Disguised as guards, porters, and accountants, Ye Yin, Dai Mubai, and the others blended into the caravan, their spirit power carefully concealed. With their ordinary clothes and the slightly altered faces from Ye Yin's simple medicines, they didn't look the least bit conspicuous.
"Stop! What are you transporting? Everyone out for inspection!" the general guarding the pass ordered, his eyes sharp as he waved his soldiers forward.
The middle-aged steward, acting as the caravan leader, quickly stepped forward with a practiced smile, handing over their customs documents and a gift list. "Sir, we are a caravan from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School in the Heaven Dou Empire, on a routine business trip to Star Luo. Here are our documents, along with a small token of our appreciation."
The general glanced at the documents, then at the gift list. His stern expression softened slightly. "The Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School? I heard you're quite close with that Shrek Academy."
The steward just laughed. "Sir, you jest. Our merchant guild is only concerned with business. We don't get involved in conflicts. We're mainly here this time to deliver a batch of valuable, custom-made goods to the Imperial family and the Zhu family."
"Oh? Delivering goods to them?" The general's interest was piqued. "What is it?"
The steward lowered his voice conspiratorially. "It's a batch of extremely precious hidden weapons. They're incredibly powerful—enough to make even Spirit Ancestors and Spirit Kings wary. Prince Dai Weisi and Miss Zhu Zhuyun ordered them through a secret channel. They said it was to strengthen the equipment for their personal guard." He gestured toward several large, tightly wrapped crates in the center of the caravan.
"Hidden weapons?" The general raised an eyebrow, still suspicious. "Open one up. Let me see."
The steward signaled, and a few porters carefully opened one of the boxes. Inside, rows of exquisitely crafted crossbows were neatly arranged, gleaming with a cold, metallic light. They were Godly Zhuge Crossbows. Although they were only the basic version, their intricate design was enough to make the general's eyes widen. He was a man who knew weapons, and he could immediately sense that these were extraordinary.
"Are these really for the Prince and Miss Zhu Zhuyun?" the general asked, still cautious.
The steward quickly produced another order document, this one stamped with a special seal. It was a forgery, created by Ning Rongrong through her channels, but it was indistinguishable from the real thing. "Sir, please see for yourself. This is the proof. The Prince instructed us to deliver them quickly and quietly, without drawing any attention."
The general carefully examined the seal. Looking at the incredibly expensive-looking hidden weapons, most of his doubts vanished. After all, the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School was the wealthiest sect on the continent, and it was perfectly normal for them to sell high-end equipment to a prince. Besides, the steward was being very cooperative and had already offered a generous gift.
"Hmph. Since it's for the Prince, you may pass," the general said, waving his hand. He even leaned in and lowered his voice to the steward. "Security in the Imperial City has been tight lately, so be careful. Go directly to the Prince's residence and don't wander around."
"Thank you for the warning, Sir!" the steward said, repeatedly thanking him while discreetly slipping him a small bag of gold coins.
The caravan successfully passed through the checkpoint and entered the territory of the Star Luo Empire. Inside one of the carriages, Dai Mubai, disguised as a porter, breathed a sigh of relief. "Yin Ge," he whispered, "the first step was a success."
Ye Yin smiled slightly. "This is just the beginning. The real show is yet to come."
The caravan continued its journey toward the Star Luo Imperial City. The closer they got, the stricter the inspections became and the more tense the atmosphere grew. But by using the cover of delivering goods for Prince Dai Weisi and the reputation of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School—along with plenty of bribes—they passed through every checkpoint without incident. On the rare occasion they encountered an inspector who was too diligent, Ye Yin would discreetly cast a simple Mental Curse. The inspector might suddenly feel that checking cargo was an incredibly boring task, or they might be overcome with a powerful desire to find a quiet place to take a nap. In either case, the inspection would be hastily concluded.
Ten days later, the majestic Star Luo Imperial City finally appeared on the horizon. It was a massive city, its architecture rougher and more militaristic than Heaven Dou City's. Its black city walls resembled a crouching beast, exuding an aura of cold authority. At the city gate, the line for inspection was long. Eagle-eyed city guards meticulously checked every person entering the city, paying special attention to Spirit Masters, who had to register and state their purpose.
The caravan was stopped again. This time, the inspection was led by a stern-faced Deputy Commander of the city defense army, a Spirit Emperor. He personally checked the goods and documents and, though he found no issues, he still frowned. "According to regulations, this cargo must be transported to the western warehouse for a unified inspection. Only after it's been cleared can the Prince's residence be notified to collect it."
These were new rules set by Dai Weisi and Zhu Zhuyun to prevent anyone from sneaking into the city. The Deputy Commander waved his hand, about to order his men to take over the caravan. The steward's expression changed—if the goods were taken away, their plan would be ruined.
Just then, Ye Yin, who was playing the part of a quiet accountant, looked up. An extremely subtle mental fluctuation, invisible to all, flashed from his eyes and enveloped the Deputy Commander. A Mental Curse settled over the man, designed to make him feel a strong annoyance toward following rules and an intense desire to make an unconventional decision to prove his own authority.
The Deputy Commander, who had been about to give the order, suddenly felt an inexplicable surge of irritation. Rules, rules, always these damn rules! he thought. Checking things day in and day out, what good does it do? He looked at the caravan, with its perfect documents, delivering an urgent order for the Prince. A new thought popped into his head. I'll make an exception today! I'll let them in directly. What could possibly happen? Does the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School dare to harm the Prince? This will show His Highness my courage and efficiency!
The more he thought about it, the more brilliant the idea seemed. He abruptly changed his mind and waved his hand at his soldiers. "Forget it! Their documents are in order, and this is an urgent delivery for the Prince. Let them pass! You two, escort them to His Highness's residence for the handover."
"Yes, Sir!" his soldiers replied, surprised but not daring to disobey.
The steward was stunned for a second, then overjoyed. "Thank you for your convenience, Sir!" he said quickly.
Once again, the caravan passed through without a hitch, rolling through the massive city gate. The streets inside were wide and bustling, the buildings tall and imposing. But an invisible tension hung in the air. The number of patrolling city guards was noticeably higher than usual, and their eyes were constantly scanning the crowds.
"We're in," Dai Mubai said, looking out the carriage window with a complex expression. He was finally back in the city he had left so many years ago, a place filled with painful memories that he was now determined to reclaim.
Zhu Zhuqing's gaze also sharpened, as if she could see the imposing Zhu family mansion through the city streets.
"According to the plan," Ye Yin said calmly. "Head to Dai Weisi's residence."
Escorted by two city guards, the caravan slowly made its way toward the imperial prince's residence.
----------------
You can read advanced chapters here: patreon.com/GregariousLion