Chapter 992: An Extraordinary Event

Chapter 992: Chapter 992: An Extraordinary Event

Ye Qingchen and Xiao Xiao traveled north and finally arrived at the territory of the Jiang Ancient Clan.

From a distance, they saw a majestic cluster of buildings resembling a crouching lion, guarding the mountains.

The entrance and exit of the Jiang Ancient Clan appeared particularly bustling, with clan members and foreign merchants coming and going incessantly.

The city gate at the entrance and exit was towering and grand, the ground paved with green bricks was as clean as new, with each brick engraved with the marks of time, seeming to narrate the long history and majesty of the Jiang Ancient Clan.

At the entrance and exit, several rows of soldiers in standard armor were energized, lined up on both sides, watching each person entering and exiting with eyes like torches.

The soldiers were all tall, and the spears in their hands glinted coldly in the sunlight, intimidating anyone who approached.

Whenever someone entered or exited, they would step forward to question them, only letting them pass after confirming their identity was correct.

On each side of the entrance and exit were towering watchtowers, with several stern-looking archers standing on them, constantly vigilant of the surrounding movements.

The wind blew, and the flags atop the towers flapped mightily, adding to their majesty.

Outside the city gate was a square, bustling with people coming and going. Members of the Jiang Ancient Clan were either with their families or alone, looking extremely busy.

Many were carrying or shouldering various goods, evidently just returned from purchasing outside.

There were also some foreign merchants pushing carts, piled with all kinds of rare treasures, trying to sell their goods to the members of the Jiang Ancient Clan.

In one corner of the square, several vendors were selling various snacks and daily necessities, attracting some passing pedestrians to stop.

In front of the fragrant stalls, several children were happily running around, holding newly bought candied hawthorns, their faces brimming with happy smiles.

Ye Qingchen and Xiao Xiao approached the entrance, surrounded by this busy scene.

The sounds of various chatter mixed within the crowd, creating a very lively atmosphere.

Xiao Xiao looked around curiously, secretly marveling at the prosperity of the Jiang Ancient Clan.

"Young Master, it’s so lively here; it seems the Jiang Ancient Clan is indeed extraordinary." Xiao Xiao said softly, with a hint of amazement in her tone.

Ye Qingchen nodded, calmly scanning the surroundings while secretly pondering.

Xiao Xiao observed for a while and noticed those patrolling soldiers, feeling puzzled.

She frowned and asked Ye Qingchen in a low voice: "Young Master, when we passed the outskirts of the Jiang Ancient Clan before, we never saw so many guards. There weren’t even gate guards before; why is there suddenly such strict security this time?"

Upon hearing this, Ye Qingchen’s gaze grew slightly solemn, reflecting for a moment.

He also noticed this unusual situation, especially how these guards seemed exceptionally vigilant, as if guarding against something.

He responded softly: "Yes, such a number of guards is indeed unusual."

He pondered for a while and continued: "Logically, the Jiang Ancient Clan is not a place easily approached. Although these guards are strict, they shouldn’t go to such lengths. Could it really be because of that treasure in the mountains?"

As he spoke, Ye Qingchen’s tone carried a hint of doubt. Although he didn’t quite believe that the rumored treasure would cause the Jiang Ancient Clan to make such a fuss, the current situation indeed indicated something.

"However, we can’t determine the exact reason now." Ye Qingchen added, his gaze deep, "It could be because of the legendary treasure, or it could be other things we don’t know about yet."

Xiao Xiao nodded, although still confused, she understood that this was not the time to act rashly. She said to Ye Qingchen: "Young Master, what do we do next? Should we go treasure hunting directly?"

Ye Qingchen whispered to Xiao Xiao: "Let’s go in first and see what’s going on with these guards." Xiao Xiao nodded, then followed Ye Qingchen toward the entrance of the Jiang Ancient Clan.

As they approached the entrance, a group of armored soldiers immediately stepped up. The leading soldier gave Ye Qingchen and Xiao Xiao a cold look, then unemotionally gestured for them to stop.

"Stop, present your pass and undergo inspection." The soldier’s voice carried a commanding tone, with no trace of courtesy.

Ye Qingchen and Xiao Xiao stopped without a trace of movement, calmly handing over the prepared Identity Tokens.

The soldier took the Tokens and carefully verified them.

Afterward, he gestured to a few soldiers beside him, who immediately stepped forward, surrounding Ye Qingchen and Xiao Xiao, starting a thorough inspection.

The soldiers moved swiftly, carefully checking their clothing, packages, and even their shoe soles were not overlooked.

They seemed vigilant over every detail, unwilling to let even the slightest anomaly slip by.

The inspecting soldiers quickly searched while coldly scrutinizing the two, as if trying to spot any flaws.

The leading soldier, after checking the Tokens, focused his gaze on Ye Qingchen’s face once more.

He stared intently at Ye Qingchen’s features, slightly furrowing his brows, as if contemplating something. The soldier’s gaze no longer held the same coldness, but with a hint of contemplation and suspicion.

His hand gently rubbed his chin, his eyes roving over Ye Qingchen’s features as if trying hard to recall something.

After a while, the soldier’s expression suddenly turned serious. As if finally remembering something, disbelief flashed through his eyes.

He slowly pointed towards Ye Qingchen, speaking in a low and cautious tone: "You are... Ye Qingchen?"

Upon hearing the soldier suddenly ask his name, Ye Qingchen was suddenly filled with surprise, his expression changing slightly, but he quickly regained his composure.

Ye Qingchen didn’t immediately reply but instead stepped forward, his tone carrying a hint of curiosity and probing: "You know me?"

Although Ye Qingchen’s face remained calm, his mind was rapidly analyzing.

Having little connection in this area, why did the other recognize him?

He looked at the soldier, trying to read something from his expression.

Meanwhile, Xiao Xiao also tightly watched the soldier, evidently wary of this sudden recognition.

The soldier continued to stare at Ye Qingchen, his gaze a mix of doubt and confirmation.

He seemed to be weighing something and didn’t continue speaking, leading to a brief stalemate.

Ye Qingchen’s surprise and subtle wariness emerged at this moment, but he remained composed, waiting for the soldier’s next action or response.

The soldier stared at Ye Qingchen for a while, finally confirming his identity, with a hint of tension and excitement flashing in his eyes.

As if he had seen something incredible.