Chapter 20: Yulan Empire

Yunluo Li 9999, April 20.

The early morning of Fenlai Cheng was shrouded in thin mist, with few pedestrians on Xiangxie Dadao. Aikesi stood at the city gate, behind him five carriages—two carrying people, three loaded with luggage. Old butler Ka'er was counting items, while several servants moved back and forth, carrying the last few boxes.

Yelu, Leinuo, and Qiaozhi had all come. Linlei stood a little farther away, with Beibei perched on his shoulder.

"Is everything packed?" Yelu asked.

"Almost." Aikesi glanced at the carriages, "The rest is already there."

Leinuo leaned over, wanting to say something, but swallowed it back. Finally, he blurted out: "Remember to write when you arrive."

"Mm."

"Write a long one."

"Mm."

"Best to send one every month."

Aikesi smiled: "You send one a month, I send one a month, Qiaozhi sends one a month, and the fourth brother sends one a month—calculate how many letters I'd have to write in a single day?"

Leinuo counted on his fingers, then gave up: "Anyway, you have to write!"

Qiaozhi laughed from the side: "Alright, don't make things hard for the third brother."

Old butler Ka'er walked over, bowed, and said: "Young master, everything is ready."

Aikesi nodded, looking at the group.

Yelu stepped forward, patted his shoulder: "Take care."

"You too."

Qiaozhi embraced him: "When you arrive, I'll come pick you up."

"Good."

Leinuo also leaned in for a hug, his eyes slightly red: "Third brother, you must be well."

"I will."

Finally, it was Linlei's turn.

The two stared at each other for a few seconds.

Linlei walked over and extended his hand. Aikesi took it.

"Write when you arrive," Linlei said.

"Mm."

"If you need anything, just speak up."

"You too."

The two let go of each other's hands, neither saying more.

Aikesi turned and boarded the carriage. The moment the curtain was lowered, he saw through the gap the four of them standing in the morning mist, watching him.

"Let's go," he said to the driver.

The carriage slowly started, its wheels rolling over the stone road, making a rumbling sound. The following carriages caught up, and the convoy moved south along the imperial road.

Aikesi lifted the carriage curtain and looked back once.

The four were still standing there, growing smaller and smaller, until they finally disappeared into the morning mist.

He lowered the curtain and leaned against the carriage wall.

"Young master," old Ka'er whispered beside him, "Reluctant to leave?"

Aikesi was silent for a moment, then smiled: "Nine years."

Ka'er nodded, saying nothing more.

The carriage continued forward, moving farther and farther from Fenlai Cheng.

The journey was smoother than expected.

The imperial road was well-paved, with relay stations along the way. They traveled by day and stayed at inns by night, occasionally chatting with merchant caravans they met. Aikesi spent most of his time inside the carriage, either meditating or contemplating the Nuwa Diagram.

The Nuwa Diagram was obtained on the day of graduation through sign-in. During this period, repeatedly contemplating it, he found that the rate of spiritual energy growth was indeed much faster than simple meditation. That mysterious feeling was hard to describe—it was as if something was slowly gathering in his mind, becoming clearer and clearer.

On the fifth day, the convoy entered the territory of the O'Brien Empire.

Leinuo's home was in this country, but he did not come along—he said he would come find Aikesi in the second half of the year.

"Young master, there is a town ahead," Ka'er said from outside, "Shall we rest for the night?"

"Good."

The town was not large, but very lively. Aikesi found a clean inn to stay in. While eating downstairs that evening, he overheard people at a neighboring table discussing the Yulan Empire.

"... Heard that quite a few Mofa Shishi have recently arrived there, all recruited from various countries."

"Yes, the Yulan Empire is wealthy and generous, offering excellent treatment."

"Our O'Brien isn't bad either."

"Far from it. What kind of foundation does the Yulan Empire have? The oldest empire on the continent, their magical research is far deeper than ours."

Aikesi listened, the corner of his mouth slightly lifting.

Seems many people are going to the Yulan Empire.

The convoy entered the territory of the Yulan Empire.

Border checks were strict, but Aikesi's imperial invitation letter proved effective. The border official, upon seeing that letter, immediately adopted a respectful attitude and personally arranged their passage.

"Count Aikesi?" the border official verified once more, "Welcome to the Yulan Empire."

Count. Aikesi silently repeated this title in his mind. Not yet officially enfeoffed, yet the other party already addressed him thus.

Past the border, the road conditions were noticeably better. Relay stations appeared at regular intervals, and the relay runners were very enthusiastic. It seemed the Yulan Empire indeed treated travelers quite well.

On the seventeenth day, the convoy arrived at the outskirts of Yulan City.

Aikesi lifted the carriage curtain and saw in the distance a massive city situated on the plain. The city walls towered high, the city gates were majestic, and soldiers on patrol could be vaguely seen atop the walls. People and vehicles came and go at the city gate, a constant stream of carriages and horses.

"This is Yulan City," Old Ka'er remarked beside him. "Much bigger than Fenlai Cheng."

Aikesi nodded.

It truly was big. Fenlai Cheng was the largest city in the Holy Union, but compared to Yulan City, it still fell short.

The caravan was stopped at the city gate. The guards examined their travel documents, then looked at Aikesi—his attitude instantly became respectful.

"Count Aikesi? The Empire's envoy has been waiting for you at the inn."

Aikesi blinked. "Envoy?"

"Yes, sent by His Majesty the King. He instructed you to go to the inn immediately upon arrival."

The inn in Yulan City was in the eastern district, a three-story building with a serene environment.

As Aikesi stepped down from the carriage, a middle-aged man stepped forward. He wore official robes, smiled warmly, and showed courtesy without subservience.

"Count Aikesi? I am the Ministry of Rites' Chief Clerk, here by the King's command to await you."

Aikesi nodded. "Thank you for your long wait, Chief Clerk."

"It is my honor." The Chief Clerk stepped aside to lead the way. "His Majesty has ordered that you enter the palace immediately upon arrival. The carriage is ready."

"Now?"

"Now."

Aikesi looked at Old Ka'er. Ka'er nodded. "Master, rest assured—I'll handle things here."

Aikesi followed the Chief Clerk onto another carriage.

The carriage passed several streets, heading toward the imperial palace at the city center. Through the curtain, Aikesi saw shops lining both sides of the road and crowds thronging the streets—more prosperous than Fenlai Cheng.

About half an hour later, the carriage stopped.

"We've arrived," the Chief Clerk said.

Aikesi stepped out. Before him stood a towering palace gate. Guards in golden armor stood on either side, each with a steady aura—at least Level 5 Warriors.

The Chief Clerk led Aikesi through the gate, down several long corridors, and finally stopped before a grand hall.

"His Majesty is waiting inside," the Chief Clerk said. "Please."

Aikesi took a deep breath and pushed the door open.

The hall was spacious, lacking the oppressive grandeur he had imagined.

Sunlight streamed through high windows, casting dappled shadows on the floor. At the far end, a middle-aged man sat on a chair, dressed in a simple dark ceremonial robe, bowing his head to read something.

Hearing footsteps, he looked up.

Aikesi saw his face—around fifty years old, composed demeanor, eyes gentle yet sharp. Just as described in the original, this was a man who concealed his true depth.

"Aikesi Yan?" the King spoke, his voice calm.

"Yes." Aikesi stepped forward, bowed deeply. "Your Majesty."

The King waved his hand. "No need for formalities. Come, sit."

Aikesi straightened and walked to a chair beside him, sitting down.

The King studied him for a moment, then smiled. "A Level 7 Fire-type Mage at seventeen."

The King continued: "The Royal Magic Academy holds the continent's most complete collection of magical texts. The Diguo Tushuguan has over one hundred thousand scrolls. And several Saint Domain experts reside here."

"Yes," Aikesi replied.

The King looked at him. "I can grant you the title of Count, an estate south of the capital, an annual stipend of five thousand gold coins. Additionally, you may attend any course at the Royal Magic Academy, and access the core section of the Diguo Tushuguan. What do you say?"

Aikesi fell silent for a moment, then stood, bowed deeply. "Thank you, Your Majesty."

The King smiled. "Then it's settled. Tomorrow, an official will visit the inn to assist you with the formalities."

"Yes."

The King waved his hand. "Go now. Train diligently—the Empire needs young people like you."

Aikesi withdrew from the hall.

As he stepped out through the palace gate, he glanced back once.

The King of the Yulan Empire was more direct—and more magnanimous—than he had imagined.

The next day, Aikesi completed the formalities under the escort of an official.

Title of Count, an estate south of the capital, five thousand gold coins as settlement allowance. The procedures moved swiftly—all done by noon.

In the afternoon, he went to the estate with Old Ka'er and the servants.

The estate lay in the southern suburbs, covering nearly a hundred mu. The main building was three stories, with gardens in front and back, and a small grove behind the courtyard. The house was new, fully furnished—clearly prepared in advance.

"Master, this place is truly excellent," Old Ka'er surveyed around. "Much bigger than that one in Fenlai."

Aikesi nodded.

Indeed excellent. Better than he had expected.

"Get settled," he said. "This is where we'll live from now on."

In the following days, Aikesi busied himself settling in. Qiaozhi visited twice, helping him become familiar with the surroundings. Yelu sent congratulatory gifts; Leinuo's letter arrived as well.

Only Linlei had no word.