Fortified City

Xiaowan Kingdom lay north of the Tianshan Mountains and west of Tongtian Pass. As one of the Western Regions' many states, it shared mountains and rivers with Beiting, yet had no way to defend itself against the grassland's iron cavalry. From the very day it was founded, it had been the Khan King's loyal vassal.

"Such a tiny little country, stretching only six or seven hundred li in every direction, with a population of less than a hundred thousand, yet it is one of the safest countries in the Western Regions. At least fifty years have passed without any major war." Shangguan Yun introduced it with the air of a host.

"Until you usurped the throne." Old Man Mu spoke without the slightest restraint, frowning as he surveyed the deserted streets.

Gu Shenwei led ten thousand cavalry to the capital of Xiaowan Kingdom. Half of them camped outside the city, while the other half entered.

The city had been built against the mountain, with roughly two-thirds of it embedded in the valley. The cliffs themselves served as its walls, while two layers of tall stone walls encircled the outside. Though they had stood for some years, they still made the city easy to defend and difficult to attack.

From the Dragon King down, including the host Shangguan Yun, every one of them was a complete outsider to this valley city. No wonder every household had its doors shut tight, offering only silence and wariness.

Shangguan Yun was not angry. He waved a finger at Old Man Mu. "Strictly speaking, this was merely a smooth transfer of power. The Xiaowan royal family has no male heir, so the throne had to be granted to an outsider. I just happened to catch the Princess's eye."

"How come I heard that Dugu Xian,