Zhuque Avenue is the main street of Chang’an, stretching straight and broad from the Xuanwu Gate at the northern end of the city all the way to the front of the imperial palace. It is wide enough to accommodate eight carriages side by side. On either side of Xuanwu Gate lie the East Market and West Ward, the busiest and most prosperous marketplaces in Chang’an, in the entire Tang Dynasty, and perhaps even under all of heaven. Not only are the products of the Tang Empire found here, but also horses from the Western Regions, weapons, spices from overseas nations, and all manner of rare and marvelous goods—everything one could imagine.

The current emperor of the Tang, Samuel Thompson, planned to hold the grand Water and Land Assembly right here on Zhuque Avenue. Brian Carter was a step late; by the time he arrived, the street was already packed with a sea of people on both sides. He tried to squeeze in, but lacked the strength, so he could only fetch a few bricks from the outskirts, stack them up, and stand on tiptoe to look.

From Xuanwu Gate, groups of monks, Daoists, and eccentric figures entered in succession. Some looked travel-worn and ragged, yet carried themselves with an imposing air; others had attendants carrying large trays, or were accompanied by musicians and followers, while they themselves sat motionless, displaying an air of superiority. The emperor was fond of Daoism, so many had come from thousands of miles away to Chang’an for this event, including monks from the Western Regions and strange figures from overseas.

Brian Carter, after all, had studied the Black Water True Art with Mr. Lane for over a month. By focusing his power in his eyes, he could see a faint aura of spiritual light around people. Though his vision was not especially sharp, he could tell that nine out of ten of these monks and Daoists were frauds with no real ability—their eyes were dull, and there was no spiritual light above their heads, clearly lacking even a shred of true power. The remaining tenth were somewhat stronger than ordinary people, but even they had their limits.

Yet there were some who appeared quite unusual. After watching for half an hour, Brian Carter saw a beggar with a giant snake coiled around his waist stride onto Zhuque Avenue. The beggar’s eyes seemed to glow red, and a faint black aura rose from his head toward the sky. Clearly, as his master had said, this was a true expert hiding among the charlatans for reasons unknown. Even the giant snake at the beggar’s waist was entirely crimson, shrouded in a fiery demonic aura, with a single horn faintly protruding from its head, eyes like lightning, tongue flickering in and out, moving with electric speed—obviously no ordinary creature.

The beggar’s face was fierce, and with such a fearsome beast at his waist, no one dared approach him. He strolled leisurely down Zhuque Avenue, as carefree as a top scholar parading through the streets.

Brian Carter was watching in admiration when suddenly someone pushed him from behind. He lost his balance and fell from his stack of bricks. Turning to rebuke the culprit, he saw a young girl in white, who gave him a slightly apologetic smile. Though still very young, her bright eyes and white teeth, skin like snow, and radiant smile made her as lovely as a rare flower in bloom—a true beauty in the making.

Chapter Two: Black Water True Art (Part Two)

“It was too crowded behind, and I accidentally pushed you, young master. Emily Foster truly didn’t mean it, I hope you won’t be offended!”

Brian Carter glanced behind her, but saw no one else, which struck him as odd. Still, his anger gradually subsided. He returned the courtesy, saying, “It’s a small matter, miss, no need to worry. There are many people here, so please be careful not to fall and hurt yourself.”

Though Brian Carter was surprised that such a beautiful girl would be out alone, he didn’t want to get involved and assumed she could take care of herself. Unexpectedly, the girl named Emily Foster tugged at his sleeve and pleaded softly, “Emily Foster managed to sneak out with great difficulty, just to catch a glimpse of the Water and Land Assembly. But I arrived late, and I’m too short to see anything. Would you mind lending me your bricks so Emily Foster can have a look?”

Brian Carter, a perceptive youth, smiled at her request and made room for her to climb up. He had watched for a long time but hadn’t seen anything particularly strange at the assembly. Though it was lively, with all sorts of local and foreign monks, Daoists, and performers—fire-breathers, sword-swallowers, and many other acts unseen in Baishi Town—true experts were few and far between.

If Brian Carter had not yet apprenticed himself, he would have been thrilled by the spectacle. But now, comparing these people to his master, he found that even the monks and Daoists at the emperor’s grand assembly paled in comparison.

“My master can see a ring of black light at midnight, enveloping the entire temple. All these people together aren’t as strong as that. I wonder if this emperor of the Li family will really gain longevity from holding this Water and Land Assembly.”

Brian Carter pondered for a while. By chance, he turned and saw the girl in white’s expression change dramatically—she seemed to be gritting her teeth in anger, yet there was also a touch of childish petulance, making her all the more charming. He didn’t know what she had seen, but when he looked toward Zhuque Avenue, he saw a surge of demonic energy rising to the sky, yet above it was a ring of spiritual light, its aura the strongest at the entire assembly. Brian Carter thought this strange, and was considering whether to leave after seeing the excitement, when he heard people ahead discussing: “Truly a royal spectacle—only in a flourishing age could such strange and talented people gather from all directions. The parade alone is so impressive; I wonder what the reed mat contest will be like later.”

“So there’s a reed mat contest coming up. I wonder what kind of event that is. But where can I find a spot with a clear view? Otherwise, with all this jostling and my short stature, I won’t be able to see anything at all!”