Chapter 267

A year had passed, and the population of Yucheng had increased significantly. The outer city had more houses and streets, making the entire city vibrant with bustling activity.

After arriving at the northern city gate, Linchuan and the others were led inside Yucheng by the commander of the gate guards. As they entered, they immediately noticed the unique architectural style of Yucheng and the spacious and well-maintained stone streets lined with lively shops.

People of different attire passed by, each one neatly dressed. Their hair was styled into short cuts, ponytails, or braids, giving them a clean and sharp appearance, free from lice or greasiness.

Although their clothing styles varied, they all wore comfortable linen garments that were stylish and not cumbersome. The colors of their clothes were also rich and some even had delicate embroidery.

Each person looked clean and well-groomed, with no signs of dirt or untidiness, even among those whose clothing was simple.

Unlike other cities, the air in Yucheng was fresh and clean.

Linchuan and the others looked around curiously, taking in the workshops, shops, inns, and restaurants lining the streets. Everything piqued their interest.

This place is truly different.

Perhaps it may not have the profound heritage of Fengcheng, but it is definitely refreshing.

Even Linchuan and the High Shamans of Yuecheng, who enjoyed the best resources in their own cities, had to admit that Yucheng was more beautiful than any of their cities.

Occasionally, horse-drawn carts and ox carts carrying goods passed by effortlessly, with the loaded goods easily managed by a simple carter.

The prosperity here exceeded the expectations of Linchuan and the others.

"Tall buildings!" someone in the group suddenly exclaimed, pointing at the towering buildings ahead.

In Yucheng now, there were more than just the three inns. Some restaurants had been built with three floors, featuring white walls and blue tiles. Through the windows and balconies, one could see a lively scene inside.

The commanding officer leading the group said, "Those are restaurants, places dedicated to providing food and drinks. When you have the time, you can go and have a look. They offer many delicious foods that are exclusive to Yucheng."

Linchuan and the others felt a strong curiosity arise, especially when they saw people on the third-floor terraces looking down. They also wanted to go up and take a look.

But Yu Su was still waiting for them, so they had to temporarily abandon their plans.

"Yucheng is really different," the High Shaman of Yuecheng couldn't help but exclaim.

He had thought that Fengcheng was already the most prosperous city, and no newly emerging city like Yucheng could compare to it. He had even mentally prepared himself to hide any signs of disappointment if he were to see a desolate scene in Yucheng.

However, he had underestimated Yucheng.

The High Shamans of Lishui City and others went through a similar emotional journey in their hearts.

Their previous thoughts had completely dissipated, and instead, they were the ones surprised.

"Look, that mountain!" someone exclaimed upon spotting the Temple Mountain.

Linchuan and the others looked over and saw a mist-shrouded peak with pavilions, towers, and exotic flowers and plants. However, due to the clouds and fog, they could only see vague glimpses of the scenery.

Among them stood a solemn temple, with a towering roof and upturned eaves, overlooking all beings.

Linchuan and the High Shamans of Yuecheng's hearts skipped a beat, as they all guessed what that place was.

Sure enough, the commanding officer who led them in said the next moment, "That is Temple Mountain, and the grand hall you saw is the main temple on Temple Mountain. When you look up at Temple Mountain, you must show respect, as the gaze of the deities is ever-present."

The commanding officer's reminder sent a shiver down Linchuan and the others' spines.

They had heard long ago that the living Deer God resided on Temple Mountain in Yucheng, and it was said that Yucheng worshipped more than one deity. Apart from the Deer God, there was also the Lord of the Nine Heavens, Bai Ze.

However, firsthand experience was far more impactful than mere rumors.

The majesty and sacredness of Temple Mountain now weighed heavily on them, triggering a sense of pressure that made Linchuan and the others, who had come from afar, feel nervous.

The commanding officer continued, "Everyone, we are nearing the inner city. The High Priest is awaiting us there."

Linchuan and the others quickly averted their gaze from looking up and followed the commanding officer towards the direction of the inner city. They passed by inns, crossed the inner river bridge, and entered the inner city.

The inner city was even more bustling than the outer city, but it was quieter here because this was where the true residents of Yucheng lived. There were not only more exquisite houses and well-maintained roads but also residents dressed in finer attire.

Welcoming them in the inner city was Yu Meng. As he looked at their astonished gazes, he smiled proudly, "Greetings, everyone. You have traveled a long way, so come with me to meet the High Priest."

Yu Meng had someone arrange accommodations for the various trading caravans and then led Linchuan and the others towards the majestic Council Hall.

Yusu and his people were waiting at the entrance of the Council Hall.

Upon seeing them approach, he greeted them with a smile, "Welcome to Yucheng, everyone."

Linchuan and the others quickly paid their respects, "High Priest Yusu."

Yusu smiled and returned the gesture, introducing them to Yukun and the others. Then he led them into the Council Hall to take their seats.

As this was an important diplomatic event, with the High Shamans of Fengcheng, Lishui City, Yuecheng, and Quecheng coming together, the Council Hall was grandly decorated.

Yukun, along with the elders of the Elder Council, and Jian Yunchuan, Lu Yan, and others all attended the welcoming ceremony.

When Linchuan and the others were in Fengcheng, they had already witnessed the prowess of Jian Yunchuan, Lu Yan, and the others. Now that they were present, they couldn't help but feel a bit restrained.

However, Yusu did not allow them to be overly formal, and through conversation, quickly helped them relax.

Yusu started by discussing the matters of the communication routes. The cities represented by the four High Shamans had already established communication routes with Yucheng. These routes indicated that future exchanges would become more frequent, not just limited to trade activities.

After Yusu's return, news from Fengcheng had been constantly relayed by falcons, and the other major cities had also gained some basic understanding. However, Yusu still had lengthy discussions with the High Shamans of each city about the recent situations in their respective cities.

Yucheng was now one of the ten major cities, so it was only natural to show concern for the recent situations in each city during this gathering.

Linchuan, along with the High Shaman of Lishui City and the others, saw no problem with Yusu inquiring about the recent conditions of each city and provided updates on what they could share.

Yusu said, "So it seems there has been no recent disturbance from the demon tribe."

High Shaman of Lishui City: "The talismans you sold to us are incredibly effective. After the wolf tribe was scared away by the talismans, they haven't bothered us for a long time."

Yuecheng and Quecheng had similar experiences, so besides the agreed-upon trade, they also wanted to purchase more talismans from Yusu.

When they hinted at this, Yusu didn't decline the business opportunity.

"Creating a talisman requires a great deal of energy, so the quantity is limited. I'm afraid it cannot be evenly distributed. If any of you want more, you'll need to let me know in advance," Yusu said with a smile.

Jian Yunchuan and the others discreetly glanced at Yusu. Drawing those talismans was not as labor-intensive as he claimed. The talk of it requiring a great deal of energy was just an excuse. However, they wouldn't expose his words, knowing that Yusu had a purpose for doing so.

Upon hearing that the quantity of talismans was limited, the High Shaman of Lishui City and the others immediately became nervous.

High Shaman of Lishui City: "High Priest Yusu, our city of Lishui needs more talismans. I have brought enough gold to exchange, so I kindly request that more talismans be reserved for us."

The High Shaman of Yuecheng quickly added, "Hasn't it been a while since the wolf demons have been bothering your city of Lishui? Last month, we were still being harassed by the snake tribe in Yuecheng, so we need talismans even more."

Quecheng chimed in, "Both of you are stronger than Quecheng. Please let us have the talismans."

Linchuan opened his mouth but remained silent.

Due to its advantageous geographical location, Fengcheng didn't share borders with the wolf tribe or the snake tribe. The only neighboring tribe, the bear tribe, had recently improved relations with Fengcheng, so they didn't need talismans at all..

Therefore, Linchuan opened his mouth but remained silent, choosing not to engage in the dispute between the three High Shamans for now.

After Yusu and the High Shamans of Lishui City finished speaking, Yusu added, "Well... this does put me in a difficult position. It doesn't seem ideal to give more talismans to anyone."

The High Shaman of Lishui City, being a clever person, quickly thought of a solution: "High Priest Yusu, we are willing to offer more gold in exchange."

Yuecheng and Quecheng, not to be outdone, also expressed their willingness to offer higher prices.

Yusu pretended to hesitate, saying, "How about this? Why don't all of you stay in Yucheng for a few more days, and I can create more talismans during that time. Then, whoever offers the better price can receive more talismans."

The High Shaman of Lishui City certainly wouldn't refuse, and thus, the matter was settled.

Jian Yunchuan and the others remained silent.

Linchuan also noticed Yusu's intentions and couldn't help but sympathize with the High Shaman of Lishui City and the others.

It seemed that acquiring the talismans would cost them a considerable amount of gold.

After discussing the talisman business, Yusu decided to let the High Shaman of Lishui City and the others relax. He ordered the start of a feast, with various dishes and food brought in.

"We don't need to discuss the remaining matters now. You four have traveled a long way down south, covered in dust. We have prepared a welcoming banquet to help alleviate your fatigue," Yusu said.

Yufeng, who had been waiting outside, immediately arranged for the food to be served. Plate after plate of delicious delicacies were brought into the Council Hall and placed in front of each person. There were savory beast meat, tender fish soup, fine wine, and more, tantalizing the senses and making everyone's mouths water.

Linchuan and the others were already enjoying the resources provided by the city, but even they couldn't help but secretly swallow their saliva at the sight of these delicacies.

The aroma of the food was simply irresistible!

Just by smelling and looking at them, they couldn't help but salivate.

The cooking techniques used were also completely unfamiliar to them, and for a moment, their gaze was fixated on the plates of delicious food.

Yusu timely said, "Please go ahead and enjoy."

Yusu noticed that they couldn't resist any longer and considerately gave them permission to dig in.