Chapter 47: The Lord of Autumnbright City

Although the young woman had initially intended to kill the three men on the spot, after some consideration, she decided it was better to hand them over to her father for punishment.

Once the matter was settled, the grand banners of the Righteous Escort Agency once more unfurled in the wind as their party pressed onward towards Autumnbright City.

On the road, the others would frequently cast sidelong glances at Lin Cheng, their eyes filled with curiosity, respect, and a profound awe.

"Brother Lin, are you really not human?" asked Li Chuang, unable to restrain his curiosity as they rode side by side.

Hearing this, Lin Cheng’s face darkened. The others, too, felt there was something off about Li Chuang’s question, though they couldn’t quite place what.

Lin Cheng replied, "Uh... I am human. I just happened to learn a few immortal techniques from an old Daoist by chance. It’s nothing much."

Relieved by his answer, the group relaxed.

"Brother Lin, you’re too modest. If it weren’t for you, we’d all be dead by now."

"Yes, Brother Lin, you truly are our savior..."

"When we reach Autumnbright City, we must treat Brother Lin to a grand feast..."

"Speaking of which... Brother Lin, what exactly was that undying technique you used?"

"Right, you took two swords through the chest and lived, without even a scar. You scared us half to death—we all thought you weren’t human..."

...

Lin Cheng could only respond with silence.

Amidst the lively chatter, the group advanced towards a majestic city, bathed in the golden glow of the setting sun.

"Brothers, just ahead lies Autumnbright City..."

With a chorus of whistles, the convoy—bearing the Righteous Escort Agency’s banners and laden with crimson cargo—slowly approached the city gates.

Looking up, the three characters for "Autumnbright City" were boldly inscribed above, each stroke robust and vivid, stirring the spirit and making one yearn to rush inside.

Before they could enter, a detachment of armored cavalry emerged from within and lined up on either side of the gate.

Soon after, three men strode briskly out. The foremost wore a blue python-embroidered robe, with golden clouds embroidered at the cuffs, a vermillion and white jade belt at his waist, and a delicate white jade ornament hanging from it. His bearing was elegant and commanding.

"Niece An, I heard there was trouble on the road this time... Forgive me for letting you suffer such a fright," the leading man said gravely as he approached the young woman.

She dismounted, dipped into a slight bow, and replied, "Uncle Qiunan, you really ought to make it up to me. I nearly lost my life to bandits just to deliver you this paltry Spirit-Breaking Pill."

With that, she produced a wooden box and handed it to the man.

Spirit-Breaking Pill! Upon hearing that this was the object being escorted, Lin Cheng looked at the box in surprise.

"Oh, let me introduce someone... This is Lin Cheng. If not for his help, none of us would have escaped alive..." She pulled Lin Cheng forward with a cheeky grin.

"Oh?" The man raised his eyebrows and examined Lin Cheng with interest. "Who would have thought a young hero like you possessed such skill? I am truly humbled."

An An giggled, "Surprised, aren’t you? He’s really something. By the way, Lin Cheng, this is Uncle Qiunan—the City Lord of Autumnbright City..."

Lin Cheng cupped his fists in salute. "Greetings, City Lord Qiu."

Qiu Nan laughed heartily. "Heroes are made young indeed! There’s no need for such formality, Young Master Lin. Tonight, you must come to my manor and let me host you with a lavish banquet."

Lin Cheng replied, "I’ll defer to your arrangements, City Lord."

"Hey, hey, you’re both leaving me out already? Hmph, I’m ignoring you!" Seeing the two engrossed in conversation and paying her no mind, the young woman pouted and marched ahead into the city.

The others shook their heads and smiled wryly at the scene.

...

The moment Lin Cheng entered the city, he was struck by its prosperity.

The main avenue alone was dozens of yards wide, flanked by rows upon rows of shops and stalls, all with green-tiled roofs and crimson walls. Eaves jutted out at strange angles, shop banners fluttered high, horses and carriages streamed along, and throngs of people bustled past, their faces relaxed and cheerful—all reflecting the contentment of the city’s residents with their grand metropolis.

"Candied hawthorn! Fresh candied hawthorn!"

Hearing the vendors’ cries, An An’s eyes lit up. "Ah, my favorite! Let’s go—I’ll buy you some!"

She grabbed Lin Cheng’s hand and dragged him to a street stall.

"Boss, two skewers—no, four!" An An took out some silver and held up four fingers to the vendor.

"Hehe, two each for us..." She handed two skewers to Lin Cheng.

Seeing her so happy and playful, Lin Cheng felt a warmth and joy he hadn’t known before; an unfamiliar sensation quietly rose in his heart.

This was his first time in such a bustling city, and as he gazed around curiously, An An dragged him from stall to shop, delighting in everything, drawing many glances from passersby.

"By the way, An An, was that a Spirit-Breaking Pill you gave to the City Lord just now?" Lin Cheng finally found a quiet moment to ask as they strolled side by side.

"Yes, it’s the pill that helps cultivators break through from the True Qi stage to the Spirit stage," An An replied.

"No wonder it attracted the attention of cultivators..." Lin Cheng mused.

"Do you want one too?" she teased.

"Are there more?" Lin Cheng asked hopefully.

"Nope," An An stuck out her tongue.

"..."

She continued with a smile, "That pill was something Uncle Qiunan asked my father to purchase at the Dragon City auction. We thought the news wouldn't leak, but someone still found out, and to think it was the City Lord’s own people who attacked us... When I get back, I’ll make sure Father demands justice from the City Lord’s mansion!"

"If they dared make a move, they must not fear your An family. How powerful is your family in Dragon City?" Lin Cheng asked.

An An curled her lip. "Dragon City has three great clans and the City Lord’s mansion—four powers in all. My An family is one of them. As much as I hate to admit it, the City Lord’s mansion is indeed stronger than us..."

"So Dragon City isn’t as peaceful as it seems. There must be a lot of conflict between the factions..." Lin Cheng observed.

Hearing this, An An’s playful expression faded, replaced by sadness. "I actually had an elder brother... In the struggle for control of the Gushan mine, he outmatched all the other factions and won it for our family. But not long after, he mysteriously disappeared. We’ve always suspected the City Lord’s mansion, but we have no proof..."

For the first time, Lin Cheng saw her so sorrowful. His heart ached for her as he tried to comfort her. "I believe the truth will come out one day, and your brother will be safe..." Though he said this, Lin Cheng knew the youth was probably long gone.

Regaining her composure, An An soon returned to her lively self and whispered softly, "Thank you..."

The group continued to chat and laugh as they walked for the time it takes to burn an incense stick, until the gates of the City Lord’s mansion finally came into view.

Crimson doors radiated a sense of ancient elegance, with two majestic bronze lions crouching on either side of the white jade steps. The high walls followed the terrain, stretching so far one couldn’t see the end. Above the gate, the words "City Lord’s Mansion" gleamed in gold on a black plaque, exuding authority.

Armored guards with golden helmets and halberds stood in stern formation. When they saw the City Lord approach, they knelt on one knee and called out in unison:

"Greetings, City Lord!"

The vermilion doors swung open to welcome the party inside.

Even though Lin Cheng was accustomed to the grandeur of the Qingyang Sect, he couldn’t help but marvel at City Lord Qiu’s taste for life.

Colored glazed tiles above reflected dazzling light. Pavilions, towers, arched bridges, and flowing water were arranged artfully, mist drifting gently like a water town in the south, every flower and blade of grass whispering ancient tales in the breeze.

Exquisite!

Utterly exquisite!

Gazing at the garden, Lin Cheng felt a desire to settle down and live here forever.