The next day.

　　In front of the royal palace.

　　A group of imperial guards stood ready and waiting. Beside them, Zhou Yuan's gaze constantly swept outwards into the distance as he talked to Zhou Qing and Qin Yu, whom had come to send him off.

　　Clatter clatter!

　　The hurried sounds galloping was transmitted from afar as a fiery red horse seemed to fly towards them. It eventually came to a stop a short distance from them with a neigh and lithe figure gracefully dismounted.

　　The figure naturally turned out to be Su Youwei. Today, she wore a grey s.h.i.+rt and trousers, while her long hair was bundled into a ponytail, making her look relaxed and pretty.

　　The imperial guards did not stop her, allowing her to pa.s.s through and walk to the carriage. Due to having hurried here, her pretty face was a little flushed and beads of sweat dotted her fair forehead.

　　"Youwei greets his and her majesties." The first thing Su Youwei did was cup her fists and bow towards Zhou Qing and Qin Yu.

　　Zhou Qing and Qin Yu responded with warm smiles. They had seen Su Youwei's performance during the cla.s.s ranking exam and were quite fond of this strong and independent girl.

　　"Youwei, treat this trip as a training experience. Also, help me take care of Zhou Yuan and don't let him cause too much trouble." Qin Yu smiled.

　　Zhou Yuan chuckled. Both Yaoyao and Su Youwei were tagging along this time. Yaoyao was coming because she had become rather bored in the palace. As for Su Youwei, he hoped that she would be able to gain different experiences which would be beneficial for her cultivation.

　　After all, Su Youwei was on the verge of unblocking her eight meridian channel and stepping into the Qi Nouris.h.i.+ng stage. Hence, the Great Zhou Inst.i.tute no longer had much to offer her. So as to not delay her cultivation progress, Zhou Yuan decided to bring her along on this trip to Canglan County.

　　"It's about time, prepare to set off." Zhou Yuan glanced at the sky before turning to Lu Tieshan. "You shall be tasked with protecting them."

　　Lu Tieshan replied in solemn voice, "Don't worry your majesty, I will offer you my head if anything happens to his highness."

　　"I do not wish for anything to happen to any one of you." Zhou Qing waved his hand.

　　Lu Tieshan nodded, before he stood up and mounted his horse. With a wave of his hand, he loudly shouted, "We're setting off!"

　　Zhou Yuan took a step onto the carriage, waving his final goodbye to Zhou Qing and Qin Yu before entering.

　　The group began their journey, accompanied by rumbling sounds of movement as they pa.s.sed through various streets, ultimately exiting Great Zhou City and heading straight towards Canglan County.

　　 …

　　When Zhou Yuan left Great Zhou City.

　　Qi Manor.

　　In a certain study, Qi Manor's housekeeper, Qi Ling, respectfully reported, "Master, Lu Tieshan and a thousand imperial guards have accompanied Zhou Yuan out of the city. Their destination should be Canglan County."

　　Behind the desk, Qi Yuan nodded with an emotionless face.

　　"Looks like the royal clan has also heard of the most recent news regarding those ruins."

　　An eerie light flickered in Qi Yuan's eyes as he indifferently said, "Things did not turn out well for us in the Great Zhou Inst.i.tute matter, but this time, I am determined to get my hands on the Fire Spirit Grain!"