Known as the "Capital of a Thousand Lakes" since ancient times, the city is dotted with numerous lakes, resembling pieces of clear mirrors embedded in the earth.
Among all the cities in the entire Da Zhou territory, Gunzhou City's size and prosperity can easily rank in the top ten.
If Yunhe County City is considered the heart of a county, then Gunzhou City is the central hub of Gunzhou's six counties.
The difference between the two is like heaven and earth.
Within Gunzhou City, there are numerous influential forces, but there are only eight top forces.
They are the Governor's Mansion, Tianyuan Academy, Chilin Army, and the five top-level aristocratic families.
The Governor's Mansion represents the Da Zhou Court and holds the power over the six counties within Gunzhou's jurisdiction.
Tianyuan Academy is one of the ten major academies in Da Zhou.
The Chilin Army is controlled by Yun Guanghou Shen Jiusong and stationed in a camp located thirty miles southwest of Gunzhou City.
The five top-level aristocratic families are Zhao, Yu, Bai, Zheng, and Xue, all of which are like colossal giants. Their power and influence are on par with the Governor's Mansion.
...
At the city gate of Gunzhou.
There are people coming and going everywhere, including merchants and servants, as well as hurried martial practitioners. The streets are bustling with a constant flow of vehicles and horses, creating a lively and busy scene.
Su Yi and Chen Jinlong had gotten off the carriage and, under his guidance, headed towards the inner part of the city gate.
As soon as they entered the city gate, a loud clamor greeted them.
Looking around, they saw spacious and clean streets, with buildings lined up on both sides. Pedestrians crowded the streets, creating a bustling and prosperous atmosphere.
"It truly deserves to be the capital of a province and the central hub of six counties," Su Yi remarked after just a brief moment, as he spotted several figures exuding the aura of Martial Masters on these streets.
Although it was just a fleeting glance, disappearing amidst the vast sea of people, it was still quite astonishing.
After all, in the mundane world, Martial Masters were as rare as dragons. In places like Yunhe County City, only a handful of people possessed such profound foundations.
But in Gunzhou City, it was clearly different.
This city had resources that could satisfy the cultivation of Martial Masters, like an ocean that attracted Martial Masters from the six counties of Gunzhou to come one after another.
"Brother Su, after three more streets, we will reach the location of Shushi Residence," Chen Jinlong quickly said on the way.
He was clearly excited as well. After all, Gunzhou City was incredibly prosperous, far surpassing Yunhe County City.
Along the way, Su Yi noticed quite a few pawnshops and herb shops, and there were even shops specializing in selling demon beast hides and flesh.
Among the passing pedestrians, there were also martial practitioners carrying swords and blades.
Su Yi asked, "If I want to sell or purchase spiritual herbs and materials, where should I go?"
"Jinshi Pavilion," Chen Jinlong replied without hesitation. "It is one of the top businesses in Gunzhou City, with branches throughout the Da Zhou territory. It is said that the mysterious boss behind it is a prominent figure in Yujing City and has remarkable connections."
Pausing for a moment, Chen Jinlong's eyes showed longing. "Jinshi Pavilion is known to gather rare treasures from all corners of the world and possess spiritual entities from the eight wildernesses. As long as you have enough spirit stones, you can
Since ancient times, it has been known as the "Capital of a Thousand Lakes," with numerous lakes scattered throughout the city, like shining mirrors on the earth.
Among all the cities within the Da Zhou territory, Gunzhou City's scale and prosperity can easily rank in the top ten.
If Yunhe County City is considered the heart of a county, then Gunzhou City is the central hub of Gunzhou's six counties.
The difference between the two is like night and day.
Gunzhou City is home to various influential forces, but there are only eight top powers in the city.
These powers include the Governor's Mansion, Tianyuan Academy, Chilin Army, and the five top aristocratic families.
Among them, the Governor's Mansion represents the authority of the Da Zhou Court over the six counties in Gunzhou.
Tianyuan Academy is one of the ten major academies in the Da Zhou territory.
The Chilin Army, commanded by Yun Guanghou Shen Jiusong, is stationed in a camp located thirty miles southwest of Gunzhou City.
The five top aristocratic families are Zhao, Yu, Bai, Zheng, and Xue, each of them a formidable force, their power and authority on par with the Governor's Mansion.
...
At the city gate of Gunzhou.
People were coming and going, including merchants, servants, and hurried martial practitioners. The streets were filled with bustling activities, with a constant flow of vehicles and horses.
Chajin suddenly lowered his voice and said, "Young Master, in many cities of Da Wei, including some within our territory, there are branches of Jinshi Pavilion. From what I know, there is likely a powerful cultivation force behind Jinshi Pavilion. However, almost no one knows who exactly this force is."
Su Yi was not surprised.
Expanding their business from Da Zhou to Da Wei was not something an ordinary force could accomplish.
As they walked and chatted, a bold and rough voice suddenly sounded.
"Young Master, Miss, you've also come to Gunzhou City?"
They saw a figure not far away, a burly man carrying a giant sword on his back. There was a hint of surprise on his resolute and rock-like face.
Chang Guoke!
Chajin couldn't help but be surprised and said, "So it's you."
Su Yi teased, "Have you encountered trouble again this time?"
Chang Guoke immediately felt embarrassed and clasped his fists, saying, "Regarding the previous incident, Chang has always felt guilty and grateful. It is unforgettable."
Chen Jinlong stood on the side, feeling nervous and restless. He couldn't imagine why such a powerful Martial Master would show such respect to Su Yi.
"Enough, the matter from last time is in the past, no need to mention it again."
Su Yi said as he walked away with his hands behind his back.
Chajin quickly followed.
Chang Guoke stood there for a moment, shaking his head self-deprecatingly.
How could he not see that Su Yi didn't want any further connection with him?
"Regardless, I must repay this favor. Otherwise, how can I, Chang Guoke, face others in the future?"
Chang Guoke thought to himself.
Not long after, a luxurious carriage suddenly stopped beside Chang Guoke.
The curtain of the carriage was lifted, revealing an exquisitely beautiful and fair-faced young woman.
Qingqin.
Seeing Chang Guoke, a hint of a smile appeared in her sharp and piercing eyes. She said, "Senior Brother, long time no see."
Chang Guoke couldn't help but smile, feeling emotional. "Since you left the mountain
Since ancient times, it has been known as the "Capital of a Thousand Lakes," with numerous lakes scattered throughout the city, like shining mirrors on the earth.
Among all the cities within the Da Zhou territory, Gunzhou City's scale and prosperity can easily rank in the top ten.
If Yunhe County City is considered the heart of a county, then Gunzhou City is the central hub of Gunzhou's six counties.
The difference between the two is like night and day.
Gunzhou City is home to various influential forces, but there are only eight top powers in the city.
These powers include the Governor's Mansion, Tianyuan Academy, Chilin Army, and the five top aristocratic families.
Among them, the Governor's Mansion represents the authority of the Da Zhou Court over the six counties in Gunzhou.
Tianyuan Academy is one of the ten major academies in the Da Zhou territory.
The Chilin Army, commanded by Yun Guanghou Shen Jiusong, is stationed in a camp located thirty miles southwest of Gunzhou City.
The five top aristocratic families are Zhao, Yu, Bai, Zheng, and Xue, each of them a formidable force, their power and authority on par with the Governor's Mansion.
...
At the city gate of Gunzhou.
People were coming and going, including merchants, servants, and hurried martial practitioners. The streets were filled with bustling activities, with a constant flow of vehicles and horses.
Chajin suddenly lowered his voice and said, "Young Master, in many cities of Da Wei, including some within our territory, there are branches of Jinshi Pavilion. From what I know, there is likely a powerful cultivation force behind Jinshi Pavilion. However, almost no one knows who exactly this force is."
Su Yi was not surprised.
Expanding their business from Da Zhou to Da Wei was not something an ordinary force could accomplish.
As they walked and chatted, a bold and rough voice suddenly sounded.
"Young Master, Miss, you've also come to Gunzhou City?"
They saw a figure not far away, a burly man carrying a giant sword on his back. There was a hint of surprise on his resolute and rock-like face.
Chang Guoke!
Chajin couldn't help but be surprised and said, "So it's you."
Su Yi teased, "Have you encountered trouble again this time?"
Chang Guoke immediately felt embarrassed and clasped his fists, saying, "Regarding the previous incident, Chang has always felt guilty and grateful. It is unforgettable."
Chen Jinlong stood on the side, feeling nervous and restless. He couldn't imagine why such a powerful Martial Master would show such respect to Su Yi.
"Enough, the matter from last time is in the past, no need to mention it again."
Su Yi said as he walked away with his hands behind his back.
Chajin quickly followed.
Chang Guoke stood there for a moment, shaking his head self-deprecatingly.
How could he not see that Su Yi didn't want any further connection with him?
"Regardless, I must repay this favor. Otherwise, how can I, Chang Guoke, face others in the future?"
Chang Guoke thought to himself.
Not long after, a luxurious carriage suddenly stopped beside Chang Guoke.
The curtain of the carriage was lifted, revealing an exquisitely beautiful and fair-faced young woman.
Qingqin.
Seeing Chang Guoke, a hint of a smile appeared in her sharp and piercing eyes. She said, "Senior Brother, long time no see."
Chang Guoke couldn't help but smile, feeling emotional. "Since you left the mountain until now, it's been a year since we last met."
Qingqin greeted, "Get in the carriage quickly. The Sixth Prince is still waiting. We'll have a good chat when we arrive."
"Okay."
Chang Guoke readily agreed.
...
Zheng Family.
One of the five top-level aristocratic families in Gunzhou City.
In a magnificent and grand hall, Zhou Zhiyi pondered and asked, "Uncle, why would Yu Baiting suddenly choose to meet me at the Moyun Tower?"
Sitting opposite was Zheng Tianhe, the patriarch of the Zheng family. He was Zhou Zhiyi's mother's cousin.
However, only a small number of people in Gunzhou City knew about this connection.
The reason is that Zhou Zhiyi's mother is just one of the many concubines by Emperor Zhou's side, and her status is not high. Her influence is even less than that of her son.
Furthermore, Emperor Zhou is cold and ruthless, and he detests interference from the imperial relatives. The Zheng family dares not consider themselves as members of the imperial clan.
"Yu Baiting is a cunning old man with deep schemes. His emotions are hard to read, and his thoughts are the most difficult to fathom," Zheng Tianhe pondered. "However, since he is willing to meet with Your Highness, it can be seen as a good opportunity. Your Highness can take this chance to win him over. If we can gain the support of the Yu family, it will increase our chances of success at the tea gathering in ten days."
He had a corpulent and wealthy figure, with a goatee, resembling an ordinary wealthy man.
Zhou Zhiyi nodded and said, "Alright, I will go to Moyun Tower later and meet this leader of the Yu family."
Just as they were discussing this, footsteps sounded outside the grand hall.
Qingqin, with her stunning beauty, and Chang Guoke, with his towering figure, walked in.
A smile appeared on Zhou Zhiyi's face as he stood up to welcome them. "Senior Uncle, is this the fellow senior from your sect?"
Chang Guoke clasped his fists and said, "I am Chang Guoke, greetings to the Sixth Prince."
Qingqin introduced from the side, "Senior Brother Chang is the elder of our Qianlong Sword Sect and also the third disciple under the seat of 'True Person Huosong,' our sect master. He has reached the Martial Master Second Level cultivation and specializes in the 'Eight Extreme Sword Dao.' In the secular world, he is an extraordinary Martial Master. Even I am no match for Senior Brother Chang. In terms of seniority, you should address him as Senior Uncle."
Her words were filled with respect.
"Senior Uncle Chang, please have a seat quickly!" Zhou Zhiyi's expression changed, and his happiness grew.
When they left Yunhe County City, Qingqin had mentioned that her sect would send someone to assist him.
At that time, he was still speculating about who would come.
He didn't expect it would be a top-notch figure with Martial Master Second Level cultivation, and his master was none other than the successor of "True Person Huosong," the Supreme Elder of the Qianlong Sword Sect!
As the son of Emperor Zhou, Zhou Zhiyi naturally understood the transcendent status of True Person Huosong. He was a bona fide immortal on land, with cultivation surpassing the Martial Master Fourth Level!
Zheng Tianhe was also alarmed and stepped forward to salute respectfully. "So it's a master from the Qianlong Sword Sect. I am Zheng Tianhe, and I pay my respects to Master Chang."
Qingqin introduced Zheng Tianhe's identity from the side.
Chang Guoke clasped his fists and said, "Chief Zheng, please don't be polite. I can't bear the title of 'Master.'"
Soon, everyone took their seats.
"Senior Brother Chang, you arrived two days later than the estimated time mentioned in the letter. Did something delay you on the way?" Qingqin asked softly.
Chang Guoke sighed and didn't hide anything. He said, "Indeed, something unexpected happened on the way. The day before yesterday, I encountered a Crimson Flame Azure-eyed Beast in a deep mountain. Feeling excited about the hunt, I tried to capture the beast..."
As he spoke, he recounted the encounter with the Crimson Flame Azure-eyed Beast on the way and the subsequent chase by Hua Lianxiu, Ji Changhe, and Yin Tong.
Everyone listened with a pounding heart, their faces changing repeatedly.
After all, they all knew that the Crimson Flame Azure-eyed Beast was a ninth-rank demonic beast, comparable to a Martial Master Fifth Level existence!
Yet Chang Guoke dared to hunt down such a beast. How astonishing!
Even though he ultimately failed, his courage was admirable.
But when they learned that Chang Guoke was pursued by Hua Lianxiu and the other two, a shadow fell upon Zhou Zhiyi and Qingqin's faces.
Because these three martial masters were all followers of the Third Prince!
Zhou Zhiyi exclaimed angrily, "I didn't expect my third brother to have such audacity. He actually dared to attack Senior Uncle Chang. Isn't he afraid of angering True Person Huosong?"
"Your Highness, the rule of the Qianlong Sword Sect is that once we enter the secular world, we abide by its rules," Chang Guoke pondered. "Moreover, the master of the Third Prince is the Deputy Sect Master of our Qianlong Sword Sect. His actions must have been informed in advance. Upon hearing that I was coming to assist Your Highness, he dispatched people to intercept me halfway."
The Qianlong Sword Sect was the number one holy land for cultivation in the Great Zhou Empire, seemingly transcending worldly matters.
However, only Chang Guoke and Qingqin knew the intricate connections between the prominent figures of the Qianlong Sword Sect and the Great Zhou Imperial Family.
For example, the master of the Sixth Prince was the Fourth Disciple under True Person Huosong, an Elder of the Alchemy Treasury of the Qianlong Sword Sect.
As for the master of the Third Prince, he was "Shi Fengliu," the Deputy Sect Master of the Qianlong Sword Sect.
Although this was the case, Zhou Zhiyi couldn't conceal his anger. He finally realized that his second and third brothers had likely joined forces and saw him, their sixth brother, as an enemy!
Unable to hold back her curiosity, Qingqin asked, "Senior Brother, how did you manage to escape from the pursuit of Hua Lianxiu and the others?"
Chang Guoke's expression instantly changed, and he said, "Speaking of which, the reason I was able to survive was entirely thanks to a mysterious young person with an unidentifiable background who saved me."