Jiang Wang did not board just anyone’s carriage, the lesson learned from Li Youjiu remained sharply etched in his memory.

However, for a figure such as Xiu Yuan, Commander of the Prisoner-Suppressing Army, to publicly await him outside the Hall of Longevity, it spoke volumes. No unsavory incident would occur, thus Jiang Wang felt no need for apprehension.

The carriage Xiu Yuan rode in at this moment was not the grand imperial conveyance signifying a state ceremony. It was likely for ordinary travel, yet it was utterly incomparable to the carriage rented by the Jiang family steward. The spaciousness, the plushness of the cushions, and the opulence of the decor were beyond description. The patterns adorning the carriage walls were not painted designs, but the naturally formed grains of the wood itself – resembling flowers, trees, even dragons and tigers, mysterious and self-generated. This wood alone was worth cities.

Jiang Wang stepped into the carriage as if stepping onto clouds, his movement light and effortless. The driver was clearly also of military background, his demeanor solemn, his spine straight as iron. With a mere flick of his hand, the reins in the air emitted a crisp crack. Two high-headed, jet-black steeds simultaneously lifted their hooves, each step perfectly synchronized.

The carriage glided forward, the interior utterly devoid of any jolt.

*Thud!*

The carriage door closed.

On the carriage ceiling, a warm light illuminated the interior, not radiating from an object but condensed from array patterns, clear and gentle on the eyes.

Jiang Jueye, a man of vast experience, sat calmly opposite Xiu Yuan. “Might I ask, Commander Xiu, why you have invited this Jiang to share your carriage?”

Xiu Yuan did not answer directly, instead posing a question. “Do you typically partake in spirits?”

Between Xiu Yuan and Jiang Wang, a partition silently descended, and a low table slowly rose. Upon it sat a silver flask and four upturned silver wine cups. Two small dishes accompanied them: one containing red, pea-shaped morsels with a faint roasted aroma, the other bearing half-moon-shaped fruits with translucent skins, vaguely revealing silver-sand-like cores within. These Jiang Wang did not recognize by name.

However, he had not boarded the carriage to observe the life of a Commander of the Ninth Rank. He sat upright and composed, answering truthfully, “Only during feasts.”

“I have heard many speak of you, but this is my first encounter today.” Xiu Yuan reached out and flipped the wine cups upright, his voice flat. “Accompany me in a drink.” As he spoke, he had already righted three cups and reached for the wine flask.

Jiang Wang quickly extended his hand. “Allow this humble official to serve.”

Xiu Yuan held the handle of the flask with one hand, yielding slightly. “Good man, there’s no need to stand on such trivial ceremony.”

Jiang Wang could only settle back.

Xiu Yuan poured the wine slowly and deliberately, asking casually, “Just now in the hall, I observed you vaguely sketching the Eight Winds. Do you cultivate the Dragon-Tiger technique?”

“Indeed, I do.” Jiang Wang was somewhat surprised by the attention paid to him, but quickly explained, “I absolutely harbored no disrespect towards the Eleventh Prince. Pondering Dao techniques is merely a habit.”

Xiu Yuan poured three cups of wine and used the back of his index finger to push one towards Jiang Wang. He said lightly, “I have long heard that Jiang Qingyang is neither arrogant nor dejected, that he is diligent and hardworking, unlike ordinary people. Seeing you today confirms your extraordinary nature.”

Jiang Wang humbly replied, “Though this humble official is but a clumsy bird taking flight early, I endeavor to compensate with diligence.”

Xiu Yuan shook his head. “In this world, those with a few points of minor cleverness are myriad. Those with great wisdom, how few are they? If you are a clumsy bird, then not many in the world are truly flying.”

Jiang Wang said, “My small cleverness is merely a matter of greater effort and caution. All my gains stem from cultivation.”

“That is great wisdom,” Xiu Yuan stated. “Among the world’s academies, the Four Greats are paramount. The Dragon Gate Academy speaks of heaven-sent talent and emotion; the Azure Cliff Academy seeks a willful, natural state; the Haoran Academy cultivates righteous *qi* within the body – all are world-class knowledge. But foremost among academies is diligence. The Diligence Academy has no other secret; it is only the strong wind of diligent learning that grants it preeminence.”

Jiang Wang nodded seriously. “This humble official is grateful for the teaching.”

This Jiang Wang, humble to an almost excessive degree, was utterly unlike the staunch, unyielding Jiang Wang who dared to question the Emperor when provoked. They seemed like two entirely different individuals.

Xiu Yuan glanced at him faintly. “I am not teaching you either… ah, since you say you accept the teaching…” His gaze became slightly firmer.

Jiang Wang immediately felt a gentle stream of information, like misty fine rain, showering upon his divine soul. It was clearly cultivation insights into the Dao technique “Dragon-Tiger,” along with some ideas based on external practice of this technique.

“I happened to learn it in my early years,” Xiu Yuan said casually. “I have no use for it now, but I haven’t forgotten it entirely… so I will give it to you.”

The world of Dao techniques was vast as the sea, and ever-changing, evolving at a rapid pace. Even a master of techniques like Yi Xingchen could not claim to have stumbled upon every Dao technique. Xiu Yuan was no exception. Thus, this Dragon-Tiger technique was, of course, something he had quickly researched and adapted while waiting outside the palace gates. After a brief study, he had passed it to Jiang Wang.

The understanding of a contemporary True Person concerning a Dao technique, almost instantly shattered the barrier Jiang Wang had struggled with for days, bringing sudden enlightenment.

Jiang Wang was both surprised and delighted. “Commander Xiu has bestowed such a great gift, I truly know not how to thank you.”

“No need for more words,” Xiu Yuan lifted his chin, utterly at ease. “A toast will suffice.”

Jiang Wang simply raised his cup. “I shall drink first as a mark of respect.”

He downed the wine in one gulp. The warm, cool liquid flowed into his abdomen, then suddenly transformed into a line of fire, burning upwards, rushing straight to his throat. At that crucial point, it burst forth like sparks, “exploding” throughout his entire body. There was not a single spot from head to toe that did not feel comfortable. His divine soul was exceptionally vibrant, and his Dao Yuan was remarkably spirited.

This wine… it could actually assist cultivation! It was a truly exquisite product!

The toast itself was also a windfall. The repeated benefits left Jiang Wang momentarily speechless.

Xiu Yuan had already raised his cup and was drinking slowly. “Seize the moment to digest it; do not miss the wine’s effect.”

Jiang Wang thus closed his eyes and circulated his Dao Yuan. Under the slow flow of the wine’s power, the Tongtian Sea became clearer, and the isolated islands within the Five Mansions Sea grew more stable. Within the Zangxing Sea, the Dao Pulse twisted and turned like soaring dragons…

He knew not how long passed. When Jiang Wang opened his eyes, he felt his body and soul were at peace, all matters smooth. This wine was truly a miraculous treasure; one cup was worth a month’s effort!

Xiu Yuan poured him another cup. “Drinking more of this wine has no further effect, but after its effects wear off, its flavor truly manifests. Taste it again.”

Such an exquisite wine, capable of assisting cultivation, was of inestimable value. Perhaps only a contemporary True Person like Xiu Yuan could, in a state where he no longer felt its extraordinary effects, luxuriously savor its taste.

At the very least, when Jiang Wang himself took a small sip, though fragrance lingered on his lips and teeth, he was still preoccupied with the pleasure of the cultivation assistance, trying to capture its effect and feeling regret for its immense value… he didn’t truly appreciate the flavor.

He stopped his wine cup mid-air, sighing softly. “Jiang Wang is truly overwhelmed by your favor.”

“This is your due,” Xiu Yuan lightly savored the wine, his tone casual. “The older one gets, the less one wishes to be indebted. Especially when it comes to human favor… it is very difficult to repay.”

Initially, during the Rites of Grand Mastery, Jiang Wang’s theory of “ants should have no regrets” had appeased the Emperor’s wrath and earned him countless favors. For instance, the imperial physician Yi Xingchen, who ultimately chose Cui Zhu’s name, had already shown goodwill multiple times. And Xiu Yuan was precisely among those most indebted. However, he had been imprisoned at home, lacking both time and opportunity to contact Jiang Wang. Seeing him today at the Hall of Longevity, he had immediately waited outside to “repay the debt.”

As soon as Xiu Yuan spoke these words, Jiang Wang immediately relaxed. He took another sip of the wine in his cup, and this time, he could truly appreciate its beauty… after all, this Jiang, too, was someone who feared owing favors.

The wine liquid entered his throat and wound through his intestines a hundred times. Jiang Wang then asked, “Might I inquire the name of this wine?”

“This wine was brewed by myself… only the last pot remains.” Xiu Yuan shook the flask, listening to the sound of the jade-like liquid, and said faintly, “It is named ‘Folding Long Willow’.”

Folding long willow, hoping the gentleman will stay long. There must be a story behind this. Though Jiang Wang did not know the intricacies, he tasted a certain complexity in the wine. He couldn’t help but praise, “A beautiful name.”

The carriage slowly came to a stop at this moment, the wine in the cup utterly still. Xiu Yuan’s skill as a driver was truly divine, far beyond that of the driver Xie Ping had hired from who knows where. Jiang Wang blinked lightly, cutting off these self-deprecating thoughts. Comparing himself to a Commander of the Ninth Rank was truly senseless…

Xiu Yuan held the wine flask, refilling Jiang Wang’s cup, and then asked, “Do you know where this is?”

Jiang Wang, of course, knew where this was. Even without opening his Worldly Listener State, his sensitivity to sound allowed him to discern the surrounding environment. The surging human voices, the boiling emotions of the crowd—nervousness, excitement, fear, cheering… and the sounds of miserable howls.

Undoubtedly, it was an execution ground. An execution ground where many criminals were being simultaneously dismembered. Among them was a contemporary True Person named Yan Tu.

Xiu Yuan’s carriage had stopped not far from the execution ground. Although the crowd was surging, the insignia of the Prisoner-Suppressing Army had managed to clear a space. But the carriage door remained closed, and the windows were not opened. Xiu Yuan’s carriage had driven here, but he seemed to have no intention of watching the execution.

Of course… as a contemporary True Person, if he wished to see, there was little that could obstruct his line of sight. The tightly closed door and windows were simply his closed eyes.

“This is the place where the spies of the Equality Country are being executed,” Jiang Wang said, choosing his words carefully. His words carried a subtle reminder for Xiu Yuan.

Xiu Yuan didn’t show if he had understood, or rather, if he had even listened. He merely took a sip of wine, savoring it slowly, appearing somewhat drunk, then said, “I heard you enjoy reading?”

Jiang Wang very much wanted to ask, “Who told you?” He lacked the audacity to boast in front of a contemporary True Person and answered somewhat uneasily, “I increasingly feel my accumulation is insufficient, and I have indeed been trying to find time to read recently… but I haven’t read much.”

“Have you read 《Records of Exotic Beasts》?” Xiu Yuan asked.

“Not yet…” Jiang Wang replied. He had never even heard the name of this book before!

“… It is a book that records all sorts of exotic beasts, with relatively comprehensive information,” Xiu Yuan said. “Although many of the exotic beasts recorded within are already extinct, to some extent, it also represents a segment of history, helpful in deepening your understanding of this world. Your Divine Arrival should be without obstacle, but if you wish to achieve True Person status, you must understand this world more. If you have the opportunity… you should still read it once.”

Facing this foremost heaven’s pride of Great Qi’s younger generation, he naturally couldn’t bring himself to say that this was merely one of the basic reading materials at the Jixia Academy.

“Understood!” Jiang Wang simply nodded. To know is to know, and not to know is not to know. Insufficient accumulation was a matter of inherent condition, not his fault, nor anything to be ashamed of. He was still young, still in the prime of his youth; more effort would suffice to compensate.

“There is a type of bird called the Rain Bearer…” Xiu Yuan stroked his wine cup, sighing. “I have always greatly desired to see one, but I have never been able to find one. I believe it should no longer exist.”

“Is this bird’s divine power very strong? Does it have any special killing methods?” Jiang Wang asked curiously.

“… ” Xiu Yuan suddenly felt as if he were playing the lute to a cow. He simply said, “Don’t just drink; eat some of the dishes.”

Jiang Wang obediently picked up one of the half-moon-shaped fruits with the silver-sand-like core and put it in his mouth. He had originally wanted to ask what precious materials the Rain Bearer bird’s body contained, but with one bite, his mouth was filled with a flowing fragrance, and he instantly forgot.

“Eh, the taste is not bad,” Jiang Jueye made his tone as natural as possible, trying not to appear too surprised. “Commander Xiu, where can one purchase this fruit?” In his heart, he calculated how, with his current salary, he could buy a few *jin* for An An to taste. He had missed An An’s birthday again this year and simply had to find some good food to make up for it, no matter the cost.

“Ah, that is called ‘Moon Cage Sand’,” Xiu Yuan said casually. “It is produced after the Ten Thousand Demon Gate, and the fox clan loves to eat it the most, considering it a holy fruit. It does not exist in the current world, nor can it be cultivated.”

“Uh… oh.”

“If you like it, eat more,” Xiu Yuan held his wine cup and said casually. “Indeed, the taste is very good. Each time I go beyond the Ten Thousand Demon Gate, I will specifically go and find some.” Although he said this, he simply took another sip of wine.

“A very rare taste,” Jiang Wang said as if nothing had happened, grabbing a handful and putting one in his mouth. Learning techniques in someone else’s carriage, drinking their wine, eating their fruit, and still packing some away was something this heaven’s pride of the absolute world naturally couldn’t do. But holding a handful of fruit and not finishing it for a while was certainly possible, wasn’t it? Eating while walking should also be no problem. Then, if some were accidentally brought home, it would also be a very reasonable thing. Since they were all left over, leaving them for his sister to eat later should not invite any idle talk, should it?

In his logical world, Jiang Qingyang stood firm.

But Xiu Yuan did not speak.

With Xiu Yuan’s silence, Jiang Wang suddenly felt awkward. Holding a handful of Moon Cage Sand, he was reluctant to eat it, yet not eating it felt very strange. After some thought, he decided to grit his teeth and eat it anyway, though it felt somewhat like a cover-up. He truly tormented himself with his thoughts.

“Rain,” Xiu Yuan suddenly said.

Jiang Wang then realized that at some point… the miserable cries from the execution ground had ceased. The carriage started again, silently driving away from here.

Xiu Yuan looked up, and a skylight on the carriage ceiling automatically slid open. He saw only a fine red rain in the sky, gently sprinkling down towards the human world. A True Person had left the world, and heaven and earth wept blood… a shared sorrow.

The carriage drove through Linzi City, the most prosperous city in the Eastern Domain. Xiu Yuan was silent, and Jiang Wang was also quiet. From somewhere far away, a song drifted.

That song sang—

“Tonight again, fold long willow. The beautiful moon casts its reflection in the wine cup…”

“Lightly penned old verses, joyful emotions passed through. Tear stains still thinner than the blue flowers…”¹

Jiang Wang thought he might have misheard. In these days, revelry was not permitted within the city.

¹ “Tonight again, fold long willow…” – How do emotions compare to “Hairpin Head Phoenix · Folding Long Willow”?

² The draft should have already been saved, beginning to add updates to repay the debt. However, things have been too numerous these days, leaving no time for anything else.

³ The physical book sales are good. On Dangdang, it is the top-selling new book in youth literature and ranked sixth overall. Thank you all for your support. I have been taking time every day to sign copies, signing five hundred books a day, striving to have the signed editions all sent out by the publisher before the middle of the month.

Once I am finished being busy, I will repay the debt.