The Nameless Stone Wasteland returned to its eternal silence. The moment Van Tam Thong personally destroyed the legacy script upon the cliff face, the entire merchant caravan immediately struck camp and set out into the night. The atmosphere was no longer one of relief after escaping danger; instead, it was replaced by a stiflingly tense and solemn air. Everyone understood that they had inadvertently touched upon an earth-shattering secret, and that secret now resided entirely within the memories of a fifteen-year-old youth.
Tran Kien sat on horseback, riding parallel to Van Tam Thong's carriage. He said nothing, but in his mind, the image of the Lac Viet Heavenly Cycle Array diagram continuously replayed, engraved into every corner of his consciousness. He could feel its weight. It was not the weight of a mere Cultivation Method, but the weight of an entire legacy, of a forgotten civilization.
The remainder of the journey lasted for another ten days. They deliberately took small, desolate paths, staying far away from major towns. Fortunately, the Black Dragon Stronghold seemed to have completely lost their trail. The scenery on both sides of the road gradually changed. The arid stone wastelands retreated behind them, giving way to lush green fields and gentle, winding great rivers. In the distance, where the horizon met the earth, a massive, majestic black silhouette gradually emerged. It was Thanh Chau City.
As they drew near, its true magnificence became clear. The city walls stood over ten zhang tall, constructed from massive bluestone blocks, sturdy and impenetrable. Scars of blades, swords, and the fires of war were still branded upon the walls. At regular intervals stood towering watchtowers, manned by soldiers in gleaming armor wielding long halberds. The main city gate was immensely wide, easily allowing four horse-drawn carriages to pass through side-by-side. Above the city gate, three large characters were written in a powerful, vigorous calligraphy, like flying dragons and dancing phoenixes: "Thanh Chau City".
The stream of people lining up to enter the city was as long as a giant dragon. There were merchant caravans laden with goods, peasants carrying local produce on shoulder poles, wandering martial artists with swords on their backs, and even young cultivators wearing the Daoist robes of various Sects. This was the first time Tran Kien had ever laid eyes on such a massive metropolis. Compared to it, Fallen Leaf Town was merely a grain of sand upon a beach.
Everything left him awestruck, but he quickly composed himself. His eyes did not linger on the glamour, instead quietly observing the minor details. He noticed the gate guards; although they wore the armor of the imperial court, their sleeves were embroidered with a small azure cloud insignia—identical to the flag he had seen on Van Tam Thong's cargo carriages. The Azure Cloud Sect holds immense influence here, he silently noted. More importantly, he spotted a few figures dressed in black, loitering within the crowd, their gazes shifty. On their wrists, the faint tattoo of a silver centipede could be seen. People of the Black Dragon Stronghold. Tran Kien's heart tightened slightly. They were like venomous snakes hiding in the darkness, omnipresent. Fortunately, he and the entire Myriad Treasures caravan had changed their attire, blending into the crowd, looking no different from an ordinary merchant group.
After paying the entrance toll and undergoing strict inspection, the caravan finally advanced inside. A completely different world unfolded before Tran Kien's eyes. The streets were paved with clean bluestone, flanked by wine pavilions, stores, and smithies standing shoulder to shoulder. The shouts of street hawkers, the sounds of haggling, and the clattering of horse carriages merged into a noisy, vibrant symphony. Occasionally, a streak of light would flash across the sky—high-level cultivators traveling via flying swords.
Van Tam Thong led the caravan through several major streets before turning into a quieter alleyway, stopping before an imposing three-story inn constructed entirely of ironwood. Above hung a large plaque bearing four characters: "Dragon Gate Inn."
"We have arrived," Van Tam Thong breathed a sigh of relief.
That evening, in a quiet private room, Van Tam Thong called Tran Kien over alone. The old merchant placed the book A Brief Outline of the Baiyue Array Diagrams and a heavy pouch of coins onto the table.
"Tran Kien," Van Tam Thong spoke, his voice brimming with sincerity. "Our journey together ends here. This pouch of coins is a small token of goodwill from the Myriad Treasures Merchant Guild, enough for you to live comfortably in Thanh Chau City for a time. As for this book, it belongs to you." He paused, his eyes looking at Tran Kien with deep expectation. "This Thanh Chau City is a dragon's pool and a tiger's den. Although the Azure Cloud Sect walks the Righteous Path, within it are countless factions locked in internal strife. The Black Dragon Stronghold is like a hidden venomous snake. While you are here, you must be careful in all things."
"But the secret regarding the Lac Viet Heavenly Cycle Array is simply too immense," Tran Kien replied. "Once exposed, no matter where I am, it will bring a fatal disaster."
"It is good that you understand," Van Tam Thong nodded. "I have a piece of advice for you. In the southern part of the city is a place called the Myriad Tomes Pavilion. It is not a Sect, but the largest private library in Thanh Chau, collecting countless ancient books and ancient codices. Its master is an eccentric old man whose background is a mystery to all. Perhaps there, you can find more clues regarding the lost mnemonic mantras, in a manner much quieter and safer than joining the major Sects."
Tran Kien deeply memorized every single word. This was incredibly precious guidance.
That night, he stood alone by the window of his inn room, looking down at the still-bustling crowds and the brilliant lanterns of Thanh Chau City. This city was magnificent and prosperous, yet it also concealed countless dangers and traps. He took out the book, his hand gently stroking the yellowed cover. In his mind, the Lac Viet Heavenly Cycle Array diagram surfaced once more, grand and mysterious. A burden, a responsibility, but also a Path.
He clenched his fists tightly, an unshakable determination flashing within his youthful eyes. Ancestors, rest in peace, he silently vowed. This Path, no matter how arduous, no matter how many enemies I must face, I will never take a single step back. I will not merely survive, but I will make the legacy of the Lac Viet people, once again, shine radiantly across these lands!