Chapter 680: Chapter 404 Additional Guest
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Hearing his answer, the two guards bowed to the young man, stepped aside, and cleared the path for them to enter the city. As they entered the city, neither Yan Xiaobao nor Cai Jie paid attention to the guards. Their eyes were brimming with excitement, a kind stirred by different things.
Apart from the friends he had left behind in the "Shrine," Yan Xiaobao couldn’t think of anything else, much less the friends he hadn’t seen since departing Liluo City. Although he had sent them a letter saying he was alive, he hadn’t spoken to them nor knew when he would see them again. He imagined the happiness his friends would feel upon seeing each other and broke into a smile.
"How will you introduce your dazzling friends?" Lan Feng asked curiously, raising an eyebrow as he and Yan Xiaobao both turned their gazes to Cai Jie. Back in the capital of the Siban Empire, Lan Feng hadn’t mentioned that he would follow Yan Xiaobao, but when the time came to leave, he indeed followed the white-haired young man. Yan Xiaobao welcomed the extra traveler on their long journey. Although they bickered during their passage together, they secretly enjoyed the trip.
Yan Xiaobao had known from the very beginning that Cai Jie was no ordinary person. Though he bore the appearance of a young man, his eyes were deep, filled with profound knowledge hard-earned through years of hardship. Cai Jie had shared some of this knowledge with Yan Xiaobao, though only about the Crusaders or the intelligence he had gathered regarding An Hee.
Cai Jie never mentioned why he held animosity toward An Hee, and Yan Xiaobao remained clueless about the topic. They exchanged glances and shared smiles while accepting their unspoken agreement. Without needing to fully understand each other, their insistence on staying together significantly boosted their chances of success.
"I think I’ll just give a brief introduction," Yan Xiaobao shrugged as he walked past a densely packed crowd. Despite most people already leaving for the outskirts of the city, the streets were far from empty. Narrow lanes crowded with carriages, street vendors, and citizens left little room for maneuvering. Yet, despite standing out due to their peculiar appearances, the pair blended effortlessly into the crowd. It was only when people were right next to them that they noticed their extraordinary traits, but by then, it was too late.
"You do know where your friend lives, right?" Cai Jie asked casually, observing the enormous city as they moved along. They traversed the lower districts, slums, and markets before arriving in the upscale areas where affluent merchants and noble families resided. Yan Xiaobao glanced at his surroundings and nodded. "They’re at the Royal Academy," he replied. Though he had never been to the capital before, he assumed the Royal Academy was located near the castle along with other courts. Yan Xiaobao wasn’t certain if his assumption was correct, but he continued heading toward the castle. Cai Jie hadn’t mentioned whether he had been to the capital before either; he simply followed Yan Xiaobao’s lead. Both of them eagerly anticipated reuniting with their other friends.
When Yan Xiaobao thought about how he hadn’t seen his friends for years, he couldn’t help but feel an ache in his heart. He missed Deng Wu’s foolish antics, Sha Yun’s pride, Rong Xing’s mediocrity, Gao Yan’s focused personality, and Rong Ming’s recklessness. But most of all, he missed Wang Julong’s gentle smile, which always made him feel as though he could soar. Cai Jie could see the joy on Yan Xiaobao’s face, a sight that drew a subtle smile on his own lips. Whatever the mysterious golden-haired young man was thinking remained unknowable.
Finally, after hours of walking, they arrived at the Imperial Palace. The palace had numerous entrances, some designated for nobles frequenting the court, others for soldiers and guards returning after completing their duties. One specific gate led to the Royal Academy. Standing before this gate, Yan Xiaobao noticed that the young men guarding it didn’t seem like ordinary guards; rather, they were likely students.
Fixing their gaze on Yan Xiaobao and Cai Jie, the two guards couldn’t help but break into a cold sweat, knowing they had a job to do. "E-e-excuse me," one stammered nervously, "I-I’m sorry, but non-students are not allowed to enter the campus." Keeping his head lowered and eyes fixed on his feet, the guard’s heart raced with fear, dreading that the pair might become angry and retaliate.
"I understand," Yan Xiaobao said calmly, rubbing his chin thoughtfully while looking around. "I need to speak with Rong Xing and Rong Ming." He nearly chuckled when he saw the visible sigh of relief from the guard.
"Yes, sir! I’ll fetch the Rong twins immediately!" the guard responded hurriedly, bolting away without even taking the time to ask who needed to speak with them. The thought of his friends’ astonished faces made Yan Xiaobao smile. His demeanor left the remaining guard shifting nervously from one foot to the other, unsure whether he should converse with the two striking men or remain silent. Ultimately, he decided to stay put and guard the gate quietly.
Yan Xiaobao couldn’t wait for the reunion, and finally, after what felt like an eternity, two very familiar figures emerged from behind the guard, trailing after him with puzzled and uncertain expressions. "Listen, Zheng Jun, I know you’re a guard, but could you at least tell us why you’ve rushed to the gate? Who is this mysterious guest?" A voice brimming with irritation echoed from inside the academy. It was a voice Yan Xiaobao would recognize anywhere. Hearing it widened his grin, and even Cai Jie’s expression turned intrigued as he shifted his gaze from Yan Xiaobao to the source of the voice.