Chapter 8: First Arrival at Xuanwu City

[Xuanwu City Outer Perimeter] Xuanwu City is divided into two main sections: the inner city and the outer city.

After days of travel led by the mischievous Nangong Lin, the two finally arrived at Xuanwu City.

“Welcome back, Miss!” The city gate guards immediately recognized her, their faces lighting up with surprise and respect. “Miss, you’re finally home. After you vanished so suddenly, the City Lord has been worried sick.”

“That’s right, Miss. Do you want to see the City Lord now?” another guard chimed in as he eyed the pair.

Nangong Lin gave the two a quick glance and replied softly, “Let my father know I’ve returned, but I’ll visit him later. I want to look around first.”

“Yes, Miss.” The two guards nodded and hurried off.

“Brother Gu, will you walk through Xuanwu City with me?” Nangong Lin didn’t wait for Gu Qingyi to agree. She grabbed his hand and dragged him toward the city.

…

Xuanwu City, inner city, City Lord’s Mansion.

On top of the city wall stood a middle-aged man, alone.

His back was broad and sturdy, muscles chiseled as if sculpted, yet he carried a hint of weariness.

He kept his hands clasped behind him, bare-chested, his torso covered with scars like badges of honor.

His brow furrowed in deep thought as he gazed down on Xuanwu City, sighing over and over.

“Report! City Lord, you have a letter.” Suddenly, a voice broke his train of thought.

He took the letter, opened it, and as he read, the worry on his face faded, replaced by a bright smile.

A nearby guard stepped forward and spoke respectfully: “Miss has returned, but she said she’ll come to see you later. She wanted to stroll around Xuanwu City first.”

“That’s wonderful—just knowing she’s home is enough! You may go.” The City Lord’s frown finally eased, a look of relief spreading across his face.

Jianwu Dynasty.

First-class cities: the strongest powers.

[Tian Gu City, Wanyou City, Hanbing City, Wentian City]

Second-class cities: average strength.

[Xuanwu City, Zhuque City, Baihu City, Qinglong City]

Third-class cities: the weakest tier.

[Sky Sword City, Vast Sea City, Heavenfire City, Yingchun City]

Each city held thousands of villages and towns.

…

[Xuanwu City]

“Brother Gu, look—that ahead is Xuanwu City! Isn’t it spectacular?” Nangong Lin couldn’t wait to show Gu Qingyi around.

“It’s at least three times bigger than Sky Sword City.” Gu Qingyi stared in awe at the massive, imposing city—this was only the outer city, too. He couldn’t help but sigh, “Thinking about my own city, there’s really no comparison. There’s always someone greater out there.”

“Brother Gu, after all that traveling, I’m starving. Let me introduce you to our local food.” Nangong Lin’s stomach rumbled loudly.

“But listen, today’s my treat! Don’t even think about refusing.” She glanced at Gu Qingyi out of the corner of her eye, her tone playful.

“Alright then, I’ll leave it up to you.” Gu Qingyi admitted he was famished after the long trip and stopped objecting.

Nangong Lin lit up with happiness as soon as Gu Qingyi agreed, immediately pulling him by the hand toward a nearby restaurant.

[Fragrant Pavilion] Even from a distance, the aroma from inside could make anyone’s mouth water.

The biggest restaurant in Xuanwu City and by far the busiest, it was always packed—the air inside buzzing with chatter and laughter.

Just as the two arrived at the door—

“Why, isn’t that Miss Nangong! Please come inside!” A silky, charming voice called out. It was the restaurant’s proprietress herself.

Gu Qingyi couldn’t help staring; the proprietress was breathtakingly voluptuous.

Her curves were something to behold, her figure tall yet not in the least fragile, with long legs and a flat stomach—a graceful body honed, no doubt, by years of training. She exuded a mature, alluring charm that was impossible to ignore.

Whether in the modern day or now, someone with her looks and presence could stop traffic.

All the men in the place had their eyes glued to her, helplessly drawn in.

No wonder business was booming. Good food was one reason, but the unspoken reason was obvious too.

“Master Cao, I get it—no man could possibly resist this,” Gu Qingyi muttered, finding himself dazed by the sight.

Nangong Lin noticed Gu Qingyi’s distracted gaze and, a bit displeased, stomped her foot and pinched him sharply on the back.

Gu Qingyi felt a chill shoot down his spine.

“Have you stared enough? Let’s go upstairs,” Nangong Lin smiled sweetly as Gu Qingyi snapped back to reality.

Embarrassed, Gu Qingyi grinned at her. “Lead the way, Miss Nangong.”

They found a window seat off to the side—perfect for admiring the city scenery.

“Waiter, bring every dish on the menu!” Nangong Lin commanded with a flourish, not even blinking. Picking dishes one by one was just too much trouble.

“Absolutely, honored guests!” The waiter’s face lit up at the order, hurrying over to serve them.

Gu Qingyi was so stunned by her extravagance he could hardly believe it. “All this? How can we possibly finish it?”

“Don’t worry, I come here all the time. This food is amazing—you’ll love it!” Nangong Lin, sensing his concern, reassured him confidently.

In no time, the entire table was overflowing with the finest gourmet dishes.

“Here, try this—see if you like the taste!” Nangong Lin kindly picked out a piece of meat for Gu Qingyi.

She glanced down at herself, thinking, “My chest is just as impressive as hers,” and when she recalled Gu Qingyi’s look at the proprietress, she peeked down again, then immediately dove into recommending every dish.

“So, how is it? Tastes good, right?” Nangong Lin asked, eyes full of expectation.

“This is incredible—every dish is right up my alley. The flavors just melt in your mouth!” Gu Qingyi meant every word as he tasted everything.

“These dishes must be expensive, huh?” Gu Qingyi glanced at Nangong Lin.

“Relax, I’ve got more money than I know what to do with!” Nangong Lin patted her chest with self-assurance.

Gu Qingyi twitched at her words, thinking to himself, “She’s a little rich girl for sure. Comparing yourself to others really will drive you mad.”

…

While the two ate, darkness quietly crept over the city, the sky inky as if freshly brushed with black paint.

The moon hung above, sprinkled with sparkling stars.

Under this beautiful night sky, the pair slowly savored their meal—almost like a candlelit dinner.

After about half an hour, the two finished eating and were utterly content. Nangong Lin settled the bill, and they stepped out into the lively, bustling streets.

Nangong Lin turned to Gu Qingyi. “Let’s check out the marketplace! The night market is full of amazing stuff.”

She pulled Gu Qingyi along to a poetry event, then to admire lanterns, and made sure they sampled every snack in sight.

Eventually, they stopped at a candied hawthorn stall.

“Boss, I’ll take a few skewers!” Nangong Lin exclaimed, unable to move an inch past the treat, her eyes sparkling with greed.

“Coming right up, Miss!” The vendor dove into action and quickly handed over several skewers of candied hawthorns.

“Brother Gu, you try one too.” Cradling the bunch in her hands, Nangong Lin handed one over with a smile.

In the blink of an eye, the two were more than full.

“Brother Gu, let’s stroll around the night market some more.”

Gu Qingyi gave in to her request, and together they wandered late into the night.

By now Nangong Lin was clearly overjoyed from their adventure. She whispered, “Brother Gu, it’s getting pretty late—let’s find a place to stay.”

“Whatever you say,” Gu Qingyi agreed with a nod.

Nangong Lin dashed excitedly toward an inn, leaving Gu Qingyi behind to haul their bags.

Gu Qingyi watched the cheerful Nangong Lin, who was about his age, and sighed, “What did I do in a past life to end up meeting a walking bundle of trouble?” Still, he hurried along to keep up.

…

The inn was exquisitely decorated, almost as grand as a palace.

As soon as they arrived at the entrance, a beaming attendant greeted them enthusiastically. “Welcome! Will you be dining or staying the night?”

Clad in luxurious clothes and moving with natural elegance, Nangong Lin projected an air of nobility.

“We’ll take two top-tier rooms next to each other. And have my luggage brought in.” She gestured to the pile of bags on Gu Qingyi’s back.

“Here are your room cards, honored guests.” The attendant handed the keys to them with a bow.

Nangong Lin accepted hers, made a mischievous face at Gu Qingyi, and chirped, “Brother Gu, goodnight! See you in the morning!”

Their rooms were right next to each other, separated by just a wall. The two were close, even in sleep.