Mainland Martial Arts

Chapter 538 Arrival at Xixuan City

Just as Chen Xiner was packing the last item, there was a sudden knock on the door. The sound was particularly clear in the silent room. Chen Xiner was slightly startled, subconsciously stopped what she was doing, and looked towards the door vigilantly.

"Who is it?" she asked, a hint of doubt and vigilance in her voice. However, there was silence outside the door, and no one responded. Chen Xiner's brows furrowed slightly, and her sense of vigilance grew stronger. She raised her voice again and shouted, "Is it Lin Feng?" But, there was still only silence in response.

Chen Xiner's heartbeat quickened slightly. She slowly stood up, taking each step carefully, listening carefully to the movements outside the door, her eyes fixed on the closed door. She gently placed her hand on the doorknob, exerted a little force, and slowly opened the door.

The moment the door opened, Chen Xiner's tense nerves relaxed, her alert expression replaced by surprise. Lin Feng stood quietly at the doorway, the morning sun shining on him, outlining his tall figure. He held a bowl of steaming porridge and several delicate side dishes in his hands. The steam from the porridge curled upward, filling the air with an alluring aroma: millet porridge, sweetened by red dates and longans, and tinged with the refreshing aroma of the side dishes.

"You scared me to death. I thought it was someone else. You didn't respond when I called you." Chen Xiner scolded, but her face was filled with a gentle smile. Her tone was full of relief for surviving the disaster and intimacy with Lin Feng.

Lin Feng looked at Chen Xiner, his eyes filled with doting. He reached out and gently touched Chen Xiner's head. The gesture was gentle and warm, as if soothing a frightened deer. "Have some breakfast, and then we'll set off." His voice was low and gentle, like the warm spring sun, making people feel extremely at ease.

Chen Xiner nodded slightly, took the food from Lin Feng's hand, walked into the room, sat at the table and began to enjoy breakfast. Lin Feng stood quietly by, looking at Chen Xiner, his eyes full of tenderness and concern. Chen Xiner ate her porridge, occasionally looking up at Lin Feng. When their eyes met, they would smile at each other, and a warm atmosphere filled the room.

After breakfast, the two packed their bags and stepped out of the inn. The sun was already high in the sky, casting golden rays across the earth, shrouding the world in a golden glow. A gentle breeze blew, bringing a hint of coolness that felt particularly refreshing. The streets were already crowded with people: vendors carrying loads of vegetables, men delivering goods in horse-drawn carts, and children carrying their schoolbags to school. The scene was bustling and peaceful.

They set off north, their journey awash in picturesque scenery. On either side of the road stretched endless fields, tender green wheat swaying gently in the breeze, like a vast ocean of green. A stream gurgled beside the fields, its water so clear that you could see small fish and shrimp swimming happily at the bottom. In the distance, rolling hills loomed, their majestic beauty bathed in the sunlight. The sky was a brilliant blue like a jewel, its white clouds floating like clouds, seemingly within reach. Occasionally, a few birds flew overhead, their chirping and twittering adding a touch of life to the tranquil journey.

Lin Feng squatted down and gestured for Chen Xin'er to climb onto his back. Chen Xin'er blushed slightly, but still obediently lay on Lin Feng's back. Lin Feng stood up, carried Chen Xin'er steadily on his back, and began to run forward.

Lin Feng had reached the Grandmaster realm. His speed was as fast as lightning, even faster than a galloping horse. His steps were light and powerful, each one firm and steady. His Qi flowed through his body, forming an invisible shield that not only protected him but also gave Chen Xin'er, who lay on his back, a sense of incomparable safety.

Chen Xin'er lay on Lin Feng's back, feeling his warmth and strong heartbeat. Her arms gently wrapped around Lin Feng's neck, her cheek resting slightly against his back. At first, she looked around curiously, but as time passed, her eyelids grew heavier, and she gradually fell asleep.

While running, Lin Feng would occasionally turn his head to check on Chen Xin'er, making sure she was sleeping soundly. A gentle smile perpetually graced his face, as if Chen Xin'er's safety was his most important concern. Whenever he encountered a rough road or an obstacle, he would skillfully avoid it, fearing to disturb Chen Xin'er's sweet dreams.

When night falls, Lin Feng seeks a safe, secluded spot to rest. He stops by the stream, letting Chen Xin'er rest on the grass nearby while he searches for dry firewood to start a fire. He expertly builds a bonfire, its warm glow dancing in the darkness, dispelling the night's chill. Lin Feng takes out his rations, and together they eat a simple meal to replenish their energy. Chen Xin'er leans against Lin Feng's side, feeling the warmth of the fire and his company, a sense of security filling her heart.

In this way, they traveled day and night, and after several days of travel, they finally arrived at Xixuan City.

Xixuan City stood tall and majestic, its walls built of massive stones, etched with the marks of time. The city gates were open, bustling with activity. Guards, neatly clad in armor and bearing spears, stood majestically at the gates. Those entering the city lined up, undergoing inspection one by one.

Lin Feng, carrying Chen Xin'er on his back, slowly entered the city gate. Inside, the streets were spacious and clean, lined with a dazzling array of shops. There were small shops selling all sorts of exquisite accessories, their windows gleaming brightly in the sunlight; there were snack stalls emitting enticing aromas, their owners warmly greeting passersby; and there were bookstores selling books, calligraphy, and paintings, their air filled with the faint fragrance of books. Street performers were performing acrobatics, drawing a crowd of children to laugh and applaud. From the teahouses, the sound of people chatting and the aroma of tea wafted through, with waiters bustling about.

Lin Feng patted Chen Xiner's shoulder gently and said softly: "Xiner, we have arrived at Xixuan City."

Chen Xiner slowly opened her eyes and looked at the bustling scene in front of her, her eyes full of surprise. "Wow, we're really here!" she said excitedly, her voice full of joy.

Anyuantang, nestled in a quiet alley in Xixuancheng, evokes a uniquely peaceful and tranquil atmosphere despite its bustling location. The aroma of medicinal herbs wafts from the open gate, filling the air and bringing a sense of peace. In the courtyard, several ancient locust trees stand lushly, their branches rustling in the breeze, whispering stories of the ages.

Chen Yu stood in the courtyard of Anyuan Hall, engaged in an animated conversation with Doctor Huang Yu. Huang Yu, a man well over sixty, had a head of silver hair neatly tied back. Time had carved deep wrinkles into his face, but his eyes remained piercing, revealing the wisdom and gentleness unique to a physician. He wore a washed-out cotton shirt and held an ancient palm-leaf fan, which he gently waved from time to time. The ink-painted bamboo on the fan appeared and disappeared in the light and shadow.