Zhang Lei's most urgent task now was to find someone, anyone would do. He had been walking in the primeval forest for many days. Along the way, all he saw were towering trees and thick overgrown vegetation that blocked the sunlight, creating a gloomy atmosphere. Often, he would walk for miles without catching a glimpse of the sky, but he frequently encountered unfamiliar wild beasts and birds.

Zhang Lei couldn't help but marvel at the pristine environment and exquisite scenery, untouched by any form of pollution. Eventually, he emerged from the forest and rubbed his eyes in disbelief. Before him stood a city, and he stood still for a long time, feeling tears welling up in his eyes. From a distance, the city seemed both unfamiliar and familiar. The architectural style of the city walls resembled ancient China, with its blue bricks, arrow slits, arched gates, and towering bell towers. People could be seen walking along the main road.

Zhang Lei pondered and decided it would be best to adopt the appearance of a tourist. He took out a large backpack, haphazardly filled it with items, and tied back his long hair with a long ribbon.

Dressed in coffee-colored hiking boots, jeans, a dark red shirt, and a vest, with the backpack on his back, Zhang Lei approached the city gate with a mix of excitement and unease.

When he reached the city gate, Zhang Lei found it even more peculiar. He noticed dozens of men, women, and children gathering around him, staring as if watching a monkey show. Zhang Lei nodded and smiled continuously, but as soon as he approached them, they scattered like startled rabbits. Yet, after walking a few dozen steps, they followed him again, constantly pointing and laughing.

Judging from their attire, Zhang Lei couldn't determine the specific dynasty of ancient China they belonged to, but he was certain it was either the Ming Dynasty or earlier. He was familiar with the dress of the Qing Dynasty from watching TV dramas.

Although unable to communicate with them, relying on his heightened sense of hearing, Zhang Lei could still catch snippets of their hushed conversations. They were speaking the dialect of Hangzhou and Jiaxing, areas he had spent four years studying in Zhejiang. Zhang Lei felt a surge of excitement.

At the city gate, Zhang Lei was stopped by four soldiers armed with long swords.

"Who goes there? Show your 'road permit,'" one of them demanded. The four soldiers, their faces full of curiosity, scrutinized him up and down. Zhang Lei couldn't help but smile and said, "Great! I can understand you." He spread his hands and continued in Hangzhou dialect, "Big brother, I come from a distant land and just passing through. I'd like to enter the city and have a look around."

The four soldiers were astonished and huddled together to discuss in low voices. One of them turned and hurried into the city. The leading soldier showed utmost respect and bowed, saying, "Respected guest, please follow me. Rest for a while, as I have already sent someone to invite the Prefect."

"No need to be so polite, no need at all," Zhang Lei found it extremely strange and thought, "I didn't say anything special just now, but their attitudes have changed so drastically."

Indeed, Zhang Lei hadn't said anything extraordinary, but what he spoke was genuine Hangzhou dialect. In this place, Hangzhou dialect was reserved exclusively for the imperial family and nobility. Commoners were not allowed to learn or speak it, something Zhang Lei would come to understand later on.

"What's your surname, big brother?" Zhang Lei tried to strike up a conversation.

The leading soldier responded in a flustered manner, "I dare not, please forgive me. My surname is Hua." Suddenly, Zhang Lei understood that there seemed to be a strict hierarchy here. The soldiers addressing each other as "xiaoren" (little person) left a sour taste in his mouth. Growing up in modern society, he was accustomed to the concept of equality among people.

What Zhang Lei lacked most now was information. The Jade Eye Scroll only contained knowledge about the cultivation world, with no information about the mundane world. "Big brother Hua, what is the name of this city?" Zhang Lei began extracting the information he needed.

Addressing everyone as "big brother Hua," Zhang Lei left the soldiers bewildered. They were eager to share all the details of their ancestors' lives, answering his questions extensively. Gradually, Zhang Lei learned some basic information.

This city was called "Hanlin." It was located next to the "Sighing Forest" that Zhang Lei had walked out of. It was the first capital city established by the "Ancient Song Dynasty" but had gradually declined since the dynasty relocated approximately 300 years ago. The population dwindled from a peak of over 700,000 to the current 200,000.

The Ancient Song Dynasty had a population of around 70-80 million and was considered relatively weak compared to the other two major countries in the "Green Basin," namely the "Litan Kingdom" and the "Great Han Kingdom." Among these three nations, the Great Han Kingdom held the most power.

There were also some smaller countries in the Heavenly Court Star, scattered in extremely harsh regions. Some notable ones included the "Wangming Kingdom" in the "Stormy Plain" and the "Qingfeng Kingdom" in the "Red Rock Petrified Mountain Range." There were also various renowned ethnic groups such as the Qin, Wu, Chu, Xia, and Shang.

Zhang Lei understood that the Ancient Song Dynasty must have been established by people who migrated from Earth during the Song Dynasty period. Other countries and ethnic groups were likely formed in a similar manner.

Zhang Lei also learned that in the fertile land of the Green Basin, the three nations were constantly at war, with conflicts erupting every decade or so. Each country sought to eliminate the others and unify the Green Basin, but for various reasons, they were never successful. The main reason was the intervention of the cultivation world. Many members of the imperial families and nobility in each country were cultivators with deep connections to the cultivation world.

The soldier also informed Zhang Lei that the Prefect of Hanlin City was named Feng Kaiyun, who was born as a Jinshi (successful candidate in the imperial examination). He had presumably offended someone and was relegated to this remote city. The Garrison Officer was named Tong Fangzhen, promoted through meritorious service, from a background in the military.

"The Prefect is here!" a soldier announced.

Zhang Lei looked up and saw two rows of yamen attendants holding water and fire staffs. Four attendants held placards with the words "Silence" and "Avoid" respectively, while a sedan chair was carried by four others. Zhang Lei almost burst out laughing, thinking, "Wow, this is so exaggerated. It feels like I've really traveled back to ancient times."

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The sedan chair stopped from a distance, the sedan bearer lowered the poles, and one of the attendants quickly opened the curtain. A middle-aged man stepped out of the sedan chair, leaning on the shoulder of an attendant. He stomped his foot, adjusted his robe, and twirled his beard as he looked at Zhang Lei.

The man's eyes flickered with surprise upon seeing Zhang Lei, but then a smile spread across his face. He took slow, measured steps, resting his hand on the attendant's shoulder as he approached Zhang Lei.

Zhang Lei was also carefully observing the highest official in Hanlin City. With a square face, black bushy eyebrows, thin lips with three strands of long beard, and a hooked nose, it was evident that he was a cunning person. He wore a blue official robe with a jade belt around his waist, and his hat wobbled with two official wings at the back.

Zhang Lei couldn't help but find it amusing. He approached and startled the attendants and soldiers with his first words.

"Hehe, you must be Feng Kaiyun, Brother Feng! I'm Zhang Lei. Nice to meet you!"

Hua, the soldier, thought to himself, "So this gentleman addresses everyone as 'brother.' No wonder he called me that too."

Feng Kaiyun was momentarily taken aback but didn't dare to be disrespectful. He said, "I apologize for not welcoming Li-daren properly. Please forgive me! Please forgive me!" He wondered, "Why does his courtly speech sound so awkward?"

Zhang Lei's next action nearly scared the attendants and soldiers to death.

He patted Feng Kaiyun on the shoulder and said with a smile, "No need to be so polite. Excuse me, I just wanted to visit the city, it's no trouble. Brother Feng, you don't have to accompany me. Just let me know where the inn is."

Feng Kaiyun's confusion grew, and he asked, "Wait! Please show me your official documents so that I can prepare for official matters." Tension filled the air.

Zhang Lei felt puzzled and asked, "What official documents? I don't have any official documents. Strange."

The attendants and soldiers slowly surrounded him.

Feng Kaiyun shouted, "Bold! How dare you impersonate a royal noble! Speak up, what are you up to?"

Zhang Lei became furious, "Bastard! When did I impersonate anyone? What business is it of yours what I do, ***!" The more he cursed, the angrier he became, and he couldn't control his temper.

"Hey, why are you kneeling?"

The Starry Armor of the Celestial Stars reappeared with purple flames, and in an instant, Zhang Lei's clothes turned into ashes. It was the result of his anger.

Feng Kaiyun was frightened, drenched in sweat, and knelt on the ground. He knew he had caused a major problem.

Because only members of the royal family could cultivate the "Heart Armor," and it was always kept a secret. He thought to himself, "Alas, my head is at stake this time."

Feng Kaiyun paced back and forth in his study, nervously twirling his beard. Even now, he was still terrified. Luckily, Zhang Lei didn't blame him; otherwise, he didn't know how to handle this dangerous situation.

His chief steward, Cheng Zizhong, pondered with his head bowed."Master, Chunxiang from the Guest Room is here to see you. She said she has something to report," a young servant in a green robe bowed and said.

"Quick, let her in!" Feng Kaiyun's expression showed a hint of panic, and Cheng Zizhong, the chief steward, said, "Master, calm down. I don't think Mr. Li is the kind of person who is difficult to talk to." Feng Kaiyun let out a long sigh and said, "Teacher, my mind is in chaos. I need your guidance."

"Maid Chunxiang pays respects to Master."

"Speak quickly, what's the matter?" Chunxiang, kneeling on the ground, replied, "Mr. Li wants to go out, and Miss Qiu is still talking to him. I didn't dare to make a decision and came to ask for your instructions on what to do."

Chunxiang, kneeling on the ground, couldn't help but smile. She had never seen a guest like Mr. Li before. He was young and handsome, and he followed four maidservants who served him. Sometimes he called them sisters, sometimes younger sisters, and mixed up their ranks without any airs. It was quite amusing. He even gave them candies they had never seen before, which tasted delicious. She licked her lips, thinking about the bag of candies in her arms. She wondered when she would have the chance to send someone to bring them home for her parents and siblings to taste such delicious things.

"Chunxiang, you go back first and tell Mr. Li that I will come after him."

"Yes, Master." Chunxiang was eager to go back, slowly retreated from the study, and then turned around to run.

"Teacher, let's go together," Feng Kaiyun said, feeling a bit afraid to see Zhang Lei. Cheng Zizhong encouraged him, saying, "Master, no matter what requests Mr. Li makes, agree to them first. We must handle him with care and not offend him any further. I don't think Mr. Li will stay for long."

Feng Kaiyun understood Cheng Zizhong's intention. As long as he could satisfy Zhang Lei in Hanlin City, he was willing to pay any price. Once Zhang Lei was satisfied and left, everything would be resolved.

Zhang Lei was not an unreasonable person. He stayed in the guest room of the Prefect's Office, and he no longer cared about Feng Kaiyun's rudeness. Although he didn't quite understand why Feng Kaiyun was so fearful when he saw the Starry Armor of the Celestial Stars, he was satisfied that the hostility was resolved. After all, engaging in conflicts would be very troublesome and contrary to his original intention of exploring the Celestial Stars freely.

After changing into the new clothes sent by Prefect Feng, Zhang Lei was eager to go out. He was curious about everything. When he saw the four maidservants blocking his way, Zhang Lei couldn't help but tease them.

Feng Kaiyun stood outside the guest room, stopped, and waved his hand back at Cheng Zizhong, gesturing for the old teacher to enter first. Cheng Zizhong nodded and was about to go in when a burst of laughter came from the room. Both of them coincidentally paused.

"Sister Qiuxiang, stop pulling me. We're just going out for a walk. Why are you all so nervous?"

"Master, please understand the difficulties I face. Chunxiang said that the master will arrive soon. Please wait a little longer, alright?"

"I've said it so many times, don't call me 'master.' Call me 'brother' and see how it sounds.

Zhang Lei's cheek was sometimes thin and sometimes thick. When he saw Feng Kaiyun coming in, he sincerely wanted to tease him. He approached with a smiling face, reached out and grabbed his hand, and said with a smile, "Big brother, you finally came. I want to go out for a stroll, but these little sisters insisted on waiting for big brother. Are you prepared to accompany me?"

Feng Kaiyun almost twisted his nose in anger and forcefully pulled his hand back.

Cheng Zizhong saw Feng Kaiyun's face change and quickly said, "Mr. Li, Prefect Feng and I have come. Firstly, to pay respects to you, and secondly, the city's garrison officer, Tong Fangzhen, is coming to visit you. We never meant to neglect you. Since Mr. Li is eager to inspect the city, I will accompany you on behalf of Prefect Feng. How about that?"

"And who is this...?" Zhang Lei looked at Feng Kaiyun.

"Oh, he is the chief steward of our Prefect's Office, Cheng Zizhong, Teacher Cheng," Feng Kaiyun said with a relieved tone. He wanted Cheng Zizhong to accompany Zhang Lei on the way, as he didn't want to deal with him any longer. Feng Kaiyun bowed and said, "Since Mr. Li is in a hurry to inspect the city, I won't force you to stay. Teacher Cheng will accompany you. Excuse me, there are some official matters that I have to attend to. Farewell."

"Don't rush, don't rush. These little sisters, I promised to take them with me. Big brother, do you have any objections?" Seeing Zhang Lei reaching out with his ghostly claws again, Feng Kaiyun was truly annoyed and said, "Please, go ahead."

The four maidservants, Chunxiang, Qiuxiang, Juxiang, and Lanxiang, followed Zhang Lei and Cheng Zizhong happily, whispering and laughing. They never expected that Zhang Lei would really take them shopping.

Cheng Zizhong also didn't expect that Mr. Li would be like a child, not understanding the difference in status and speaking without any restraint. Cheng Zizhong had been to countless government offices and met many officials, but he had never seen someone like this. He found it quite interesting.

Entering a ready-to-wear clothing store, Zhang Lei couldn't help but sigh. Compared to the large supermarkets and shopping malls on Earth, the supplies here were so scarce.

The shopkeeper of the clothing store was a chubby man with a double chin and a shrewdness in his small eyes. He trotted out from behind the counter with a smile on his face and said, "Gentlemen, welcome to my humble store. What can I show you? I will bring it right away." The shopkeeper turned his head and waved to his assistants, saying, "Hurry up, bring out the goods, and call the child's mother too. We have a female customer."

Cheng Zizhong didn't know what Zhang Lei wanted to buy, so he stood there with his hands crossed.

Zhang Lei smiled and said, "Shopkeeper, I want four sets of autumn outfits and four sets of winter outfits." He pointed to the four maidservants and said, "It's for these four little sisters. If you have readymade ones, that would be great. If not, you can take their measurements and have them made. Oh, and bring that black fur cloak from the rack."

The shopkeeper took off the black fur cloak and said, "Sir, this cloak is made from the fur of the 'Biqi Beast.' Your eyesight is impressive. This is the best cloak in our shop." Cheng Zizhong exclaimed, "This is the fur of the 'Biqi Beast'? It's quite renowned." Zhang Lei touched the fur but didn't find it particularly remarkable. He asked, "What is this 'Biqi Beast'? I've never heard of it."

Cheng Zizhong replied, "It's a rare creature that lives in the marshes. It's extremely difficult to capture. The fur is waterproof and can resist rain and wind. Wearing it in winter is both lightweight and warm." The shopkeeper grinned and said, "Ah, this old sir is quite knowledgeable."

There was a flurry of activity. The four young girls felt like they were in a dream. No one had ever been so kind to them. They couldn't express their gratitude enough.

"Alright, I'll buy it. Pack the eight sets of clothes I asked for earlier and deliver them to the Prefect's Office."

The shopkeeper shrank back in fear, thinking, "Oh my, it's a government official who wants it. If I don't get the money, I might as well throw myself into the river." He worried anxiously. "How much is it?" Zhang Lei asked and immediately realized, "Oops, I don't know what currency they use here."

"The cloak is 715 taels, and the eight sets of clothes are 47 taels and 4 qian, making a total of 762 taels and 4 qian of silver." The shopkeeper quickly calculated.

Zhang Lei turned to Cheng Zizhong and asked, "Is there a jewelry store around here?"