Chapter 96: Chapter 86: Yunlin

「Three days later, at Goddess Temple Pier.」

A bitter wind howled, and the ice on the river’s surface had yet to melt.

A massive, all-black tower ship, its sails already raised, was ready to depart. Its hull, built from sturdy ironwood, was far superior to that of an ordinary cargo vessel.

On deck, guards in the Wu Family’s uniform cyan martial attire stood solemnly. Their auras were profound; they were all exceptional experts.

This was the very merchant ship the Wu Family used to transport Treasure Fish.

Chen Qing was dressed in practical, dark gray martial attire, a simple travel bag on his back.

“Once I’m settled in the Prefecture City, I’ll write to you.”

He gave a deep bow to his mother, Ms. Han, and his cousin, Yang Huien, who had come to see him off.

Before leaving, he had already bid farewell to Cheng Ming and Sun Shun. He had only told them the hour of his departure and politely declined their offer to see him off, striving to keep this journey low-key.

Ms. Han fought back tears, fussing over him with constant reminders.

“Don’t you worry. I’ll take good care of Auntie.”

Yang Huien then pressed a bundle into his hands, which contained thick clothes she had rushed to make for him.

“Master Chen, this way, please.”

A Wu Family Steward, who had been waiting by the gangway for some time, spoke with a respectful expression.

As he stepped onto the deck, the curtain to a cabin was drawn aside, and Wu Manqing’s figure appeared in the doorway.

She wasn’t wearing an elaborate dress today. Instead, she had on a practical, deep cyan brocade martial attire, with a snow-fox fur-collared cloak draped over her shoulders. The outfit was both noble and competent.

With her usual composed smile, she gave Chen Qing a slight nod. “Brother Chen, the journey is cold. I’ve prepared hot tea inside. Please, come in.”

Chen Qing cupped his fist. “My apologies for the intrusion, Madam Wu.”

The cabin was elegantly furnished and pleasantly warm, insulating them from the cold and noise outside.

On a small table, steam curled up from a purple clay teapot, releasing a delicate, fragrant aroma.

The two sat down as host and guest. A serving girl silently served them hot tea before excusing herself, leaving the two of them alone in the cabin.

Amidst the boat master’s shouts, the cargo ship slowly pulled away from the shore. It entered the wide river channel, breaking through the waves as it headed toward the Prefecture City.

Outside the window, the silhouette of Gaolin County gradually blurred in the morning mist.

Wu Manqing raised her teacup and took a gentle sip. Her gaze fell on Chen Qing through the swirling steam as she got straight to the point. “The Prefecture City is not like Gaolin. It’s a chaotic mix of good and evil, with deep waters and fierce currents. Brother Chen, on your way to the Wutai Sect, the more you know, the safer you’ll be. While we have this time on the river, allow me, Manqing, to explain the power structure of the Prefecture City’s various factions. Consider it a way to pass the time; I hope it will be of some use to you.”

Chen Qing set down his teacup and said seriously, “I would be grateful to hear the details.”

’He knew next to nothing about the Prefecture City, so having Wu Manqing explain it to him was a perfect opportunity.’

“The power structure throughout Yunlin Prefecture is vast and complex, but at the very top, there are a few main factions.”

Wu Manqing’s voice was steady and clear. “First is the Wutai Sect, where you are headed. This Sect is founded on the Five Elements and has a profound heritage, divided into the Five Institutes. The Geng Metal Institute focuses on Fist, Foot and Palm Technique and is known for being fierce and domineering. The Cyan Wood Institute specializes in Elixirs, medicine, Hidden Weapons, and Poison Technique, employing a wide variety of methods. The Gui Water Institute practices an elegant and agile Swordsmanship, like flowing clouds and water. The Li Fire Institute’s Saber Technique is tyrannical, swift, and spreads like a wildfire. Finally, the Kun Earth Institute excels in Spear Technique, emphasizing stability and weight, and adheres to the principle of ’one spear to break all techniques’.”

“Although the Five Institutes each have their own focus, their Core Heart Methods are complementary, and disciples often spar and exchange knowledge with one another.”

“Captain Pang himself is from the Kun Earth Institute’s Inner Courtyard.”

’Chen Qing silently committed this to memory, paying special attention to the information about the Geng Metal Institute. It was the most compatible with the Long Arm Fist and Eight Extremes Vajra Body that he cultivated.’

’If I could enter it, and also study the Hidden Weapon Poison Technique of the Cyan Wood Institute, my offensive and defensive capabilities would increase dramatically.’

“Additionally, Sects like Qixia Manor, the Xuanjia Sect, and Cold Jade Valley are all comparable in strength to the Wutai Sect. These four great Sects control the revenue of eighty-seven cities, collect taxes, and suppress powerful local tyrants and Cults. They are the true pillars of the region.”

“Second is the Yunlin Commerce Association. This isn’t a single entity, but a massive conglomerate of shared interests led by several of Yunlin Prefecture’s wealthiest merchants, uniting numerous trading companies. Its reach extends into every industry. With immense financial power, its influence permeates every aspect of Yunlin Prefecture. Families like the Han Family and the Li Family in the county are on the periphery of the Yunlin Trading Company’s sphere of influence.”

“Finally, there are the centuries-old Noble Families of the Martial Arts world: the Liu Family and the Zheng Family. These two families have been entrenched in the Prefecture City for hundreds of years. They possess their own ancestral Heart Methods and Martial Arts, have produced numerous experts, and have deep connections and industries throughout Yunlin, focusing primarily on mines and banks. They even have ties to Martial Arts Sects in other prefectures and cannot be underestimated.”

She concluded, “The relationships between these factions are intricate and complex, a mix of cooperation, checks and balances, and conflict. There are also some second-tier powers, but you’ll learn about them yourself once you arrive in the Prefecture City.”

Chen Qing’s expression grew solemn.

’From Wu Manqing’s brief description alone, it’s clear that Yunlin Prefecture is a place of deep waters and fierce currents. I’ll need to tread carefully from now on.’

The ship traveled for several days, moving from the inland river to a wider, more turbulent great river.

The scenery on both banks changed from familiar hills and villages to sparsely populated gorges with rugged cliffs. Finally, the view opened up dramatically as they entered a watery region, a web of channels dotted with islands like stars in the sky.

One day, Chen Qing and Wu Manqing stood together on the deck.

“That’s Qianchuan Marsh up ahead!”

Wu Manqing pointed toward the vast, misty expanse of water. “Yunlin City is just ahead!”

Chen Qing looked into the distance. As the silhouette of an unimaginably massive city slowly emerged on the horizon, even he, with his steadfast will, couldn’t help but hold his breath.

’The Prefecture City!’

Even from a distance, its form exuded a majestic and imposing aura that washed over him.

The city walls stood well over a hundred feet tall, built from neatly cut stones that glinted with a metallic sheen.

The gate towers were as immense as crouching beasts, their banners snapping in the wind.

But even more shocking was the network of waterways that encircled the city.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep