Chapter 007: Ascending the Azure Brocade

Qingjin raced through the fierce long winds, instantly leaving Penzhou far behind. The northern sky was replaced by a jewel-blue expanse, and a faint fragrance of chrysanthemums wafted in the oncoming breeze. The landscape transformed from a dull blue to a vibrant green. The clouds in the sky gradually dissipated, revealing a charming river that resembled a jade belt on the surface.

Then I would trouble you, Junior Brother Leng, to pay extra attention in your selection. I believe that the candidates recommended by the Penglai Sword Sect should meet our admission criteria

Wait a moment! Seeing the back of his head, Master Leng suddenly shouted, "Kid, let me take a good look."

Huang, Bai, and Tong lay on the edge of Qingjin, greedily gazing at the scenery of the human world, utterly entranced. Transportation on Tuzhou is poor, with mule carts being the primary means of travel between regions, and the costs of passage are exceedingly high. The national government encourages local residents to settle and work in their own areas under the pretext of conserving livestock power and supporting production, thereby minimizing the consumption of mule carts. As a result, ordinary people rarely have the opportunity to leave their native regions and experience the customs of distant lands. Huang, Bai, and Tong, having grown up in the northern Guo Penzhou, had never seen the landscapes and literature of the south. Now, witnessing the green waters and lush forests of late autumn, they felt their horizons broadened.

"What is it, Senior Brother Leng?" Master Mei and Master Han asked simultaneously

Hmph. Master Leng subtly curled his lips without making a sound. The Golden Dragon couldn't help but feel a sense of pity for these disciples of Penglai: it seemed that this gloomy fellow would not allow them to pass.

Are you her disciple? The master, with a gloomy expression, seemed unable to believe his eyes, and turned to face the Golden Dragon to ask again

"Can he defeat you?" Master Han asked in disbelief, "How many years has your master taught you?"

"Senior Brother, let him come up. Since he was able to defeat her disciple, he must possess some understanding. With a bit of contemplation, he should be able to contribute to some extent," Master Han immediately turned to Master Zhao and said

"Hmph, playing tricks!" Instructor Han was the first to express his dissatisfaction. However, the others exchanged glances and nodded in agreement, driving their azure steeds closer to the golden dragon, approaching it by several zhang.

"Child, where do you come from? Who is your master?" Brother Zhao asked with a kind expression.

The cold master quickly lowered his head, desperately suppressing the urgent expression on his face

Thank you, thank you! The Golden Dragon clasped his fists in greeting, but upon seeing the pitiful expression in his eyes, felt a pang of compassion in his heart

Master Mei took the letter from Yan Ziyao, opened the envelope, and upon a close look, a face that was originally pale suddenly ignited with a bright light, as if it had suddenly been filled with boundless vitality. She thrust the letter into Master Zhao's hand and said hoarsely with joy: "Senior Brother Zhao, look."

Oh, the origin of the Penglai Sword Sect. I have heard that the seniors there are all experienced sword masters, and perhaps there will be excellent recommendations.

"Um, you, come up here," Instructor Zhao nodded and pointed at Tong Bailian

Come here, you have been selected!" Master Zhao waved at Golden Dragon and said in a deep voice

Southeast Qiao State, Huayun Port" Master Zhao said in a deep voice

Hmph! Bai shot him a fierce glare and turned to climb down from the blue brocade.

"Hmph, our Soul Control Hall hasn't had any decent talent for several years. This guy is a natural descender; we absolutely cannot let him go," Master Leng said, narrowing his eyes.

Uh, three... years?" the Golden Dragon replied hesitantly

"Hmph, swordsman. The old records from twenty years ago are no longer relevant. The most popular profession now has long been replaced by soul controllers. The Soul Control Hall has expanded for the second time, while the slots for swordsmen have become increasingly scarce. The deputy sect leader has instructed me that this time the selection of swordsmen will be doubly strict," Master Leng said coldly in a low voice.

The green brocade beneath their feet rolled like waves, and the sound of wind chimes echoed like layers of waves crashing. The entire green brocade soared into the vast sky. The Furnace Peak instantly transformed into a faint black dot amidst the clouds, while the Incense Burner Mountain and the entire Lotus Mountain Range gradually faded into a streak of ink. An infinite morning breeze rushed towards them, bringing a breath of a new world to the three, including the Golden Dragon.

"Where is she now..." the one referred to as Senior Brother Leng asked anxiously.

I have been chosen? I, I have been chosen! Long live! Tong Bailian knelt on the ground in ecstatic joy, frantically beating his chest. He then performed a somersault onto the green brocade, grasped the hands of the golden dragon with both hands, and gratefully said, "Brother, thank you for your request. From now on, even if I have to work like an ox or a horse for you, I will never refuse!"

This young man has a rebellious spirit, a glint of cunning in his eyes, and an intense desire; his greed and yearning for the future surpass those of ordinary people. He is a rare talent in the world, and if he were to go astray, it would surely lead to disaster, Master Leng said solemnly

"That's wonderful!" The Golden Dragon joyfully raised his hands to the sky, excitedly shouting out loud. He then turned and tightly embraced Bai Suanji beside him, spinning around several times until Bai Suanji finally pushed him away. He rushed back to the flat stone where he had been resting, shouldered his own bundle, and called for Bai Suanji to carry another large bag filled with snacks. They scrambled up onto the Qingjin. Nearby, Tong Bailian looked at the Golden Dragon, who was soaring to great heights, with envy on his face. He sighed deeply and quietly said, "Brother, congratulations."

"Alright, I will make the arrangements," said Huang Jinlong, overjoyed and beaming. He turned to Bai Suanji, who had come up with him, and said, "Suanji, you should go back and continue your apprenticeship as the steward; the future of Yanque Tower will depend on you."

Dear teachers, I am the young master of the Yanquelou in Penzhou, named Huang Jinlong. My master is... Huang Jinlong was just about to reveal his name, but upon recalling the sensitive identity of his master, he quickly said in a low voice, "Dear teachers, may I speak further?"

"Absolutely true," said the excited Golden Dragon, lowering its head.

Master Zhao took the letter and examined it carefully, exclaiming in surprise: "It is her!"

"Disciple, do you wish to take him in?" Master Zhao asked in surprise.

Not now! Master Zhao suddenly shouted

"Who?" Master Han and the other sullen-faced Master Xiangwang approached, anxiously looking at the contents of the letter.

"Alright." Instructor Han firmly grabbed Bai Suanji, who was about to jump off the Qingshan, and shouted loudly, "Go!" Zhao, Han, Mei, and Leng, the four masters, all stood tall.

"Senior Brother Leng, it is indeed Yan... it is her handwriting," Master Han said, trembling all over with excitement at this point

Masters, this young brother is actually quite impressive; his boxing technique is as powerful as a slingshot, sending me flying several zhang before I fell to the ground

"Where is the next stop?" Master Mei asked.

The Golden Dragon Dynasty looked at Tong Bailian and Bai Suanji in the distance, carefully took out Master Ziyao's letter of recommendation from his bosom, and presented it with both hands to Master Mei, who was closest to him.