On a hidden, large tree not far from the village, Qin Yan stood lightly upon a branch. His hands hung naturally at his sides as his gaze remained fixed on a caravan traveling down the road.
The distant ringing of carriage bells drifted in on the ethereal wind. In an instant, a luxurious, ornate ancient carriage arrived as if riding the breeze. In the golden sunlight, the elegant lines of the carriage's silhouette glided across the ground.
All four sides of the carriage were wrapped in expensive, exquisite silk, and its windows, inlaid with gold and gems, were shielded by curtains of pale blue gauze. This prevented anyone outside from catching a glimpse of the passengers within such a magnificent, speeding vessel.
However, it seemed as if the passengers inside could see the pedestrians outside, occasionally waving gracefully. It was a sight as prosperous as the green fields, reminiscent of the lines: "Spring grass first grows in the Imperial Gardens; autumn winds stir the trees of Changyang Palace."
This was a truly extravagant carriage, pulled by three sturdy white horses. Flanking both sides was a troop of cavalrymen acting as an escort.
Though they were few in number only ten men each rode a powerful steed and possessed a majestic, awe-inspiring presence. They were covered from head to toe in silver armor over snow-white leather robes.
Upon their helmets gleamed what appeared to be the insignia of a winged dragon. Cold light flickered from the slits of their visors where their eyes were exposed. Every man held a gleaming long spear, and a scimitar was worn horizontally at his waist.
The tall horses were also draped in specialized armor, fitted with fine chainmail and hanging crossbow bolts that shimmered with a faint blue light.
Finally, every cavalryman wore a blood-red cloak. The crimson hue on these cloaks was uneven. Anyone with a discerning eye could tell that these cloaks had originally been white; the red was mostly the stain of blood from the slaughter of the battlefield. The redder a rider's cloak, the more lives he had taken.
These were powerful cavalrymen that only a mighty empire could cultivate and maintain. they were vastly different from the rumors of the useless Imperial City Guard. This also indicated that the status of the master within the carriage was extraordinary; otherwise, it would be impossible to have such a magnificent retinue.
In front of the carriage, another man led the way on horseback. Standing over seven feet tall, he was high, mighty, and brimming with vigor. He had a slender waist but broad shoulders, a face as fair as if powdered, and sharp eyebrows that reached his temples.
His tiger-like eyes were clear and bright, his nose was straight as a jade pillar, and he wore a slight beard beneath his chin. On his back, he carried a massive Pitch-Black Heavy Sword.
His brow exuded an endless aura of malice and killing intent an aura that could only be condensed by someone who had spent a long time slaughtering countless enemies on fierce and dangerous battlefields.
Though dressed in simple cloth clothes, an invisible field of authority radiated from him. He commanded respect without even being angry, making people feel a sense of dread.
The moment Qin Yan saw this man, he felt a sense of familiarity. This was the same burly man who had rushed over when the ship had first landed and the member of the Demon Race had been slain.
Qin Yan had not expected him to reappear here. He wondered what the purpose of this group's arrival was.
It's best if they don't disturb my cultivation, Qin Yan thought. Otherwise, no matter who they are, I will show no mercy.
"Princess Vivi, based on the intelligence gathered from those villagers earlier, Sanctus Village should be just ahead."
A coarse, booming voice echoed between heaven and earth. The sound vibrated with a sense of righteousness that shook the soul. At this moment, the burly man with the black sword turned his head toward the carriage behind him.
"Mm. Thank you for your hard work, Uncle Tie. Your injuries haven't fully healed yet, but you were still arranged to travel such a long way to this remote place with me."
A voice like a secluded orchid drifted out from behind the carriage curtains. It was a woman's gentle voice, as clear and bright as a mountain spring. It was pleasant to the ear and refreshing to the soul.
"Hahaha! What's a little hard work? This old man's bones are still sturdy. A few minor demons aren't enough to take my life. Besides, I was an eyewitness to that great battle, making me the most suitable candidate for this mission."
The burly man known as Uncle Tie laughed heartily. His voice was thick and magnetic, sounding stable and giving off a grounded sense of security.
"Yes. I thank you once again on behalf of my Royal Father for your dedication and company. I also thank Uncle Tie for taking care of me throughout the journey. When we return, I will surely ask Father to reward you well."
A voice as crisp and melodious as silver bells rang from the carriage, offering an affirmative response to the man's words.
"Hahaha, Princess, there's no need for that. You've said that countless times along the way. This is only what I should do. As long as we can resist the Demon Race, we are all duty-bound to act," the man said, looking back as he continued to ride forward.
"Haha."
"Alright, Uncle Tie. But how many times must I say it? Don't call me Princess. Just call me Vivi. If you keep doing that, I'll be cross with you."
The person in the carriage chuckled softly. The laugh was reserved. She spoke of how he addressed her, and while her words sounded angry, there was no trace of actual irritation in her tone. It was more like a young girl acting spoiled.
"Hahaha, fine, fine. Little Vivi," the man laughed, intentionally teasing her.
"Hmph, I'm ignoring you. Uncle Tie is a big dummy." There was a hint of resentment in her voice, directed at the fact that he had added the word "Little" before her name.
She sounded exasperated. It was hard to imagine what kind of expression the woman behind the curtain was making right now.
"Lord Tie, Princess, we have arrived."
Suddenly, a subordinate interrupted their conversation. He first cupped his hands toward the burly man, then bowed to the carriage as he spoke.
From this man's actions, it was clear that the burly man's strength and status were truly extraordinary. Otherwise, who would dare address an unassuming warrior before an Imperial Princess? That would normally be a death wish.
In this world where strength reigned supreme, any status was insignificant before a true powerhouse. The fact that the person in the carriage was not offended only proved this point.
"Mm, good."
The burly man and the Princess within the carriage both responded calmly.
The man turned back to look ahead, surveying the entrance of the village. Since the group had not made any effort to hide their tracks, the villagers had heard the commotion and flocked toward the entrance. It was currently crowded with people.
"Whoa!"
With a quiet command, the burly man waved his hand, signaling everyone to stop.
The caravan slowly came to a halt at the village entrance. The man leaped lightly from his horse. With a few quick strides, he reached the carriage and said, "Vivi, come out. We're here."
"Mm. Alright, Uncle Tie," the woman inside whispered gently.
After she spoke, a rustling sound came from within. Clearly, the master of the carriage was about to reveal her true face.
The moment they heard movement inside, one of the armored knights standing by the carriage hurried forward.
Thud! A loud sound rang out.
Without hesitation, the knight knelt on one knee below the carriage door in a prostrate position, waiting for the owner to step down. The entire sequence of movements was fluid and practiced, done without the slightest hesitation. It was clearly a long-standing habit, something that happened as often as a daily meal.
A gentle breeze blew past, and an elegant fragrance wafted from the carriage like a light cloud, enchanting everyone present. The wind lifted the corner of the exquisite silk curtain, revealing a tantalizing glimpse of what lay within.
Through the lifted corner, a flash of snow-white skin appeared and disappeared.
Then, a pair of slender, jade-white hands pushed the curtain aside, as if unveiling a charming and graceful mystery. Those fingers were slightly tapered, long as scallion stalks, with nails as pink and lustrous as jade and skin as white as snow.
As the curtains were parted, the woman stepped out slowly. A slender, graceful figure soon stood at the carriage door.
Her posture was elegant, and she wore a thin veil that made her appearance hazy and dreamlike. Her features shifted in and out of focus, making it difficult for anyone to get a clear look.
She had soft arms like snowy lotus roots and long, shapely legs. Her slender calves combined with her delicate, jade-like skin gave her a truly exquisite presence. Her curling silver hair fell softly over her shoulders, and she wore a magnificent blue dress that felt as gentle as moonlight.
As the breeze brushed past and her fragrance drifted, the veil was lifted for a moment, revealing a face of peerless beauty. It was a beauty that could make fish sink and birds fall from the sky, a beauty that could eclipse the moon and put flowers to shame. In an instant, it seemed as if the entire world dimmed in comparison.
Her eyebrows were as light and elegant as distant mountains, her eyes bright as a phoenix's, and every glance she gave was soul-stirring.
With a delicate nose and skin like driven snow, her red lips looked like a single plum blossom in the winter, arrogant and enchanting. She looked exactly like a fairy who had walked right out of a silk painting.
She raised her arm slightly, her every movement radiating an innate nobility. A string of gems rested on her chest, looking like a full moon hanging between two mountain peaks shining, moving, and untouchable.
In her hand, she held a Star-Moon Crystal Scepter. Golden roses adorned it, looking lush and vibrant, while the dazzling gems seemed to have polished the starry sky into the shape of a moon. The tassels at the end of the scepter shimmered as it swayed.
Paired with her magnificent dress of the same color, it looked as if she were wearing the vast galaxy itself.
Judging by her appearance, she was probably only thirteen or fourteen years old. To possess such world-shaking beauty at such a young age meant she would be even more incredible once she grew up.
The woman moved gracefully down from the carriage. Her steps were light and her poise was dignified, making her look like an elf playing in the mortal realm.
The imperial party remained at the village entrance, observing the crowd of villagers, who were also staring back at them. The imperial group saw doubt and curiosity in the eyes of the villagers, but they also saw a hint of warmth.
This left them somewhat confused. This was different from the villagers they had encountered elsewhere. In those eyes, there had been doubt and curiosity, but it had been overshadowed by panic and fear.
These people were not afraid, uneasy, or wary of outsiders. This further convinced Tie Kuangtu and Princess Vivi that this place was truly extraordinary. Both of them became more alert, vigilantly observing every movement in their surroundings.
"Greetings. We have come from the capital of the Radiant Empire. Behind me is the Third Princess of our Empire, Princess Vivi. We have come here to inquire about certain matters."
The burly man leading the group stepped forward and greeted them warmly, breaking the brief and subtle silence.
"Respected Earth Knight, Princess, I am Gude, the village chief of Sanctus Village. We welcome your arrival. If there is anything you require of us, please do not hesitate to ask. we will tell you everything we know without reservation." Hearing the man's words, the village chief slowly stepped forward under everyone's watchful eyes and spoke in a kind, gentle tone.
His words were courteous and his attitude was extremely humble.
"Oh? Village Chief, you recognize me?"
The man was surprised and uncertain that the village chief could call out his title. He pointed a finger at himself as he asked.
"Hahaha! One of the Twelve Knights of the Round Table, wielder of a Pitch-Black Heavy Sword, a current Great Swordsman, and bearer of the name Earth Knight who in the world does not know of you? Though our village is remote and lacks convenient transportation, we often follow the news of the great heroes who bravely resist the Demon Race," the village chief said with a warm smile.
"Village Chief, I thank you for your praise and kindness. I am no great hero; I have only contributed a meager amount of effort to be worthy of the strength I possess. I cannot claim to be a hero," the man said, shaking his head repeatedly with great humility.
He had not expected people in such a remote area to know his name. It sparked a small sense of pride in his heart. If even a place like this knew the names of the knights, it showed that their prestige was well-earned.
"Haha, you are too modest. The people of the village have heard of your deeds. Many of them admire you greatly."
"Alright, let's go into the village first before we speak further. You have traveled a long way; come rest your feet and have some water so we can play the host."
The old village chief knew that the entrance was not the place for conversation. He hurriedly and warmly invited them to rest in the village before they continued their talk.
"Very well. Then we shall trouble you, Village Chief. I apologize for the intrusion." Tie Kuangtu and Princess Vivi exchanged a look, as if asking for each other's opinion. After they both nodded in agreement, the man understood and spoke to the crowd.
"Then we shall trouble you, Grandfather Village Chief." Princess Vivi's words and actions were poised and elegant. Her beautiful eyes shimmered, and a single smile or frown from her carried an indescribable charm. She was truly a lady of noble birth.
"Not at all, not at all. It is only right. You are far too polite."
"Lord Earth Knight, Princess, please, step inside."
As he spoke, the old village chief stepped aside to clear the path leading into the village. He extended his hand, inviting them inside.
"Haha, alright, Village Chief. You really are too polite. Just call me Tie Kuangtu. I'm a coarse man and I can't stand all these formalities. No need for special treatment; just treat us like anyone else.
That's more comfortable." Tie Kuangtu laughed loudly. He was a bit overwhelmed by the chief's warm hospitality, scratching the back of his head and waving a hand dismissively.
"Indeed, Grandfather Village Chief. Uncle Tie is right. When in Rome, do as the Romans do. You can just call me Vivi." Vivi followed suit, her sweet voice as refreshing as a spring breeze, making everyone feel warmth and intimacy.
She was truly a well-bred child of a great family.
After exchanging pleasantries, the village chief turned and led the way, guiding the imperial party slowly into the village.
Under Tie Kuangtu's arrangements, a few men from the imperial group remained at the village entrance on standby. Two went to scout the perimeter, while only one man accompanied him and Vivi into the village.
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