Chapter 4 - Journey to Royal Guards

The next day, at the break of dawn, Zhao Long awoke naturally. He noticed that neither Chen Lan or Old man Li were nowhere to be seen, even Old man Li's  carriage was gone.

Zhao Long frowned, starting to get slightly anxious he yelled out "Old man Li!! Mister Chen!! Where are you?, If this is a joke it's not funny?"

A gust  light wind slightly blew against Zhao Long and he felt a presence behind him. He instantly turned around only to see a normal looking man, aged around 40 - 45 however what struck Zhao Long were his piercingly cold dark eyes, that seemed to right through him to the depths of his soul.

Zhao Long anxiously asked " Sir, ur umm how can I help you?"

The middle aged man smiled mockingly, thinking 'this kid isn't too bright'.

The man then said " Kid, you don't recognize this old man?"

"Have we met before, sir?" Zhao Long asked with confusion written all over his face,

"Hurry up and pack we are leaving now" the man said calmly before walking away with both hands behind his back.

As if struck by lightning Zhao Long realized who this man was.

It was his life saver and the person who was taking him to the Royal Guards. Chen Lan

"M-mister Chen, sorry I didn't recognize you without the hat masking your face, please forgive me if you took any offense" Zhao Long said apologetically.

"Stop rambling and come with me, we will take 4 days to reach the Imperial Capital of Yanjing, before that we will stop at Jiming Pothouse which is a days journey from here" Chen Lan said as he mounted his horse.

He continued " Now, mount the horse, we leave immediately" as he pointed a a horse standing next to him.

" Mister Chen ..." Zhao Long wanted to tell him that he can't ride a horse, after hesitating he decided not to.

As if Chen Lan could read minds he said " Don't worry, you will learn to ride as we go. Now get on, you've wasted enough time."

"Ahh where's the Old man his carriage isn't there anymore" Zhao Long asked

"He's got a job to do, he can't sit around forever and he told me to tell you goodbye and if fate has it you shall meet again" Chen Lan said glancing at Zhao Long, quietly pondering to himself.

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It was evening and Zhao Long and Chen Lan where speeding down the road on their horses. 

Chen Lan halted and Zhao Long followed suit.

"We will arrive at a city called Jiming Post in a few hours, we will rest in a inn and continue at sunset." Chen Lan paused gazing at Zhao Long for a moment, he continued " You said you have never ridden a horse before? How are you ridding so well in only a few hours" he said slightly squinting his eyes.

"Mister Chen, I followed the instructions you gave me and now It's very easy to ride" Zhao Long said proudly.

Chen Lan sighed and shook his head, he thought " This kid can ride a horse like a veteran rider in only a few hours."

Like this they arrived to Jiming Posthouse. Jiming Posthouse was a small peaceful city. Instead of being called a city it more like a really big village.

Alot of hidden and retired masters live in Jiming Posthouse because of how peaceful and tranquil it is and because of that no one dares cause commotion here.

Unlike Chengdu there were only a few people in the streets at this time. Journeying on they arrived outside a cozy looking in, with big bold words written on it's sign, " Gu Tranquil Inn"

At the counter, a old plump man stood there with one cupped on his face. When he noticed Zhao Long and Chen Lan he stood up and forced an awkward smile.

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The man at the counter said " Hello gentlemen how can I assist you today?"

" One room, the biggest you have and also serve us dinner a today and breakfast tomorrow" Chen Lan said as he put 25 Liang on the counter.

"Yes, yes esteemed guest please follow me, your food will be ready as soon as possible" the innkeeper said happily as he guided them to a table.

After eating, they made their way back to the room.  Chen Lan quietly sat in a corner and started meditating and Zhao Long attempted to sleep. but found it impossible with all those thoughts of him flying through the air and slicing down mountains with his sword.

His journey had just begun and joining Royal Guards would be his first step to find that bastard and never lose a loved one again.

However neither Zhao Long nor Chen Lan had any idea the storm that was about to awake in Jianghu because of this years new generation.

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The next day just when dawn was breaking, Zhao Long awoke. Chen Lan appeared to have already anticipated this and was already standing up. He was wearing a cloak that covered his body with a hood that covered most his face,

"Take this cloak and put it on" Chen Lan said as he tossed it to Zhao Long.

"Mister Chen, what do we need this for?" Chen Len asked.

"Don't ask questions, just put it on, we are gonna eat breakfast and leave immediately" Chen Lan said sternly.

Making their way downstairs to an empty table. The innkeeper as if could see the future had people quickly bring out two bowls of noodles and a bottle of wine and water.

Digging to his food with no regard for manners Zhao Long said " Mister Chen, The Royal Guard examination is it difficult?"

"Difficult? Indeed it is, you will probably die if you keep up this naive attitude of yours" Chen Lan said calmly.

As soon as Zhao Long heard that he might die he chocked and inhaled a breath of cold air.

"Ahh Mister Chen must be joking, death? come on, no way" Zhao Long said trying to make himself calm.

Chen Lan smiled "Since you've finished your food let's leave."

"Alright" Zhao Long complied as he stood up and made his way to the stable to get their horse.

Wanting a few tips regarding the exam Zhao Long asked "Mister Chen do you know what the examination the year will be?"

Seeing Zhao Long was slightly troubled by his previous comment  Chen Lan said " Don't worry kid, there is only one exam and it could be anything for anyone. You are lucky you met Old man Li and I when you did because the Royal Guards start recruiting disciples in 3 days, we will reach Yanjing in 2 days, so you'll have a day for preparation, hohoho"

Chen Lan noticed Zhao Long was still wearing a troubled expression "Kid, whatever you are thinking about won't happen unless you let it happen. Let me give you a tip, this naive and extremely thankful personality you have get rid of it. You have be cold and scheming if you won't to get anywhere in the Royal Guards, you can be happy go lucky all you like but you must remember to be cold and ruthless to all of those who step in your way and have no mercy or else it will come back to haunt you. Heed my words"

Zhao Long did not expect Chen Lan to be so straightforward and harsh. But he knew what he said was true. He had to change or else he would get himself killed like he almost did in Chengdu.

"Thank you, I will heed those words" Zhao Long knew that Chen Lan was worried for him even if he didn't show.