Lin Wencheng and the others hadn't expected Jack and his companion to make such a request, leaving them momentarily unsure how to respond.
Alice frowned slightly, feeling a bit displeased with Jack. She sensed a hint of possessiveness in his gaze towards her, a look she, as an international superstar, understood all too well.
Lin Xue also found the man repulsive but couldn't outright refuse, deferring to her grandfather's decision.
Before Lin Wencheng could answer, Lin Zihao blurted out, "No! You're not welcome here! You have ill intentions towards my sister, don't think I don't know!"
Jack's expression faltered, a flash of annoyance in his eyes quickly masked. He replied awkwardly, "Young man, you might misunderstand me. I don't have ill intentions towards your sister; I'm simply pursuing her. In your Eastern Huaxia terms, it's 'a fair maiden is sought by a gentleman.'" He maintained a smile, trying to preserve his image.
"A fair maiden is sought by a gentleman, but you're no gentleman!" Lin Zihao retorted, showing no respect and glaring at Jack with clear displeasure.
Jack's face darkened, immense anger brewing within him. This damned kid had disrupted his pursuit of Lin Xue multiple times, and now he dared to slander and insult him! Jack wished he could kick him. However, he managed to restrain himself, his years of cultivated composure proving useful.
Seeing Lin Zihao about to curse again, Lin Wencheng quickly intervened, scolding, "Zihao! Watch your mouth! Children should be polite. Go to the back." He then pulled Lin Zihao behind him before turning to Jack and his companion with an apologetic smile, "I apologize, Mr. Jack. Children can be rebellious and difficult to manage at times." He continued, "You wish to accompany us on a tour of the capital of this Cultivation Dynasty? I'd be most welcome."
Jack's smile returned. "Thank you, Elder Lin. Your heart is as beautiful as Miss Lin Xue's countenance." Lin Wencheng's skin twitched; he couldn't bear Jack's compliments, feeling something was amiss.
Thus, Jack and the curly-haired man joined Lin Wencheng's group, and the seven of them departed the manor.
When they found Wang Hao, he was boasting to Chen Wu about something. "Brother Wu, I saw my daughter. I'm telling you, Ling'er is now close friends with Chen Xi." "Chen Xi, you don't know her? She's the daughter of Chen Baiwan, the wealthiest merchant in Da Qian..." Wang Hao chattered on, his face beaming with unconcealed excitement and joy. Chen Wu, listening, grew increasingly envious and jealous, finding Wang Hao utterly detestable and annoying.
"Alright, alright, I know. You don't need to keep telling me, you've said it almost a hundred times!" he interrupted, fearing Wang Hao would talk from morning till night.
Wang Hao replied, "A hundred times? Not that many, only eighty-seven times..."
"Eighty-seven times isn't enough? Are you really planning to keep poking your fifth brother's heart?" Chen Wu glared fiercely at Wang Hao, but inwardly, he was immensely envious. This kid was truly going places; rumors had it that Wang Ling'er was a strong contender for concubine.
Wang Hao smacked his lips, feeling there was still more to say. He was simply too excited, and his only confidant was Brother Wu, so he had to 'milk' him for all he was worth. But he couldn't continue now, or Brother Wu would explode.
"Okay, I'll tell you tomorrow..."
"Tomorrow is also no! The day after, and the day after that, are also no!" Chen Wu roared, truly believing the kid intended to 'milk' him dry.
Wang Hao chuckled sheepishly, "Alright, I'll tell you later then."
"Hmph! That's more like it." Chen Wu snorted, then turned and saw Lin Wencheng and the other six emerging from the manor. He nudged Wang Hao, "Those Earthlings are here for you. Are you really going to take them around the imperial capital?"
"Of course. Mainly because I want to explore too. I've never been to the imperial capital since I was little!" Wang Hao stood up. Chen Wu felt the same, but he had orders from His Majesty to guard this place and couldn't leave. So, he was resolute, planning to stay awake for days to perfectly execute the mission assigned by His Majesty. This was a rare opportunity; for a mere soldier like him to be so valued by His Majesty filled him with excitement, even Wang Hao was incredibly envious.
"Brother Wang, there are seven of us, and we plan to tour the imperial capital for a while. We'll be troubling you next," Lin Wencheng said respectfully to Wang Hao.
Wang Hao scanned the seven individuals before him, his gaze lingering on Alice, Jack, and the curly-haired man for a few seconds, causing their expressions to tighten. He then nodded and replied in Huaxia, "Certainly. Stay close to me and don't wander off, or you'll face the consequences!"
Lin Wencheng quickly assured him, "Don't worry, Brother Wang, we absolutely won't wander off." The other six also quickly gave their assurances.
Without further ado, Wang Hao led the seven away from the manor and began their tour of the imperial capital. Initially, Wang Hao himself was a bit unfamiliar with the place; the imperial capital was vast, and it was easy to get lost. They narrowly avoided several dead ends. However, after a while, Wang Hao gradually became more familiar with it, correlating its layout with other cities.
The seven arrived at a bustling commercial street, one of the most prosperous areas in the entire imperial capital. Several avenues paved with bluestone intersected, and on both sides of the road stood wooden pavilions and towers, incredibly elegant and magnificent! This commercial street had no street vendors; it was entirely comprised of shops, with remarkably extravagant decor. Floating spiritual energy screens displayed images, promoting the products within the stores. This advertising method, akin to screen LED displays, astonished Lin Wencheng and the others.
Lin Xue doubted her own eyes, feeling a dreamlike sensation, as if she weren't strolling down an ancient, picturesque street but a modern, bustling commercial district. "This... isn't this Cultivation Dynasty a bit too fashionable?" Lin Xue couldn't help but ask.
Alice strongly agreed, "It is indeed very fashionable. As we've walked, I've seen many novel things, surpassing those in our modern cities." She felt a sense of dislocation. She had initially expected this Cultivation Dynasty to be like ancient Huaxia, entirely traditional and antique. But she never imagined it would be so up-to-date, so trendy.