Chapter 5, The State of the World

Before the coachman could finish speaking, Zhang Tianliu curled his lip and said: "Such a backward thing as a family crest is only used by barbaric tribes. To prove oneself, a surname is sufficient. Officer Tang, tell him that our Zhang family outnumbers his Lü family by several times."

"I will definitely do it." Tang Jing cupped his fists in farewell after receiving the brocade bag, then turned around and shouted at Zhang Tianliu: "Let's go"

Zhang Tianliu also smiled

The coachman was full of reminiscence, vividly and colorfully describing his experiences. Finally, he cast a disdainful glance at Zhang Tianliu and said with a smile: "These are not something you, young man, can appreciate."

Lianshan City has three city gates, one facing the direction they came from, the west gate directly opposite the Kunlong Mountain Range, which also leads to the crash site

Zhang Tianliu stumbled a few steps, raised his hands high behind his head, and said while walking: "People like you are just poisoned by television dramas. If you want to leave, then leave; why are you filming? If you don't film, I won't leave. Don't talk to me about self-awareness; it's you who lacks self-awareness..."

At that time, Zhang Tianliu was fleeing to the west, but he did not know when he would reach the western gate of the Pilgrimage Kingdom

What I see, you cannot see; what you see, I may not necessarily see. You will never give up, and I will never compromise

Tang Jingcheng naturally remained silent, but the coachman became angry and waved his hand, saying: "Where did this rustic villager come from? Get lost"

I do not regret it; had I not reached this point, how could the Zhao family enjoy today's prosperity? Everything might have ended long ago in the great calamity of that year

She did not send anyone to follow them because the Zhao family's informants are spread throughout Lianshan City. As long as Zhang and Tang do not leave the city, they will eventually return under her watchful eye

It was a miscalculation on the daughter's part; she wanted him to be under our surveillance. If he is indeed genuine, he will surely become suspicious and will keep a close watch on our Zhao family

The Lü family is a prestigious and noble lineage in the Lushi County, with a history spanning a thousand years. However, the establishment of Lianshan City is only a century old, and it has been incorporated into Lushi County for merely thirty years. In the eyes of the Lü family, this is considered a barbaric land, and they should look down upon coming here.

However, this grasp has lasted for six years. It is undeniable that through repeated failures, he has learned a great deal from Zhang Tianliu!

Only Zhao Yongdang was there to see him off along the way, expressing that he was truly reluctant to part with the young lady, fearing that he would be unable to resist chasing after the figure of Captain Tang as he departed.

Zhang Tianliu angrily said: "Mountain Wild! I see you don't even know what the Holy Capital is."

Madam Zhao sipped her tea and said: "It is not the false that one fears, but the true that one dreads"

In Zhang Tianliu's view, acting is a demanding job, requiring understanding

After much difficulty, I boarded a plane with him, but before I could carry out the arrest, the plane unexpectedly deviated from its course and arrived in this unfamiliar world, nearly causing Tang Jingcheng to lose himself.

Always mindful, his brows slightly furrowed, he said in a low voice: "Be honest."

"Go away, even if you cannot recognize the value of this car, can you not identify the family crest on it? This is the car of the Lü family, and my master is currently entertaining guests upstairs..."

Zhang Tianliu paused his steps, turned back to look, and said softly: "Officer Tang, you are the first person I admire. There are three other officers on the plane, and their abrupt departure did not waver you. You remain committed to fulfilling your mission, with a sense of responsibility in your heart. A person like you should not just be a police officer; you should go further and higher. Unfortunately, a person like you is destined not to have such a path, because you cannot overcome this hurdle."

A small token of my appreciation, if Brother Tang comes to Lianshan again, I must invite him to stay at my residence for a while, so that Zhao can express his gratitude.

Zhang Tianliu smiled and no longer observed

Zhang Tianliu's actions have always seemed to Tang Jingcheng to be not random, but rather part of a meticulous plan

The manager replied, "Yes, but there are too many: porters, horsemen, shopkeepers, and waiters, most of whom are ordinary people. If there is anyone worth suspecting, it would only be the coachman from the Lü family"

Two people walked along the main road, one in front and the other behind. Zhang Tianliu occasionally struck up conversations with others, thereby obtaining a wealth of information

Madam Zhao entered the hall, smoothing her skirt as she sat down and said: "The two of them are dressed oddly, with short hair, and wherever they go, they are unforgettable. If they were to disappear! I fear that their distinctiveness is so pronounced that if they suddenly became ordinary, who would even notice?"

As night fell, in the Zhao residence illuminated by dim lights, He Tushu Zhao Yongdang sat under the moonlight, drinking yellow wine. The more he drank, the more troubled his heart became, as scenes from the past continuously lingered in his mind, and before he knew it, tears streamed down his face.

"Twenty years, at most twenty years for honesty. If you perform well, I can reduce your sentence," Tang Jingcheng suddenly said

Lü family! Zhao Anxiao felt that something was amiss

If they are being monitored by the Zhao family, Zhang Tianliu's methods are very effective. In Tang Jingcheng's eyes, this person is a genius at counter-surveillance, able to roam freely for six years in a world full of surveillance. He can easily shake off mere eyes and ears.

From the very beginning, when Tang Jingcheng set his sights on Zhang Tianliu, he had never considered all of this. As a newcomer, he thought it was merely a simple pursuit; once he found the person, he would just rush over and capture him, and that would be the end of it.

As the two individuals stepped onto the main road, Zhang Tianliu glanced around and walked towards a nearby beast cart, saying, "Coachman, can you take us to the relay station in the Holy Capital? Money is not an issue."

To describe someone to pay attention to, one naturally highlights their characteristics. The hairstyles and attire of Tang Jingcheng and Zhang Tianliu serve as two bright beacons in this world. Previously, Zhao Anxiao used this to remind her subordinates, which was indeed correct, but now it seems she was still too young.

Tang Jingcheng followed closely behind, this time he did not interrupt Zhang Tianliu mainly to ascertain the location of Shengjing.

Gone? Zhao Anxiao frowned deeply

Zhao Anxiao immediately understood: "Mother said they plan to disguise themselves!"

Tang Jingcheng smiled and said calmly, "What you refer to as lofty is merely your perception of your own lowly position, which makes it seem unattainable and full of temptation. Your resentment towards the wealthy has proven this point well, leading you astray. When you feel that wealth is nothing more than this, have you ever regretted it?"

Madam Zhao saw her husband reaching for the wine again and hurriedly snatched the wine jug, saying: "As a pawn in this world, one must understand fate. A lifetime of glory cannot be exchanged for a lifetime of peace. But where in this world is true peace to be found? Our clan has endured for thousands of years, and although there are often internal conflicts, they are merely small skirmishes. Brothers may fight, but they do not injure tendons or break bones. When the Holy Emperor arrives, the millions who once existed are now worth little. Those who do not align with the local governor are treated as foreign scum, subjected to the punishment of being burned alive. We are all human, yet I truly find it increasingly difficult to comprehend the ways of humanity!"

Hey, still not convinced, huh? Let me tell you, my young master is studying at the Shengjing Academy. Last year, I accompanied him northward, and the cities we passed and the beautiful sights we saw were beyond your imagination. The grandeur of Mount Hao, the delicacies of Puhai, the beauties of Jiuge, tsk tsk...

Zhao Yongdang gazed dreamily at the bright moon, took Lady Zhao's hand and gently clasped it, and replied softly: "I understand your heart. The hard-earned foundation cannot be easily given away. First, let the elderly and children in the family leave, and I will accompany you to quietly observe the changes."

"Were there any people you came into contact with during the interim?" Zhao Anxiao asked again

Tang Jingcheng ignored him and calmly followed Zhang Tianliu and Tushu as they walked towards the main road

"The mountains are about to be in chaos, prepare quickly," said Madam Zhao as she stood up and left.

Zhao Anxiao pondered again and said, "Eagles and hounds have always been domineering and disdainful of disguise. Is Tang Jingcheng's identity possibly false?"

The other two doors lead to the northeast and southeast respectively. The northeast is a vast expanse of land, also the heartland of the pilgrimage country. The southeast is characterized by towering mountains and ridges, home to many rare birds and exotic beasts. As for what lies on the other side of the mountains, no one knows.

It was Zhang Tianliu who made him realize that his mission was not yet over

Zhao's family steward said cautiously: "Yes, miss, they suddenly disappeared in the north of the city"

Zhang Tianliu smiled and turned to leave in the astonished gaze of the coachman

Zhao Anxiao pondered for a moment and said to the steward: "Send more people to the north of the city, and keep a close watch on all the streets and alleys. As soon as they appear, notify me immediately."

He specifically chooses exquisite carriages and older drivers, which indicates that the drivers have been to many places and possess experiences far beyond those of ordinary drivers. Often, these drivers are servants of wealthy families, and they particularly enjoy boasting to ordinary people about things that the latter have never seen, describing foods that ordinary people have never tasted and beauties that cannot be depicted, thereby eliciting envy from others and soothing their own hearts that depend on others for shelter

On the way out of the Zhao residence, Zhang Tianliu's gaze was constantly wandering around.

The master is regretting again. Lady Zhao came over and sat beside Zhao Yongdang