Entering Nalan City: Meeting the Martial Lord, Nalan Meng

In the strategic heartland of Nalan City, the fate of the Tiandang Kingdom rests in the hands of the heavenly Emperor, Jing Gouwei of the Jing Heavenly Family.

Nalan Meng, the current Martial City Lord, a descendant of Jing Gouwei, may lack experience in governance, but her dedication and compassion drive her to bring change to the city.

The city thrives on trade, with a plethora of goods flowing through its markets from the Yun Mountain.

Despite its modest size, Nalan City boasts fertile land and the abundant resources of the Willow Forest, offering ample opportunities for further development.

Under the command of Governor Sheng, the city's army is reinforced by troops stationed in the nearby city of Sichuan, yet its small size presents challenges in defending this vital stronghold.

To the east, lies the stable Great Zhou Dynasty, while tensions simmer in the southeast along the Nalan River, where allegiance to Zhou over Beichuan complicates negotiations and defense against bandit raids amidst escalating dynastic conflicts.

The Yun Clan stands as their sole bastion, able to swiftly mobilize troops from the Yun Mountain to repel any intruders.

Further north, the Tianshu Mountain Range harbors independent cities ruled by warlords, making intervention from Tiandang and Great Zhou difficult.

Home to numerous martial cultivation sects, including the renowned Dragon Mist Sect, the region is steeped in legend, with tales of immortal clans descending from the Yun Mountain.

Like Beichuan, they venerate the Golden Dragon Spirit, binding them to their spiritual heritage and martial prowess.

"And that, my Lord, is the overview of Nalan City. Are you satisfied, Lord Serpent?" Yun Fan disclosed the gathered information, his voice echoing through the Jingyi Fortress.

Seated in one of the fortress's restaurants, renowned for its delectable hotpots, Yusheng's stomach growled impatiently. He knew the real reason behind Yun Fan's incessant information gathering – the man was just always hungry, and food seemed to be his first priority no matter the situation.

"Ah, excellent work, Yun Fan," Yusheng praised, though his laughter sounded awkward, betraying his hunger-induced impatience.

"Freaking hell!" Yusheng cursed silently, his mind overwhelmed by the dramatic narrative unfolding around him. It felt like a plot straight out of one of his friend's exaggerated novels.

Yusheng couldn't shake the feeling that every word he uttered or action he took would lead to another calamity. Stepping upon the Spirit Swan's Pool felt like tempting fate, yet avoiding it seemed equally perilous – a cosmic checkmate, with deathtraps at every turn.

Sighing in frustration, Yusheng pondered how he'd stumbled into this cosmic predicament. It seemed he was trapped in a maze of his own making, with no clear way out.

Looking at Yun Fan, who seemed like a walking embodiment of his chaotic cosmic narrative, Yusheng couldn't help but wonder why he was being referred to as "Lord Serpent."

"Yun Fan, this Lord Serpent has a question for you," Yusheng said, feeling absurd addressing himself as a lord when he didn't even own a plot of land.

"What is it, my Lord Serpent? Are we finally launching an invasion?" Yun Fan's eyes sparkled with excitement, eager for any opportunity to stir up some action.

"No, no, not yet. I just want to know why you keep calling me 'Lord Serpent,'" Yusheng quickly interjected, trying to suppress his frustration as he attempted to decipher the reason behind the peculiar title.

"Because you are the esteemed Lord Serpent of the Serpent Clan," Yun Fan replied with utmost dignity and pride.

"No, that's... not... right..." Yusheng stammered, struggling to contain his exasperation.

"It's because of the book you carry, my Lord," Yun Fan pointed to the sack slung over Yusheng's shoulder.

"What book?" Yusheng asked, intrigued, as he reached into his sack and pulled out the two books. Flipping through them, he found nothing about a Serpent Clan.

"I checked the contents while you were frozen, my Lord. When I saw the worn book, I knew my destiny was intertwined with yours," Yun Fan explained.

"You're fooling yourself. There's no way..." Yusheng began to protest, but his words were cut off by a sudden notification from the Comically Dysfunctional System, shocking him to the core.

—Comically Dysfunctional System—

The system has detected that [Worn Book][????] has identified [Serpent's Inheritance Manual][Martial Ancestral] and has successfully added it to the host.

[Serpent's Inheritance Manual]

Rank: ********** (Martial Ancestral)

—————————————————————

This comprehensive martial training manual encompasses body-qi cultivation, various martial techniques including fist, sword, and spear techniques, and Martial Spirit Training perfected over hundreds of years by the Serpent Clan. Practitioners specialize in precise and fluid movements, executing critical strikes with the finesse of a serpent while maintaining a formidable defense.

As the Host possesses this manual, they inherit the legacy of the Serpent Clan and embark on the [Black Eclipse Serpent Clan's Saga].

"So that's why..." Yusheng struggled to contain his anger, realizing the truth behind Hermit Gu's cryptic hints. "And why didn't this blasted system mention this earlier?!" he screamed internally, waiting for a response that never seemed to come.

System: This system cannot be held responsible as the host failed to handle the manual properly, making it harder for the system to identify its contents.

System: Furthermore, the host is to blame for mentioning the book without considering the potential consequences, despite previous warnings from the system.

System: As for the identification system of this system, let it be known that the host must prioritize completing necessary tasks to allow for system upgrades. Though the feeling of being a basic system may hinder the host's needs, this system will continue to work diligently.

Yusheng resigned himself to the situation, realizing that the damage was already done. He vented his frustration by devouring countless servings of hotpot, hoping to drown out his anger in a sea of broth and noodles.

"Haha, you've got quite the appetite, my Lord," Yun Fan remarked, raising his beer in a toast.

Ignoring Yun Fan's attempt at flattery, Yusheng continued to shovel hotpot into his mouth, but he soon composed himself.

"Yun Fan, find us some horses. This Lord needs speed to reach the Spirit Swan's Pool lake," Yusheng declared, a glint of determination in his eye.

"But why the Spirit Swan's Pool lake, my Lord?" Yun Fan inquired.

"In due time. For now, we must hurry. Meet me at the next checkpoint," Yusheng replied, urgency evident in his tone.

"This servant obeys," Yun Fan bowed before leaving.

Yusheng let out a deep sigh, contemplating the depths of his cosmic narrative. Perhaps it was time for him to take a step back, observe the situation from a new perspective, and act accordingly. He hoped that his misfortune wouldn't bring about any further complications, but only time would tell.

Shaking his head to refocus, Yusheng placed the Tiandang Memory book in his lap and attempted to comprehend its contents once more, hoping for further insights into the upcoming events.

However, the more he tried to make sense of it, the more irrelevant and scrambled the events appeared, resulting in a splitting headache that forced him to abandon the endeavor.

"System, why do I have the feeling that this Tiandang Memory book is becoming increasingly useless?" Yusheng questioned internally, careful not to arouse suspicion among the locals.

System: The Tiandang Memory book has been useless ever since the host deviated from the plot and changed course, causing a disruption in the cosmic narrative.

System: It is crucial for the host to complete the task in order for the system to upgrade and update the Tiandang Memory, along with unlocking its functions.

Realizing that he needed to reach Nalan City as it was part of the narrative quest, Yusheng stood up and left the restaurant to find the next checkpoint.

Unfortunately, he had forgotten to ask Yun Fan for directions, leaving him no choice but to rely on the locals for guidance. After wasting considerable time getting lost and encountering numerous mishaps due to his aura of misfortune, he finally arrived at the checkpoint to find Yun Fan waiting with two horses in hand.

Their journey resumed, and as they traveled towards Nalan City, Yusheng noticed a warmer climate on the other side of the Yun Mountain.

Yun Fan explained that there was a watchtower whose main purpose was to monitor the elemental Qi changes on each side of the mountain, making patrolling easier for Yun Clan members. He also mentioned the existence of "Warm Spots," random resting areas along the journey, and the Yun Clan's tradition of estimating travel time within five days.

After three days of travel, they reached the outskirts of Nalan City.

"Wow, this is Nalan City indeed," Yusheng remarked, taking in the fresh air and lush greenery that stretched to the horizon, with the city nestled in the middle just as he had seen in his memories.

"My Lord, it's quite beautiful, isn't it?" Yun Fan grinned.

"Yes, it is," Yusheng replied, not surprised by the sight before him, reminiscent of the descriptions from his friend's story, "Emperor Zun: Battle of the Realms," whose screenshots he had seen.

Suddenly, a sweet yet aggressive voice interrupted their admiration. "Who goes there? Identify yourself, or face the consequences!"

In a serene glade, amidst hazelnut trees swaying gently, stood a jade beauty clad in elegant red armor, her figure accentuated by the attire, a bow resting on her back and a spear gripped firmly in her left hand, a testament to her martial prowess and grace.

"Nalan...Meng..." Yusheng muttered, his astonishment evident as he beheld the living embodiment of the heroines he had only seen in screenshots of [Emperor Zun: Battle of the Realms], shared by his friends on Earth through Bewtoon and Mahwan Toons, albeit appearing younger in person.

"How do you know my name, peasant? Explain yourself," Nalan demanded, surprise lacing her voice as she pointed her spear towards Yusheng, the familiarity between them sparking curiosity.

Caught off guard, Yusheng stumbled over his words, realizing too late the consequences of his fanboy excitement, now stranded as a traveler in this new world.

System: Host, please beware, another death flag has been detected. Exercise caution in your words.

(You useless system!)

"Lord Serpent, allow this humble servant to address the city lord," Yun Fan interjected, reaching for his twin swords, only to be stopped by Yusheng's frantic gesture.

"No, don't! You'll only exacerbate the situation. Let me handle this," Yusheng urged, urging his horse forward and raising his hands in a placating gesture towards Nalan Meng.

"Well, esteemed city lord, it is widely known, even in distant lands and through rumors, of your beauty and the might of Nalan city. This lad hails from Changming Village, seeking to trade his wares, accompanied by my loyal companion from Yun Mountain," Yusheng explained, feeling awkward as he improvised, drawing from characters in other novels.

Despite his uncertainty, Nalan seemed momentarily swayed, lowering her spear as she considered his words.

"Very well, I'll entertain your words, but prove the worth of your wares," Nalan Meng challenged, her eyes fixed on Yusheng as she awaited his demonstration.

"Of course, my lady. Here, catch!" Yusheng exclaimed, tossing a small vial of crushed black pepper towards Nalan Meng.

With deft reflexes, Nalan managed to catch it, but to Yusheng's dismay, a sudden gust of wind revealed a glimpse of... well, let's just say it was a comically awkward situation that defied easy description, leaving Yusheng cringing and hoping for a swift resolution.

"Did you see that?!" Nalan's menacing aura intensified as she once again leveled her spear at Yusheng's throat.

"Please, forgive the whims of nature, my lady. It seems luck has played a mischievous hand," Yusheng pleaded, feeling the weight of his misfortune as the scene took an unexpected turn.

"You court death with your insolence!" Nalan seethed, her anger palpable as she lunged forward with her spear.

"Whoa! Hey!" Yusheng yelped, desperately trying to evade the spear's deadly trajectory, ultimately tumbling from his horse in the process.

As Nalan continued her relentless assault, Yusheng found himself on the defensive, dodging her strikes while marveling at her unexpected cuteness up close, a far cry from the heroines depicted in novels and Bewtoon screenshots.

System: Host, this system detects an increase in heart rate. It appears you're experiencing 'kilig'.

"No! You useless, idiotic system!" Yusheng screamed internally, his frustration mounting as he stumbled towards the safety of a nearby tree.

Cornered and with Nalan Meng pressing closer, Yusheng raised his hands in surrender, a nervous laugh escaping his lips as he attempted to defuse the tension.

"Hahaha... Let me explain," he stammered, glancing at Yun Fan, silently urging him not to intervene.

"You will take responsibility," Nalan Meng insisted, her spear once again aimed in Yusheng's direction.

"I refuse! This lad has urgent matters to attend to," Yusheng protested adamantly, unwilling to allow another deviation from the cosmic narrative, uncertain of the consequences it might entail.

Unbeknownst to him, he was already ensnared, a rope suddenly pulling him away as Nalan Meng whipped her horse towards Nalan City, dragging Yusheng along.

"This wasn't in the script! Director, someone is ruining the cosmic narrative!" Yusheng lamented internally, cursing his luck as he endured the tumultuous ride towards the city, his pleas falling on deaf ears.