Twenty people with twenty horses were ready to depart. Zhang Yan, however, was struggling to adjust to traveling by horse. He climbed up and down, fumbling with the reins, trying to get a feel for it.
Qin Tao watched him and raised an eyebrow. "Senior Brother, you don't need to teach us how to ride. Everyone here knows how to do it."
Zhang Yan looked around, skeptical. "Does everyone know how to ride a horse?" The other disciples nodded in unison.
A shy girl from the new batch of disciples spoke up, her voice soft but clear. "Yes, Senior Brother."
"Wait here for a moment, then," Zhang Yan said with a sigh. He walked toward the area where the sect kept the horses. "So, I'm the only one who doesn't know how to ride," he thought bitterly.
He approached the caretaker, who was tending to the horses. "Hey, can you get me a carriage?" Zhang Yan asked. The caretaker looked surprised but said nothing, going off to fetch a carriage hitched to two horses.
"Is this one fine, Disciple Zhang?" the caretaker asked, a little unsure.
Zhang Yan nodded. "I also need a driver for this carriage."
After a few moments, the carriage was ready, and Zhang Yan headed back to the group of disciples who were preparing for the journey.
"Qin Tao, come here!" Zhang Yan called.
Qin Tao quickly walked over, curious. "Yes, Senior Brother? What do you need me to do?"
Zhang Yan gestured to the carriage. "Coach this carriage," he ordered as he sat inside.
A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.
Qin Tao looked bewildered. "Eh, Senior Brother…?"
Zhang Yan interrupted him, his tone calm but firm. "You don't want to, do you?"
"No, no! Senior Brother, I’ll do it!" Qin Tao quickly replied, eager to please.
Zhang Yan sighed inwardly. I would have just taken a horse, but I don't know how to ride, and I don’t even know the way. How am I supposed to lead the way?
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The journey to Wu Yao City took about half a day. Wu Yao City—Mist of Jade City—lay nestled at the base of the mountains that housed the Mystic Sect. It was a place shrouded in mystery and beauty, where the hills were often veiled in thick mist. The city’s landscape was enchanting, with winding paths leading through forests that were rumored to be home to strange, mystical creatures.
Zhang Yan, resting inside the carriage, glanced out the window. His mind wandered as the wheels of the carriage clattered against the road.
Whatever the reason, I’m already in this new world, he thought. It would have been great if I were a martial arts enthusiast or someone with ambitions to rule. Alas, I’m no longer the hot-blooded youth I once was.
Zhang Yan let out a quiet sigh. I was already 27 years old when I died in that explosion. If only I had spent less time reading Lao Tzu and Marcus Aurelius, maybe I could have been a good prospect in this world. Now, all I want is a peaceful life. Fighting? I’d rather lie down and bask in the sun.
He looked out again and saw the misty silhouette of Wu Yao City in the distance. The city was surrounded by tall, ancient trees that seemed to absorb the sunlight, casting long shadows across the road. The mist clung to the city walls like a second skin, lending the place an otherworldly, almost ethereal presence. The city's architecture, though ancient, appeared refined—its buildings crafted from stone that seemed to shimmer in the soft light.
Maybe I could write a book on Taoism and Stoic philosophy, Zhang Yan mused. Even in another world, those teachings still guide me. I could plagiarize them and make some money.
He leaned back against the cushions, letting the peaceful sound of the carriage wheels rolling over the road soothe him. A quiet life is all I ask for. No need for power. No need for martial arts. I’ll just write books and live a simple life...
As the carriage drew closer to the city gates, Zhang Yan’s mind briefly lingered on the possibilities of this new world. Perhaps this place, this city, might offer the peace I’ve been searching for. No more fighting. Just... living.