Chapter 72: Entering the City, Following the Map

This was not what Ding Ling wished to see.

Fortunately, this matter did not happen.

Ding Ling did not think further and instead discussed the ’Broadcasting Skill’ and ’Spiritual Phoenix Breathing Technique’ with Zhao Yun along the way.

Overall.

It was Ding Ling guiding and teaching.

Zhao Yun was learning.

More than once, he envied Ding Ling’s talent, especially when he was struggling and diligently studying while Ding Ling leisurely enjoyed the scenery.

This contrast was even more pronounced!

It dealt a blow to his confidence but also secretly instilled a surge of fighting spirit!

Even if he can’t be like Ding Ling, he must strive to be the second best in the world!!

Moreover, he must work hard not to be left too far behind by Ding Ling!

Ding Ling’s progress was too fast.

Zhao Yun was truly concerned that one day, he wouldn’t even be able to see Ding Ling’s back.

...

On this day.

The two finally arrived outside Luoyang Ancient City.

Ding Ling looked closely.

He saw the city walls of the ancient city almost reach the limits of height, width, and thickness of a city!

From the outside, it appeared extremely majestic and grand!

Even from such a distance, looking at the city, one could feel a heavy and ancient historical aura coming towards them!

This aura.

Ordinary ancient cities do not have.

Without a doubt.

This aura of the ancient city was ’cultivated’ by successive Human Emperors, extraordinary people, and groups of remarkable human elites!

People reading good books can cultivate their aura!

So too can ancient cities. With a group of talented individuals among them, they can naturally ’carve out’ something unique for themselves over time!

It’s incredible to say, but in this world, as it seems so far, this is indeed the case.

"This is Luoyang City!"

Zhao Yun exclaimed, moved:

"I’ve long heard of Luoyang’s extraordinary greatness, and today, it truly is so."

"Let’s go."

Ding Ling smiled.

The two traveled together, chatted, and their feelings deepened with time.

At each other’s request.

They exchanged names.

No longer using Brother Zhao or Brother Ding, which seemed too distant.

Of course, this was in private.

In public, Ding Ling, being a General, Zhao Yun would still respectfully address Ding Ling as General.

Clip-clop!

They rode their horses.

Queue to enter the city.

They found the gate officer blatantly accepting bribes.

Those who paid were let into the city.

Those who did not pay were turned away or chased off.

Ding Ling handed Zhao Yun some silver.

Though Zhao Yun felt shame over the corruption in the royal capital, being weak, he was powerless and could only go with the flow.

Upon entering the ancient city.

Ding Ling glanced at Zhao Yun, seeing he was somewhat depressed, understanding his thoughts, he did not comfort him, as many things require personal realization rather than mere comfort.

"Fortunately, my geography skills are full level."

Ding Ling, upon entering Luoyang City.

Walked around and almost became dizzy.

Just because Luoyang City is enormous, with complex geographical conditions, those unfamiliar with it can often get lost.

Ding Ling used his full-level geography skills to follow the rough map provided by Tong Yuan, heading east through the city.

The more he walked east.

The more rundown the houses became.

But this facilitated their actions.

No need to worry about inadvertently offending anyone.

In the city center, the west side occasionally appeared some Generals or officials, all extremely imposing, with entourages generally consisting of dozens of people!

Those unable to dodge being beaten to death were not uncommon.

Ding Ling himself witnessed one.

This soon?

Such a horrifying incident occurred?

Ding Ling didn’t know if he was lucky or unlucky?

Seeing such a bloody matter upon entering Luoyang Ancient City.

But he did not choose to help at this moment, and even pulled Zhao Yun away.

He saw the flag on the team attacking with a large character written:

"Guo!"

Someone with the surname Guo, so blatant in disregarding human life.

It could only be Guo Si!

Such a personage, Ding Ling currently couldn’t provoke, nor did he want to.

Zhao Yun’s expression grew more unsightly.

Until they rode their horses, took several turns, arriving at the front of a rundown mansion, Zhao Yun’s expression returned to normal.

"Prince’s Mansion."

Ding Ling looked up at the plaque with the two characters.

After carefully comparing with the map, confirming it was correct, he stepped forward to knock on the door.

Knock, knock!

Shortly after.

The sound of footsteps came from within, creak!

The door opened!

A thin figure, with a clean face, carrying a sword on his waist, was revealed.

He looked at Ding Ling and Zhao Yun, vigilantly asked:

"Who are you looking for?"

"I’m looking for Master Wang."

Ding Ling cupped his hands in greeting to show goodwill, while producing a letter, said:

"This is a letter from the Spear God of Penglai Mountain entrusted to me to deliver to Master Wang."

"Oh?"

The boy’s eyes lit up, the alert on his face slightly faded, he took the letter without looking at it, and just said to Ding Ling and Zhao Yun:

"Please wait here for a moment."

He turned back, closed the door, creak!

The door shut tight again.

Zhao Yun was speechless:

"Was this young man just now Master Wang’s disciple? Why is he so vigilant?"

"Perhaps experienced too much suffering. Endured too much hardship to be this way."

Ding Ling, however, understood this young man:

"After all, this is Luoyang!"

Recalling what he had seen not long ago.

Zhao Yun fell silent.

A period later.

With slightly hurried footsteps arriving.

Creak!

The door opened.

An elder with sideburns white, a tall and well-built figure, brows like sword edges, eyes like a bright moon appeared.

Ding Ling and Zhao Yun observed him.

He too examined Ding Ling and Zhao Yun.

He did not speak.

Ding Ling and Zhao Yun preceded to greet and say hello:

"Greetings, senior!"

"Mm."

The elder nodded, a bit curious and asked:

"Which one is Zhao Yun?"

"Senior, I am he."

Zhao Yun stood out.

"Mm."

The elder kindly nodded at Zhao Yun, then turned his eyes, eyes revealing marvelous light, staring at Ding Ling:

"Then you are the incomparable child of the era, the unparalleled super genius Ding Ling mentioned in Tong Yuan’s letter?!"

"..."

Ding Ling did not peek at the letter.

So he did not know how Tong Yuan described him.

Upon hearing such words from the elder, he could not help but feel his cheeks heat up, hurriedly replied with solemnity:

"A child of the era, unparalleled dare not assume. I am indeed Ding Ling, that’s correct."

"Mm."

The elder nodded, turned, and walked inside:

"Come in and talk."

He spoke without looking back:

"Shi A, help the guests with their horses, prepare the guest rooms. After settling them, come to the study to see me."

"Yes, Master."

The young man responded, turned to Ding Ling and Zhao Yun, actively helped them with their horses.

Ding Ling indicated it wasn’t necessary.

He insisted on leading them.

Ding Ling, seeing his stubborn nature, allowed him.

Thinking of Shi A, Master Wang.

Ding Ling’s mind sparked like lightning!

’Could it be this Master Wang is none other than the legendary Sword God Wang Yue?!’