Perhaps Ghost City had retained some surface habits; the entrances to dwellings still had wooden doors and lintels.
As she passed a residence, Bai Yujun curiously glanced inside. It was a complete mess, reeking of strange odors. A short man, even more disheveled than the room itself, sat within. His hair had not been washed or tended for years, tangled beyond measure, and he wore a huge beard. Anyone who did not know better would have thought they had wandered into the Beggars' Sect headquarters.
Just as Bai Yujun lost interest and turned to leave, the scruffy man spoke.
"You're new, aren't you? Ghost City's rules forbid fighting at will. If you have a problem, settle it at the Beast Cage."
Her steps paused briefly before she continued onward.
Passing a lantern used for illumination, she sniffed at it and frowned deeply. She had previously wondered where underground they found wax to make lamps, but one sniff told her it was animal fat. There was the smell of rats, the smell of toads, and even the smell of humans. The rich medley of scents made the flood dragon want to slap the table in admiration.
She continued onward, sightseeing as though on a tour.
Underground, there were shops, taverns, tea houses, and even brothels. Everything found on the surface was here except gardens.
Those who lived underground year-round had ashen, bloodless faces. The women in the brothels had deathly pale complexions, yet painted their lips red, looking exactly like the Paper Figures in coffin shops. The tastes of this underground Ghost City had mutated beyond recognition.
She descended along creaking wooden stairs and walkways, finally reaching the underground river.
The Rift Valley was broad below and narrow above. Standing by the river and looking up, she saw lanterns and wooden