12 Chapter 12: Finally arrived! (1/2)

”Are we getting out here?” asked Duan Li.

”Nope, we will continue to ride for another one stop before reaching the capital city.” replied Ling Yu.

”This Triding River town is technically the first line of defense for the Jiu Empire. Thus, there are many stores out here that sells numerous necessities for martial artists going on an adventure including armors, weapons, manuals and the sorts. You can come here next time to take a look.” she said with a smile.

”Ahh, I see.. But why is it considered the first line of defense?” asked Duan Li curiously.

This is because the numerous surrounding villages on the outskirts were also part of the Jiu Empire. Then, why are they not the first line of defense?

Hearing this, Wang Guozhi turned to answer as he pulled out a paper and pen from the void. This seems to be that 'Inventory space' magic that was imbued usually on rings. These rings are made up from the sack of a rare monster called 'Three striped Fanged-Snake'by which its tail has the properties of an alternate dimensional space, although the inner space would varies on random.

Ling Yu had told him about this before when they were travelling through the air as she took a sip from a water bottle that came out of nowhere.

”Well, imagine it like this, the capital city of Nine Lotuses is the center of the Jiu Empire. It is surrounded by eight towns including the Triding river town. There are two towns infront of the capital city in each four of the cardinal directions, and they are all connected together by town walls as their border.” said Wang Guozhi as he draw a single circular shape which he divides them in a sectorial manner on the paper.

Although Duan Li loved reading, and he knew there are towns surrounding the capital city. He wasn't sure before how each were situated as the book he bought at a very cheap price had only stated as much roughly without going into the details.

Duan Li cupped his chin with his fingers as he found this positioning of towns around the capital to be quite interesting. Still, he did not understand the relationship of these towns with the 'first-line of defense' thingy.

'Ttak ttak!' the airtrain began to move and accelerate slowly.

Noticing Duan Li's expression, Wang Guozhi smiled as he continued.

”I mentioned that there are two towns in each cardinal direction right? Well, each of the first town after the capital are called the 'Production' town where they produce many stuff that is crucial for the prosperity and advancement of the empire. Thus, technically, they are the backbone of the Jiu Empire and where the majority of the people of the empire work.” he said while labelling the middle sector shape as 'production town'.

”Therefore, each of the town after that, where the majority of the people lived and commute from protects the inner town and the capital city, which is the heart of the empire! Thus, my fellow senior teacher Ling Yu here, used the term 'first-line of defense' to make it simpler!” he said while crossing his arms together and giving side glances towards Ling Yu with a wink and smile.

He seemed to hint, 'Did you see that? I'm also quite knowledgable as well other than my manly figure and suave looks!'

Ling Yu giggled a little bit as she shook her head slowly.

While Wang Guozhi had explained how the towns were located and their functions, he seemed to fail to explain the crux of the matter.

”Senior teacher Wang Guozhi is correct. Also, the reason why it is called the first line of defense of the empire is because whenever there are threats, such as the seasonal monster stampede, these towns will be the first to dispatch official Knights from the academy to protect the surrounding villages!” she explained while emphasizing the 'Also' in her first sentence.

As the other party had already explained to the best of his ability, it is only right for her to just add on to the explanation rather than pointing out which one he was missing in his explanation.

Hearing this, Duan Li seemed to come to a better understanding now.

”No wonder everyone still respect the students from the Jixue Knights Academy eventhough some of them are quite the bully.. it turns out that they will eventually become a full-fledged knights to protect villages against monster attacks... ” thought Duan Li.

It wasn't that he didn't know that Knights had protected them from the numerous monster attacks before. But that he didn't know the responsibility they held. Now, he had a more positive outlook towards the academy as a whole.

'Perhaps only that Li Feng is the most degenerate fella out of all the bunch of people..'

'Ting Tong!'

”Next stop, Capital City, Nine Lotuses city! Please remember to take your belongings with you and to exit with orderly manner. Thank you for your patronage.”

”We have arrived, let's go quickly. The airtrain will only stop for a minute.” said Ling Yu as she gestured for Duan Li and the rest to move.

...

Capital city, Nine Lotuses city..

”What size.. what exquisite buildings.. how many floor is that? Perhaps ten or more?” said Duan Li to himself as he swallowed his saliva.

When he first stepped out from the airtrain, he was quickly mesmerized by the tall buildings and orderly street view. Even the air seemed to be very clean and has a certain aroma to it that make one's body to relax. Not only that, this city seemed to be in harmony with nature as trees were everywhere at the correct places and angle.

This is truly a marvel in engineering and architecture!

”Surprised eh? Well that look on your face doesn't seem all that far from when I first step into this city as well! HAHAHA!” laughed Wang Guozhi.

Duan Li's face turned red in embarrassment.

Ling Yu just stood there to look at the both of them with a smile. In her heart, she chuckled as she remembered when Wang Guozhi had first arrived as well.

He came from a very far away place, up in the mountains bordering the Liu Empire. Thus, when he first saw the city, he had been entirely flabbergasted with every single thing he saw.

He had even put on his guard against the approaching airtrain before as he thought it was the ancestor snake looming up upon them.

What not that different from his?

Duan Li's reaction right now could be considered quite mild compared to him before.

”Umm.. senior teacher Ling Yu, I guess.. we should hurry up.. the gate will close soon.. ” reminded Xiahou Yu as she approached.

Realizing this, Ling Yu quickly woke up from her stupor as she beckoned towards the two men in front of her.