The carriage they rode in would have been considered by many to be understated. It was a simple carriage with enough room to sit six people, three on either side, and while the interior contained soft cushions and nice decorations, many nobles had more luxurious carriages.

The Hou Family did not believe in displaying their wealth unless needed. It was one of the many lessons Hou Jingshu’s father had taught her.

They did have fancy carriages they used when the situation called for it, such as when they were traveling to meet a noble under their dominion. In fact, they had several different carriages, each one with a different purpose. When displaying their wealth was not necessary, the Hou Family’s preferred method of travel was a simple carriage with the family crest printed boldly on either side.

Hou Jingshu sat beside Wu Jian and watched with a gentle smile as her lover peered out the window like a child watching a parade for the first time. She could have sworn there were stars in his eyes as he looked at everything. It really was unfortunate that he still had his mask on. She would have liked to see what kind of expression he was making.

“It’s so busy. And the buildings are all so big. There are so many shops and stands. I’ve never seen anything like this,” he said in awe.

The Shang Kingdom was small compared to many other nations. Their last yearly survey set their population at roughly 2.5 billion. According to reports from foreign dignitaries, the only nation with a smaller population was the Qing Province, which had 1.75 billion.

However, the Qing Province was a nation that embraced the survival of the fittest concept. They might have had a smaller population, but their powerful cultivators were much stronger--thanks in no small part to how they were employed by many as mercenaries. Their mercenaries traveled the world and brought back cultivation resources from other nations, which caused the strength of the Qing Province to sore above many of the smaller nations.

Many other nations had larger populations and more plentiful cultivation resources. It was the lack of resources that caused most of their cultivators to stop at the Asura Realm. That said, they did have more Asura Realm cultivators than any of the smaller nations like the Qing Province, Ming Province, Zhou Kingdom, Qin Country, Song Country, Han Dynasty, Northern Jin Kingdom, and the Yuan Peninsula.

Hearing Wu Jian express such heartfelt admiration of her kingdom’s capital city made her giddy.

“I’m really happy you’re so impressed. Would you like me to take you on a tour of the city some time? I know a lot of good shops and restaurants we can visit,” Hou Jingshu suggested.

“I would like that,” Wu Jian nodded affirmatively.

“Great! It will take a few days to process your registration with the Shang Imperial Academy. I can show you around while that’s happening,” she said.

He turned his head to stare at her. “Do you not have to be at the academy yourself?”

Hou Jingshu puffed out her chest. “I don’t. Core Disciples like myself are granted a lot of freedoms. We can travel whenever we want. It’s one of the benefits to being strong. I should also mention that I am currently ranked number one among all the Core Disciples.”

“I would expect nothing less,” said Wu Jian. “Why don’t you tell me about the academy.”

“With pleasure.” Hou Jingshu paused briefly to figure out how to start her explanation, then coughed into her hand. “Ahem. The academy was founded roughly four hundred years ago by my grandfather. Our kingdom was small and on the verge of collapse. We were beset upon on all sides by countries much stronger than us, and many wanted the treasures we held.”

“Treasures?” Wu Jian asked.

“Are you curious? My cultivation method is one of our treasures. We have several, including weapons and armor. All of them are related to Seiryuu, the dragon who helped found the Shang Kingdom. Anyway, to offset our lack of powerful cultivators, grandfather founded the academy to train strong cultivators who could defend the nation. Unlike the many sects that rule other nations, the academy prides itself on how fairly it treats its members. Every person who joins the academy will get enough resources to help them reach the Asura Realm. After they graduate, they are to serve in the nation’s army for twenty years, after which they can retire. Should they die before their time is served, we will deliver their families enough money that they don’t need to worry about working ever again. Most of our cultivators are people who want to provide for their families. This is the reason we have so many Asura Realm cultivators. We have more Asura Realm cultivators than any other nation save the Xia Dynasty.”

“Really? I thought we were a small nation without much in the way of resources,” Wu Jian sounded surprised.

“We are, but our lack of resources comes in the form of alchemy ingredients necessary for higher tier pills, legacy tombs, and power spots.”

“Ah. And that’s why we have only a few people who have reached the Human Limit Realm.”

“Precisely.”

Alchemy pills were the number one method cultivators used to break through realms. It was the easiest and most accessible method among all those present, but there were several other methods one could use.

Legacy tombs and power spots were two such methods. Legacy tombs were, as the name suggested, tombs created by powerful cultivators who decided to bury their treasures alongside them. These tombs were often hidden behind an array that warded off intruders. Of course, no such array could last forever. When the array inevitably failed, cultivators from all over would gather to plunder its depths. Many cultivators had found everything from rare cultivation methods to perfectly preserved alchemy pills that helped them ascend the peaks of power like a fish leaping through the dragon’s gate.

Power spots were like the Endless Abyss--places that produced chi, which could be used to further a person’s cultivation. They were often formed in areas where the world’s ley lines were particularly strong, or where it rose to the surface. The Endless Abyss was the most famous power spot on the Xiao Continent, but it was not the most powerful. Her father had once said that Heavenly Sword Mountain was the most powerful power spot among all those in existence.

“I think the greatest thing about our academy is that we don’t have the mean-spirited rivalries other sects foster among their members,” Hou Jingshu added in a quiet voice.

“So that’s really a thing?” asked Wu Jian.

She nodded. “In order to create the strongest cultivator possible, sects will often pit disciples against each other. The strongest will receive all the benefits, while the rest are left to struggle. Only those who claw their way to the top by trampling upon their fellow cultivators are worthy of being given the sect’s resources.”

“Sounds brutal.”

“It is. But our academy doesn’t do that. It’s true that the best disciples get more resources. That is only natural. However, we make sure that every cultivator who joins us reaches the Asura Realm before they graduate.”

“Even the ones who struggle?”

“Especially the ones who struggle. We provide people who have trouble cultivating with help in the form of a personal instructor whose task is to help them reach the Asura Realm. And while we don’t have the resources to help produce cultivators above the Asura Realm, we have many resources for lower tier alchemy pills. In fact, it’s our abundance of lower-quality alchemy ingredients that have allowed us to sustain our alliance with the Heavenly Sword Sect. Our tribute to them always comes in the form of low-tier alchemy pills.”

“Father told me a little bit about that, but I never had the chance to learn more. Thank you,” Wu Jian said softly.

Hou Jingshu reached out her hand and clasped his. His fingers curled around her hand as he squeezed. The warmth of his hand reassured her that she was no longer alone.

***

Shang Imperial City was large, so it took a while to reach the Zhou Family Estate, but they did eventually make it there.

Their carriage stopped before the massive gates, where a pair of guards stood. Wu Jian opened the door, exited, then turned to Hou Jingshu and held out a hand. She smiled brightly as she placed her hand in his and allowed him to help her out.

She did not let go of his hand once her feet were on solid ground.

“Woooow,” Wu Jian muttered as he gazed at the estate.

“Pretty impressive, isn’t it?” she asked.

He nodded. “I’ve never seen an estate this big before.”

“The Zhou Family in Zahn city is the smallest branch on the entire continent. Their estate is naturally small as a result. While our nation might not be strong, we do produce the most low-tier alchemy pills of any nation, so the Zhou Family has a strong presence here in the capital. You can probably understand now why Zhou Lihua’s father was so overjoyed when his daughter was requested to come here.”

“I can see why.”

The guards were already bowing to them before they finished walking up to the gate.

“Your Highness, welcome. Are you here to see the young mistress?” one of them asked. His head vaguely reminded Wu Jian of a walnut.

“I am. Is she here?” asked Hou Jingshu.

“She is. You may enter.” The walnut head man glanced at Wu Jian. “And this is…?”

“Someone special. He’s with me,” Hou Jingshu pulled him close and placed a hand on his arm.

“S-so I see. Very well then. Please, head up to the entrance hall. Someone will be there shortly to escort you to the young mistress.”

The guards opened the gates, and Hou Jingshu walked inside with Wu Jian.

They stopped mere moments after entering. Wu Jian gawked at the massive structures in awe.

The Zhou Family Estate of the Imperial Shang City branch was a magnificent, multi-building complex surrounded by a wall. Each structure was of considerable size and very elaborate. Numerous large areas surrounded by walls and moats decorated the space. There were gardens, outdoor training areas, and buildings of varying size and shape. A stream ran through much of the complex, following a winding path filled with flowers and trees and marked by stone walkways.

Among the many buildings, the largest sat in the very center. It was a many-storied pagoda. Like the rest of the architecture, it was painted in the Zhou Family colors and numerous qilin statues decorated the awning of each level. The entire structure was built upon an elevated platform with stairs leading to the entrance. On either side of the massive doorway was an equally massive qilin statue.

“The main building in the center is our destination,” Hou Jingshu said, gently tugging on Wu Jian’s arm to get him moving. “It’s where most of the Zhou Family members live.”

“Does Zhou Lihua live there too?” asked Wu Jian.

She shook her head. “No. She has her own building, but we can’t get there unless we are escorted. This estate is very much like an embassy for the Zhou Family. Even royalty like me can’t get away with not following the rules.”

“Mmm. I see.”

They marched up to the central pagod, the largest among two others, and walked inside. As they did, Hou Jingshu told him the other pagodas were meant for training. They were more powerful versions of the pagoda located at the Zhou Family’s Zahn City branch. Wu Jian asked if he would be allowed to try it, but Hou Jingshu laughed and said even she wasn’t allowed to try.

The entrance hall was every bit as magnificent as the exterior. A tiled floor polished to a shine reflected their figures, columns spaced across the circular space ascended to the ceiling high overhead, and a massive stairwell near the wall led to the next floor. There were qilin statues everywhere.

“Welcome, Your Highness,” a cute woman with buns in her hair greeted them. Her buns were kind of like a pandas. “I assume you are here to see Miss Zhou Lihua?”

“I am,” Hou Jingshu said.

“Very well. I was informed to show you to her the moment you arrive. Please, allow me to escort you to her.”

“My thanks.”

They left the room via a doorway that was smaller than the main entrance, stepping onto a shaded walkway. Bright flowers, large trees, and clear streams greeted them on one side. Several men and women working through a martial arts kata greeted them on the other.

“I’ve noticed everyone calls Zhou Lihua miss or young mistress. Is she an important person?” asked Wu Jian.

“Yes and no,” Hou Jingshu said. “Her position right now is tenuous due to her inability to advance her alchemy. The only reason she’s afforded such respect is because Master Wong Jiu refuses to let anyone else become his apprentice.”

Wong Jiu was the Fourth Tier Alchemist whom Zhou Lihua had convinced to come work for the Zhou Family. He had since ascended to the level of a Fifth Tier Alchemist, making him one of the most advanced alchemists in the entire Shang Kingdom. His words had weight. Even though he technically was not of the Zhou Family, they could not discard his decisions unless they were willing to risk alienating him.

The scent of herbs filled the air as they entered a moderately sized building. Wooden panel floors made nary a sound underneath their feet.

They soon reached a door.

“Young Mistress,” the woman said, knocking once. “Hou Jingshu has come to see you.”

“Really?! Ahem. I mean, please send her in,” a voice said from the other side.

Hou Jingshu exchanged a glance with Wu Jian. She really wanted to see his face, but even with his mask on, she could tell he was amused.

The woman opened the door, bade them enter, and closed the door behind them. On the other side of the door was a room that looked like a cross between bedroom and alchemist's workshop. The circular room had a devan off to the side, but in the center stood a large cauldron that looked brand new. Zhou Lihua stood with her back to the cauldron. The moment she saw Hou Jingshu, she rushed forward to embrace the other woman.

Wu Jian stepped out of the way.

“It’s been so long since I’ve seen you! I was worried something might have happened to you in the White Tiger Sect Ruins,” Zhou Lihua said as she hugged the woman tight.

“A lot has happened. I’ll tell you about it soon, but I have something important to share with you,” Hou Jingshu said, returning the hug.

“Something important?” Zhou Lihua ended their embrace and took a step back. “Oh. Congratulations. It seems you’ve managed to surpass my cultivation. I knew you would.”

Zhou Lihua was currently at the Fourth Subrealm of the Asura Realm. That was three steps below Hou Jingshu.

“Thank you… but that’s not the surprise I’m talking about?” Hou Jingshu said with a smile.

“Oh?” Zhou Lihua studied her a bit more, then finally turned to him. “Does your surprise have something to do with this masked gentleman?”

“It does. I met him in the White Tiger Sect Ruins, and we have been traveling together ever since. He has saved my life many times,” Hou Jingshu gestured to Wu Jian.

Zhou Lihua bowed deeply. “Thank you so much for protecting her. Hou Jingshu is… she’s my only friend now. I don’t know what I would do if something happened to her.”

“It was no trouble,” Wu Jian said. “She’s important to me too.”

Zhou Lihua’s eyes widened. Still locked in her bow, she looked up at his masked face, her lips trembling. “That voice… is that… no, but it couldn’t be?”

Wu Jian took a deep breath, then removed the mask, revealing his face.

“It’s been a while, Lihua. You’re looking well.”

“Wu… Jian…”

Zhou Lihua stared at him. An audible cracking noise echoed from Wu Jian’s chest. Hou Jingshu glanced at where the necklace was hidden behind his shirt, but then her attention went back to Zhou Lihua as her eyes rolled up in the back of her head and she fell backward.

“Whoa!”

Wu Jian caught Zhou Lihua and lifted her into his arms. He looked at the woman with concern, then glanced at Hou Jingshu.

“I guess the shock was too much for her,” Hou Jingshu said with a faint smile.

“Set her down on the devan. We can wait for her to wake up.”

Wu Jian nodded and, as he set the unconscious woman on the devan, Hou Jingshu glanced at the cauldron. She wondered if this reunion would result in her friend finally overcoming the sequela she had long since harbored.