With Black Wind's speed, it didn't take long for the three of them to arrive at a town.
"Master, my home is over there." The little girl pointed to a grand house in town.
Hao Shuai patted Black Wind and walked up to the gate.
The entrance was built of blue bricks and topped with green tiles, with stone lions standing on either side. It was clearly the home of a wealthy family.
"Yu Manor!"
The characters on the black plaque were written in a graceful hand, showing the calligrapher's remarkable skill.
"Old Huang, go knock."
Old Huang did as he was told and pounded on the gate.
Though he tried his best to keep his strength in check, the gate still boomed with each blow.
"Coming, coming! What is this, trying to summon a ghost?"
Before long, a young servant in a blue cotton jacket came hurrying out at the noise and opened the gate.
"You—you people! Who are you? Who are you looking for?"
The servant looked at the strangers and immediately demanded an explanation.
He had seen the little girl on horseback, of course, but her appearance had changed so much that he didn't recognize her.
Hao Shuai ignored the servant. He dismounted, lifted the little girl down from the horse, took her small hand, and walked inside as if he owned the place.
"Hey! You can't go in—"
The servant reached out to stop Hao Shuai, but Old Huang struck him with a palm and sent him flying.
The commotion at the gate instantly alerted the other residents of the manor.
Before long, several more servants and maids came out of the side rooms and front courtyard.
They all stole glances at the imposing Hao Shuai and the broad-backed, ferocious-looking Old Huang, but none dared step