2752 The Talisman Practitioner Has Arrived



Their tiny faces were aglow with delight. Their happiness was undeniable.

"Who would have thought that the young crown prince consort hailed from a small village nestled in a remote, mountainous region?" someone scoffed disdainfully.

"Ha! Let them eat their words!" another interjected.

"None of you have witnessed the remarkable abilities of our Crown Prince Consort," a confident voice defended.

The Scarlet Sky Breaker ship cut through the clouds in the highest heavens. Only those with exceptional eyesight among the cultivators could barely discern the silhouette of the passing ship.

However, for the ordinary citizens bustling about the city, the ship remained invisible.

Shortly after Qiao Mu and her companions set sail, a weary group arrived at the north gate of the capital.

Leading the group was a young man, roughly 20 years of age, his face dusted with the evidence of their journey.

Around a dozen people accompanied him in this procession. Upon passing through the city gate, their gazes wandered in all directions.

"Finally, we're in the capital," exclaimed a youth of about 14 or 15, panting and using his sleeve to mop his sweaty face. "I wonder if His Highness and the others are fretting over our delay."

A slender woman, perhaps 28 or 29 years old with prominent cheekbones, rolled her eyes playfully. Unable to hold back, she quipped, "As if you ever bother waiting. My bet is that you've already tried everyone's patience."

"Who could have foreseen the troubles we'd encounter on the way?" Zou Huan, the young leader, scratched his head awkwardly. "We did rescue three fellow practitioners along the journey, didn't we?"

The other youth, also around 20, quickly bowed and admitted, "Indeed, it was the three of us who caused the delay for everyone else."

This individual possessed a gentle countenance. While not strikingly handsome, his demeanor exuded an air of excellence.

"I apologize, sincerely." The second man also clasped his hands and added, "Our meddling, my sibling and I, undoubtedly stirred up unnecessary turmoil…"

"Enough, there's no blame here." Qi Hua dismissed their concerns with a wave of his hand. "We're fine. Besides, the Crown Prince must be aware of the nature of our work. Let's proceed…"

Before he could conclude his statement, a dark figure abruptly materialized before them, scrutinizing their presence.

"Qi Hua and Zou Huan, correct?"

"Ah! Yes, that's right." Zou Huan affirmed, somewhat bewildered.

"All of you, follow me!" The young man in black attire fixed them with an unsmiling stare and then pivoted, striding toward the southern district.

After a few steps, he pivoted again, noticing that Zou Huan and the rest remained rooted at the city gate. An involuntary furrow creased his brows as he curtly urged, "Move quickly and cease wasting time!"

"It seems you took almost a month to journey from South City to the imperial capital. Your pace is truly remarkable!"

/Oh no…! A stranger was clearly expressing his disdain for him!/

Zou Huan and his companions exchanged dismayed looks as they observed the young man's disapproving demeanor. "And who might you be?"

"I am An Cu, the royal guard of the Crown Prince Consort."

/Ah, so he was associated with the Crown Prince Consort./ Understanding dawned among the group.

An elderly gentleman, roughly 70 years old, courteously extended his hands toward An Cu. "We are indebted to you for your assistance, young friend."

An Cu's countenance notably grew more composed as he acknowledged the older gentleman with a nod. "No trouble at all, sir."

"We offer our gratitude, thank you."

They hadn't witnessed An Cu's actions, yet upon rounding the corner, they were greeted by the sight of three expansive carriages stationed by the roadside.

Exhaustion had gripped them in its outlandish grasp, compelling each to swiftly extend their gratitude to An Cu before seeking refuge in the awaiting carriages for some much-needed rest.

Among their group, there were only two females. One was Shen Jue, the slender maiden of around 28 to 29 years, who had accompanied Elderly Mister Mu and a cadre of other talisman practitioners from South City.