After dividing the family assets, Elder Yi Ming led them on their journey.
There were three people along with disciples and attendants, totaling more than ten, traveling in three carriages. Bai Siyao rode with her siblings in one, pulled by a swift and steady green horse, making the journey feel effortless.
Bai Mengxing leaned out of the window, watching the scenery whiz by in envy. "This green horse is amazing! Traveling is so easy with it, big sister..."
"Don't even think about it," Bai Menglian cut him off sharply.
"I didn't even say anything yet!" Bai Mengxing protested.
"I know exactly what you're scheming," Bai Menglian shot him a look, tossing him a book of talismans. "Don't waste time. Start practicing the runes. We can't embarrass ourselves when we arrive at Danxia Palace."
Bai Mengxing frowned, "But we're on the road! Does it really matter if I slack off a little?"
"Training is about seizing every moment. Look at your second sister!"
Bai Mengxing turned to see Bai Siyao still meditating, though she opened her eyes and smiled at him when she heard the conversation.
He sighed, feeling defeated. From the moment they boarded, Bai Siyao had been meditating without moving an inch.
"See that?" Bai Menglian took the opportunity to scold him. "While you're idling, she's cultivating. While you're getting into trouble, she's still cultivating. At this rate, you'll never catch up to her in eight hundred years!"
"I was never going to catch up to her anyway—she's already at the Golden Core stage..."
"And you're still talking back? Do you want your allowance next month or not?"
Bai Mengxing quickly shut his mouth.
"Now get started." Bai Menglian spread out the book. "By the time we reach Danxia Palace, you need to have memorized at least ten runes."
"Ten?!"
Bai Menglian shot him a stern look. "What? Is that too few? Fine, make it fifteen!"
"No, no!" Bai Mengxing waved his hands in surrender. "Ten is fine, ten is fine."
The carriage soon grew quiet. Bai Mengxing begrudgingly memorized the runes, Bai Menglian read her book, occasionally barking corrections at him, and Bai Siyao remained deep in meditation, unaffected by anything around her.
And so, they traveled day and night for three days.
That evening, Bai Menglian heard a commotion outside as they rested. She lifted the curtain and asked the driver, "Where are we? It's so lively!"
The driver smiled. "We've arrived at Fengwu City, the bustling crossroads of the north and south."
Bai Mengxing eagerly poked his head out. "So this is Fengwu City? Wow, look at all the people! Big sister, that building is so tall! And so many lanterns, how grand!"
The two siblings marveled at the sight. Compared to this, Qingyun City seemed like a rural backwater. As the carriage moved on, they continued to gaze in wonder until it suddenly came to a screeching halt, nearly throwing them off their seats.
"What's going on?" Bai Mengxing shouted.
The driver pointed ahead. "Two carriages collided!"
Bai Mengxing, ever eager to witness some excitement, stretched his neck out. "Let me see!"
Both carriages involved in the accident were luxuriously decorated, adorned with gold and jade, and pulled by premium spiritual beasts. One carriage was pulled by white-hooved horses, while the other was drawn by a Kaimei beast!
Bai Mengxing's eyes sparkled with envy. "They must be loaded!"
The white-hooved horses were known for their beauty and were among the most expensive spirit horses. Even more rare was the Kaimei beast, a treasure for any spirit beast trader.
The first to make a move was the group from the white-hooved horses. A line of maidservants exited the carriage, led by a beautiful yet haughty concubine. "This is the young master of the Mo family from Yongzhou. May I ask for your esteemed name?" The Mo family of Yongzhou was a prestigious household, with elders serving as elders of the Seven Stars Sect—no wonder they had such a grand presence.
The onlookers whispered among themselves. This Mo young master had openly declared his background, clearly aiming to establish dominance. If the other party was inferior, they would surely retreat out of politeness. If they had equal standing, the Mo family would be happy to make an alliance—either way, they couldn't lose.
Yet the other carriage remained silent, with no one stepping out or backing away.
Annoyed by the lack of response, the concubine raised her voice. "Who are you, exactly? After colliding with our carriage, do you not owe us an explanation?"
This time, a cold snort came from within the carriage, but no one responded directly. The Kaimei beast lazily lay down, its tiger heads licking their fur in boredom.
"How rude!" the concubine fumed. "If you're so uncivilized, I'll teach you a lesson on behalf of your master!"
With that, a whip flew from her sleeve, aiming straight for the Kaimei beast.
The crowd gasped and quickly backed away. The Mo family had attacked without hesitation, but the Kaimei beast was not a tame creature. What if something happened with so many people around?
As expected, though the whip missed, it enraged the beast, which bristled its fur and revealed sharp claws. The whip lashed again, but this time the Kaimei beast grabbed hold of it.
Humiliated in front of the crowd, the concubine refused to back down. If she couldn't handle a mere spirit beast, it would be a disgrace not only to her but to the Mo family as well.
She gathered her power and tugged hard on the whip. However, the Kaimei beast was naturally strong, and she began to lose her footing.
The maidservants gasped.
"Why are you just standing there? Help me!" the concubine shouted.
The maidservants rushed forward, pouring their energy into the whip.
The more they pulled, the more excited the Kaimei beast became, matching their strength with its own.
With a deafening roar, the beast yanked the whip away, sending the concubine flying through the air.
"Ah!" She landed heavily on the ground, followed by the maidservants, who were thrown in quick succession.
What a humiliating spectacle.
Bai Mengxing covered his face. "The Mo family of Yongzhou is really something, huh?"
The onlookers shared his thoughts, casting mocking glances at the white-hoofed carriage.
Finally, the person inside couldn't stay silent any longer. "My apologies for the maid's misconduct. I, Mo Qi, offer my regrets. Though we've had a mishap, meeting is fate. Must you withhold even your name?"
After a moment of silence, the curtain of the other carriage finally lifted, revealing a young man in battle gear. Draped in soft armor with a sword at his waist, he exuded an impressive aura, prompting the crowd to silently admire him.
Whatever one might think of the Mo family, this man was truly striking, with a commanding presence.
His gaze swept over the maidservants, and he spoke coldly. "We were traveling peacefully when you crashed into us, causing this mess. It's already happened, and we're willing to discuss it. But you chose to act arrogant, so don't blame us for being rude—you're not worthy of knowing my young master's name."
The crowd murmured in awe. This imposing figure was merely a guard? Then what kind of extraordinary person was his master?
Bai Mengxing gasped. This was his first time witnessing what it truly meant to be a refined nobleman—he felt like a fool in comparison to this man.
Bai Menglian couldn't help but applaud softly. "Impressive! Just a few words, and he extinguished their arrogance."
Bai Siyao suddenly opened her eyes.
That voice—it sounded strangely familiar...
Looks like I won't be able to update at noon. No, I'll fight for it—for the sake of my healthy sleep schedule!