Nine Yang Life and Death Transformation

So Zhang Hao and Wu Feilong hurriedly boarded a beautifully decorated carriage and sped towards the capital. The sound of hooves echoed through the air, the wheels rolling forward, kicking up clouds of dust. However, when the carriage reached a secluded and quiet place, suddenly dozens of fierce-looking bandits leaped out from both sides of the road. Wielding various weapons, they surrounded the carriage, their faces contorted with rage, like hungry wolves eyeing their prey.

Seeing this, Wu Feilong, sitting in the carriage, couldn't help but feel surprised and amused, muttering to himself, "How can there be so many bandits? It seems like we run into these guys everywhere we go." Just then, Zhang Hao's highly skilled bodyguard stepped forward. Holding a long sword, he flashed into the bandit group like a ghost. With a sudden swing of his sword, the blade flashed, and sword energy crisscrossed. In just one exchange, all the once arrogant bandits lay dead on the ground.

This scene truly stunned Wu Feilong. His mouth gaped open, unable to close for a long time, and he secretly marveled, "That's incredible!" Zhang Hao, standing beside him, sighed helplessly and explained, "Alas, this year, floods have ravaged various regions, causing immense suffering to the people. Coupled with the heavy taxes levied by the imperial court, many people simply cannot survive and have no choice but to flee to the capital in search of a glimmer of hope. That's why there are so many refugees and bandits on the roads now."

In contrast, in modern society, people have convenient mobile phone communication tools, allowing them to know what's happening in the world without leaving home. But on this Tianyuan Continent, due to the extremely backward and isolated means of information dissemination, even events happening in slightly remote areas take a long time to gradually spread.

"Logically, the imperial court should open the granaries and distribute grain."

"The disaster victims are like a bottomless pit; there's no way to save them all."

The carriage traveled for dozens of kilometers before stopping. Wu Feilong peered out and saw that the road was crowded with thousands of disaster victims, all disheveled, emaciated, and many elderly, weak, women, and children lying weakly on the ground. Vultures in the distance were staring intently at them.

The bodyguard stood in front of the car: "Get out of the way, or you'll die."

A little girl, about five or six years old, came over in fear: "Brother, please give me something to eat." She was so thin that she was skin and bones, and her face was pale.

Wu Feilong was torn with conflicting emotions. He knew he was facing a difficult choice. If he offered the food he carried, the starving refugees would swarm in and snatch it all away in an instant; but if he chose not to offer the food, the poor little girl might not survive the night and would never see the sunrise again.

After a fierce internal struggle, Wu Feilong finally picked up the little girl, gently placed her on the carriage, cracked his whip, and drove off quickly. Surprisingly, the little girl's parents did not stop him; they simply stood silently, watching them go.

After a full day's journey, the three finally arrived at the Zhang residence in the capital. This bustling capital was divided into ten areas. Within the Third Ring Road were mainly various government offices and workplaces, heavily guarded and orderly. From the Third to the Fifth Ring Road was the residence of high-ranking officials and nobles, with magnificent mansions scattered throughout, showcasing the owners' noble status. From the Fifth to the Eighth Ring Road was a lively commercial district, lined with shops and bustling with people, full of vitality. As for outside the Eighth Ring Road, that was where ordinary merchants and commoners lived. Although these places were somewhat crowded and chaotic, they were filled with a strong sense of everyday life.

It's worth mentioning that there's an unwritten rule in Beijing: even the wealthiest merchants, without special backgrounds or connections, have absolutely no chance of living within the Fifth Ring Road.

The Zhang family mansion was magnificent, with a pair of imposing stone lions standing guard at the entrance, seemingly protecting the peace of the residence. Upon entering the gate, the first thing that caught the eye was a crystal-clear lake, its waters shimmering. In the center of the lake stood an exquisite pavilion, surrounded by a variety of exotic flowers and plants, a breathtaking sight that left one mesmerized.

At this moment, the little girl had been led aside by the servants to enjoy her meal, while the butler led Wu Feilong and the other two along the winding path. After walking for about ten minutes, they finally arrived at the Zhang family's reception room.

"Dad!" With a shout, Zhang Hao rushed over like an arrow and threw himself into Zhang Ziqiang's broad and warm embrace.

Zhang Ziqiang gently patted his son's back and asked with a smile, "Hao'er, have you been practicing your skills diligently lately?"

Zhang Hao lifted his head from his father's arms, his eyes sparkling with excitement, and proudly replied, "Father, don't worry! I've already broken through to the third level of Qi Refining!"

Hearing this, Zhang Ziqiang smiled with satisfaction and nodded repeatedly, praising, "Haha, not bad, not bad, worthy of being a descendant of the Zhang family! But..." As he spoke, he turned his gaze to Sun Kang standing to the side and asked curiously, "And who is this?"

Before Zhang Hao could introduce them, Sun Kang stepped forward and bowed, saying, "Junior Sun Kang greets Uncle." Then, Zhang Hao smiled and said to his father, "Dad, this is my good friend Sun Kang. Don't let his young age fool you; he not only runs a thriving steamed bun shop in Ankang City, but also manages a sizable restaurant."

Zhang Ziqiang raised an eyebrow slightly, looking at Sun Kang with interest, and exclaimed, "Oh? I didn't expect someone so young to have such abilities. Truly, the younger generation is formidable! I just wonder just how magical these steamed buns are?"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Hao turned to look at Butler He, who was standing not far behind him, and instructed, "Uncle He, please have someone bring over all the things from the carriage. Once everyone has tasted them, they will know what they are like!"

Uncle He quickly replied, "Yes, young master." He then turned around to arrange for people to move the items.

At this moment, everyone waited with great anticipation, eager to find out just how delicious this legendary magical bun was.

After Wu Feilong had prepared everything—flour, yeast, a steamer, and so on—he brought it all to the table shortly afterward. He skillfully poured the flour into a bowl, added the appropriate amount of water and yeast, and then quickly began to stir. In no time, the dough was ready and set aside to ferment.

Taking advantage of this time, Wu Feilong quickly picked up a cleaver and finely chopped the fresh pork with its alternating layers of fat and lean meat until it became a smooth and even filling. Then, he deftly took the fermented dough, pinched off appropriately sized pieces, rolled them into thin wrappers, scooped on a spoonful of fragrant meat filling, and skillfully pinched out delicate pleats. In the blink of an eye, he had wrapped dozens of plump buns.

Then, these plump and adorable buns were placed one by one into the pot, the lid was put on, and they began to steam. As time passed, an enticing aroma gradually filled the kitchen. This aroma seemed to have grown wings, quickly passing through the kitchen and spreading throughout the entire courtyard.