Chapter 41: Scouting Ahead and Tian Dou Imperial Academy
One had to admit, Salas was indeed a capable man to have reached the rank of Platinum Bishop.
In just ten minutes, a detailed map of Tian Dou City, along with an intelligence report marking the locations of all major forces within the city, was placed before Han Li and Guang Ling. Not only that, but he had also prepared a collection of portraits featuring key figures and had neatly compiled them into a separate document.
The city map itself was clearly freshly completed something Salas, who had lived in Tian Dou City for years, wouldn't need for himself.
As Han Li and Guang Ling examined the documents, they noticed that, in addition to the requested information, Salas had gone above and beyond by adding numerous annotations to help them match locations with specific individuals. The level of detail was impressive.
"Not bad."
Even though Guang Ling wasn't particularly fond of Salas' character, he had to admit that his efficiency and competence were top tier.
"You flatter me, Lord Worshiper. I've also given orders to keep gathering information. If any new intelligence comes in, I will notify you immediately."
Salas bowed respectfully, though he couldn't quite suppress the satisfied smile tugging at the corners of his lips. He didn't care about Guang Ling's personal opinion of him as long as he had work to do, that was enough.
Having obtained what they needed, the master and disciple had no interest in further conversation. They declined yet another invitation to lunch and returned to their room.
"Han Li, why don't you have Losago accompany you for a stroll?"
Guang Ling suggested. With his striking appearance and distinct features, he wasn't fond of aimlessly wandering through the city. But Han Li, on the other hand, was spending too much time cooped up inside. A child should go out and explore the world.
Han Li paused for a moment before nodding. "Alright. I'll go through these reports first, then I'll find Master Luo."
He had already planned to head out today it's just that he needed to study the intelligence first. Otherwise, he would have left much earlier.
Throughout their journey, though they had stopped at many cities and taken occasional breaks, they had always been in a hurry.
Now that they were finally in Tian Dou City, the imperial capital of the empire, he naturally intended to explore it properly. Since Guang Ling had brought it up first, there was no reason to refuse.
After memorizing the reports and the map, Han Li noticed it was already midday.
He had lunch sent directly to the room, rested for a while, then set out with Losago to tour the city.
In terms of bustling prosperity, Tian Dou City surpassed Spirit City.
However, in terms of atmosphere, it was lacking after all, most of its residents were not soul masters, and social classes were rigidly stratified. Walking through the streets, Han Li was reminded of Notting City.
Before leaving, the two of them had changed clothes. Their previous outfits bore clear Spirit Hall insignias, custom made no less. While relations between Tian Dou Empire and Spirit Hall weren't overtly hostile, it still wouldn't be wise to flaunt their presence in imperial territory.
As they walked through the streets, the contrast in reactions was clear.
Commoners instinctively stepped aside, avoiding direct eye contact.
Meanwhile, well dressed nobles nodded and smiled at them, regardless of whether they had met before.
They think I'm a noble? Han Li mused internally.
Then he remembered he actually was one.
Inside his storage wristband, he still had an official Tian Dou Empire noble certificate, bestowing him the rank of Viscount.
Of course, he had never taken it seriously.
A noble without territory was practically useless good for nothing except maybe intimidating small town officials.
As for the mandatory service obligations of nobility, Han Li wasn't worried in the slightest. If Xue Ye ever dared to forcibly summon him, Guang Ling would likely storm the palace and teach him a lesson in 'fist law'.
After casually strolling through the streets and sampling local street food, Han Li led Losago toward several places of interest.
His goal? To scout them out in advance.
Losago hadn't seen the map and had no idea what Han Li was up to, but as his bodyguard, he simply followed silently.
At one point, they passed by a grand, luxurious building with a sign reading "Moon Pavilion."
Han Li stopped and observed from a distance.
Noble youths and young ladies could be seen entering in groups, while ornate carriages lined the streets outside. The faint sound of elegant music drifted from within.
This should be the aristocratic etiquette school run by Tang Yuehua, Han Li thought.
Seeing the sheer number of guards patrolling the area, he decided against getting any closer.
Shaking his head, he moved on toward the nearby residential district.
Along the way, he casually passed by the Dugu Clan Manor and the Ye Family Estate. Using his sensory abilities, he overheard the servants talking, confirming that both clan heads were currently away.
Without pausing, he continued walking back to the main street.
"Master Luo, could you find us a carriage? I'd like to visit Tian Dou Imperial Academy." Han Li said.
"Young Master, we don't have an imperial noble permit. If you want to enter Tian Dou Imperial Academy, we'll need to go back to Spirit Hall and request Bishop Salas' help." Losago replied after a brief moment of thought.
"No need for all that trouble I'm already a Tian Dou noble."
Han Li smiled as he retrieved a gold trimmed Viscount's certificate from his storage space.
Losago blinked in surprise, but nodded and said nothing further. He immediately left to hail a carriage.
Half an hour later, their carriage arrived at the base of a mountain.
"Sirs, carriages aren't allowed beyond this point. This is as far as I can take you."
The driver pointed toward the visible entrance gates of Tian Dou Imperial Academy.
"That's fine. We'll stop here."
Han Li hopped down and flicked a gold spirit coin into the driver's hand.
"By the way, we'll be heading back to Tian Dou City later. Please wait for us here."
The driver gripped the coin tightly, bowing repeatedly.
"Understood! I'll wait for you as long as necessary!"
A single gold spirit coin equivalent to three months' wages was enough for the driver to commit wholeheartedly.
Who knew? Maybe the young master would reward him again later.
Han Li didn't pay much attention to the driver's attitude. He was well aware that the man was probably internally mocking him, but he didn't care.
He was paying for a service, and as long as the job was done, that was all that mattered.
After walking for a few minutes, Han Li and Losago arrived at the academy's entrance, where they were promptly stopped by the guards.
He calmly handed over his noble certificate and said, "Greetings. I'd like to tour the academy before enrolling in the next semester."
The guard carefully examined the certificate before respectfully returning it.
While it was from a small, unfamiliar territory, a noble was still a noble not someone to offend.
The guard handed Han Li a temporary visitor's pass and explained, "Many young noble masters like yourself enjoy touring the academy before officially enrolling. This pass will grant you access to the public facilities. Once inside, an attendant will guide you through the campus."
He then glanced at Losago, adding, "However, the pass is only valid for you. Your guard must wait outside. But rest assured, the academy will guarantee your safety. You'll need to return the pass upon leaving. Is that acceptable?"
"That's fine."
Han Li nodded and then turned to Losago.
"Wait for me at the carriage. I'll be back soon."
Losago had wanted to remind Han Li that going alone might not be safe, but upon seeing the noble certificate in his hands, he swallowed his words and simply nodded before departing.
Han Li put away his certificate, turned back to the guard, and smiled.
"Alright, can I enter now?"
"Of course, sir. Please, come in."
The guard stepped aside and welcomed him inside.
Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon.
Read 20 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/johanssen