#11 - Can I take you with me to practice?

On Azure Dragon Street in the Martial Kingdom's imperial capital, pedestrians hurried to make way, their eyes all focused in the same direction.

"Mommy, look at those beautiful horses!" A little boy in a woman's arms had sparkling eyes.

"Those aren't horses... they're called Blood Kirin Beasts. Only nobles can use them as mounts," the woman said softly.

"Nobles? Mommy, how rich are they?" the little boy asked.

The woman thought for a moment, then shook her head: "A level of wealth we can't even dream of in our lifetime."

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On Azure Dragon Street, two Blood Kirin Beasts snorted loudly, their blood-red fur looking as if stained with fresh blood. A single horn grew from their foreheads, and their hooves were marked with flame-like patterns. Their tails blazed with fire, swishing back and forth, carrying a scorching heat.

The carriage pulled by the Blood Kirin Beasts was very large. Golden yellow fabric was adorned with embroidered white tigers. The coachman driving the carriage had a long scar on his face.

Inside the carriage were a man and a woman.

The man and woman sat far apart.

The man's brow was slightly furrowed, as if he had many worries on his mind.

The woman wore a light-colored silk skirt with silver trim. A water-lily-colored sash accentuated her waist, and the delicate orchids embroidered on the cuffs further highlighted her slender fingers. Her long hair cascaded down her shoulders like a waterfall.

A cluster of jade ornaments hung from her waist, and her fair jade arms seemed boneless. She moved with graceful lightness, her figure full and enchanting, revealing a captivating beauty.

Because she wore a light veil, her entire face could not be seen. However, judging from the half of her face that was visible, her beauty was undoubtedly capable of toppling kingdoms.

The woman kept her eyes closed, not saying a word.

The man looked at the woman, his eyes devoid of any other emotion except reverence: "National Preceptor, how about we postpone entering the palace and first go to my humble abode for a meal? Zhao can properly entertain you."

The woman slowly opened her eyes. They were a standard pair of beautiful phoenix eyes, captivating and alluring. Amidst the majesty, they also evoked a desire to approach:

"Wen Shan, even if you didn't mention it, I was planning to visit your residence."

"Hm?" Zhao Wen Shan asked, puzzled.

Zhao Wen Shan's invitation to the National Preceptor to dine at his residence was merely a polite gesture.

If possible, he also wanted to see if any of his descendants could catch the National Preceptor's eye.

Unexpectedly, the National Preceptor already had this intention.

The woman, whose Daoist name was Wang Xuan, did not conceal her thoughts: "Just now, during meditation, I sensed a very powerful vortex of fortune beneath this imperial city. I just took a spiritual journey and discovered that this vortex of fortune originates from the Xu and Qin estates. I've heard that the Xu and Qin families share the same roots. I wonder if Wen Shan can introduce me, so that I can pay a visit."

Zhao Wen Shan was immediately overjoyed: "Of course. My younger sister wrote to me saying that the Old Madam is currently at the Xu estate to receive disciples. National Preceptor, you can go with this disciple. It would be the blessing of the Xu and Qin families if someone could meet your approval."

Wang Xuan shook her head: "The Qin Duke and Xu Duke followed the founding emperor of the Martial Kingdom, conquering all directions. It is only natural and reasonable for talented individuals to emerge from both families."

"Ah, National Preceptor, you flatter us," Zhao Wen Shan sighed. "Admittedly, the Qin and Xu Dukes once created great achievements, but for the past two hundred years, whether it be the Qin estate or the Xu estate, they have both become lost in the wealth and prosperity of the imperial capital, indulging in extravagance and corruption. Where is there even a trace of the Dukes' former glory?"

As he spoke, Zhao Wen Shan clenched his fist and heavily knocked on his thigh: "Now, the Northern Wilderness and Southern Plains are watching us covetously, and to the west, there is the Western Regions Demonic Sect, and to the south, there are thousands of demon kingdoms.

Even within the borders of our great Martial Kingdom, the various sects are arrogant and self-important, superficially submitting, but in reality, which of them truly respects the Martial Kingdom?

This time when I return, I need to have a good talk with my brother-in-law and that Old Madam.

If the descendants of the two families continue like this, how will the Xu and Qin families protect themselves when the chaotic era arrives?"

Listening to Zhao Wen Shan's words, Wang Xuan said nothing, but continued to keep her eyes closed.

Soon after, the Blood Kirin Beasts stopped in front of the Xu estate's entrance.

As Zhao Wen Shan stepped down from the carriage, he heard someone shout: "Master Zhao is back!"

"Quick, quick, light the firecrackers, go inform the Old Madam, Master, and Madams!" As the Xu estate's steward's voice faded, the Xu and Qin estates erupted with the sound of firecrackers.

Amidst the sound of firecrackers, the Blood Kirin Beasts stood still, not moving an inch, even yawning boredly.

"Hahaha, Wen Shan, you've finally returned!" The Qin estate's master, Qin Ru Hai, enthusiastically stepped forward to greet his brother-in-law.

"Wen Shan, it's been ten years since we last met, right? Wen Shan has become even more handsome and robust," the Xu estate's master, Xu Zheng, also stepped forward warmly.

"Brother-in-law, Big Brother Xu," Zhao Wen Shan cupped his fist in a salute. Although Zhao Wen Shan didn't have a good impression of the Xu and Qin families, regardless, he was still considered a member of the Qin and Xu families, so etiquette was still necessary.

"Why so polite?" Qin Ru Hai helped Zhao Wen Shan up. "The Qin Duke and Xu Duke are still attending court and couldn't come to receive you. Don't be angry."

Zhao Wen Shan shook his head: "How could Wen Shan be angry with the two Uncles?"

"Oh right, Brother-in-law, Big Brother Xu, we have a distinguished guest with us," Zhao Wen Shan quickly said after exchanging greetings.

"Distinguished guest?"

Just as Qin Ru Hai and Xu Zheng were puzzled, the carriage curtain was lifted, and Wang Xuan stepped down from the carriage.

Looking at this woman whose face was veiled, her aura like a secluded orchid, ethereal like a fairy, Qin Ru Hai and Xu Zheng were both stunned.

"This humble Daoist is Wang Xuan, greetings to the two Qin stewards and Xu stewards," Wang Xuan stepped down from the carriage and cupped her fist in a salute to the two.

Qin Ru Hai and Xu Zheng each held a minor, inactive position in the Ministry of Rites, so Wang Xuan addressed them as stewards.

"Elder Wang Xuan is the head of the Ten Great Elders of the Heavenly Mystery Sect. This time, she has come to the Martial Kingdom's imperial capital at the invitation of His Majesty to assume the position of National Preceptor," Zhao Wen Shan introduced from the side.

Hearing Wang Xuan's greeting, and then hearing Zhao Wen Shan say that this dreamlike woman would be the Martial Kingdom's National Preceptor, Qin Ru Hai and Xu Zheng finally reacted, quickly retracting their gazes and respectfully saluting Wang Xuan: "This official greets the National Preceptor."

Wang Xuan gently shook her head: "The two stewards need not be so polite. This time, Wang Xuan's arrival is actually a bit of a disturbance, and I'm afraid I'll have to trouble the two stewards."

"National Preceptor, you are too polite. If there is anything this official can do to assist the National Preceptor, it would be my honor," Xu Zheng quickly said.

Wang Xuan nodded: "This humble Daoist entered the imperial capital and, while meditating, sensed a spiritual light transforming into a dragon above the Xu and Qin families. This is an omen of a prodigy. I wonder if the two stewards can allow this humble Daoist to see the children under the age of ten in your estates. If there is truly a connection, can this humble Daoist take them to my side to cultivate?"