The journey took ten full days.
Their old carriage traveled across hills, dry fields, and dense forests. The sun rose and set, and the star-filled night sky became a familiar blanket for the three of them.
Li Yuan, Mu Yi, and Fan Tu had brought provisions from Ziran Village — dried rice, salted meat, sun-dried forest fruits, and fresh water from the village spring. Though simple, the food was enough to fill their stomachs and give them strength.
On the fifth day, they passed through a small farming village called Baica, a quiet place with sprawling rice fields. They stopped only briefly to change horses before continuing on their way.
Throughout the journey, Li Yuan maintained his routine — training in silence. When the carriage paused for rest, he sat cross-legged on the ground, controlling his breath in a rhythm he had developed himself: inhale for four seconds, hold for eight, exhale through the mouth for six.
He was no longer merely training his body — but also his awareness and stillness. His breath became a weapon, his mind a blade.
Mu Yi, though talkative, also began to calm his heart. He practiced light movements, forming basic stances while chattering to himself.
Fan Tu was quieter. But in his eyes, a fierce determination burned. He imitated Li Yuan's training in secret, though he never admitted it.
Nighttime became a moment for reflection — the three of them sitting in a circle around a small fire, sharing stories and dreams. They were still young… but they knew their lives were slowly changing.
Wuyin City
On the tenth day — the morning was still young when the carriage began to slow. The road turned from dirt to stone. The rattling of wheels over earth was replaced by the clatter of wood striking cobblestone.
In the distance, tall walls began to appear — the outer walls of Wuyin City.
"That… is that the city?" exclaimed Mu Yi, his eyes wide.
"It's so tall…!" Fan Tu said in awe.
Li Yuan remained silent, but his pale gray eyes swept across the massive gate with sharp focus.
The city gate towered like a stone giant — adorned with the emblem of the Azure Dragon (Qinglong) and fluttering red-and-gold banners. Guards stood in light armor, swords hanging at their sides.
Their carriage was briefly inspected.
"Representative of Qinglong Academy?"
"Proceed."
The carriage rolled forward, entering the city.
Beyond the City Gates
As they crossed the threshold, a new world unfolded before their eyes.
Tall stone buildings lined the streets, with red-tiled roofs. The roads were filled with pedestrians, merchants, and students dressed in uniform.
The sounds of the market, chiming bells, and merchants calling out to customers filled the air.
"This... is amazing..." Li Yuan whispered, though his face remained calm. In his heart, a new feeling stirred — the world was much larger than the village.
"Look at that! Someone's riding a strange beast!" Mu Yi pointed to a person mounted on a large bird, like a giant eagle.
"You think they're all from the academy?" Fan Tu asked.
Yu Shan, seated at the front, turned slightly.
"That's just the outer part of the city," he said.
"Qinglong Academy… is far above that. You'll see it soon enough."
The carriage continued forward…
…toward the inner city of Wuyin — where the gates of Qinglong Academy awaited them.