Mainland Martial Arts

Chapter 397 Departure

Lin Feng bowed respectfully and said, "Your Majesty, I have been under your care in the Imperial Palace. We have made some progress with the generator and the lightbulb. I wish to leave the palace with my friends and head to Taixu Valley to explore further opportunities and spread the art of electricity." His eyes were sincere and resolute, and he leaned forward slightly, clasping his hands together in a gesture of respect. His voice was steady and powerful, echoing throughout the palace, every word clearly audible. His attitude was humble and respectful, not daring to overstep the bounds.

The Emperor nodded slightly and said, "I understand. Be careful on your journey. If you need anything, you can always send me a message." His voice was low and majestic, with a hint of concern and expectation. He looked at Lin Feng calmly, like a deep lake, unfathomable. His expression was serious, without a single ripple, but the slight nod revealed his tacit approval and support for Lin Feng.

Lin Feng bowed again, gratefully saying, "Thank you, Your Majesty." He slowly exited the palace, each step steady and resolute. His eyes held both anticipation for the unknown journey and a lingering nostalgia for palace life. He silently reflected on every moment in the palace: the time spent with friends, the days spent honing his craft with the artisans, all of which became precious memories.

The morning mist, like a veil, gently entwined the plants and trees of the imperial palace's inner courtyard. In a large courtyard surrounded by high walls, Lin Feng, Chen Xin'er, Chen Yu, and Xu Tian stood quietly, their figures looming in the hazy mist, like travelers about to step into a painting. The surrounding walls were ancient and heavy, mottled with the marks of time. Moss quietly grew in the corners, adding a touch of vitality to this solemn and solemn place.

Lin Feng stood tall, his azure robe swaying in the wind, the hem brushing gently against his ankles. He had a handsome face, sword-like eyebrows slanting into his temples, and deep, piercing eyes, like twinkling cold stars in the night sky. He gazed into the distance, his heart filled with anticipation for the journey that was about to begin, yet also with a hint of apprehension.

Chen Xin'er stood beside him, like a crabapple blossom in full bloom. She wore a pink silk dress embroidered with delicate butterfly patterns, which rose and fell with her breathing, as if ready to take flight at any moment. Her hair fell over her shoulders like black satin. Her face was as white as jade, and her eyes were bright and gentle, reflecting Lin Feng's figure like a clear spring.

Just as they were about to leave the compound and embark on an unknown journey, the sound of gentle footsteps reached them. Eunuch Hong's distinctive figure emerged. He wore a gorgeous crimson eunuch's robe, embroidered with delicate cloud patterns in fine gold thread, shimmering with a faint golden light in the morning mist. His face, lightly powdered with white powder, accentuated his already fair complexion. His eyebrows were long, thin, and curved, like two willow leaves. His eyes were narrow and bright, revealing a shrewd look.

Eunuch Hong walked up to the four people, paused gracefully, and bowed slightly. He placed his hands on his sides, leaned forward, and said in his high, long voice, "I greet you all. I have come here today at the behest of the Emperor. The Emperor is extremely concerned about Young Master Lin's safety and has specifically ordered me to escort him safely out of the city."

Upon hearing this, Lin Feng hurriedly stepped forward, stood with his feet shoulder-width apart, clasped his fists high, performed a standard martial arts salute, and said sincerely: "Thank you for your hard work, Eunuch Hong. Lin Feng is deeply grateful. After we return to the palace, please convey our deepest gratitude to the Emperor on our behalf." His eyes were full of respect and gratitude. He knew in his heart that this arrangement by the Emperor was not only a sign of his personal appreciation, but also a sign of support and expectation for what he was doing.

Chen Xiner also knelt slightly in greeting, her movements as light as a falling feather. She whispered, "Thank you, Emperor, for your favor and mercy, and thank you, Eunuch Hong, for your kind assistance." Her voice was like a spring breeze, soft and melodious, echoing in the quiet courtyard.

Chen Yu simply nodded slightly, his stern face expressionless, but his eyes flickered with recognition and appreciation for the Emperor's arrangements. Xu Tianze grinned, revealing a row of perfectly white teeth, and said excitedly, "Haha, with Eunuch Hong here, our journey will definitely be smooth!" His laughter was hearty and resounding, breaking the previously solemn atmosphere in the courtyard.

Led by Eunuch Hong, the group slowly emerged from the palace. The stone pavement within twisted and turned, a bit slippery in the morning mist. Eunuchs and palace maids lined the path in neat rows, their heads bowed, their eyes furtively glancing upward, their expressions filled with curiosity and awe.

Upon exiting the palace gates, a massive and magnificent carriage came into view. The carriage's body was crafted from precious ebony, a hard, finely grained wood that radiated a faint sheen. It was inlaid with a variety of gemstones and metal ornaments. Rubies shone like blazing flames, sapphires were as blue as the deep ocean, and shimmering silver mithril patterns, like stars in the night sky, shone in the morning light, emitting a dazzling array of colors that dazzled the eyes.

The canopy is like a miniature palace dome, painted with exquisite auspicious patterns of dragons and phoenixes. The dragons and phoenixes seem to have life, with lifelike dragon scales, dragon whiskers fluttering in the wind, and phoenix feathers bright and eye-catching, as if they will take off and soar into the sky at any time.

The four horses were plump and strong, with pure and bright coats, their manes fluttering in the wind like black silk. They raised their heads and neighed, their voices resounding through the sky, and their hooves pawed the ground, kicking up clouds of dust, as if announcing to the world that they were about to embark on a great journey.

Everyone boarded the carriage one by one. The interior was spacious and comfortable. A thick, plush carpet lay beneath their feet. The pile was soft and dense, making it feel like stepping on clouds, an incredibly comfortable sensation. Exquisite sandalwood cushions, delicately carved with patterns, were placed around the carriage, emitting a light, refreshing sandalwood fragrance.

On the coffee table, an exquisite tea set was neatly arranged. The porcelain was delicate and white, its color as gentle as jade. The carriage windows were draped with pale blue silk curtains, as thin as cicada wings, fluttering gently in the breeze, blocking out the outside world while letting in soft light, creating a private and warm atmosphere. The carriage slowly started, its wheels rolling over the cobblestones, making a dull, rhythmic "gurgle gurgle" sound like an ancient ballad, expressing the sadness of parting and the longing for the future.