Though the inn lay some distance from the city lord’s mansion, for Ye Qiu and his companions, that span vanished in moments.
Arriving before the city lord’s mansion gates, Ye Qiu took stock.
He noted that this mansion dwarfed even Jiang Feng’s in Bright Moon City, far grander in scale. Towering at the entrance stood two hanbaiyu stone lions, several metres tall and lifelike to the last detail.
Flanking the gates were hundreds of soldiers, each gripping sharp blades, their auras thick with the scent of battle, lending the mansion an air of unyielding authority.
Moreover, every guard stood at the peak of the King Realm!
“Good grief, no wonder it ranks among the Yin-Yang Sect’s top ten cities. Even the guards are peak King Realm cultivators. Truly a place where experts abound.”
Ye Qiu marvelled inwardly, his face betraying no hint of it.
Steward Li stole a glance at Ye Qiu, seeing no flicker in his expression, and thought, “This lad is young, yet his composure is remarkable. Small wonder Yin Hua Granny takes a shine to him.”
At that moment.
The gates swung open, and a man emerged from within. He bore the face of a middle-aged fellow, clad in a purple python robe with a golden coronet binding his hair, exuding profound dignity.
“Hahaha…”
The middle-aged man let out a hearty laugh, his voice booming like a lion’s roar, shaking the very air around them.
Ye Qiu’s heart jolted. “What formidable cultivation!”
The middle-aged man strode forth with the gait of dragon and tiger, halting before Ye Qiu. He said, “Having a friend arrive from afar, is that not a joy?”
Steward Li hastened to introduce, “Young Master Bai, this is the city lord.”
Ye Qiu inclined his body slightly, cupping his hands. “This one is Bai Yujing. Greetings, City Lord.”
The middle-aged man replied, “Young Master Bai graces my humble abode, bringing light to its beams. You are most welcome, most welcome indeed!”
The Longbrow Real Person muttered to himself, such a vast estate dubbed a humble abode? Who does he think he is impressing?
Ye Qiu smiled. “City Lord extends such gracious invitation. This junior is truly overwhelmed.”
The middle-aged man laughed. “Young Master Bai, you cut a fine figure. Yin Hua Granny means to take you as disciple. Once you enter her fold, we shall be kin. No need for such formality with me.”
“By the way, my surname is Jiang.”
“I am Jiang Shan!”
Ye Qiu’s heart skipped a beat. He thought, this fellow shares the Jiang surname. Could he be kin to Jiang Feng of Bright Moon City?
Ye Qiu said, “This junior has long heard tales of City Lord Jiang’s prowess, how he governs Sifang City with flawless order. Seeing you today, I find those rumours fall short. City Lord Jiang is plainly a hero of our age, the backbone of the Yin-Yang Sect, a model for us all!”
Flattered thus by Ye Qiu, Jiang Shan roared with laughter. He said, “Young Master Bai, you have a way with words. We click at once, like old friends. I am the elder, so may I call you Brother Bai?”
“Certainly,” Ye Qiu replied. “Yet my station is lowly. To stand brother to the city lord might tarnish your prestige.”
“Brother Bai, you err,” Jiang Shan said. “A hero cares not for origins. Back in the day, I was but a rootless minor cultivator, far beneath your current standing.”
“Besides, once you join Yin Hua Granny’s tutelage, you shall soar.”
“Then, your elder brother will need your favour.”
Ye Qiu demurred politely. “Elder Brother jests. My cultivation is feeble, while you lord over a city. Even should I enter Granny’s door, I fear I could scarce aid you. Yet if ever Elder Brother faces trouble and has need of this brother, speak it. Be it blades or flames, I shall not shrink.”
Hearing this, Jiang Shan seized Ye Qiu’s hand, moved. “Good brother, such loyalty!”
Ye Qiu’s face grew solemn. He said, “A man treads the world with righteousness foremost. That is my creed.”
“I knew I had not misjudged you!” Jiang Shan finished, his gaze shifting to the Longbrow Real Person with curiosity. He asked, “And this is…”
“Infinite Heaven!” The Longbrow Real Person offered a salute, smiling faintly. “This one is Chong Xu, a friend of Bai Yujing.”
Ye Qiu explained, “Elder Brother may not know, but it was Daoist Chong Xu who first spotted the Dragon Bodhisattva at the inn.”
Jiang Shan laughed. “Ah, the hero of the capture! I must toast you later.”
At this, Steward Li prompted, “City Lord, let us not stand here. Inside, if you please!”
“Brother Bai, I have laid a feast. Come, join me for drink.” Jiang Shan tugged Ye Qiu towards the mansion’s depths.
Ye Qiu felt queasy at being clasped by an old man’s hand, yet loath to slight Jiang Shan’s face, he endured.
Entering the city lord’s mansion, Ye Qiu stood shocked once more.
What mansion was this? It resembled an imperial palace of the secular world!
The estate sprawled vast, with pavilions and towers aplenty, exotic blooms wafting fragrance. Even the rockeries in the ponds were hewn from whole jade blocks, opulence beyond measure.
In the spacious hall, the Longbrow Real Person’s eyes fixed on a copper dining table.
The table groaned under platters of succulent meats and fish, the air thick with wine’s aroma.
“Brother Bai, Daoist Chong Xu, pray sit.”
Once they were seated, Jiang Shan said, “In my home, treat it as your own. Make free, no need for reserve.”
“With City Lord Jiang’s hospitality so grand, this one shall not stand on ceremony.” The Longbrow Real Person poured a cup, downed it in one, and his eyes gleamed. “Fine brew!”
“A man who knows his drink, then.” Jiang Shan smiled. “This is my own Hundred Beasts Wine.”
“As the name implies, it begins with spirit spring water turned to fine liquor, then steeped with bones of over a hundred spirit beasts.”
“The longer it ages, the richer the bouquet, the smoother the taste.”
Steward Li interjected, “Hundred Beasts Wine is exceedingly rare. The city lord seldom indulges himself, reserving it for honoured guests alone.”
The implication: Ye Qiu and his lot were such guests.
“Elder Brother, my apologies for the extravagance,” Ye Qiu said gratefully.
Jiang Shan laughed. “Brother Bai, no such talk with your elder brother. You try the Hundred Beasts Wine. How fares it?”
Ye Qiu sipped, warmth flooding his frame at once. The wine’s flavour was exquisite, surpassing even the secular world’s monkey brew by leagues.
“A pinnacle among liquors!” Ye Qiu exclaimed.
Jiang Shan guffawed, clinking cups with Ye Qiu.
Thus, they chatted, dined, and drank, the hall alive with mirth.
After three rounds.
Jiang Shan, tipsy now, declared, “Brother Bai, meeting you today is fortune’s gift. Should you ever need aid, speak it. I am at your service.”
Ye Qiu replied, “Elder Brother, you mean that?”
Jiang Shan thumped his chest. “A gentleman’s word, swift horses cannot chase.”
“Elder Brother’s spirit!” Ye Qiu set down his cup and said, “Elder Brother, to be frank, I do have one matter requiring your aid just now.”
Jiang Shan boomed heartily, “What is it? Speak freely, brother.”
Ye Qiu said, “I require spirit stones.”
“And what of it? So my brother seeks spirit stones. Easily done.” Jiang Shan smiled, asking, “How many?”
Ye Qiu extended a finger.
“A hundred? Brother, not to chide, but think bigger. After all, I lord a city. A mere hundred stones are trifles to me.” Jiang Shan swigged his wine.
“Elder Brother, you misunderstand,” Ye Qiu said. “Not a hundred stones, but a million!”
Pfft.
Jiang Shan spewed his mouthful of wine, eyes bulging at Ye Qiu. “How many? Say it again!”
