343: Tianzhou, Zhang Long

The Royal Capital of Great Chu.

From a distance, it appeared grand and magnificent, with an endless expanse of pavilions, cascading waterfalls, towering spiritual mountains, and swirling mists, presenting a myriad of awe-inspiring sights.

"It's so big! This is the Royal Capital? It's even bigger than my sleeping den!"

Dragon, standing on Chu Jiang's shoulder, seemed like he had never seen the world before. As soon as they entered the Imperial City, he couldn't help but exclaim three times in a row.

Xiao Bai helplessly patted his forehead and said, "It's the center of a Dynasty, after all. How can it compare to your sleeping den?"

Shen Liuying, who had been silent the whole way, was also amused by Dragon's words.

Fu Yunxuan was also awestruck by the sight of the Royal Capital. As expected of the heart of a Dynasty, it was incredibly prosperous, bustling not only with people from Great Chu but also with foreign visitors.

Various exotic beast mounts, chariots, and Divine Might-filled vehicles traversed the hundreds-of-meters-wide streets, while Young Masters of influential families indulged in extreme luxury, surrounded by women in their carriages.

The impoverished western region, in comparison, was like a completely different world.

In the western Demon Suppression Division, countless Demon Suppression Guards lost their lives daily in the suppression of demons.

However, within the Royal Capital, people could enjoy peace, wealth, and honor. No matter how chaotic the world became, the Royal Capital would remain undisturbed.

Some people toiled their entire lives, finding it difficult to even glimpse the splendor of the Royal Capital, while others were born into it.

Fate is truly wondrous.

If she hadn't met her Lord, she probably wouldn't have achieved what she had today, nor would she have come to the Royal Capital Demon Suppression Division.

Yun Province rose because of Chu Jiang, and because of him, this relatively backward peripheral province gained the attention of the Royal Capital.

Fu Yunxuan merely sighed briefly before calming her emotions and silently following behind Chu Jiang.

"Greetings, Lord Chief!"

The city gate guards and soldiers all saluted. As the second most important figure in the Demon Suppression Division, and one of the individuals holding Peak power in the Royal Capital, it was impossible for them not to recognize his face. Otherwise, they wouldn't be in their positions.

"Hmm!"

Zu Cang nodded slightly.

Bang!

With a wave of his large hand, a bronze chariot appeared on the ground.

"Get in!"

Zu Cang lightly ordered.

Although he could have flown directly, the desired effect would have been diminished.

This time, they needed to proceed slowly.

The group stepped into the chariot one by one.

Rumble!

Zu Cang drove the bronze chariot, carrying the group into the Royal Capital.

Along the way, they attracted considerable attention.

In fact, Zu Cang's Demon Suppression flying boat had already drawn the attention of many powerful families even before it reached the Royal Capital.

"Damn, I'm not seeing things, am I? The Lord Chief of the Demon Suppression Hall is personally driving the chariot. Who in the world is inside?"

"This display is too terrifying!"

"I recognize one person inside: Shen Liuying, the number one Prodigy of the Qing Province Demon Suppression Division, and one of the candidates for Deputy Commander of the Demon Suppression Division."

"Does this indirectly declare Shen Liuying as the Deputy Commander of the Demon Suppression Division? Is the Lord Chief of the Demon Suppression Hall so highly favoring her?"

The head of an influential family retorted, "Not so. Shen Liuying is indeed the best in the local provinces, but don't forget that other person."

Among the seven candidates, one person showed a clear lead, hailed as the top new generation talent of the Royal Capital Demon Suppression Division.

"That's true!"

"And who are the other man and woman? I haven't seen them before."

"Deputy Commander candidates? Have new slots been added from the local provinces again?"

"You wouldn't know him. He is Yun Province Pacification Envoy Chu Jiang, the seventh candidate. The woman next to him should be his female subordinate, Fu Yunxuan."

As a center for all kinds of intelligence, the major powers in the Royal Capital were well aware of some of the more famous individuals in Great Chu.

Chu Jiang, personally decreed by the Chu Emperor to be promoted to Yun Province Pacification Envoy, had caused quite a stir in the Royal Capital.

He was conferred the title of Marquis Wuan, but his noble rank was demoted due to his expulsion of the Reform Office Supervisor.

His name had long been circulated among the major powers in the Royal Capital and was not unfamiliar; he held considerable renown, and even many young ladies from prominent families secretly admired him.

His style of action was uninhibited.

The major powers whispered among themselves.

"This bronze chariot was used by the late Lord Commander to carry Yuan Siming a thousand years ago. This is also a Legacy."

"The Lord Chief of the Demon Suppression Hall personally driving the chariot—this is to protect the Dao for his next generation's successor and to send a signal!"

Some elite, established powers saw deeper meaning. Zu Cang's action was both a declaration and a warning.

The implications were self-evident.

No one dared to ignore the deterrent power of the second-ranked individual on the Heavenly Ranking.

Dragon's eyes widened as he looked at Chu Jiang: "Master, why do I feel like we're being really arrogant? What's going on?"

Chu Jiang: "You're right, we are being very arrogant!"

Along the way, countless gazes were fixed upon them; to describe it as being the center of attention of thousands of people would not be an exaggeration.

"A person's ability determines how arrogant they can be. It means you are very capable. Didn't you see their gazes? They were all looking at you! You are the protagonist," Shen Liuying teased, looking at Dragon with a light laugh.

"Ah... really? I'm the destined protagonist!" Dragon said enthusiastically, then immediately shook his head, "No, Master is the destined protagonist. I'll just be the second destined one?"

Xiao Bai held his head, sighing.

"This simpleton, he's been tricked again!"

Fu Yunxuan, with her cool and refined demeanor, broke into a smile and said with a serious expression, "Don't listen to Xiao Bai. You are the protagonist of your own story!"

Dragon nodded solemnly.

A burst of laughter erupted in the chariot.

After several rounds of playful boasting, the relationships among the group became much closer.

The news of Zu Cang's return to the Capital, grandly parading through the streets with the Deputy Commander candidates in a bronze chariot, quickly spread throughout the entire Royal Capital.

...

Royal Capital Demon Suppression Division, Flowing Cloud Residence.

"This is the accommodation arranged for the candidates from the local provinces. The Deputy Commander assessment will begin in seven days. You can rest here for a while."

Zu Cang said.

"There's still one last candidate missing here. Once he arrives, all the candidates from the local provinces will be here!"

"Who else?"

Chu Jiang asked, a hint of curiosity flashing in his eyes.

"Tian Province, Zhang Long!"

What?

Zhang Long!

A strange expression flickered across Chu Jiang's face.

Zhang Long, Zhao Hu, Wang Chao, Ma Han.

Wouldn't that complete his Four Vajras? He absolutely had to find a way to bring him over and incorporate him into his command.

"What, you know him?"

Zu Cang smiled faintly.

Chu Jiang shook his head, already plotting in his mind how to bring the person over.

This kid.

Even without Chu Jiang saying anything, Zu Cang knew what schemes he was cooking up in his mind.

If Zhang Long were to be kept, the Tian Province Demon Suppression Division would undoubtedly be a thousand times unwilling.

"Chu Jiang, I know you have hidden strengths, but during the assessment, give it your all. The more outstanding you are, the more resources the Demon Suppression Division will provide."

"The Demon Suppression Division needs a pillar of support in the future, a banner to rally people's hearts. You understand, right?"

"Don't worry, the Demon Suppression Division will always be behind you, fully supporting your rise."

Zu Cang's voice resonated in Chu Jiang's ear, audible only to him.

"Lord Chief, I understand!"

Chu Jiang nodded. Zu Cang's meaning was that morale was somewhat scattered, and a second Prodigy like Yuan Siming was needed to boost confidence.