CHAPTER 27: LEAVING XIANLING CITY

"Ling’er, mind your manners," he said to his daughter.

His tone wasn’t truly harsh or angry, more mildly exasperated, as if this wasn’t the first time his daughter had done something like this.

Fang Ling glanced back at her father and stuck out her tongue playfully, showing she wasn’t particularly chastened.

The Fang Clan Head sighed internally at his daughter’s personality, then turned his attention to Xian Tiandi.

His expression became more serious. "Young Master Xian, I’ve heard excellent things about your recent accomplishments. Your talent in both cultivation and alchemy is impressive. May your journey be safe and fruitful."

This polite, respectful exchange was somewhat surprising to those watching.

The Fang Clan and Xian Clan had been rivals for years, competing for influence in Xianling City.

For the Fang Clan Head to speak so respectfully to a young member of the Xian Clan was noteworthy.

It showed that Xian Tiandi’s recent achievements had genuinely impressed even their rivals.

Patriarch Xian Chen stepped forward as well, his expression warm and fatherly.

He placed a hand on Xian Tiandi’s shoulder briefly. "Tiandi, remember what we discussed. Stay safe on your journey and grow stronger. Don’t push yourself too hard, but don’t be complacent either. Find the balance."

His words carried genuine care and concern.

Despite Xian Tiandi being adopted rather than blood-related, Xian Chen had always treated him fairly.

That care was evident now.

The Zhou Clan Patriarch, who had also come to see off Zhou Kang, stepped forward as well.

His expression was more neutral and political. "Young Master Xian, may fortune follow your path. And Zhou Kang, remember to learn and grow during this journey."

All three clan heads had now spoken, showing their respect for this departure.

Xian Tiandi bowed respectfully to all three clan heads, his gesture proper and appropriate.

"Thank you for your guidance and well-wishes. I will not disappoint the trust placed in me."

He then gestured for his group to board their carriage.

Ying Yue, still feeling oddly unsettled by the earlier interaction, climbed into the carriage first. Xiao Ming bounded in after her excitedly.

Xian Long entered with more dignity but still showed his enthusiasm through his bright expression.

Zhou Kang moved to another carriage that had been prepared for him. It would follow behind the main carriage during the journey.

The Fang Clan group also prepared their own carriages. They had apparently been planning to travel in the same direction.

Fang Ling waved cheerfully at Xian Tiandi before boarding hers, her smile still bright and genuine. "I hope we’ll get to talk more during the journey!" she called out.

Xian Tiandi simply nodded politely in response.

Soon, the convoy began moving. Multiple carriages rolled forward, their wheels crunching on the dirt road.

They proceeded through the Xian Clan compound and then out through the main gates into the city streets.

The morning was still relatively early, so the streets weren’t too crowded.

But those who were out stopped to watch the convoy pass.

Word had already spread about Xian Tiandi’s departure, so people knew what this convoy represented.

"That’s the young alchemy genius," someone pointed out to their companion.

"I heard he’s heading to join the Four Symbols Sect," another person commented.

The convoy made its way through Xianling City’s streets, heading toward the northern gate that led out of the city.

The journey to Crimson Lotus City would take about two weeks by carriage, passing through various towns and wilderness areas along the way.

The Fang Clan’s convoy traveled alongside them, their carriages moving in formation.

It seemed they would be companions for at least part of the journey, as they were heading in the same general direction.

As the convoy disappeared through the northern gate and out of sight, the three clan heads remained standing together near the Xian Clan entrance.

The crowd of clan members and servants began to disperse, returning to their daily duties.

The three powerful men stood in silence for a moment, watching the direction the convoy had gone.

Then the Zhou Patriarch chuckled slightly, breaking the silence. "It’s been quite a while since we three gathered like this without it being for some formal occasion or dispute. Why not have a drink and discuss certain matters?"

The atmosphere shifted immediately at those words.

The casual, friendly tone disappeared. The other two clan heads’ expressions became more serious and contemplative.

They exchanged glances with each other, some unspoken understanding passing between them.

After a moment of consideration, they both nodded their agreement.

"Very well," Xian Chen said, his voice losing its earlier warmth and taking on a more businesslike tone.

"There are indeed matters we should address. Important matters that affect all our clans."

The Fang Clan Head nodded as well. "Yes. The situation around us has been changing. We need to discuss how to respond."

The three powerful men turned and walked together toward a nearby pavilion within the Xian Clan compound.

The pavilion was a beautiful structure with a curved roof and open sides, located beside a small pond. It was a place often used for important discussions.

As they walked, their conversation had already begun, though their voices were too low for anyone else to hear.

The matters they needed to discuss were clearly sensitive—issues of politics, power, and the future of Xianling City.

But more than that...the future of the kingdom.

Whatever they were about to discuss, it was clear that it involved all three clans and would likely have significant implications for the city’s future.

---

Meanwhile, far to the north, the convoy of carriages rolled along the main road.

Inside the lead carriage, Xian Tiandi sat calmly while Ying Yue, Xiao Ming, and Xian Long occupied the other seats.

Xiao Ming pressed his face against the window, excitedly pointing out everything he saw. "Look, sister! There’s a big bird! And those trees are so tall!"

Xian Long was more composed but also clearly interested in the journey ahead.

He occasionally glanced at Xian Tiandi, as if wanting to ask questions but not sure if he should disturb him.

Ying Yue sat quietly, her thoughts still somewhat troubled by the earlier encounter with Fang Ling.

She kept glancing at the Young Master, wondering what he thought about that bold young lady.

Xian Tiandi himself appeared completely at ease.

His eyes were half-closed as if resting, but in truth, his mind was actively working. He was reviewing his plans, considering various possibilities, and preparing mentally for what lay ahead.

’I wonder if this travel time will be uneventful?’

’It better be, I will breakthrough by then.’