Chapter 35

Great Summer Capital.

Duke's Mansion.

The Gu family's jade carriage had stopped, and three hundred elite soldiers were lined up on either side. These warriors, clad in armor, were the cream of the Duke's Mansion.

Each one was a martial artist, and no shortage of experts.

Today was the day Gu Jinnian would go to Xiaxi Village to participate in the Great Summer Academy's admission exams.

The entire Gu family was making a grand affair of it, with everyone busy with this matter.

Inside the entrance hall.

Grandfather Gu, Gu Jinnian's sixth uncle, and his mother, Lady Li, were already waiting here.

This journey of three hundred miles would take about half a month, and as family, they naturally cared deeply.

"Jinnian, you must be very careful on the way. If anything happens, let the subordinates handle it; you must not act rashly."

"Grandfather has arranged three hundred iron cavalry for you, and some people have been secretly assigned to protect you. If any real danger occurs, remember to prioritize your life and do not act recklessly."

"Do you understand?"

At the entrance, Grandfather gave a series of instructions, warning Gu Jinnian about the rules of traveling outside.

But before Gu Jinnian could respond, Grandfather's gaze suddenly fell on Gu Ningya.

"Sixth Uncle."

"You better be careful. If anything happens to Jinnian, I won't let you off easily."

"Do you understand?"

Grandfather looked at Gu Ningya with a stern voice.

Upon hearing this, Gu Ningya immediately nodded, though he felt a bit uncomfortable. But what could he do? Gu Jinnian was the family's favorite, and he himself was already out of favor, so he had to endure it.

"Grandfather, don't worry. I'll consult Sixth Uncle about anything. Besides, it's only a three-hundred-mile journey; what could possibly go wrong?"

Gu Jinnian seemed unconcerned.

Xiaxi Village was three hundred miles from the capital. With the Gu family's strength, if anything happened to him, they could arrive within the time it takes to burn an incense stick.

With three hundred iron cavalry and hidden experts protecting him, could they not secure his safety within that time?

As for any world-class experts coming to cause trouble, that was even more impossible. There were only a handful of world-class experts in the world, and if they dared to act openly against him, they must be tired of living.

"Jinnian, you can't have that attitude when you're outside."

"Regardless, be cautious and follow Sixth Uncle's instructions. He is experienced and meticulous. Whatever happens, you must do as he says."

"Sixth Uncle, thank you for the trouble."

Lady Li spoke, being more polite to Gu Ningya than Grandfather.

"Big Sister, you're too kind."

"Please rest assured, with me escorting him, nothing will happen to Jinnian."

Gu Ningya smiled in response.

His big sister knew how to speak. Looking at his father, he sometimes doubted if he was his real father.

But soon, Lady Li pulled Gu Jinnian aside to speak.

"Jinnian."

"On the way, you must eat more. Don't be stingy with money. Here, take this banknote. Buy whatever you like."

"Remember, let Sixth Uncle spend the money first, then you can spend your own."

"Also, if you encounter any danger, run first. Don't worry about Sixth Uncle. He's tough and can handle a few cuts. You must not get hurt. If you get hurt, how will your mother live?"

Lady Li gave a series of instructions.

"Mother, don't worry. Your son will be fine."

Gu Jinnian felt a bit awkward, as Sixth Uncle was right there. Though they were speaking in private, Sixth Uncle couldn't help but hear.

What did she mean by "tough and can handle a few cuts?"

Wasn't that hurting Sixth Uncle's feelings?

At that moment, Lady Li had a servant bring a brocade robe, which she handed to Gu Jinnian.

"Jinnian, the weather has changed recently. This is a robe your mother sewed for you. If you feel cold, wear it. Don't catch a cold."

"You've just recovered from a serious illness, and now you're going on a long journey. Your mother is very worried."

"They all want you to study and endure hardship. Your mother is very reluctant. You've never been far from home before."

"On this trip, your mother will worry every night."

"Jinnian, your mother doesn't expect much from you. Just come back safely, okay?"

Lady Li was extremely moved, and by the end, she was on the verge of tears.

Three hundred miles might not seem far, but to Lady Li, Gu Jinnian had always lived a life of luxury. This trip would surely be hard for him.

Moreover, he had almost drowned a few days ago, which made her even more reluctant and worried.

Grandfather and Gu Ningya saw this and said nothing, as it was reasonable for a mother to be concerned after such an incident.

"Mother."

"Don't be sad. Your son understands. Please rest assured."

Taking the brocade robe from his mother, Gu Jinnian looked at the stitches and the red marks on Lady Li's hands, feeling a pang of emotion.

As a穿越者 (穿越者 means "穿越者" in Chinese, which can be translated as "穿越者" in English, but in this context, it means "a person who has traveled through time or dimensions"), he had accepted the identity of the Gu family's eldest grandson, but emotionally, he found it hard to connect.

But today, Lady Li's actions deeply moved Gu Jinnian.

"It's time to go."

"Sixth Uncle, take Jinnian."

At that moment, Grandfather spoke.

With that, Gu Jinnian moved.

The group walked out of the entrance hall to the mansion gate.

Gu Ningya had gone out earlier to check everything.

Gu Jinnian walked to the jade carriage.

The grand procession was bustling with activity, and the servants had prepared firecrackers to send him off as the jade carriage set off.

A moment later.

Gu Ningya came over and said to Grandfather,

"Father, everything has been checked, and there are no issues. We can set off."

He gave a firm response.

"Good."

"Jinnian, go ahead."

"Study well. If you don't get selected, Grandfather will invite a great scholar for you. Don't feel too much pressure."

Grandfather patted Gu Jinnian's shoulder, giving him the greatest confidence and support.

As for Lady Li, she was even more saddened and could not speak, only nodding at Gu Jinnian.

At that moment,

A strong wind blew,

Ruffling Gu Jinnian's brocade robe.

Feeling the Gu family's concern, his heart was filled with gratitude.

"Grandfather."

"Mother."

"Your son will do his best and will not let you down."

His voice echoed.

Outside the Duke's Mansion,

Gu Jinnian bowed deeply to his grandfather and mother.

After the bow,

Gu Jinnian said nothing, turned, and entered the jade carriage.

The next moment, the butler's loud voice rang out,

"The auspicious time has arrived."

"Send off the young master to the Great Summer Academy."

As the voice echoed, the firecrackers were immediately lit, making the entire street even more lively.

Outside the Duke's Mansion,

Grandfather's expression changed slightly.

Because he had just noticed that his grandson seemed different.

That look just now made him feel that his grandson might have been... hiding something all along.

That was impossible.

Grandfather stood there, stunned.

He couldn't believe it.

But that behavior and demeanor were too different.

"Could it be that my grandson has great talent?"

Grandfather's body stiffened, and this terrifying thought exploded in his mind.

Thinking about the heavenly mandate choosing Gu Jinnian, his body trembled slightly.

It was a tremble of excitement.

The Gu family.

Could they really have a dragon rising?

He couldn't be sure.

Everything would depend on the Great Summer Academy's admission exams.

At that moment,

In the jade carriage,

Gu Jinnian's aura had undergone a significant change.

Since his arrival in this world, he had seemed ordinary for two main reasons.