Chapter 29: Why Is Getting Into the City So Difficult?

Bai Jingyan walked alone along the mountain path as he descended. The surrounding forest was lush and verdant, filled with the songs of birds. His thoughts were occupied by the letter from Bai Huaiwu, and his pace quickened instinctively. However, as he rounded a bend in the mountain, several figures suddenly darted out and surrounded him.

The leader, a young woman, held a long sword, its tip pointed directly at Bai Jingyan’s throat, hovering just a fraction of an inch from his neck. She was as beautiful as a painting, yet her eyes held a sharp, murderous intent.

"Young lady," Bai Jingyan said, his brow slightly furrowed, his tone calm but laced with warning, "if you bring that sword any closer, do not blame me for being impolite."

The girl snorted, her tone dripping with disdain. "Spare me the nonsense! You must be a spy from the Mad Dragon Sect. Sneaking around here like this—you’re clearly up to no good!"

Bai Jingyan’s heart skipped a beat. The Mad Dragon Sect? He had never heard of such a sect, but judging by the demeanor of these people, they were clearly enemies of this group.

Just then, a young man who had remained silent until now stepped forward slowly. He wore a cyan robe, his features were handsome, and his gaze was profound. He looked at Bai Jingyan and said calmly, "Yue'er, put the sword away."

The girl called Yue'er was clearly unwilling, her tone filled with dissatisfaction. "Senior brother, he must be from the Mad Dragon Sect! We cannot let him go!"

The young man shook his head, his tone carrying an unquestionable authority. "I said, put the sword away."

Yue'er gritted her teeth and finally sheathed her blade, though her eyes remained filled with contempt for Bai Jingyan. She retreated to the young man’s side, muttering under her breath, "He’s acting suspicious; there’s definitely something wrong with him."

The young man ignored her complaints and turned to Bai Jingyan, his tone composed. "My friend, please forgive the rudeness from earlier. We have some grievances with the Mad Dragon Sect, so we are inevitably wary of strangers."

Bai Jingyan nodded, his tone indifferent. "It is no matter. I am merely passing through and have no ill intentions."

Upon hearing this, Yue'er could not help but sneer. "Passing through? You’re a seventh-level martial apprentice appearing alone in these wild mountains—who would believe that?"

The young man frowned, a hint of reproach in his voice. "Yue'er, do not be rude."

Yue'er curled her lip and said no more, though her gaze remained filled with scorn. She clearly believed that a mere seventh-level martial apprentice posed no threat and was not even worth a second glance.

The young man looked at Bai Jingyan with an apologetic expression. "My friend, please excuse Yue'er; she is quick-tempered. May I ask your name?"

Bai Jingyan smiled faintly, his tone calm. "I am Bai Jingyan, a disciple of the Star Feather Sect."

Upon hearing the name "Star Feather Sect," a flash of surprise crossed the young man’s eyes. "So, you are a fellow traveler from the Star Feather Sect. I am Lin Xuan, a disciple of the Azure Cloud Sect. This is my junior sister, Yun Xiyue."

Bai Jingyan nodded, pondering in silence. The Azure Cloud Sect? Another name he had heard of, but judging by the words and actions of Lin Xuan and Yun Xiyue, they were clearly enemies of the Mad Dragon Sect. Perhaps this Mad Dragon Sect was connected to the rebellion involving the Star Feather Sect?

"Brother Lin, may I ask what grievances you have with the Mad Dragon Sect?" Bai Jingyan asked tentatively.

Lin Xuan’s expression hardened, his tone turning cold. "The Mad Dragon Sect has been wreaking havoc everywhere in recent years, slaughtering the innocent. Our Azure Cloud Sect stands in total opposition to them."

Bai Jingyan’s heart stirred, and just as he was about to ask more, Yun Xiyue impatiently urged, "Senior brother, we have serious business to attend to. Let us not waste time here."

Lin Xuan nodded and looked at Bai Jingyan. "Brother Bai, we have urgent matters to attend to, so we shall part ways here. If there is an opportunity, we shall speak in detail later."

Bai Jingyan cupped his hands. "Please proceed, Brother Lin."

Bai Jingyan traveled quickly until he finally arrived before a towering city. The walls rose high into the clouds, standing dozens of zhang tall, and the grey-blue bricks were weathered by the traces of time, indicating the city had stood for hundreds of years. Hanging above the city gate was a massive plaque with three large, sweeping characters inscribed upon it: Dragon-Back City.

"Dragon-Back City?" Bai Jingyan murmured to himself, his brow furrowed. He had intended to head straight for the capital, but the appearance of this city piqued his curiosity. Just as he prepared to step through the gate, several guards emerged from both sides, holding spears, and blocked his path.

"Halt! Who goes there?" the lead guard asked, his gaze cold and wary.

Bai Jingyan stopped and cupped his hands. "I am Bai Jingyan. I am just passing through and wish to enter the city to rest."

The guard looked him up and down. Seeing his plain attire and the lack of any sect insignia, his tone turned disdainful. "Enter the city? Dragon-Back City isn't for just anyone. If you want in, you have to pay the entry fee."

Bai Jingyan frowned, feeling somewhat displeased. "An entry fee? How much?"

The guard sneered and held out a hand. "One hundred silver coins. Not a single coin less."

Bai Jingyan checked his pockets and found he did not have many silver coins on him. Just as he considered how to respond, the sound of hooves approached from behind. A young man in fine robes rode a tall, powerful horse, followed by several attendants, and slowly arrived at the gate.

The guard’s expression changed instantly upon seeing the young man, replaced by a fawning smile as he stepped forward respectfully. "Master Li, you have returned!"

The young man nodded and casually pulled a pouch of silver coins from his robe, tossing it to the guard. "This is for the entry fee. Keep the rest as a tip."

The guard caught the coins, his face beaming. "Many thanks, Master Li! Please, enter, please enter!"

The young man glanced at Bai Jingyan with a trace of contempt before riding into the city, his attendants close behind.

The guard tucked the coins away, turned to Bai Jingyan, and mocked, "See that? That’s the rule for entering the city. If you don't have the money, get lost and stop being an eyesore."

A flicker of coldness crossed Bai Jingyan’s eyes, but he quickly regained his composure. Not wanting to waste time, he pulled a jade pendant from his robe and handed it to the guard. "This pendant is quite valuable. May it serve as the entry fee?"

The guard took the jade, examined it carefully, and a glint of greed appeared in his eyes. "This jade... it’s worth a fair bit. Fine, consider yourself lucky. Go on in!"

Bai Jingyan nodded and stepped through the gate. However, he had only walked a few paces when he heard the guards whispering behind him. "That kid looks so ordinary, yet he had such a fine jade pendant. Do you think he stole it?"

Another guard laughed, "Who cares? We’re the ones who profited."

Bai Jingyan ignored their chatter and walked straight into the city.

"Dragon-Back City... Mad Dragon Sect... could there be a connection between the two?" Bai Jingyan whispered to himself.