Aside from the Zhou, Fu, and Zhang families, who held the highest status in Sifang City, wielded authority, and could be called kings of the region, there were another dozen or so small families. Though they lacked decisive power and influence, they were the backbone supporting Sifang City's system and an indispensable part of it.
The way these small families survived was also very realistic. Every one of them was bound by marriage to one, two, or all three of the Zhou, Fu, and Zhang families. Only by linking and intertwining with them could they gain a firm foothold.
The rest, and the greater number, were those who had drifted to the Arctic Ice Plains and, for the sake of survival and livelihood, had no choice but to live under Sifang City's shelter.
Many lacked martial strength and possessed no particular accumulated foundation. If they left Sifang City, death was certain. Thus, though life was rather bleak, remaining in Sifang City at least left them a way to live, which was not so bad.
If Meng Zhao wanted to win the goodwill and even support of Sifang City's forces, the only thing he truly needed to do was secure the backing of the Zhou, Fu, and Zhang families. The thoughts of everyone else held no reference value.
The three concealed themselves with an illusion technique. Even as they walked slowly, no one saw them, like ghosts striding through empty space.
Meng Zhao and Zhao Rulíng were visiting Sifang City for the first time, so they carefully observed the city's overall layout and the state of mind of those living within it.
How should it be put? Sifang City had been carved and built upon Ten Thousand Year Profound Ice. It should originally have been steeped in boundless chill. Not to