Chapter 44: Arriving at City

As the evening descended, the golden hue of the setting sun bathed the city in a warm, inviting glow.The group landed gracefully in front of the city gates, their arrival blending seamlessly into the bustling scene ahead.The city's walls stood tall, with ancient bricks weathered by time, exuding a sense of history and resilience.Shu Shu, ever the knowledgeable guide, puffed his chest out proudly."This," Shu Shu began, sweeping his arm wide to gesture toward the sprawling, lantern-lit city before them, "is HeYang City—the largest city within a hundred miles. We'll be staying at a nice inn I know. The food there? Unmatched. They've got the best dumplings and rice wine you'll ever taste."Grey, intrigued by Shu Shu's nonchalant confidence, placed a friendly hand on his shoulder, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "How do you know so much about this place? You're not supposed to leave the sect grounds without permission."Shu Shu's cheeky grin widened as he shrugged, feigning innocence. "I come here often. How else do you think I stay so well-fed? The food at the sect is way too plain!"Grey raised an eyebrow, fully aware of Shu Shu's mischievous tendencies. "You mean to tell me you've been sneaking out? How many times have you done this? You know my Master forbids it—especially for someone as young as me."Shu Shu glanced around, making sure no one was eavesdropping, then leaned in close, his voice lowering to a conspiratorial whisper. "Let's just say… a few times. But my father is the peak head, so I have my ways." He gave a sly wink.Grey couldn't help but chuckle, shaking his head. "I should've known. You always manage to bend the rules without getting caught.""Well," Shu Shu replied with a mischievous glint in his eyes, "someone's got to live a little! Besides, the world's too big to be stuck inside the sect all the time. You can't experience life from behind walls."Grey grinned, appreciating his friend's adventurous spirit. "Just be careful, or one day you might bite off more than you can chew."Shu Shu laughed, dismissing the warning with a wave. "Oh please, if I haven't been caught by now, I doubt I ever will!"They entered the city through its grand gates, greeted by a cascade of sights, sounds, and aromas that filled the evening air.The streets were alive with activity, merchants loudly promoting their wares, customers haggling with excitement, and children running through the alleys, laughing under the soft glow of hanging lanterns.The lanterns, intricately carved with dragons and phoenixes, painted the cobblestone streets in shades of amber and gold, while their flickering flames added a sense of warmth to the cool evening.The city's architecture captivated Grey. Traditional Chinese buildings, with their sloping, tiled roofs and red wooden beams, lined the streets, creating a picturesque scene.Some had intricate carvings of mythical creatures, while others had paper scrolls hanging by the door, proclaiming blessings for prosperity.Grey's heart raced with excitement. He had spent most of his life within the sect's boundaries, sheltered from the outside world.This vibrant city, with its lively marketplace and rich atmosphere, felt like a treasure trove waiting to be explored. Without a second thought, he dashed ahead, leaving his companions to catch up.The marketplace stretched before him, a sea of color and energy. Stalls selling everything from silks that shimmered in the lantern light to baskets overflowing with exotic spices filled the air with the heady fragrance of incense, tea, and roasted meats.Every step Grey took was met with a new sound—the sizzle of meat on a grill, the soft clatter of porcelain cups as vendors poured tea, the rhythmic beat of drums from street performers.His attention was immediately drawn to the food stalls. The variety of foods on display was overwhelming, and each aroma that drifted through the air made his mouth water.From steaming buns filled with savory meats to skewers of grilled lamb, the choices seemed endless.Then he spotted it—a small candy stall, tucked between two larger vendors.The vibrant display of brightly colored candies in various shapes—birds, flowers, dragons—caught his eye. His face lit up with a childlike joy. It had been ages since he had indulged in such simple pleasures.He stepped up to the stall, the candy shimmering in the soft lantern light. "Give me ten of these," Grey said, his voice filled with excitement. "Different shapes."The old stall owner, a wrinkled man with kind eyes, nodded and swiftly wrapped the candies in delicate rice paper, handing them to Grey. The sweet smell of sugar hit him the moment the package was in his hands.With eager anticipation, Grey popped one of the candies into his mouth. The sweetness burst across his taste buds, an explosion of sugary bliss that contrasted sharply with the plain meals of the sect.As he wandered deeper into the market, munching on the colorful sweets, he felt alive. The world around him pulsed with energy—the clang of a blacksmith's hammer, the laughter of children playing, the soft strumming of a musician's lute.For the first time in what felt like an eternity, Grey felt a sense of freedom. The heavy weight of cultivation, training, and the pressure of reaching new heights had all momentarily lifted.Here, in the bustling, chaotic energy of the city, he could just be—if only for a fleeting moment.He let out a satisfied sigh, glancing up at the night sky, now a deep indigo speckled with stars. A gentle smile crept across his face as he wandered through the lively marketplace, taking in the sights, sounds, and smells of the vibrant evening.As Grey strolled among the crowded stalls, he spotted his junior sister, Lu Xueqi, standing by a vendor's booth, her eyes fixed on a delicate dress.The fabric shimmered softly in the light of the lanterns, catching her attention in a way that few things ever did. Driven by curiosity, Grey made his way over with a friendly grin."Do you like it, Junior?" Grey asked, his voice casual as he gestured towards the dress.Lu Xueqi looked up, her cool and composed expression unchanged as her gaze met his.She hesitated for a brief moment before shaking her head, then turned and walked away in her usual graceful, silent manner, leaving Grey standing there, slightly perplexed."Such a cold girl," Grey muttered under his breath, a small smile playing on his lips. He was used to her aloofness by now, but it still amused him.Before he could dwell on it, Shu Shu was already tugging at his sleeves, eager to move on. "Come on, Grey! You've got to try the food at this place I've been telling you about."The pair, along with the rest of their group, made their way through the crowded streets until they arrived at a renowned restaurant called Mountains and Sea, a place famous for its legendary dishes.Inside, the decor was as grand as the name, with walls adorned in fine art and tables set meticulously with golden utensils.They settled at a round table. The atmosphere was lively and full of energy. Shu Shu, clearly in his element, waved the waiter over with a flourish."Give us your signature dish," Shu Shu commanded, excitement evident in his voice. "Oh, and we'll also have braised pork, dumplings, and—" He continued to rattle off an extensive list, ordering far more food than they could probably finish.The waiter jotted everything down with a nod, disappearing into the kitchen. Before long, the table was filled with an array of dishes, each one more tempting than the last.Steam rose from the plates, carrying with it the rich aroma of the food—braised meats glistened in savory sauces, delicate dumplings sat in perfect rows, and vibrant vegetables added bursts of color to the table.Grey's eyes lit up in anticipation as he took it all in. "Shu Shu, you weren't kidding about this place," he said, reaching for his chopsticks.The first bite was heaven—tender meat that melted in his mouth, perfectly seasoned, with just the right balance of flavors.Shu Shu grinned, satisfied with his decision. "I told you, didn't I? Nothing beats good food after a long journey."