Chen Qing's group was much calmer thereafter, and several days later, they finally arrived at East Pole City.
This colossal city, towering over the far eastern edge of Qiulong Path, leaned against a range of mountains and faced the boundless blue sea. Its soaring walls were built from massive slabs of azure sea rock. After a thousand years of erosion by sea winds, they still stood tall and unshaken.
Before they had even drawn close, a gust of salty, fishy sea wind rushed toward them.
The city gates teemed with traffic. Merchant caravans from the interior and fleets returning from overseas came and went without end, while the air buzzed with voices.
Chen Qing and his party were travel-worn. After days of continuous travel and the recent bloody battle, fatigue showed on many faces. Yet at the sight of East Pole City, a flicker of curiosity still arose within them.
The moment the group reached the post road outside the city, they saw several figures already waiting there.
At their head was a woman around forty, dressed in the attire of a Tianbao Supreme Sect steward. She was Huang Mei, the steward permanently stationed in East Pole City.
Several garrison disciples stood behind her.
At the sight of Deng Ziheng and Chen Qing, Huang Mei's eyes lit up. She hurried forward, bowed first to Deng Ziheng, and spoke respectfully. "East Pole City Steward Huang Mei welcomes Elder Deng! Elder, you have had a tiring journey!"
Deng Ziheng gave a slight nod. "Steward Huang, there is no need for such ceremony."
Only then did Huang Mei turn to Chen Qing. Her smile deepened as she bowed again. "Welcome, True Disciple Chen! Your name has long spread throughout the sect. Now that I see you in person, your bearing is indeed extraordinary!"