common traveler. It's a place where seasoned martial artists, esteemed scholars, and influential merchants come to rest and exchange secrets. The air inside is thick with the scent of sandalwood and fine tea. Instead of rows of crowded tables, the common room features private alcoves separated by screens painted with serene landscapes and scenes of dueling swordsmen.
The inn's true fame, however, comes from its proprietor, a quiet, one-eyed man named Master Li. Rumor has it that he was once a formidable warrior of the Tang clan, and though his fighting days are said to be over, his presence commands respect.
As Yilu Lok and other escorts enter all eyes fall on them. They all ignore it and waks towards the reception where they arrange room to stay.
A servent of the Azure Crane Pavilion comes and shows them direction of their rooms.
Yilu Lok enters his room and lay down on his bed. After a minute Yilu Lok looks at his black bracelet.