Lord of the Desert

Chapter 462 Wonders
In the heart of Zhongzhou, the fields are flat and open, the air is warm and clear, and at a glance it seems as if you can reach the end of the world.

On the northern horizon, a line of majestic peaks, capped by snow-capped mountains, sits steadily and steadily.

"That mountain must be the 'Imperial Throne'. It is six hundred miles from east to west and dozens of miles from north to south. There are seven peaks over four thousand meters high. Legend has it that the Zulong's palace is inside the mountain."

Hong Fan stood on top of the carriage and pointed north.

Hearing the interest in his master's voice, Hongqi shook his mane and snorted ingratiatingly.

In the distance, half of the capital's outline has appeared, and the eaves of countless buildings are shining brightly in the morning sun.

A large lake as blue as the sea and connecting to the sky nestles to the east of the city.

"The mountain is the throne, and the great lake where the Milky Way converges from the snowy mountains is the 'Eye of the Earth'!"

Shen Hong was equally excited.

"The lake is the eye of the earth, and the lonely rock peak behind the lake must be connected to the rooftop. I have heard about it so many times in the storybooks, but I finally saw it in person in this lifetime!"

Sun Li rode on a tall horse, a childlike smile on his scarred face.

The roads on the plains are like lines, converging towards the city to form a mesh, and the summer heat dissipates unnoticed, as if the season has retreated to late spring.

The convoy approached the edge of the capital, and houses were dotted along the roadside.

The tiger-eating beast pulled its cart into the crowd, proudly raised its long face and glanced sideways at the ordinary cattle and horses passing by.

Walking into the street from the official road, more than a dozen mighty knights had already dismounted and walked. The further they walked, the more awkward they felt. They thought about it over and over again but couldn't put it into words. After a while, Kong Hai, who was scratching his ears and cheeks, pointed it out.

"Old Shen, why doesn't this Shenjing have a city wall?"

"Yes, Second Young Master, if such a big city doesn't have walls, wouldn't it be defenseless?"

Shen Hong slapped his bald forehead and suddenly realized.

As veterans of battle, they repeated the most along the way, commenting on the terrain and the city's defenses, and discussing how many muskets they could put on the tower to strangle the nearby streets...

"It would be a shame for a city like this to not have walls!"

A bunch of fighting men must be feeling uncomfortable.

Then a voice interrupted and answered.

"My dear nobles, you may not know that who dares to start a war under the throne? Even the change of dynasties will only be decided by the upper class, and they dare not harm innocent people."

Everyone looked in the direction of the voice and saw a smart young man of about eighteen or nineteen years old, wearing a long gown, who was bowing hurriedly.

The horse's hooves slowed down a little.

"You've been following us for half a block. Is there something wrong?"

Hong Fan looked down from the car window and asked.

"I am Liu Si, a native of this place. Seeing that you are here for the first time in the capital, I dare to ask for the job of your guide."

He was captivated by the appearance and demeanor of the person in the car. After a moment of hesitation, he bowed again and quickly followed the car.

There were many guides waiting at the edge of Shenjing City, and four or five of them noticed Hong Fan's attack. However, they were afraid of Shen Hong and the other dozen well-equipped and armed men, as well as the luxurious four-wheeled carriage and the tiger-eating beast, so they did not dare to come up for a while.

"We do need a guide, what's your price?"

Hong Fan asked with a smile.

"I have been hanging out in the streets of Shenjing since I was a child, so I am familiar with every street and alley. If you don't mind my chatterbox, I can tell you about the local celebrities and anecdotes for three days and three nights!"

Liu Si patted his chest.

"As for the price..."

He held up a finger.

"A hundred coins?"

Shen Hong asked, thinking that the prices in Shenjing were quite cheap.

"One hundred coins is not enough. I am comparing one coin."

Liu Si replied carefully.

"If you want to lead the way, you have to earn several hundred taels a year. Do you think we are from other places and want to rip us off?!"

Sun Li held his knife and sneered, the long scar on his face twisting like a centipede.

"How dare I treat you like this?"

Liu Si smiled and begged for mercy.

"If I were to guide an ordinary family, I would be satisfied with 30 or 40 cents to make a living, but you are a noble and precious person, I think it is a great fortune to meet you, so I dare to ask for a favor - as long as you need me, I will be attentive to you every day before leaving Beijing, all for this price!"

His words were sincere and pleasing, which calmed Shen Hong and others down.

"Then please lead us on the way; we don't need days, we are here to stay forever, just today is enough."

Hong Fan readily agreed, thinking in his heart that the capital was no different from other places - a guide from a smaller place would have been speechless when seeing Shen Hong and his gang of fierce and ferocious men getting angry.

"I'm going to the Martial Arts Academy tomorrow. You can sit on my cart and take us to a more convenient inn."

He raised his head in a gesture.

Liu Si was overjoyed and bowed deeply.

"I see. The Zhangwu Academy is in East City. There are several high-end inns there."

Under Hong Qi's contempt, he carefully lifted up his gown and sat next to Kong Hai, who was driving the car. As soon as he sat down, he was shocked by how smooth and comfortable the carriage ran.

"I am just shortsighted. With your money, it is not enough to go to a high-end place. You have to go to a good place."

He apologized, touched the painted steel frame, and directed the convoy to move forward.

The journey was not long and everything went smoothly.

"Liu Si, are we entering the city now?"

Hong Fan asked in the car.

"My Lord, the capital is like a living thing, growing every year. It is hard to say that there is a specific boundary between the city and the outside world. We have definitely entered the city since we have come here."

Liu Si replied.

"Don't you have to pay the city entry tax?"

Hong Fan asked.

"Shenjing doesn't have a city entry tax or business tax, but shops and market stalls are taxed based on turnover, at a rate of about 15%."

Liu Si explained.

"It's not even 3pm yet. We need to cross the entire city to get to the east, which will take more than an hour."

“Is it that far?”

Shen Hong, who was walking in front, was shocked when he heard this.

In his eyes, Xijing was already a very big city. It was nearly twenty miles from east to west, and it took a horse carriage three quarters of an hour to travel there.

"Yes, Your Excellency, you don't know that the capital is not only big, but also not square in shape."

Liu Sizhi pointed to the tall and lonely Tiantai Terrace in the north.

"The imperial city of the government is located south of Jietiantai. The common people of the noble families are scattered around the imperial city. Overall, it is in the shape of a flat fan, about 30 miles thick from north to south and more than 60 miles wide from east to west."

Today is the eighth day of the seventh lunar month. Although the Qiqiao Festival has passed, the afterglow of the festival still remains in the city.

Many young women on both sides of the street dyed their nails red with marigold juice, and red ropes were tied to the tall branches of the big trees that grew out from the side alleys.

"So the city of Shenjing is too big to build a city wall?"

Kong Hai interrupted faintly.

Along the way, a thought kept lingering in his mind - if such a beautiful city was built with a wall seventy or eighty feet high, how easy would it be to defend?

"That's not it."

Liu Si straightened his back, full of energy.

"Your Excellency may not know that Shenjing has a population of three million, with nearly four hundred innate masters, more than seventy Yuanci masters, ten Tianren Wuzong masters, and even two Wusheng masters living here for a long time. If we really want to build something, let alone a city or a building, mountains, rivers, and lakes are not difficult!"

At this time, the convoy was about to cross the river, but because there were too many pedestrians and vehicles, they were stuck in line at the bridgehead.

"Oh, what do you mean?"

Hong Fan saw that the young man was both explaining and bragging, so he took the initiative to join in the conversation.

"My lord, when you come from the west, you will see three glaciers falling from the throne and merging into the eye of the earth in the east."

Liu Si bowed and cleared his throat.

"And in the southeast of Diyan Lake, there is a giant waterfall called 'Thunder Country' that is 16 miles wide. The waterfall has a drop of 100 meters, and the sound of water can be heard from more than 10 miles away, as if it is the country of thunder, hence the name. I once went to play under the waterfall and saw water vapor rising hundreds of feet high, the sky curtain rushing and hanging like a veil outside the world, and countless rainbows suspended and connected. Even if I was whispering and shouting with my friends, I couldn't hear each other's voice..."

Shen Hong and the others were stunned by this description. They stared blankly and could not imagine the scene.

"Did you memorize this word?"

Hong Fan was fascinated and asked with a smile.

"I can't hide it from you, it's true that I was unlucky, but I really went to see it, I just can't describe it myself."

Liu Si responded generously.

"I mention this because the mountains, rivers and lakes around Shenjing are not natural and each has its own function. It is recorded in the local chronicles of Shenjing that the first mountain to rise after Zulong descended from the sky was Yuzuo Mountain. On the one hand, it served as a palace, and on the other hand, it protected the people from the cold current from the south. It is said that after October every year, the north side of the Yuzuo Mountain Range is completely covered in ice and snow, while the south side remains green."

[It sounds a bit like the artificial Qinling Mountains, only narrower and taller.]

Hong Fan thought leisurely.

"You go on."

"After the establishment of Yuzuo Mountain, the weather in Shenjing became much warmer all year round, but the temperature difference between winter and summer is still large. Therefore, Zulong dredged the snow-capped mountains and rivers to create a large lake. This lake is called the Eye of the Earth because its edges are round and regular, like a knife cut."

Liu Si described it vividly.

"With a large lake nearby, the capital is warm in winter and cool in summer, and it is like spring all year round."

After hearing this, Shen Hong and others finally understood why the weather had become increasingly cooler as they headed southeast since entering Zhongzhou.

"Behind the Eye of the Earth is the Land of Thunder."

"Above the Great Falls, colorless water vapor rises like a mountain, transforming into abundant rainfall in the nearby lands; flowers that can only survive in spring and summer elsewhere can bloom all year round in Shenjing!"

Such a grand ecological project far exceeded the imagination of Xijing's group and stunned them immediately.

The merchants at the front of the queue, the porters at the back, and all the locals were particularly proud for a moment, holding their heads high and puffing out their chests unconsciously, even looking down upon the gorgeous clothes and luxurious carriages of Hong Fan and his entourage.

“Of course, ordinary people have no chance to see those wonderful scenes just now. Only great masters like Yuanci Tianren can travel through the void and witness them with their own eyes…”

Liu Si was also infected and chanted.

The arch bridge is half-broken, and I am immersed in melancholy and yearning for a moment.

"I originally thought that the Martial Saint 'Bai Li Shi' creating a golden sea desert was already an incredible feat, but I never thought there would be such a wonder in the world."

Shen Hong smacked his lips, touched his scalp and sighed.

"As Brother Liu said, we are not lucky enough to witness this scenery, but you, Second Young Master, must go up to the sky and see it for yourself, and then tell your brothers about it."

These words were like a sharp knife, instantly stabbing the melancholy atmosphere.

"what?"

Liu Si swallowed his saliva and felt that the place on the shaft of the cart was so hot that he could hardly put his butt down.

As for the local people of Shenjing who were crowded on the side of the convoy, they were watching each other with their eyes and noses, and talking to each other in whispers.

"Liu Si, I heard that Yuzuo Mountain is where the Dragon Palace is located. Isn't it taboo to fly over it?"

Hong Fan asked.

His question confirmed Shen Hong's words.

"This, this little one really doesn't know..."

Liu Si said tremblingly.

"When the Second Young Master sees the headmaster, he can ask him something."

Kong Hai pulled back the reins, stopped Hongqi's long face from reaching into other people's vegetable baskets, and said with a smile.

Liu Si's expression now looked even more reluctant, and only the sound of wind could be heard in front and behind the arch bridge, and the crowd was completely silent.

Qiaodong is the central area of ​​the western city of Shenjing.

There were many shops along the street, selling all kinds of things. Hong Fan looked out the window and saw many large clocks under the halls, and a few people in bright clothes carried mechanical pocket watches.

Two blocks later, there was a shop with a sign that read "Fragrant Shadow Stays Forever" and there was a long queue.

Hong Fan couldn't help but be curious.

"My Lord, that is a new photo studio that opened this year. The owner bought the new technology from the Shenjing Art Workshop a few years ago, which can take portraits and preserve them for a long time."

Liu Si explained.

"My little one took me to try it last month. The image is real, but the light and dark are reversed, and it will gradually turn black if you look at it too much."

"I see."

Hong Fan nodded.

As soon as he heard it, he knew that this was the early camera obscura photography technology mentioned in the chemistry class, which probably used photosensitive materials such as silver chloride or silver nitrate to capture the image projected by the lens.

The carriage passed the photo studio and passed the fifth martial arts school along the way.

"Shenjing is indeed very wealthy, Liu Si. Along the way I have seen a high density of small and medium-sized martial arts schools."

Hong Fan felt delighted when he heard the sound of the young man practicing boxing in the wind.

"By the way, my martial arts skills are not as good as Yuanci's, and I am not even two years older than you; don't be nervous, just call yourself "the humble one"."

"My Lord, this has actually only happened in the last ten years."

Liu Si was obviously relieved.

"Don't be fooled by the prosperity of these martial arts schools. In fact, they are all mediocre. Most of the masters have only reached the Guantong realm. In the early years, there was fierce competition among the martial arts schools in Shenjing. If the owner didn't have some tricks, he couldn't keep the school going. At that time, the tuition fee for joining the school was also very expensive. Ordinary people couldn't afford it."

"But later on, Shanzhang was promoted from the post of governor of Qingzhou to Shenjing."

Liu Si tried hard to keep his tone neutral.

"He is a powerful and influential man with a firm word. Under his rule, the status of the martial arts academy has become more respected. He has completely banned the martial arts schools in the capital from provoking conflicts privately. All right and wrong are decided by the martial arts inspection department.

Since then, there have been more and more small and medium-sized martial arts schools on the streets that teach simple methods and do not talk about the relationship between master and apprentice. Especially three years ago, the headmaster introduced a new policy that any martial arts school in Shenjing who teaches a Chongmai Nian can receive a subsidy of three strings of cash. For a time, there were many schools that opened and taught martial arts, and there were more people practicing martial arts..."

Liu Si's posture when speaking reflects that Guan Qimai's actions may not be welcomed by many people.

But this approach of popularizing martial arts would undoubtedly be recognized by Hong Fan.

Although warriors at the Inner Vision Realm and Chongmai Level cannot reach a high level - they can only squat and pull 200 to 300 kilograms, which is about the same level as weightlifting athletes in their previous lives - the labor force they can provide is incomparable to that of ordinary people.

A quarter of an hour later, the convoy drove into the south city.

This is the time of the day when sunlight is strongest and there are fewer pedestrians on the streets.

Liu Si glanced at Kong Hai who was driving several times, and finally couldn't help asking: "Excuse me, are you the 18th on the Tianjiao List, Master Hong Fan of Chixing?"

"You know me?"

Hong Fan's voice came through the carriage tent.

Seeing him admit his identity, Liu Si's face turned red visibly.

"How could I not know? Among the three million people in Shenjing, who, except the deaf, blind and immature, has not heard of your name? Actually, I heard before that your guards are from Jinhai, and I saw that you are in your prime, so I had some guesses in my mind, but I didn't dare to ask."

After saying this, Liu Si became even more confident.

"You are here for a long stay, so you must be riding the purple ribbon in the capital! I am so lucky to be the guide of the Star Lord!"

He was delighted and impulsively wanted to return the one or two taels of silver he had received, but he was worried that such a rash show of goodwill would annoy Tianjiao.

As expected, even though they are thousands of miles apart, even in the unrivaled capital, my second young master is a household name.

Around the carriage, the guards felt their hearts pounding and unconsciously took square steps.

Sitting in the car, Hong Fan recalled the day when he first saw the announcement of the results in the twenty-seventh year of Zhenghe - at that time, the strong wind in the whole city was whistling the ancient and new names, and all eyes in Kyushu seemed to be on one person.

The steel suspension bounced, causing him to feel a little dizzy.

"Are there any famous sects in or outside Shenjing?"

Hong Fan drummed his fingers on the armrest.

“Originally there were two families, but they all moved away within the past ten years.”

Liu Si responded attentively.

"Young Master, think about it, everyone in a big sect wants to be free and unrestrained. But in this capital, the headmaster has a bad temper and too many rules, which makes people feel uncomfortable."

"It seems that the people of Shenjing have some opinions about the Zhangwu Academy?"

Hong Fan asked.

"Some people do complain that the martial arts academy is too controlling, but most of them just complain verbally. The common people generally don't have any objections."

Liu Si thought carefully for a moment before answering.

"The security in the capital is very good now. Warriors dare not attack ordinary people at will. People joke that the Wucheng Military Commission thinks half of its personnel are not enough. Although the Mountain King was there in the early years, no one knew that the Martial Arts Saint could really monitor the entire city with just a pair of ears. Nine years ago, the mountain master was certified as a Martial Saint. Since then, all the bullies and villains have changed their appearances, because the movement of swords and weapons can really attract him..."

Upon hearing this, Shen Hong and the others felt a chill on the back of their necks, as if a white-haired old man would pop out from the wall on the street at any time.

"In short, in my opinion, capable people naturally don't like restrictions that treat everyone equally, but for the majority of incompetent people in Shenjing, it is better for everyone to follow the rules than for some people not to follow them."

Liu Si concluded, and suddenly realized that he had said too much and too deeply, and he couldn't see the host's expression, so he couldn't help feeling uneasy.

Hong Fan pondered silently. Firstly, he felt that Guan Qimai had some of the qualities of a philosopher king. Secondly, he never expected that a warrior could have such a huge and profound impact on the daily lives of three million ordinary people in a city.

If humans are like this, what about Zulong who moved mountains and opened lakes?
The carriage arrived at the best inn in East City as planned.

Dingxin Jingshe covers an area of ​​over 10,000 square meters and has complete pavilions, pools and towers. The upper room costs 32 taels of silver a day, the middle room costs 8 taels, and the ordinary room costs 2 taels. It is of excellent quality and is said to be the property of the Lu family in Shenjing.

Hong Fan has never been a frugal person, and this year he has become financially independent, so he directly booked the upper room.

The setting sun dyed the snow on Mount Yuzao golden.

Liu Si took the extra reward and hurriedly set out on his journey home.

(End of this chapter)