Chapter 21: Lian Yangxia of the Sword Cultivation Division

“Also, public displays of affection are detrimental to the city’s image. Fifty spirit stones fine.”
Jiang Wangshu’s eyes widened. She leapt off Little Black, exclaiming, “Wait, where is this? How can a city by the sea be so strict?”
She could understand traffic laws, but a fine for a hug? Wasn’t this a bit over the top?
The enforcement officer paused, then looked her up and down with a gaze as if questioning her sanity. “H City is right by the sea. You’re here, and you still don’t know?”
“Hurry up, pay up quickly.”
H City—a notoriously old-fashioned metropolis.
Its fame stemmed from its rigid customs.
For example: male cultivators enjoyed priority in employment, men and women over seven years old weren’t allowed to share a table, and local female cultivators had to practice dual cultivation from childhood to support male cultivators.
Forums were filled with complaints about H City, but there was no escaping the fact that it hosted the nation’s second-ranked cultivation academy—Eagle Palace.
So many cultivators still came here to study.
How did she end up in such an unlucky place!
Jiang Wangshu sighed and handed over the fine. Before the spirit stones left her palm, a large hand swept over like a bird, snatching them away.
Suddenly, her hand was empty.
The enforcement officer also reached into nothingness.
Both followed the afterimage.
Little Black’s pale golden eyes flashed with discontent, shooting her a fierce glare and letting out a low, gravelly growl at the officer—a sound like whispers from the abyss, sending chills down his spine.
The officer showed no anger, only undisguised admiration in his eyes. “Such profound cultivation—just a single sound makes me feel hunted. Since you two are close, I’ll waive the city image fine.”
“But the traffic fine must be paid!”
Little Black had no concept of fines; he only knew this man wanted to take his food. His gaze sharpened like blades, quickly stowing the pouch, gripping the spirit stones tightly, chewing faster, right hand tensed with veins bulging, claws ready to strike.
Jiang Wangshu hurriedly pressed his hand, whispering into his ear, “Don’t make a scene. I’ll give you a few more later.”
Her warm breath brushed his ear, sending a shiver down his neck like tiny fish swimming down.
Little Black shifted uneasily, his gills behind his ears fluttering involuntarily.
Seeing him relent, Jiang Wangshu quickly paid the officer and sent him away.
She looked around—strange streets, no idea where to go.
She grabbed Little Black, found a bench, and sat down, pulling out her communication jade to search for places to eat and play.
Since she was here, she might as well enjoy herself.
But as soon as she took it out, a flood of messages exploded across the screen.

There were at least a dozen from Huo Jin Yu alone.
Huo Jin Yu: Master Jiang, which academy did you get into? I was admitted to Eagle Palace.
Huo Jin Yu: Ugh, so unlucky! This place is so hard on female cultivators!
Huo Jin Yu: Master Jiang, Eagle Palace starts a day early. Next time you’re back in F City, let’s hang out!
...
Zou Xiu Zhen: Master Jiang, the Northern Dipper Array gave me so much inspiration. Can I use it to improve other formations?
Zou Xiu Zhen: Master Jiang, here’s the array I modified. Please review it—many thanks.
Below was a string of formation diagrams.
Shen Qing Zhi: Jiang Wangshu, you vicious woman, what did you do to Wanwan?
Shen Qing Zhi: If anything happens to Wanwan, I’ll tear you to pieces.
She skimmed past the stream of malicious curses.
Finally, an official message: “Congratulations, candidate Jiang Wangshu, on your admission to Eagle Palace. Please report by 5:00 AM, August 29th.”
Jiang Wangshu glanced at the date. Her drooping apricot eyes shot open—wasn’t today the 29th?
Ahhh!
She jumped up, grabbed Little Black, and sprinted toward her destination.
“If we don’t hurry, we’ll be late. It’s already four twenty-nine…”
“Fellow cultivator, in such a hurry, surely you’re on urgent business! Why not ride a Lian Yang Xia brand flying sword? Guaranteed safety!”
A rambling voice drifted to her ear. Jiang Wangshu turned to see a handsome, refined young man riding the wind nearby, smiling at her.
When she looked over, his smile brightened. “Rest assured, fellow cultivator. I have a valid sword-riding license. Not operating illegally.”
Jiang Wangshu checked the time. “Eagle Palace—must arrive within ten minutes. How much?”
Lian Yang Xia cleared his throat, his dimples deepening. “Just one hundred spirit stones.”
Jiang Wangshu slammed on the brakes. “Deal. Hurry!”
Leading them ahead, Lian Yang Xia said, “Fellow cultivator, board here.”
At the station, Lian Yang Xia summoned the long sword at his waist, which hovered at Jiang Wangshu’s feet. “Please take your seat.”
She eyed the slender blade, gritted her teeth, and stepped on.
Turning back, she saw Little Black standing with arms crossed, staring at her gloomily.
“If you don’t hurry, I’ll deduct two spirit stones.”

Little Black ground his teeth, then swiftly boarded. “I’m quick—add them back.”
Jiang Wangshu was about to say something when Lian Yang Xia moved to stand at the sword’s tip. “Hold tight!”
A powerful wind surged past. Jiang Wangshu reflexively grabbed Lian Yang Xia’s clothes, her head knocking into Little Black’s chest.
It was Little Black’s first time high above the ground. His golden eyes began to blur; lips pressed tight, hands wound firmly around Jiang Wangshu’s waist. His tall frame hunched over, burying his head in her shoulder, not daring to look up.
Jiang Wangshu, already unsteady, now bore his full weight, gripping even tighter.
“Hey! Don’t pull me!” Lian Yang Xia struggled to keep his balance, his unskilled spiritual power wavering, making the flying sword unstable.
Other sword cultivators veered out of the way, watching the sword spin a full three-sixty in midair, gossiping in the passenger group.
“Careful, careful! Lian Yang Xia’s picking up passengers again! Stay clear!”
“Who’s so brave to ride his flying sword? Courting death!”
“I saw them! Two outsiders.”
“No wonder. Locals have blacklisted Lian Yang Xia. He has no business online and gouges people on the street.”
“Wonder who those unlucky souls are!”
...
Near the gates of Eagle Palace.
Two figures took turns vomiting.
Lian Yang Xia handed out tissues. “Here, wipe up!”
Then two cups of water. “Rinse your mouths!”
Once they recovered, he cast a cleaning spell to tidy up their mess—his technique truly practiced.
Jiang Wangshu clutched her chest, panting, handing over the spirit stones to Lian Yang Xia, legs weak as she staggered up the steps. “Don’t… ever… take passengers again… whew.”
Little Black was limp as mud, dragged along by Jiang Wangshu.
Lian Yang Xia eyed the brilliant, high-grade spirit stones in his hand, glanced around, and quickly tucked them away.
Whose wealthy daughter was this? Paying for a ride with top-grade spirit stones!
They usually accepted low-grade spirit stones—one hundred was already extortion.
Lian Yang Xia wiped his mouth, confirming: nothing earns faster than spiritual energy!
He hurried after them. “Junior sister, junior sister, you’re a new student, right? I’m your senior, second-year sword cultivation at Eagle Palace…”