With that said, the convoy took off from Zhao Sect's Pavilion.
The winding mountain pass' road would take them to reach the Capital City within a day. It was several days faster than going around the valley.
After four years living in a secluded pavilion atop the Tie Zhu mountain,Ling was finally able to see the outside world beyond the wall.
Although he had seen many places in his previous world, he couldn't stop to admire the beautiful scenery from the window.
This mountain pass was shrouded in thin white mist, filled with nature's energy that helped the creatures to grow quite differently and mutated in certain ways.
Ling had been studying the name of those trees and the colony of wild birds perched on their twigs.
"Single Horned Parakeet. It's so rare to see them in their colony." He mumbled to himself upon seeing the red winged parakeet with a small horn protruded on their head.
Xiao Wu smiled upon seeing the Young Master who seemed to be in a good mood. Thus, she thought it would be best to enjoy the scenery while having a warm cup of tea.
"Young Master, would you like some snacks and a cup of tea?"
"I want some!" Mei Lin exclaimed. "Aunty Xiao Wu's snack is the best in the world!"
"Fufu, I'm glad that you like Young Lady Mei Lin."
Mei Lin pouted while munching the rice cake. "How much I have to tell you that there's no need to speak with honorifics with me to?"
"You've always been this tomboy since you were a kid, fufu." Xiao Wu chuckled cheerishly, seeing the young lady that was also under her care since she was five.
"How about you, young master?"
"Just the tea. I'll save the snacks for later."
Xiao Wu wore a concerned look. "Are you feeling unwell, Young Master? I beg for your forgiveness for me not being aware of your wellbeing."
Ling let out a long sigh. "There's nothing to worry about. I just feel like it."
"Very well."
Xiao Wu took out the kettle and brewed the tea. Little did he know, the kettle itself was a Low Tier Artifact that could heat itself without any fire.
A very convenient tool to use. Xiao Wu had prepared everything to meet Ling's demand in any circumstances.
"Anyway… where are we?" asked Ling after taking a sip of his tea.
"Er… wait a second." Xiao Wu rummaging through her Spatial Pocket to search for the map. "This is our current location and this is the capital. We've been through this path for at least a day now."
"Wait… a day?! I think we've only been on this road for an hour!"
Mei Lin wiped her mouth with a handkerchief and answered him. "Uh-hum! Seems like our venerable Young Master needs my guidance for this matter. Let me explain to you."
"Eh? You know the secret about this road?
"This road is called the Mist Tunnel where we can travel through the mist and reach the other side in a shorter amount of time!"
After she enrolled herself to become a Zhao Sect's disciple, she studied the Secret Manuals, Martial Arts and many other Zhao Sect's secrets.
She told him that the Mist Tunnel was possible to travel within due to the pact with the Mountain's God that oversaw the land for eons and permitted Zhao Sect to use this mind bending path.
With that established pact, it was possible for the Zhao Sect to access the abundant resources of Tie Zhu mountain within the shortest amount of time. to
"Mist Tunnel? A Pact with the Mountain's God? Am I the only person here who knows nothing about the depth of my own family?"
Xiao Wu tried to calm him by caressing the back of his hair. "These were necessary things to do in order to keep you safe, Young Master. Master Cao Zhao will personally tell you everything about Zhao Sect's secret when you are ready."
"Sigh… Whatever." He was nonchalant, closing his eyes while resting his head onto his palm. "Wake me up when we are arriving."
"Sleep well, young master." Xiao Wu put a blanket on his body and closed the curtain as well.
***
Before long, Ling opened his eyes when he heard the noises of the bustling street.
He slid the curtain slightly to see the commotion that was happening outside the carriage.
The merchants' tents lined up on either side of the street. Selling their goods while shouting aloud to attract the patrons.
From fruits, veggies, weapons, accessories, until exotic animals were available to buy in here.
The crowds parted away when the carriage passed them without an instruction.
No need for a long time until finally someone amidst the crows recognized the banner.
"That convoy must be from Zhao Sect's! Are they going to the Royal Academy to register for one of their Disciples this year?"
The one who spoke was a man wearing a yellow attire. A disciple from the rival sect. The Yellow Crane Sect.
The animosity between the two sects has reached critical since the last year skirmishes and caused The Yellow Crane Sect to lose one of their Elite Disciple.
"Brother Meng, let's get back to the headquarters and inform this matter to the Leader."
"You are right! Let's go!"
Little Ling caught their movement on the corner of his eyes. "It seems like our arrival is not very welcomed by the locals."
"Fret not Young Master Ling! I, Wang Mei Lin, shall protect you from any harm! Let them come and taste my fists!" The young lady acted like she was Ling's older sister.
Soonly enough, Ho Rong halted the carriage in front of a luxurious villa.
"We have arrived, Young Master."
Ling, Xiao Wu and Mei Lin get down from the carriage.
Ling yawned wide while stretching his back. "Urgh! Finally! Sitting in that soap box is so tiring! I wish I can reach Sage Realm as soon as possible so I can fly and teleport to anywhere I want like grandma did!"
"That's for sure, Young Master! But do remember that the path of a cultivator is full of hardships and treacherous." Ho Rong replied, dropping the luggage from atop the carriage onto his companions below.
"Hmph! That's just perfect! I'm done being cooped in my room! Anyway, let's check out the place!"