After walking for two hours, Kai felt a sinking sense of despair as he scanned his surroundings. "Okay, this is harder than I thought. There's no GPS here. I should have listened to Jie Yan and waited for the carriage preparations," he muttered to himself, his sore feet protesting with each reluctant step.
As he trudged through the bustling streets, the aroma of roasted meats and spiced wines wafted out from a nearby tavern, drawing him in. Curiosity piqued, he pushed open the heavy wooden door and stepped inside, the cozy warmth and lively chatter enveloping him.
In a corner booth, he spotted two young men, almost his age, engaged in animated conversation over mugs of rich, foamy ale. They were well-dressed, with one in a striking green outfit and the other in a cool blue ensemble.
"Yifong, drink up! Let's enjoy the food and wine here before we set out," the handsome young man in green urged, his eyes sparkling with excitement.
"Donghua, you know I don't really drink. One of us has to be alert for the journey," Yifong replied, his voice calm yet playful.
"Why are we going so early, anyway?" Yifong continued, brows furrowed in thought. "School doesn't start for another two weeks. Even if we get there, we'll still have a week left."
"Feijing is the state capital, my friend! It's a city that embodies dreams and desires," Donghua replied passionately, leaning forward. "From the finest tailors and jewelers to craftsmen from across the nation, you can find anything you're looking for. Countless gourmet restaurants, shops, and events fill the streets daily. We must explore it to our heart's content before school begins!"
As their conversation flowed around him, Kai felt a pull toward these two. "What do I have to lose?" he thought, steeling his nerves. He approached them, clearing his throat as he introduced himself.
"Hello, young masters. May I join you?" Kai asked, a mixture of hope and anxiety in his tone.
Donghua and Yifong paused, turning their attention to him.
"My name is Xing Li, son of the Thor clan. I overheard your conversation and hope to travel with you both to the cultivation school."
Donghua's eyes widened, recognition dawning. "Son of the Thor clan? Xing Li…?" He leaned back, a grin spreading across his face.
"AH! The hidden son!?" he exclaimed, drawing the attention of nearby patrons.
"Don't be rude, Donghua," Yifong interjected, a hint of warning in his eyes as he shot a glance at his friend.
The tension in the air shifted as they regarded Kai thoughtfully.
"HAHA young master, I am indeed the hidden son." Kai joke around.
"Sit young master Xing Li. Apologize for my rudeness, I don't want to have problem with the Thor's clan." Donghua replied.
"No need, no need. I'm traveling alone and would like to go with you guys, is that alright?" Kai asked.
"The more the merrier! But it won't be a comfortable ride there, as long as Young Master Xing Li is fine with it."
Yifong, Donghua, and Kai eat and drink to their fill before their travel. The three of them got into a carriage and made their way to Feijing capital.
Kai woke up in the middle of the night and looked at both Yifong and Dongua sleeping in the carriage.
Kai thought to himself.
Yifong, a master sword, one who was alongside with the protagonist fighting against Lord Xing Li's army and helped the protagonist with my death. Donghua, one of the best diplomats. He is very knowledgeable and handy when it comes to public relations. He passed the state exams in the top 2% percentile of his class. He has climbed his way up through the ranks due to his diligent work ethic and desire to serve his people.
"If I can get on their good side, I'll be able to survive, won't I?" he mused quietly to himself.