Chapter Fifty-Nine: First Arrival in the Imperial Capital

The imperial capital gathered nearly all the most powerful noble families of the empire, each with a history stretching back centuries, not one of them easily trifled with. Generations of accumulated wealth and resources had granted these families cultivation resources beyond the reach of ordinary people. Over time, nearly ninety percent of each generation’s most outstanding young talents arose from among these houses.

Perhaps centuries ago, the Ye family had once shared in their glory. But after a hundred years hidden and a total decline, they no longer qualified. Now, with the Ye family’s reemergence, their greatest obstacle naturally came from these same established houses.

The Ye family’s dominance centuries ago had left a deep-rooted impression in many hearts. Those days of bowing and scraping left the nobles, long accustomed to their lofty positions, unwilling to return to such humiliation.

Yet Ye Feng’s purpose in coming to the capital was to settle internal matters first, then address external threats.

“There’s not a single ordinary youth among those called the outstanding generation. And as for some of those old foxes, they’re sly to the bone. Don’t let yourself get sold off without even knowing it!” His second uncle’s words lingered in Ye Feng’s ears.

“Act preemptively—before the Holy Land arrives, I must turn the capital into an impregnable fortress.” Ye Feng resolved grimly in his heart.

What the final result would be, no one could say for certain. After all, this journey to the capital would inevitably involve bloodshed—perhaps more than a few lives would be taken. No one enjoys having a cleaver hanging over their neck, nor do they like the man who wields it.

…

The day the first snow fell outside Zhetian City, Ye Feng departed. Aside from a very few, the common people knew nothing of this. To them, life went on as usual, mundane and uneventful.

“Feng’er, the imperial capital is not like Zhetian City. Given your role, you’re destined not to be well-liked—but I believe in you.” Two brown-maned lions drew the carriage in which Ye Feng and Elder Xiao sat. The elder spoke softly.

Ye Feng said nothing, merely shaking his head indifferently. He had long since resolved his attitude toward the capital—there was nothing left to say.

Sensing his mood, Elder Xiao continued, “When you have enough lice, you stop worrying about the itch. Pay it no mind. Remember—you are a man of the Ye family. There are no cowards in our line. Besides, Lord Ape is secretly watching over you. Go forth boldly!”

“Killing a few people won’t be a problem, right?”

“So long as it’s not a prince, it’s nothing to worry about!”

Ye Feng was speechless. Was this really the Ye family that had hidden away for decades? How could they be so audacious? Still, he liked it—at least he wouldn’t have to work with his hands tied.

Zhetian City was a small town in the north of the Tianwu Empire, some ten thousand miles from the imperial capital. Fortunately, the carriage was drawn by fourth-tier demon beasts, for whom a thousand miles a day was effortless.

A few days later, Ye Feng’s carriage arrived on the outskirts of the capital.

At this moment, he suddenly felt calm—or at least, Elder Xiao saw him as such, for he closed his eyes in repose.

Shangwu City was the capital of the Tianwu Empire, also known as the imperial capital. The city was divided into four main districts: east, west, south, and north. The Ye family had once been based in the east, which was also the most densely populated area for cultivators in the whole capital.

In those days, the Ye family’s status in the east was akin to the palace’s in the capital itself. Those who lived there were mostly the families of the Ye family’s “Golden Scale Guard” and those responsible for the final layer of the city’s security.

Now, aside from the commoners, the east was home to many reclusive families. The Ye estate was counted among them.

The west and south were dominated by the most powerful nobles, who commanded over half the capital’s troops and formed the basic defense force of the city. These districts were now also the gathering place for the majority of cultivators.

The north, meanwhile, housed idle princes and nobles, and boasted the highest concentration of luxury establishments. With little else to occupy them, these nobles spent their days in leisure and entertainment.

As the Tianwu Empire was the mightiest in the eastern lands of the Martial Soul Continent, the imperial capital was also known as the Eastern Holy City, its prosperity unmatched in the east.

Shangwu City’s four gates corresponded to its four districts.

Strolling down the main avenue of the north district, Ye Feng experienced a sensation he had not felt since his previous life—the crowds were so dense one could hardly move.

Entering through the north gate was Ye Feng’s choice. Since his greatest obstacles lay here, he might as well make a show of force. He wanted the nobles to know: he had arrived, and any who wished to oppose him were welcome to try.

As the pair of brown-maned lions swaggered down the avenue with the carriage in tow, two young men, both around twenty, observed from the window of a teahouse on the second floor.

“This guy is too arrogant! Parading openly through the north district—does he not remember how the Ye family was driven from the capital twenty years ago?” One man in green gripped his teacup and spoke bitterly.

“You underestimate him. He’s making a statement,” replied the youth in white, smiling faintly. “The Ye family has already offended so many nobles in Zhetian City, and now he enters through the north gate. This young man is no simpleton.”

“Hmph! Everyone says the Ye family is strong, but if they really were, would they have fled like whipped dogs twenty years ago? He’s just putting on a show now—he’ll tuck his tail and run soon enough.” The man in green downed his tea in one gulp, mocking.

Inside the carriage, Ye Feng’s lips curled in a smile. “Fifteen young powerhouses harboring hostility toward me—should I keep a low profile, or not? But if you act the fool for too long, people will mistake you for one. Never mind—let’s see who’s first to die!”

As the carriage reached the middle of North Avenue, still no one had emerged. Ye Feng was momentarily puzzled, then realized the reason: with Elder Xiao beside him, no one with sense would dare step forward unless they were desperate.

“Ah, it’s stuffy in here. You return ahead, I’ll walk the rest of the way to the Ye estate. And by the way, since the house has been empty for twenty years, have someone clean it up.”

“Mind your own business—even if no one lives there, the place is cleaned daily!” Elder Xiao replied helplessly as Ye Feng stepped out, stretching lazily.

No sooner had he descended than he felt more than ten hostile gazes fixed on him. If looks could kill, he’d have been riddled with holes.

Sauntering down the street, Ye Feng wandered as though on a leisurely stroll, pausing at this shop or that stall, entirely at ease. But if one watched his lips, it was clear he was muttering irritably to himself: “Damn it! Still not coming out? I’m hungry, need to kill a few people and get home for dinner! Hurry up already!”

“Here comes one!” Suddenly, Ye Feng’s eyes lit up—he sensed someone approaching.

“Well, if it isn’t Young Master Ye! I heard your family fled to the wilderness to farm—what brings you back?” The newcomer feigned surprise, speaking loudly.

As expected, his words instantly drew countless eyes to Ye Feng.

“Damn, isn’t this a bit much?” Ye Feng thought wryly.

“Ah, it’s Young Master Qi! Haven’t seen you at Zhetian City lately. Madam Red at the Pleasure Pavilion misses you terribly! When she heard I was coming to the capital, she nearly wept, insisted on coming along—said she couldn’t bear to be apart from you! Claimed a day without seeing Young Master Qi felt like three autumns!” Ye Feng replied with feigned surprise, grinning mischievously.

“You… you’re making things up! I’ve never been there!” Young Master Qi was clearly flustered, stammering in protest.

“Oh… my apologies, my apologies! Come, let’s find somewhere quiet to talk, come on…” Ye Feng adopted an expression of sudden realization, grinning slyly as he led Qi away, whispering excitedly in his ear, gesturing animatedly.

“Bah! Two scoundrels!” spat a woman from afar, her eyes full of contempt as she glared at them.