I have Taoism and can understand other worlds

Chapter 672 The Dragon Man's Affairs
Jiang Wen walked alone on the wide streets of Baixi Divine Capital. He was not in a hurry to leave, as there was still something on his mind—a matter concerning Jiang Zhen, which required him to travel to the Dragon Clan.

The Dragonkin people's settlement is located in the eastern part of the inner ring of the capital city, quite different from the ruggedness of the Rockkin people's homeland. Upon entering, a solemn, austere, and even slightly oppressive atmosphere immediately greets you.

The streets and alleys are laid out in a straight line, like a chessboard.

Both buildings are based on neatly cut blue giant rocks, supplemented by dark red hard wood for beams, pillars, and window frames, with precise and seamless structures.

The eaves are mostly sharp-angled and upturned, resembling a dragon's head. Bronze wind chimes are often hung under the eaves, their sound clear and melodious, yet carrying an undeniable sense of order.

The walls are carved with dragon totems of various shapes, some coiling, some soaring, some glaring angrily, all of which demonstrate the majesty and order of the dragon people.

The people coming and going were all neatly dressed, walked with a steady gait, and had an innate sense of reserve and vigilance in their expressions.

They were naturally divided into different classes, and their social status could be clearly distinguished from the patterns on their clothing and the materials used for their accessories.

When a low-ranking dragonman sees someone of high status, he will immediately step aside, bow his head and stand respectfully, only daring to act after the person has passed.

The area appeared bustling, but lacked the vibrant energy of the Rock People.

Following the directions he had previously gathered, Jiang Wen headed towards the core area of ​​the Dragonkin race. He made no attempt to conceal his movements, which quickly attracted attention. After all, he was now quite renowned within the capital city.

Just as he was crossing a bustling main road, a familiar figure blocked his way. The man was tall and covered in pale golden scales that reflected a cold, hard luster in the sunlight. It was none other than Ao Xuan, the Golden Scaled Dragonman who had fought fiercely with Yan Xiong and whose defeat was witnessed by Jiang Wen.

Ao Xuan crossed his arms, his pale golden vertical pupils scrutinizing Jiang Wen with a complex expression, containing undisguised scrutiny, a hint of lingering resentment, and a trace of indescribable... jealousy.

“Outsider, Jiang Wen,” Ao Xuan said, his voice deep and resonant with the distinctive buzzing of the dragon race. “I never imagined you would dare to come to the land of my dragon race alone.”

Jiang Wen stopped and said calmly, "The capital is so vast, where can't I go? Besides, I'm here on private business, not to cause trouble."

"Private matters?" Ao Xuan scoffed, stepped forward, and stood only a few feet away from Jiang Wen, an invisible sense of oppression spreading out.

"Now you are an honored guest of the Azure Sky Tower, enjoying great prestige. How dare I, a mere 'hero' of the Dragonkin race, obstruct you?"

His words were full of sarcasm, but Jiang Wen, though aware of the bitterness in them, didn't take it to heart.

He said calmly, "It's just an empty reputation, nothing to mention. But Brother Ao, have your injuries fully healed?"

Ao Xuan's expression stiffened, clearly recalling the humiliating moment when Yan Xiong had sent him flying with a single spear thrust. A flash of anger crossed his eyes, but he quickly suppressed it, coldly snorting, "No need for your concern. I'm more curious, what abilities do you possess that make the Twelfth Elder value you so much, even granting you the right to freely enter and leave the forbidden area? Just you?"

He looked Jiang Wen up and down, seemingly trying to find something unusual about him, but in the end he still felt that the other party was just average and could not hide his judgment that he was "nothing special".

"By chance and by sheer coincidence," Jiang Wen replied with those same eight words.

"An opportunity?" Ao Xuan took a step closer, his voice low, tinged with arrogance and resentment. "Do you know the truth about this blessed land? Do you know the helplessness we feel, born here, raised here, struggling here? What do you think you can change? The path to immortality is about to open; the storms of the fallen immortal land are beyond your imagination. The elders... perhaps they've become senile, placing their hopes on an unknown outsider!"

His words were less directed at Jiang Wen and more an outpouring of pent-up frustration. He believed he had seen through the tribe's predicament and the cruelty of the world, and felt deeply indignant and bewildered by the extraordinary treatment the elders had given Jiang Wen.

Jiang Wen listened quietly without refuting. He could sense that although Ao Xuan was arrogant and extreme, his concern for the tribe was genuine; it was just that his methods and understanding differed.

"The truth will only be known in the future." Jiang Wen did not want to argue with him and said calmly, "If Brother Ao has nothing else to say, I will take my leave."

Seeing Jiang Wen's reaction, Ao Xuan felt a sense of frustration, like punching empty air. He stared at Jiang Wen for a moment, then finally snorted coldly and stepped aside to make way: "Hmph, I hope you can remain so indifferent on your path to immortality."

Jiang Wen nodded slightly, said nothing more, and walked straight past him, heading towards the residence that Zhen had mentioned.

Ao Xuan stood there, watching Jiang Wen's departing figure. His clenched fists slowly loosened, his eyes filled with a complex and unfathomable expression. Finally, he let out a low, ambiguous sigh, turned around, and merged into the bustling crowd of dragons.

Following Zhen's directions, Jiang Wen wandered through the crisscrossing streets and alleys, eventually arriving at a relatively secluded courtyard.

The courtyard was still built with bluestone and redwood, but it was smaller in scale and somewhat old, with a deserted entrance, contrasting sharply with the bustling main road. Clearly, Jiang Zhen's family was not a prominent branch among the dragon people.

He knocked on the door knocker, and after a moment, the wooden door creaked open a crack. A middle-aged dragon woman, whose face vaguely resembled Jiang Zhen's and who was dressed in a simple blue robe, peeked out. Her expression carried a hint of weariness from years of melancholy, but her eyes were gentle yet wary.

"Who are you looking for?" she asked softly, her voice slightly hoarse.

Jiang Wen bowed respectfully and asked gently, "Is this the Dragon Man's aunt, Lady Dragon Man Yan?"

Longrenbi was Zhen's former name, but after being rescued by Jiang Wen, she never used that name again. From then on, she only referred to herself as Zhen. Jiang Shi, Zhen Nu (a woman of virtue).

Upon hearing this, the woman's face flashed with surprise and even deeper wariness: "Who are you?"

"My name is Jiang Wen. I have come to visit Madam at the request of my maid and to inform her of some... news about her parents." Jiang Wen tried his best to make his tone sound calm.

Upon hearing the words "dragon maid" and "parents," her body trembled slightly, and complex and indescribable emotions welled up in her eyes—longing, worry, and a long-suppressed sadness.

She carefully examined Jiang Wen and saw that he had an extraordinary bearing and a sincere expression, unlike a wicked person. Only then did she slowly open the door: "Please...please come in and talk."

The courtyard was small, but it was very tidy. Several shade-tolerant plants were planted in one corner, showing that although the owner of the courtyard was down on his luck, he still maintained a serious attitude towards life.

Seated in the simple reception room, Madam Longrenyan poured Jiang Wen a cup of tea, her hands trembling slightly, revealing her inner turmoil. She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself, and asked, "You said you were entrusted by me? How is she now? Where is she?"

“Don’t worry, Madam, I’m doing well now. She’s changed her name to Zhen,” Jiang Wen reassured her, then her expression turned solemn. “I’ve come here mainly to talk about her parents. Zhen always thought that her mother had died when she was young.”

Upon hearing this, Lady Longren's eyes instantly reddened. She lowered her head, wiped her eyes with her sleeve, and choked out, "Yes, that's what everyone in the clan told her. That child has such a tragic fate."

“But as far as I know, the truth is not like that,” Jiang Wen said in a deep voice. “By chance, I entered the Hundred Streams Holy Land and saw the remains of Zhen’s father there, as well as learned about the whereabouts of her mother.”

"What?!" Lady Dragonman looked up abruptly, her eyes filled with disbelief and shock. "You saw that person's remains?! In the Holy Land?! That little sister, she..."

Jiang Wen nodded and briefly recounted what he had seen and heard in the heart of the Holy Land, emphasizing that Jiang Zhen's father had likely entered the Holy Land in his early years seeking opportunities or to resolve his tribe's predicament, ultimately perishing there. He also mentioned that his mother had been swept away by the Black Water.

Jiang Wen looked at Lady Longrenyan and slowly said, "Jiang Zhen's mother did not die of illness. She went to the Holy Land with that person and was buried in the Black Water."

Lady Longren was struck dumb, tears streaming silently down her face. She murmured to herself, "So that's how it is. I knew it. My little sister had always been healthy, so how could she have suddenly died of depression? The way she was buried in the secret realm by the clansmen that day was also rather hasty and vague. I had my suspicions at the time, but I was too weak to investigate further."

She looked up at Jiang Wen with teary eyes: "So, my little sister, she, she also..."

She couldn't bear to ask the rest of the questions.

Jiang Wen remained silent for a moment, then said softly, "The Holy Land is dangerous; it's rare to find any remains."

A deathly silence fell over the reception hall, broken only by Lady Longren's suppressed sobs. After a long while, she gradually stopped crying, a complex expression of sadness and relief appearing on her face: "At least the two of them are together in the end. It's better than being separated forever, not knowing whether they are alive or dead. Perhaps, this is also my choice."

She looked at Jiang Wen, her eyes filled with gratitude: "Thank you, Your Excellency, for telling me the truth. Does Zhen'er know?"

“Zhen’er already knows,” Jiang Wen said. “That child is strong-willed and can accept this matter. I have come here today for two reasons: first, to inform you of this matter, and second, for your sake.”

He paused, then took out some medicinal herbs from his storage bag: "These medicinal herbs are just a token of my appreciation. Please accept them, Madam."

Lady Longren, seeing the shimmering, radiant herb, quickly declined, saying, "This is too precious, I cannot..."

“Madam, there’s no need to refuse,” Jiang Wen placed the immortal herb on the table. “Zhen has become my disciple, so it is only right that I take care of her. Besides, after this trip, I may soon take Jiang Zhen away from the Baixi tribe to travel and cultivate in the wider world. I have come to bid you farewell, Madam, and I ask that you rest assured that I will protect her and help her succeed.”

Upon hearing that Jiang Wen was taking Jiang Zhen away, Lady Longrenyan was initially taken aback, then her eyes revealed reluctance, but even more so, relief and blessings. She looked at Jiang Wen; this young man possessed a calm demeanor, unfathomable strength, and a strong sense of loyalty and righteousness. Entrusting Zhen'er to him was perhaps the best choice.

She stood up and bowed deeply to Jiang Wen: "I have no way to repay your great kindness. It is Zhen'er's good fortune to have you take care of her. This child has a hard life, and I hope that you will be more tolerant and treat her well in the future."

His words were earnest, filled with the love and entrustment of an elder.

Jiang Wen solemnly returned the greeting: "Madam, rest assured, I will certainly live up to your expectations."

As I left that quiet courtyard, the setting sun had already bathed the bluestone buildings of the dragon people's settlement in a warm glow.

But the inherent sense of strict order was not diminished in the slightest by the twilight.

Jiang Wen glanced back at the tightly closed courtyard gate, feeling a surge of respect and emotion towards Zhen's kind aunt.

His figure gradually faded, blending into the crowd on the street. He walked out of the Dragon Clan and began to plan his next move.

(End of this chapter)