Sang Chencao pondered for a moment before asking, “Almost the entire Hantian Alliance consists of Feng Rong’s old subordinates. Are they all going to be imprisoned? Who is leading them now?”
“It seems to be… Elder Zhou Gui.”
When Feng Yun’ai heard that name, her ears practically burned with blood. Yet she could only sit still, suppressing all her resentment deep within her heart.
Sang Chencao’s eyes moved. “Cloud City is so heavily guarded now. I wonder if entering is the same as before?”
“Naturally. They’ve just tightened the searches. The city gates are actually wide open, just like always. It’s likely a plan to catch a turtle in a jar.”
“What a fine plan to catch a turtle in a jar,” Sang Chencao remarked with feigned admiration.
After finishing the pot of tea, Sang Chencao stood up and bought a horse from the tea stall owner.
The horse was quite thin, but it was just enough to carry the two of them. Sang Chencao didn’t bother haggling over the price.
As they meandered toward Cloud City, Sang Chencao hummed a tune, looking as relaxed as if she were on a casual outing. Behind her, the woman in white remained silent and cold-faced.
“What is it? Fuming with anger?” Sang Chencao teased.
Feng Yun’ai finally spoke, her voice icy. “Those people know nothing.”
“That’s because Zhou Gui doesn’t want them to know. These rumors have likely spread for ten miles already. If this continues, even the common folk will believe them,” Sang Chencao said unhurriedly.
“Why not use the Red-Necked String-of-Pearls? Does the day of victory no longer matter? I suspect Zhou Gui is the one who conspired with the Demonic Cult,” Feng Yun’ai said with certainty.
“Clever, Xiuxiu,” Sang Chencao glanced back. “Perhaps there are remnants of the Sun Chasing Cult left, and they’ve conspired with Zhou Gui. How does Xiuxiu feel about the Sun Chasing Cult now?”
Detecting the mockery in her voice, Feng Yun’ai said coldly, “What else could I feel?”
Sang Chencao gave a light snort and flicked the whip. “Feng Rong would surely be gratified if she knew from the afterlife.”
“Be quiet.” Feng Yun’ai was at her limit. She didn’t want to hear this woman mention Feng Rong in such a joking tone.
Sang Chencao actually fell silent, though she occasionally pulled the Black Snake out from her sleeve to check on it.
A moment later, the high walls of Cloud City appeared in the distance. Several men with swords stood atop the walls, and the city gates were indeed wide open and unobstructed.
The two on horseback entered the city with ease. The interior was indeed silent. There were no colorful lanterns hanging, nor was there the roar of a crowd.
The music, dances, and variety shows of the past had vanished without a trace. The carts and stalls were empty, and the vibrant life of the marketplace seemed to have been extinguished.
Sang Chencao steered the horse toward an inn and looked back. “I’m staying at an inn. What’s your plan?”
Feng Yun’ai looked toward the distant Listening Goose Peak. Unfortunately, with the silk veil, she couldn’t even make out its silhouette. After a long while, she said, “I’m going into the Hantian Alliance.”
“You’re mad,” Sang Chencao clicked her tongue. “Fine. Go then. I’ll just assume you’re dead.”
Used to this woman’s heartless and rude remarks, Feng Yun’ai remained unmoved. She dismounted and said, “I’m going alone.”
“I never said I’d go with you,” Sang Chencao smirked, pointing to a hanging sign in the distance. “I’m staying there. If you return safely, you can find me there.”
Feng Yun’ai glanced over, then turned away. “I will be safe.”
Unexpectedly, a warm hand grabbed her. The heavily disguised woman leaned forward, squinting. “You’re just going in like that? That white dress of yours wasn’t just conspicuous in the desert; it’s quite striking here too.”
Feng Yun’ai hesitated before saying, “I won’t be taking the main entrance. There are many paths up Listening Goose Peak. I’m not a fool.”
“Silly Xiuxiu,” Sang Chencao laughed. “Tell me, what are you looking for on Listening Goose Peak?”
Feng Yun’ai remained silent, her expression turning cold as she pushed the other woman away.
Sang Chencao understood. She lowered her voice and asked, “You want to find Feng Rong’s body?”
It was a long time before Feng Yun’ai gave a very faint “Mhm.”
Sang Chencao laughed again and pulled her back. “Silly Xiuxiu. Why don’t you ask around first to see if Feng Rong’s body is even still on the peak? Aren’t you afraid of walking into a trap if you rush back?”
Feng Yun’ai stared at her for a moment and suddenly asked, “Didn’t you say you’d assume I was dead?”
Retorted so sharply, Sang Chencao didn’t panic. She said cheerfully, “My kindness is overflowing. I’m currently driving a corpse.”
Feng Yun’ai shook off the fingers gripping her forearm. “You really take me for a dead person? Controlling insects and driving corpses—truly the behavior of a demoness.”
“Trying to provoke me? I’m not angry.” Sang Chencao leaped back onto the horse and patted the space behind her, signaling for Feng Yun’ai to get on. “How strange… why does that word sound so pleasant coming from your mouth?”
That was definitely another mockery, Feng Yun’ai thought.
However, she reconsidered and realized there was some logic to Sang Chencao’s words. Feng Rong had been dead for some time. Her body might have already been buried and might not even be on Listening Goose Peak. She had been too hasty.
Then again, those people hated and resented Feng Rong. Would they really let her rest in peace?
Feng Yun’ai got on the horse and saw a group of people passing an alleyway in an orderly fashion. They seemed to be on patrol, but they weren’t wearing the uniforms of the Hantian Alliance.
The Hantian Alliance of the past truly seemed to no longer exist. The winds of change had swept through Cloud City.
When they entered the inn, there were only the manager and the waiter sitting idly in the hall. Not a single guest was in sight.
Seeing someone arrive, the manager’s eyes lit up as he stepped forward. “Staying for the night or just a meal?”
Sang Chencao tied the horse outside and looked around. “Why is it so quiet? Hasn’t the Hero Recruitment Meet been moved up? There should be many people from the martial world here.”
The manager said gloomily, “It’s been moved to ten days from now. Most people are staying outside the city. With all the heavy patrolling these days, staying inside the city isn’t as safe as staying outside.”
Sang Chencao nodded slightly. She glanced at Feng Yun’ai and said, “We’re staying. Book us for ten days.”
She felt her coin pouch, looked at Feng Yun’ai again, and added, “One room.”
Feng Yun’ai looked at her as well.
“Unless you want to pawn your sword?” Sang Chencao teased.
