Crossing the Cultivation Realm: Two Souls Coexist

After several days of travel, Gu Yang and Hu Qing finally arrived at Haitian City.

When they stood outside the city gate, Hu Qing's soul was deeply shocked by the scene before him.

The walls of Haitian City are towering into the clouds and majestic. The stone lions on both sides of the city gate are mighty and majestic, as if telling the long history and glorious culture of this city.

"Is this Haitian City? It's so spectacular!" Hu Qing's soul exclaimed in Gu Yang's body.

Although he came from an era of advanced technology, he still felt an indescribable shock when facing such a city full of classical charm.

Gu Yang smiled, his heart filled with pride and anticipation.

"Hey, don't look at other people, it's you who's wondering whether to enter the city or not. You've been standing there for a long time, and the people behind you are waiting!" The guard next to the city gate shouted loudly.

"That's right, can you please hurry up? We are still waiting to go into the city to buy things. You can tell he is from the countryside and doesn't seem to have seen the world." The people in the queue behind echoed.

Hu Qing was just about to come out to deal with the foul-mouthed passerby behind him, when Gu Yang paid the toll, a low-grade spirit stone, and forcibly pulled Hu Qing's soul and slowly walked into the city gate.

(Spirit stones are divided into high-grade, medium-grade, and low-grade. One high-grade spirit stone is equal to one hundred medium-grade spirit stones, and one medium-grade spirit stone is equal to one hundred low-grade spirit stones. Of course, it is said that there are also top-grade spirit stones.)

The streets in the city are wide and flat, with shops lining both sides and a constant stream of pedestrians. Various hawking sounds and laughter interweave together, forming a unique city symphony.

"We couldn't see the strength of those two guards just now. We couldn't defeat them, so it's better to avoid a conflict." Gu Yang explained.

"Haitian City is not only the capital of our country, but also a cultural and economic center. It brings together merchants, scholars, and practitioners from all over the world. It is a place full of vitality and opportunities.

At the same time, this place is also a national holy place for cultivation. It is said that the effect of cultivation in the imperial palace is a hundred times better than that in other places. " Gu Yang introduced it to Hu Qing, his eyes flashing with longing for the future.

The two strolled through the streets of Haitian City, taking in its bustling energy. Hu Qing's soul, lurking within Gu Yang's body, was filled with curiosity about everything. From the ancient buildings to the bustling markets, from the richly dressed nobles to the hardworking commoners, every detail was a novelty to him.

Gu Yang brought Hu Qing to the county government ceremony room in Haitian City with a hint of nervousness and anticipation, ready to register for the upcoming imperial examination.

They stood at the door of the reception room. Gu Yang took a deep breath and was about to step in when he was stopped by the guards at the door.

"Excuse me, what can I do for you? Do you have an appointment with any of the adults?"

"I am a candidate for the recent imperial examination and I am here to register." Gu Yang answered truthfully.

The guard opened the door and let Gu Yang in.

Inside the ceremonial room, several officials were busy sorting through documents and rosters. Gu Yang walked up to the leading official, who was wearing a green robe, bowed respectfully, and then explained his purpose.

"Sir, I am a student from Qingtian Village. I have come here specifically to register for the imperial examination." Gu Yang said sincerely.

The official stopped what he was doing, glanced at Gu Yang, and then sighed, "Young man, the registration deadline was yesterday. You're late."

Gu Yang was shocked. He didn't expect that even though he worked day and night, he still missed the registration time.

He hurriedly explained, "Sir, I encountered some accidents on the way and was delayed. Please be flexible and let me register for the exam."

I came all the way here just to take the imperial examination and realize my own value."

However, the officials' attitude did not change because of Gu Yang's explanation.

He shook his head. "Rules are rules. They can't be broken just because of you. You should go back and wait for the next opportunity."

Gu Yang wanted to fight for it again, but the official seemed a little impatient and waved his hand to signal the guards next to him to drive Gu Yang out.

Hu Qing felt Gu Yang's disappointment and helplessness from within his body. "Brother Gu, don't lose heart. We must have other solutions," Hu Qing consoled him.

Gu Yang, who was kicked out of the ceremony room, stood outside the county government office with mixed feelings.

He looked at the bustling streets and felt unprecedentedly confused.

"Hey, move away. You're blocking my light. I still need to bask in the sun, you bastard." An unknown object said at the corner of the county government gate.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I didn't see there was a...um...person here." Gu Yang walked closer and saw clearly that it was a person holding a long knife and covered with a quilt.

The man was dressed in rags, with several wounds on his body and blood forming scabs. It was obvious that he had experienced a fierce battle.

Out of sympathy and curiosity, Gu Yang walked over, squatted down and asked with concern: "Brother, what's wrong with you? Why are you lying here?"

The man slowly sat up, and seeing Gu Yang's concerned expression, he replied with a wry smile, "My name is Zhao Tiezhu, and I'm here to take the imperial examination as well.

However, I encountered bandits on the way and fought them for three days and three nights before I finally ended the battle. As a result, I missed the registration period for the exam.

I tried to get them to be flexible, but they kicked me out, and I'm lying here in protest."

"Brother Gu, something doesn't seem right. How come he is also a bandit? It feels like someone is deliberately delaying the candidates' time," Hu Qing reminded.

After hearing Zhao Tiezhu's experience and Hu Qing's reminder, Gu Yang couldn't help but feel confused.

The bandit's attack was no accident. Both of them missed the imperial examination because of it. Does this mean there is a bigger conspiracy behind it? He decided to have an in-depth conversation with Zhao Tiezhu to find out the truth.

“Brother Zhao, my name is Gu Yang, and the exam was delayed because of bandits.

I think the bandit's attack was too coincidental. We both missed the exam because of it, which makes me wonder if someone did it on purpose." Gu Yang frowned, his tone carrying a hint of caution.

Zhao Tiezhu's eyes flashed with surprise when he heard this, but then he became serious: "Brother Gu, are you also worried about the bandits? It seems our guess was right."

"We? Brother Zhao, aren't you alone?" Gu Yang asked doubtfully.

“Before I came, there was another candidate whose exam was also delayed because of bandits. However, he was very strong and came to register after killing all the bandits, but he was also told that the exam time was closed.

After I met him, I felt that it was too coincidental, so we went our separate ways. He went to find a place to stay and a way to take the imperial examination, while I was responsible for squatting at the door, looking for the next candidate to see if things would develop in the same way.

"Brother Zhao, have you found a solution?" Gu Yang asked.

Zhao Tiezhu stood up and began to pack his things. As he did so, he said, "I've been observing this all day, and so far you're the only candidate. As for the solution, I'll take you to find that candidate and we'll find out together."

Zhao Tiezhu decided to take Gu Yang to the famous Tingfeng Tower in Haitian City, which was a gathering place for scholars and writers and a key point for the flow of information. Another candidate was there gathering intelligence.