Dimensional Codex System: I'm really not a cultist!

The sudden appearance of a White Deer startled everyone, while Fang Zheng sat atop it, silently surveying the surrounding ruffians.

”Alright, let’s leave it at that.”

”Who do you think you are, kid?!”

One of the ruffians shouted angrily at Fang Zheng, who was mounted on the White Deer.

”Have you ever heard of the reputation of Xianyang’s Ten Tigers? If you’re smart, kneel down and kowtow three times to me, or else you’re in for trouble!”

As the ruffian spoke, the others grabbed the nearby sticks and butcher knives, surrounding Fang Zheng. Fang Zheng, however, just sat on the White Deer, coldly looking at this group of hooligans, calmly speaking.

”Either get lost, or die. You choose.”

”Ugh...”

Upon hearing Fang Zheng’s words, the ruffians’ expressions changed. Their faces twisted several times, finally succumbing to their inner fear.

”Remember this!”

Leaving behind some villainous lines, the ruffians threw away their belongings and turned to flee. They weren’t afraid of losing face, but losing their lives was another matter. Of course, daring to flaunt themselves in Xianyang, the capital of the Qin State, meant they had some background, but Fang Zheng couldn’t care less. Interestingly, these local ruffians often better understood the atmosphere and boundaries than many Martial Artists. If faced with a Martial Hero nobility, even knowing they would die, they might still challenge out of defiance. However, these hooligans were particularly good at being flexible; they were like jackals, running away was no problem since they could regroup and swagger before other prey, losing this one didn’t matter, right?

Fang Zheng obviously didn’t pay attention to these fools; he didn’t even glance at the fleeing ruffians, instead turning to face the couple behind him. They looked like a married couple, probably here in Xianyang for business, but given the current situation, it was clear they couldn’t stay.

Fang Zheng casually took out some silver and handed it to them.

”Find a doctor for your injuries, then leave this place.”

The principle of a strong Dragon not overpowering a local snake was understood by Fang Zheng as he traversed the Six Kingdoms. Playing the role of Martial Hero felt great, but the issue was that heroes came and went, while the local snakes never moved. This couple, Fang Zheng could save them momentarily but not perpetually. Once he left, those ruffians would surely return to give the couple trouble, so in such situations, Fang Zheng would solve the problem directly. In this era of limited transportation, as long as this couple left Xianyang for another safer place, they generally would be fine.

Of course, should trouble arise again in a new place... it would be their own bad luck.

Now, the man, supported by his wife, stood up and looked at the silver Fang Zheng offered, quickly declining.

”I cannot accept a reward without merit. You’ve already saved my life, how can I accept further gifts?”

”Save thoroughly; since I intervened, I hope for a good outcome. You should understand this isn’t a place to linger. As long as you do more good deeds in the future, it won’t be in vain that I saved you.”

Saying this, Fang Zheng pondered for a moment, then took out a token.

”If you have nowhere else to go, travel north and go to Longxing Carriage Company in Yiqu, show this to the owner.”

The development of Carefree Palace was adapting continuously, with many scholars choosing their own future paths after ”graduating” from Carefree Palace. Some liked battle and joined the Qin Army, some liked governance and became guests of famous scholars, while others liked business and opened shops elsewhere.

Longxing Carriage Company, in modern terms, is a large transportation enterprise owned by Carefree Palace, mainly responsible for transportation between cities. Once outside the city, it’s barren countryside with threats from beasts and bandits. Wealthy people can afford escorts, but poor folks rely on luck.

It’s in this scenario that Carefree Palace launched Longxing Carriage Company’s service, with escorting done by disciples trained in martial arts within Carefree Palace. Due to fair prices and no prior similar ”long-distance transportation” businesses, it quickly became popular. It’s just not yet in Xianyang.

This could very well be the precursor to future escort agencies...

”Thank you, benefactor!”

The couple hurriedly thanked Fang Zheng, who waved them off, then hummed a tune as he rode the White Deer toward the market.

However, this time, Fang Zheng had just crossed a street when shouting erupted ahead. Suddenly, a dozen girls on horseback approached rapidly from behind, and the leading girl let out a whistle, surrounding Fang Zheng.

What the heck? What’s happening?

Looking at this group of high-spirited girls riding warhorses, Fang Zheng was taken aback. Having been in the Era of the Warring States for quite some time, he was already well-acquainted with the customs of the era. In simple terms, this era was not as conservative as the period dramas depicted in later generations. Matters like holding hands and looking at a face necessitating marriage were unheard of.

Of course, as the ancients said, ”When granaries are full, they recognize etiquette; when clothes and food are adequate, they know honor and disgrace.” In relatively affluent places like the Kingdom of Chu, there were some conservative tendencies, but other regions did not have these norms. Interestingly, the customs of this era were quite similar to modern times, not only not prohibiting premarital relations, but women were also much more proactive than in later eras. When a woman fancied a man, she would immediately offer an invitation, and if the man agreed, it was easily settled.

Initially, Fang Zheng was quite puzzled, but after a few encounters, he finally understood the reason. Given the inconvenience of communication in this era, with letters being a luxury for the wealthy, common men and women had no time for courtship. Only women like Ji Yanran, who had money and status, could host matchmaking gatherings. Ordinarily, women had no such conditions.

Moreover, the criteria for choosing a mate in this era still retained some primitive tribal customs, with women selecting men largely based on external conditions. Unlike modern women, they didn’t ponder over true love. Women of the era mostly hoped to bear children with the good genes of a man they admired.

Honestly, this era was indeed a paradise for strong men. As long as they showcased their prowess, beautiful women would willingly throw themselves at them, with no follow-up responsibilities required—straightforward and decisive. It was nothing like the later martial arts novels where seeing someone’s body led to engagements and marriages, otherwise, it would tarnish someone’s purity and lead them to despair... This was why Fang Zheng didn’t make a move in the World of the Immortal Sword, fearing such complications.

However, in this world, there seemed to be no such concerns. In fact, in the Carefree Palace, besides Ji Yanran, young girls would often come to Fang Zheng, confessing their feelings. They didn’t even hope for marriage, only to serve Fang Zheng as maids... For modern people, this was unimaginable. Such complete female devotion could thoroughly inflate any man’s ego to a bursting point. It’s fortunate there’s no time machine travel service to this world, or else men might be queuing up to reserve a trip to the Warring States.

No wonder Xiang Shaolong couldn’t leave once he arrived here.

But being surrounded by a dozen horse-riding girls was still beyond Fang Zheng’s expectations. Wasn’t the matriarchal society era over?

It was normal for ten or so men to snatch a woman, like a bully, but what was up with a dozen girls snatching a man?

Could it be that he traveled down the wrong path again into some ”Chastity Reversal World.MP4” instance?

Hmm? If that’s the case, it might not be bad?

Just as Fang Zheng was lost in thought, the leading beautiful girl snapped a command, and then raised her horsewhip, snapping it toward Fang Zheng. He easily caught the whip with his right hand.

”What does this young lady need from me?”

Fang Zheng was no fool; he could tell at a glance the girl wasn’t here to cause trouble, but just had a brash nature... well, in modern terms, she was a tsundere.

”Interesting indeed.”

Seeing Fang Zheng easily seize her whip, the girl sized him up and then flashed her small tiger teeth, letting out a series of light laughs.

”Follow me obediently and let me see your swordsmanship.”

”Swordsmanship?”

Glancing at the girl before him, Fang Zheng chuckled. He didn’t know why, but this girl reminded him of Shana. Except this girl was more well-endowed than Shana. With long legs and a perfect figure, her proud and haughty demeanor made Fang Zheng recall his first encounter with Shana when she was just as haughty and ended up crying...

”Did you see me carrying a sword?”

Upon hearing Fang Zheng’s words, the girls scrutinized him and realized Fang Zheng wore a plain robe without carrying a sword, only a wooden box hanging on White Deer’s back, dampening their interest. The Qin State esteemed martial prowess highly, and the populace admired valorous individuals. Like Fang Zheng, a ”frail scholar” was not the favored type in the Qin State.

”You don’t look like someone who can’t fight.”

However, the leading girl was not so easily dismissed. If he was a weak Confucian Scholar, she’d have whipped him off his horse already. But Fang Zheng caught her whip with ease, and she had secretly tried to pull it back to no avail. She was no novice and immediately knew this seemingly unassuming man was formidable.

”I never claimed I couldn’t fight. It’s just that there are hardly any people in this world who can make me draw my sword. If the girl wants me to draw, she’ll have to demonstrate she has the skill.”

Saying this, Fang Zheng chuckled internally. He wasn’t lying; there were indeed very few who could make him draw his sword. But if this girl truly intended to challenge, Fang Zheng didn’t mind unveiling his great sword and battling for three hundred rounds, ensuring she’s utterly defeated and left in shambles...

”Interesting.”

The girl’s eyes lit up upon hearing Fang Zheng’s words.

”Follow me! Let me test your skills!”