2 chapters will be uploaded on daily basis i.e. 14 Chapters will be uploaded every week apart from the bonus chapters.
1 Bonus Chapter will be uploaded for every 50 Power Stones or 1000 Collections.
All interested readers can read advanced chapters on: Free Members of Patreon can read 10 Chapters ahead of Webnovel for FREE.
[email protected]/Kingdom_Of_Ink
×××××××××××××××
Zhu Zhuqing landed lightly on the other side of the shaft, her black hair fluttering in the strong wind.
"Thank you." Her voice was clear and cold with a hint of softness, like melting snow in early spring.
Feng Xiao focused on driving the carriage, a faint smile playing on his lips: "It's no trouble at all."
Silence fell for a brief moment.
The girl warily sized up Feng Xiao's profile, a cold glint flashing in her eyes.
Suddenly, her sharp claws, swift as lightning, pressed against Feng Xiao's throat: "You could have left on your own, why did you risk helping me?"
Feng Xiao's expression remained unchanged, not even slowing the carriage: "Seeing injustice? A sudden whim?" He chuckled, "Or... I just wanted to hear you say thank you?"
Zhu Zhuqing was silent for a moment, then finally relaxed slightly, slowly retracting her claws: "Zhu Zhuqing." She briefly stated her name, acknowledging the explanation.
"Feng Xiao, a zither player." Feng Xiao nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping over her bleeding arm, then he took out a bottle of wound medicine from his spirit tool, "People from Star Luo's Zhu family, how did you end up in Heaven Dou territory?"
"How do you know—" Zhu Zhuqing's eyes widened suddenly, killing intent instantly appearing.
"The Hell Civet Spirit is unique to Star Luo's Zhu family." Feng Xiao handed over the medicine bottle, a hint of playfulness in his eyes, "Your vigilance is quite characteristic of a cat."
Zhu Zhuqing stared at him for a long time before finally taking the medicine bottle: "Thank you." Her voice was so soft it was almost drowned out by the sound of the horse's hooves.
For the rest of the journey, Zhu Zhuqing remained silent, but occasionally glanced at the mysterious zither player out of the corner of her eye.
She always felt that Feng Xiao knew her far better than he let on, as if an invisible hand was secretly manipulating everything.
The carriage sped along the official road, and after an unknown amount of time, the outline of a city appeared on the horizon.
"Do you know where this is?" Feng Xiao asked softly.
Zhu Zhuqing looked surprised: "You're from Heaven Dou, aren't you?"
"To be honest," Feng Xiao said with a wry smile, "this is my first time leaving my hometown.
I was supposed to go to Heaven Dou City for studies, but the coachman ran off when he heard the fighting, and now I don't even know where we are."
A rare hint of apology appeared on Zhu Zhuqing's cold face: "This is Balak Kingdom, and Soto City should be just ahead."
A hint of surprise flashed in Feng Xiao's eyes.
Soto City—he certainly knew what that meant.
But he had already made up his mind never to go to that so-called "monster academy" to suffer needlessly.
For him, a simulated cultivation environment was the primary consideration, and there was no need to waste time "suffering" during the golden period of cultivation.
If he had the current conditions six years ago, he wouldn't have stayed in Notting Academy for even one more day.
As dusk deepened, the towering city walls of Soto City came into view.
Zhu Zhuqing gracefully alighted from the carriage in front of the city gate, and before leaving, she gave Feng Xiao a deep look: "I will repay this favor."
Feng Xiao watched her graceful figure disappear into the city gate, the smile on his lips gradually fading.
He shook his head slightly, then turned to lead the carriage to find a livery stable in the city.
The prosperity of Soto City was indeed unexpected; shops lined both sides of the street, and hawking sounds rose and fell, making it much livelier than Nuoding City.
After entrusting the carriage to a sizable livery stable, Feng Xiao simply strolled around the city.
The setting sun cast a golden glow over the entire city, and street performers drew passersby to stop and watch.
He lingered with interest at a small stall selling trinkets, playing with a few exquisite small objects.
As night fell, Feng Xiao's stomach began to protest.
He strolled into a well-decorated restaurant and ordered a few local specialties.
After eating and drinking to his fill, he called a waiter to inquire about lodging, but was told unexpected news:
"My apologies, esteemed guest, but it's Spirit Master Academy enrollment these past few days, and all the inns in the city are full."
Feng Xiao frowned and put down his teacup, then asked several more establishments, receiving the same reply.
Standing on the dimly lit street, he sighed helplessly and had to return to the livery stable.
"Departing tonight?" The livery stable owner looked at this generous customer in surprise, "It's already dark."
"Price is no issue." Feng Xiao tossed out a gold coin, which arced dazzlingly in the lamplight.
Before long, a brand-new carriage drove out of Soto City.
Feng Xiao leaned back inside the carriage, looking through the window at the receding city walls.
The moonlight was like water, casting long shadows of the trees along the road.
He gently caressed the "Fuxi" in his arms, closing his eyes thoughtfully.
Ten days later, as the first ray of morning light fell, Feng Xiao finally stood beneath the towering city walls of Heaven Dou City.
On the high city gate tower, the three gilded characters "Heaven Dou City" shone brightly in the morning sun, and the armor of the city guards reflected a cold glint.
After paying the entrance fee, Feng Xiao entered the city with the bustling crowd.
The wide main street could accommodate eight carriages abreast, and the buildings on both sides, with their upturned eaves, fully displayed the grandeur of the Empire's capital.
The shop banners on the street swayed gently in the morning breeze, and the aroma from breakfast stalls mingled with the distant sound of bells.
Feng Xiao was not in a hurry to go to Moon Pavilion.
He knew the importance of a first impression and decided to rest well first.
He found a refined restaurant in the city and ordered a few Heaven Dou City specialties.
The crystal shrimp dumplings were translucent and clear, the steamed perch was tender, and paired with a pot of fine Biluochun tea, the fatigue of the journey was completely swept away.
After eating and drinking to his fill, he found a high-end inn in the most prosperous district.
He requested a superior room and instructed the waiter to prepare hot water.
Soaking in the flower-petal-strewn bathtub, the warm water soothed the aches from days of travel.
After bathing and changing, Feng Xiao stood before the bronze mirror, carefully tidying his appearance.
He changed into a moon-white long gown, with a jade belt he had bought on the road tied around his waist.
The young man in the mirror had clear features and an ethereal demeanor, no longer the mountain village boy he once was.
Before leaving the inn, Feng Xiao asked the waiter for the location of Moon Pavilion.
After passing through several bustling streets, an elegant three-story building appeared before his eyes.
Moon-white exterior walls, carved rosewood doors and windows, and a harp emblem hanging in front of the door, gleaming with a soft luster in the sunlight—this was the Moon Pavilion, famous throughout the Heaven Dou Empire.
Straightening his robes, Feng Xiao took out the recommendation letter with the violet wax seal and gently knocked on Moon Pavilion's main door.
"Moon Pavilion is not yet open for lectures, may I ask what you wish?" The one who opened the door was a maid in a light purple long dress, her voice gentle.
Feng Xiao presented the recommendation letter: "Recommended by Manager Ning of Noding City, I have come specifically to see Madam Tang Yuehua."
The maid took the letter, and when she saw the harp emblem on the wax seal, a hint of surprise flashed in her eyes: "Please follow me."
Passing through a quiet corridor, Feng Xiao was led to an elegant small hall.
The furnishings in the hall were simple yet luxurious; a large harp rested silently on a stand in the corner, several landscape paintings hung on the walls, and a faint incense lingered in the air.
Before long, a light footsteps sound came.
Feng Xiao looked up and saw a woman of about thirty gracefully enter.
She wore a moon-white long dress, her hair simply coiled, her face dignified and beautiful, and what was most striking were her eyes, which seemed to see through people's hearts.
"You are Feng Xiao, recommended by Manager Ning?" Tang Yuehua's voice was as pleasant as a mountain spring, yet carried a hint of authority, "I hear your zither playing is quite special."
Feng Xiao respectfully bowed, his movements elegant and proper: "Greetings, Madam.
Before I left, Manager Ning specifically instructed me to convey his regards to you.
This junior merely has a slight understanding of music; I truly dare not accept the word 'special'."
Tang Yuehua's lips curved slightly, signaling him to sit in the guest seat: "No need to be modest.
I know Manager Ning's character well; he never exaggerates." Her slender fingers gently caressed the rim of the teacup, her gaze thoughtfully sizing up the young man before her.
"Thank you for your high regard, Madam." Feng Xiao bowed slightly, his posture humble yet not subservient.
A hint of admiration flashed in Tang Yuehua's eyes: "May I have the pleasure of witnessing your zither artistry?"
"This…" Feng Xiao hesitated slightly, "To perform before Madam, it's truly…"
"Please." Tang Yuehua elegantly raised her hand, pointing to an exquisite rosewood zither stand in the hall, her tone gentle yet brooking no refusal.
Feng Xiao no longer declined and slowly walked towards the zither stand.
He closed his eyes and concentrated for a moment, and only when his mind was completely calm did he gently caress the strings.
The "Fuxi" guqin appeared before him, and two bright yellow hundred-year spirit rings slowly rose, emitting a soft glow.
With a light pluck of his fingertips, a melody of "High Mountains and Flowing Water" flowed out like a clear spring.
The zither music at first was like a babbling brook, then like a cascading waterfall, finally transforming into the tranquility of a deep pool.
It made one unable to help but be immersed in it.
Feng Xiao was completely immersed in the music, utterly lost to himself.
And at this moment, Tang Yuehua's beautiful eyes flashed with a hint of shock.
In her perception, the entire hall seemed to transform into a real landscape—she could hear the babbling of streams, feel the mountain wind caressing her face, and even smell the fragrance of green grass after the rain.
What exquisite zither artistry this was, making one feel as if they were truly there!
The last note slowly dissipated in the air, but the lingering resonance seemed to still flow within the hall.
Tang Yuehua gently exhaled, the look of amazement in her eyes lingering for a long time: "I'm afraid from now on, Heaven Dou City will have another popular musical instrument." Her lips curved slightly, with a predictive certainty.
As she elegantly stood up, her moon-white dress flowed like water waves: "From today onwards, you are a student of Moon Pavilion." She slowly walked towards Feng Xiao, a faint, delicate fragrance wafting from her, "In terms of musical accomplishment, I'm afraid I cannot teach you much.
Even if you switch to the harp, with your talent, you will surely master it quickly."
Her voice paused, and Tang Yuehua's gaze deepened: "But in this Heaven Dou City, music alone is far from enough." She gently raised her hand, her fingertips tracing the edge of the zither stand, "What is most emphasized here are the rules of the game among nobles—those subtle rules written in their eyes, hidden in their gestures, and integrated into their conversations.
I hope you will gain something at Moon Pavilion."
"Thank you for your guidance, Madam." Feng Xiao elegantly bowed, a hint of understanding flashing in his eyes.
He knew well what Tang Yuehua's words implied—Moon Pavilion's other great characteristic, famous throughout the continent, was precisely its system of noble etiquette inherited from the imperial court.
Sunlight filtered through the carved window lattices, casting dappled light and shadow between the two of them.
A composed smile played on Feng Xiao's lips: "Although I come from humble origins, I also understand that in this Heaven Dou City, proper conduct is often more important than the number of spirit rings."
Upon hearing this, Tang Yuehua raised her eyebrows slightly, a hint of admiration flashing in her eyes.
She slowly walked towards the window, her moon-white dress flowing in the halo of light: "Tomorrow at Chenshi (7-9 AM), do not be late." As she turned, the pearl hairpin in her hair gently swayed, "I hope you can quickly grasp these ways of survival, just as you mastered the zither."
"This junior will take his leave." Feng Xiao bowed slightly, his voice as clear and resonant as jade, and his demeanor already carried a hint of elegant grace.
"This way, esteemed guest." The maid beside him stepped forward at the appropriate moment, her hands clasped in front of her abdomen, performing a standard court bow.
Her voice was soft, her demeanor proper, and even the sway of her skirt when leading the way was just right.
Feng Xiao followed the maid through Moon Pavilion's winding corridors, noticing every detail along the way—the zither patterns carved on the pillars, the fresh flower bonsais placed at the corners, and even the rhythm of the maid's hairpin swaying as she walked, all exuding Moon Pavilion's unique aesthetic of rhythm.
Stepping out of Moon Pavilion's main door, Feng Xiao strolled along the bustling streets of Heaven Dou City.
The sunlight gilded the magnificent buildings, and the shouts of street vendors mingled with the jingling bells of noble carriages.
Six years of arduous cultivation flashed before his eyes—from the young boy holding a guqin in Nuoding City to the current twenty-sixth-level Spirit Master.
Although he couldn't compare to Tang San's cultivation speed, this achievement had already made various advanced Spirit Master academies in Heaven Dou vie to offer him invitations.
Feng Xiao gently caressed the "Fuxi" in his arms, and couldn't help but smile wryly when he recalled Yu Xiaogang's reluctant expression when he asked Tang San to invite him.
"Blue Tyrant Academy…" He muttered softly, his footsteps unconsciously slowing.
He had originally decided not to get too involved with Tang San, but Manager Ning's recommendation letter had led him to Heaven Dou City.
At present, apart from Blue Tyrant, there seemed to be no other suitable option.
Feng Xiao strolled along the bustling streets of Heaven Dou City, his inner conflict surging like a tide.
"Blue Tyrant Academy…" He murmured softly, his slender fingers unconsciously caressing the "Fuxi" zither case in his arms.
The delicate wood grain on the zither case calmed him slightly, but it couldn't smooth the ripples in his heart.
"But if I don't go to Blue Tyrant Academy, where else can I find a suitable simulated cultivation environment?" This thought, like a persistent bone-marrow parasite, lingered in his mind.
He recalled Zhu Zhuqing's cold figure when they parted, "Since we were destined to meet eventually, why didn't I go to Shrek with Zhu Zhuqing back then?"
But then, another voice coldly echoed in his heart: "What good would going do? Wouldn't I still be excluded from the Shrek Seven Devils?" A bitter smile appeared on Feng Xiao's lips.
He knew better than anyone what kind of person Yu Xiaogang was.
The choice from six years ago reappeared before his eyes—he had refused to develop into a pure support system Spirit Master precisely because he had seen through this point.
Even if he cultivated his support abilities to the extreme, how could he compare to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda?
How could he surpass a food system genius with innate full spirit power?
More importantly, he detested Yu Xiaogang's condescending attitude, that way of controlling others under the guise of "for your own good."
"Tang San, in his hands, is nothing more than a tool to prove his theories." Feng Xiao sighed softly and continued to walk forward.
The lights from the street shops cast flickering shadows on his profile.
Heaven Dou Royal Academy was naturally also under consideration, but its strict admission requirements deterred him.
One had to either be an inherited noble, or like Yu Tianheng and Dugu Yan, have a Titled Douluo-level backer behind them.
And he, Feng Xiao, was merely a commoner Spirit Master who had come out of Nuoding City.
"Perhaps…" His gaze suddenly turned backward, to where Moon Pavilion, which Feng Xiao had left not long ago, stood, "It's time to change my approach."