Chen Xiao's momentary daze made Aunt Huang feel puzzled. She couldn't help but ask again. Only then did Chen Xiao snap out of it and, bracing himself, replied, "Ah, yes, that's part of the reason. The rest is because of my travels for study."
Aunt Huang sighed and said, "I just hope your betrothed is still alive and well, and that you two may reunite one day."
Chen Xiao forced a stiff smile, thinking that if that ever happened, it would be nothing short of a miracle.
Afterward, he entrusted Aunt Huang with a spare key to his house, asking her to keep an eye on things in case anything happened. If there were any issues, she didn't need to handle them herself, just notify someone at Taxue Xunxian, and someone would take care of it. Aunt Huang chuckled and assured him not to worry, promising to watch over the house for him.
The Huang family owed Chen Xiao a great favor, and simply helping to watch over the house was a small matter. There was no need for him to even ask; they would naturally take care of it.
Before leaving, Chen Xiao handed over one set of keys to Aunt Huang and another to Taxue Xunxian Pavilion for safekeeping. At the shop, they were practically treating him like a treasure. The head shopkeeper even scheduled shifts for the staff to clean his house periodically.
Chen Xiao found this both amusing and exasperating, promptly declining the offer. He didn't want to impose extra work on others, who would willingly take on additional tasks without proper supervision? They'd likely do a half-hearted job and end up resenting him for it. Instead, he arranged for the night-duty worker to withdraw some copper coins from his wages and handle the cleaning himself by picking up the keys from the head shopkeeper at scheduled times.
Early in the morning, Pang Hemu arrived to see Chen Xiao off. He personally handed him a heavy box. Without even opening it, Chen Xiao could tell from the crisp clinking of metal inside that it was money.
Frowning, he asked, "Boss Pang, what is this for?"
Pang Hemu grinned and shoved the box into his hands. "A poor man should have money when traveling. Take it!"
Just as Chen Xiao was about to return the box, Pang Hemu added, "This is your wages for the next five years, given to you in advance."
Chen Xiao looked at him helplessly. "What if I don't return? Wouldn't that be a wasted investment?"
Pang Hemu shamelessly replied, "That would only mean your reputation has grown so much that you're too busy to return. In that case, I'd personally come and bring you back. And don't forget, the shop's feng shui still needs your expertise. I know your future is bright, but don't forget your old acquaintances."
Chen Xiao laughed. "Of course, I won't forget. Alright, I'll accept this then. I promise I'll return. If, for some reason, I really can't, you can take my house as collateral."
Pang Hemu burst into laughter. "I don't want your house."
Just then, Du Rong approached and said, "Master Chen, it's time."
The group stood at the county city's relay station. Beside them was a spacious carriage pulled by four strong horses. This carriage was much larger and more luxurious than the one Chen Xiao had taken to Fancun. The coachman sitting at the front glanced over and flashed a warm smile upon meeting Chen Xiao's gaze.
Handing the money box to Du Rong for safekeeping, Chen Xiao waved farewell to Pang Hemu before boarding the carriage. He found his assigned seat and settled in. This time, the seating was even more spacious and comfortable. If his previous ride had been like a first-class train seat, then this was the equivalent of a business-class seat. The seats could be adjusted, allowing passengers to recline and rest. The carriage accommodated only six people due to space limitations, so there were no accompanying attendants. However, a cabinet at the front of the carriage was stocked with delicious snacks and insulated hot water.
This carriage exclusively traveled between the county city and the capital. Along the way, it stopped at designated points to let passengers stretch, eat, and handle any needs. At night, it stayed at high-end inns, where rooms were already prepared. There was no need for Chen Xiao and Du Rong to book separate accommodations, their lodgings were included in the service.
Chen Xiao couldn't help but marvel at how, no matter the time or place, as long as one was willing to spend money, there was no luxury they couldn't enjoy.
Thanks to his willingness to pay, the journey to the capital was smooth and comfortable. Du Rong's complexion also improved day by day. By the time they arrived at the capital, as Chen Xiao had predicted, the sickly look on Du Rong's face had completely vanished. His sharp eyes and composed demeanor now made it clear that he was someone not to be trifled with.
After disembarking at the capital's relay station, Du Rong retrieved their luggage from the carriage's undercarriage and asked, "Master Chen, is there anywhere you'd like to go? I can arrange accommodations accordingly."
Although he was temporarily under Chen Xiao's employment, he refrained from using any terms that implied submission. Chen Xiao wasn't offended, this was the pride unique to cultivators. It was simply how they were.
Chen Xiao turned his head, his gaze deep as he looked at Du Rong. "Can you find an inn where cultivators stay? I need to inquire about something."
Du Rong was a little surprised. "If there's anything you need to find out, you can leave it to me. There's no need for you to go personally. Those places can be quite dangerous for someone like you."
Though he didn't explicitly say it, Chen Xiao understood, cultivators had their own exclusive circles, and they wouldn't welcome someone like him, who had no cultivation talent whatsoever.
Chen Xiao observed Du Rong closely. Despite his objection, Du Rong didn't show any sign of looking down on him. No matter what he truly thought, his outward attitude remained respectful. Chen Xiao nodded inwardly. It seemed there were things he could entrust to Du Rong after all.
Thus, he didn't insist further and simply asked Du Rong to arrange for a quiet, conveniently located inn.
Outside the relay station, there were carriages specifically for ferrying passengers. Du Rong skillfully negotiated the destination and fare with the driver before inviting Chen Xiao to board. Then, he methodically loaded their luggage onto the carriage's rack, preparing for their next step in the capital.
Through the carriage window, Chen Xiao glanced at Du Rong, feeling that his luck was quite good. To have found such a high-level cultivator as a temporary bodyguard was a rare fortune. If it had been Ma Liang or some of the younger ones instead, they would have been reluctant to do something as menial as carrying luggage. Their upbringing and environment had shaped them to maintain a sense of status. If they weren't ordering the coachman around, they would have certainly suggested hiring a servant specifically to handle such tasks for Chen Xiao.
In truth, if he had any other choice, Chen Xiao wouldn't have wanted a bodyguard at all. He carried certain secrets that couldn't be exposed before he became strong enough, especially not in front of these cultivators who were just one step away from the immortal path. If that was the case, he certainly wouldn't want a personal attendant hovering around him either.
Appreciating both Du Rong's rare humility and his own good fortune, Chen Xiao decided that when their contract ended, he would reward this diligent and reliable cultivator with a generous bonus.
Unaware that his temporary employer's opinion of him was steadily improving, Du Rong boarded the carriage, and the coachman set off at a light trot.
Chen Xiao admired the prosperity of the imperial capital through the window. Though the social structure here was outdated, the economy seemed remarkably developed. The roads were wide and well-paved with stone, and the streets were bustling with pedestrians. Shops teemed with customers, and people moved in and out with ease. Their spirits were high, their clothes refined, and their expressions radiated confidence and satisfaction with life.
The capital of the Dai Kingdom was an ancient city with a history spanning thousands of years. Some buildings from previous dynasties had been preserved in pristine condition, their architectural styles vastly different from the current mainstream designs. As someone from a more rural background, Chen Xiao found himself utterly captivated. No matter the era or location, architecture was the purest representation of an era's artistic achievements, encapsulating the essence of countless crafts. In a way, buildings stood as symbols of time itself. Just by gazing at the structures lining the streets, Chen Xiao felt reassured that leaving the prefectural city had been the right decision.
Rather than arranging accommodations in the city center, Du Rong had chosen a quieter district on the outskirts, a choice that perfectly suited Chen Xiao's preferences, peaceful yet conveniently located.
Du Rong had rented a private courtyard, suspecting that his employer would prefer such a space. And indeed, Chen Xiao made no complaints, settling into the residence in high spirits.
Chen Xiao handed over the moneybox given to him by Pang Hemu without any intention of taking it back, he planned to use those funds to cover his travel expenses.
Though Chen Xiao didn't voice this aloud, Du Rong understood his meaning. Every arrangement he made was just right, not overly luxurious, but always ensuring Chen Xiao's comfort.
That evening, Chen Xiao invited Du Rong to the bathhouse for a soak. He had reserved a private room, and the hot spring pool inside was spacious enough to accommodate three to five people at once.
A waiter delivered a tray of wine and refreshments. Du Rong poured two cups, then placed them on a floating tray, gently pushing it across the water toward Chen Xiao. Leaning against the edge of the pool, Chen Xiao picked up a cup and took a leisurely sip.
Du Rong lowered his gaze, drinking quietly. His employer was a mystery, even with his twenty years of experience wandering the outside world, facing countless challenges, he still couldn't quite see through him.
Chen Xiao had done his research on Du Rong, and naturally, Du Rong had done his own homework on Chen Xiao. He knew of Chen Xiao's background and the almost legendary way he had risen to success. There was no doubt in his mind, Chen Xiao had encountered some extraordinary fortune.
That said, fortuitous encounters weren't unheard of in the world of cultivators. While rare, they weren't completely beyond expectation. It was surprising and enviable, but not enough to spark any ulterior motives. Everyone walked their own path, what suited one person might not suit another. A cultivator who failed to understand this wouldn't make it far in their journey.
From what Du Rong had gathered, Chen Xiao's skills were largely focused on geomantic arts, useful but ultimately considered an auxiliary discipline. It had little to do with true cultivation and was regarded as a minor, unorthodox craft. Someone like Chen Xiao, who lacked spiritual roots and had no aptitude for cultivation, was a perfect fit for it.
A bathhouse's hot spring pool was an excellent place for conversation, more so than a banquet table. The relaxed atmosphere made it easier to open up, naturally drawing people closer.
Chen Xiao had invited Du Rong here precisely with that intent, to discuss something important. Because what he was about to say might even be difficult for a veteran high-level cultivator like Du Rong to comprehend.
Taking another sip of the mellow wine, Chen Xiao finally spoke, his voice unhurried.
"Master Du, I have something to ask you. I hope you'll answer me truthfully."